good first bike?

[vpshamm]

I am planning on buying my first motorcycle this summer, I will be taking the MSF course in May.
While looking for bikes, I found two that I am considering. One is a used 2003 BMW f650gs with 1204 miles on it and the other is a new 2005 MZ Baghira StreetMoto with the reduced height suspention.
My question is, which would be a better bike to learn on? I'm six foot with a 30-31 inch inseam and wieght 265 pounds. At least 90% of my riding will be on the streets around town, with some commuting to & from work and eventually some weekend trips with a little trail riding. Any imput on these bikes or others that you think might be better for me would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Vince

[F0ul_Oli]

I think you have found the right place to ask your question where you are sure to get a totally bias free answer!

If you only had the choice of these two bikes, I would find it very difficult to honestly say the Baghira is the best model, period. The HR Street Moto might be too low for you, and the smaller front wheel will make trial riding difficult. However, the BMW is more expensive and heavier.
From a pure newbie point of view, the BMW is possibly the better choice, however, in 6 months time, when you have gained some skills, you will be kicking yourself for not choosing the MZ.

I have a Full height Streetmoto and I am very happy with it - I have considered BMW's in the past but decided against them.
BMW's have their own quirks which you will either love or hate - They built their reputation on their bigger bikes - the 650 is the runt of the litter and not considered a true BMW by some BMW owners.

The choice is really up to you but in your shoes, I would choose the MZ!

Hope this helps!

[Whysub]

I would go for the MZ.
A couple of colleagues have the 650 BMW in FS and Dakar models. Whilst bioth are competant, both have suffered with fuel injection problems. Expensive stuff too.

I rode a Dakar on and off road (off road very badly) for a couple of days, and must say I found it comfortable, but unexciting. It is definately not as quick as my Baghira. As I dropped it off road on too many occassions, I can say that it crashes well, with minimal damage to levers and plastics, although I did manage to badly dent a silencer.

The MZ has a decent, easy to maintain-and tune-engine, spares are (relative to the BMW at least) cheap. Just compare the price of a BMW indicator to that of an MZ, bearing in mind they are exactly the same. Goes a long way to explain why they have nice showrooms.

But personal taste is what counts-get a test ride (at least an hour if you can) and make your choice.

But it is still the MZ for me.

[DAVID THOMPSON]

HERE IS MY SHOT AT IT
1 I HAVE OWNED BMW BIKES FOR 35 YEARS AND RODE THEM FOR OVER 40 YEARS I OWN 4 AT THIS TIME

2 THEY HAVE BEEN IN STORAGE FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS AS I AM NOT RIDING THEM
BUT DONOT WISH TO SELL ANY OF THEM AT PRESENT

3 I RIDE A 2002mz RT125 9200 MILES SINCE JULY 2002 3000MILES LAST YEAR
I WOULD NOT TRADE IT FOR ANY BMW I HAVE EVER OWNED
AND FOR SURE NOT A F650 OF ANY MODEL
4 I ALSO OWN A 1995 MZ SAXON TOUR 500CC ROTAX MOTOR 2500 MILES LAST YEAR
NO WAY WOULD I TRADE IT FOR A F650
AR DAVE IN WEST VIRGINIA USA

[phlat65]

there are difinetely pro's and con's to both bikes.

here is my take on the MZ. I am a pretty good off road rider (compete here in washington in the expert class in enduros), and have been riding on the street for 15 years, and I can push that MZ on the street until it makes my heart skip it is also the easiest bike to ride that I have evey owned. the reduced height does make a much better street bike, it does handle better, but I converted mine to full height because I really like to jump stuff

you will only outgrow the MZ if you want a serious dirt bike, it is heavy for serious off road, or if you want to go over 100 MPH.

if the MZ's seat was as comfy as the BMW, it would be perfect, but it has to have 1 flaw, right?

the MZ has more power, better suspension, better looks, and is lighter.
the BMW is... well a BMW.

[keithcross]

My opinion is that while I prefer the MZ, you have to consider one thing. Which one do you prefer the look and feel of.
It wont matter in 6 months which is the better bike in real terms, but what will matter is will you be happy with it.
Both bikes have advantages, one of these for the BMW would appear to be dealer back up.
The MZ does not sem to have this worked out yet, but as the engine/gearbox unit is Yamaha it should not cause tomany problems.
As for spares prices, yes the BMW is more expensive, but MZ parts can be expensive as well, espeicially body panels.
Really its down to you.

As for me, there is no way I would trade in my MZ for a BMW 650. In the UK its seen as a city or girls bike (sorry ladies). or for those who cant `afford a proper BMW'.

Keith

[smr96]

Hey Vince. Please refer to the for what its worth topic for the answer. Not only a good first bike, a good bike period.

[Brian]

I'm still happy I bought the MZ..... Its a great bike...I totally agree with the above comments.....