BMW F650GS

[jeantarrou]

Hey all,

Thanks to your prior advice and input I've helped convince my dad that the K series bikes are probably a bit strong for an old guy getting back into bikes. So now he's looking into the F650GS. Seems like a fun, do anything kind of bike, and a good reintroduction to two wheeled travel. Does anyone here have any experience with this bike? You guys were so helpfull last time, hoping to steal some more info from you all.

Thanks,
Matt

[DucDave]

Obviously he is predisposed to join the German club...opposed to the Italian, Milwaukee or Japanese clubs. I have never heard anything bad about any BMW. They are all quirky with their own style but your father knows that already!

[jeantarrou]

Predisposed to the German Club, 100% accurate. What my father knows... depends who you ask

[Doc]

Didn't that chick have a BMW F650GS... What was her name..????

[Trouble]

My father is a BMW die hard and I've been around them (and him) for a good long time. It kills him that I don't feel the strong drive to get one (if I could afford it). Here's a good website for the f650: F650 History, Differences and Purchasing FAQ . The F650 "funduro" is a fine bombing around town ride but if your old man is interested in travelling or going double up much it is well worth the upgrade to a 1100 or 1150 gs. He won't regret it. They are a bit bigger and heavier but my pops is pushing 70 and still uses his in the woods. He has a K1100 as well as his two 1100gs bikes and never rides the K bike. It just isn't as fun, not even on the road.

[jeantarrou]

Hey Trouble, great input, thank you. My father and I have been weighing the pros and cons of a couple of different bikes he likes, and of course there is a compromise either way you go. Personally I think that there are Japanese bikes out there that could reduce the compromise, but he's got to get the bike he wants, that's the most fun. So far the smaller displacement bike seems to be best for him to reenter motorcycling, easy to go up from there, and its probably the safest bet.

I'm going to check out that link now, thanks again.

Matt

[bfriend]

Didn't that chick have a BMW G650GS... What was her name..????

JENNAY!!

[dankatz]

F650 is an excellent bike with a bullet proof rotax engine. It gets 60mpg from its one cylinder engine. It is definitely a much better city bike with gobs of torque. It does have a bigger windscreen available for highway travel. In my opinion, for the price, there are some other excellent options that ride better on the highway. It is a good reintro bike as it is very forgiving from what I've heard. The best part about it is the available ABS and heated grips. 8-)
Dani

[Doc]

JENNAY!!

That was her!!!

[Doc]

My father is a BMW die hard and I've been around them (and him) for a good long time. It kills him that I don't feel the strong drive to get one (if I could afford it). Here's a good website for the f650: F650 History, Differences and Purchasing FAQ . The F650 "funduro" is a fine bombing around town ride but if your old man is interested in travelling or going double up much it is well worth the upgrade to a 1100 or 1150 gs. He won't regret it. They are a bit bigger and heavier but my pops is pushing 70 and still uses his in the woods. He has a K1100 as well as his two 1100gs bikes and never rides the K bike. It just isn't as fun, not even on the road.

My Father had the same feeling about Harleys.

Hey I still ride a twin!

[wingerdor]

650GS is a fantastic bike. 2 of my instructors have them and they have become thier favorite bike. Lots of storage, super agile, dirt road friendly, small but powerful. The one took hers to the BMW rally out in the northwest last year and back (stock) no problems at all. It would probably be worth buying a used one from the dealer (let someone else take the initial bath on the new price) If he feels compelled, he can always spend lots of money on his second BMW

[slowrider]

The F650GS is a great bike. Super reliable and good upright ergos if that's what you're looking for. Very easy to ride.

However, they don't make them anymore though, so he'd need to find a leftover '07 or a used bike. Or move to its closest successor, probably the G650 XCountry. The G series has a (slightly) improved version of the Rotax 650 single found in the F650 bikes...around 55 bhp

BMW Motorcycles: Bikes: G 650 Xcountry

Another very good option might be the F800ST - similar ergos, slightly better engine for longer distance rides, and a little more power (85 bhp).

BMW Motorcycles: Bikes: F 800 ST

I believe BMW is going to release their new F650GS in the US this summer. Get ready for dumb, its a detuned (71 bhp) 800cc parallel twin (from the aforementioned F800 lineup). Mods to the cam profile, but no displacement change. Worst model name ever. ADV rider people typically refer to the new F650GS as the F658GS to decrease confusion.

That bike will be about $1500 less than a F800ST and will sport a 19" front wheel vs a 17".

Its officially going to Canada, and I would guess likely to end up here as well.
You can find it on the Canada website, under women's bikes
Welcome to BMW Motorrad Canada

Last Nov, I put a desposit down on an F800GS (that was supposed to be here March 8th). The US release of that bike was pushed out till Fall.

[jeantarrou]

Awesome stuff everyone, I'm linking this page to my father right now.

Matt