BMW F650 GS - anyone ridden one?

[Rubin]

I have been looking at picking up a new-to -me dual sport. I was looking at logging some road miles, as well as some fire road, light off road stuff. I am pretty sure I want the BMW, but I am looking at the power it has. It is a thumper, with 50 hp and 44 ft lbs of torque. I know this will be a great departure from the XJ and will feel anemic, but does anyone have experience riding one of these? I have been reading through www.f650.com and they all claiming it is fine for touring. I like the 55-70 mpg for commuting, and the off-road capability is appealing. They are certainly 'unique' in their styling, but their oddness suits me.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...0_gs_dakar.jpg

[Bighilt]

A friend of mine has one which I have ridden a few times. For what it is designed for it is pretty good. It accelerates rapidly in traffic and cruises quite comfortably at 70 mph. After that it runs out of poop.

He has had a lot of trouble as a result of fuel starvation and difficult starting. If the truth be told he has spent more time in the shop than on the road but maybe that's just his.

You should also look at the Kawasaki KLR 650

[sidrider]

Rubin You should check out the DR650 Suzuki. I have one,and it will hold 70-80mph with no trouble at all. It is a lot better off road then the BMW or the KLR.
I get 50-53 mpg on the highway with stock gearing.
Sid

[Rubin]

I have been looking at both of those, and also the V-strom and the Buell Ulysses. I know it is a Harley and they barely support Buell, but they do have some great power for a dual sport. I like the larger more road oriented style since I think my riding will be 85/15 road to dirt travel. I think the best bet would be to get on them and see for myself. Most dual sports are really tall, and I unfortunately am not. should make for an interesting demo ride! I love the BMW, but after reading about the costs for work and parts, I think I will pass. Maybe after the F800GS comes out, I will have a second opinion. I will try to find used, so I can keep the XJ. If new I will need to trade her in, or sell her.

Thanks for the opinions!

[JWSanders]

I can't say much about the Beemer, but I did have the opportunity to see one of the Buell Ulysses bikes the other day. When I first saw it I thought it was a Beemer itself. Great styling....was a really good looking bike.

The owner had just picked it up new in Illinois and was here in TN on his way to Louisiana. He said he couldn't believe how comfortable it was. Far better than he expected. Said he was an adventure rider and wanted something different than the normal class of beemers that you see everywhere. He told me his next ride was going to be from LA to the Yucatan Peninsula and back. Going to ride the coast on both sides.

Sure must be nice to have that much free time....makes me jealous.

[Rubin]

I agree. My planned Alaskan ride might be postponed until retirement, so in about 30 years. I love the rides the people take on Advrider.com, great photos and great stories to go with them.

[TomB]

Hi Rubin

My father has a BMW F650GS, had it for a few years now, he comes with a few of us on XS's and other big Jap bikes on short European trips, 10 days max.

He cruises it at 80-90mph on the German autobahns and still puts in half the fuel we do The little fairing and screen keep most of the wind off him and he'll ride all day comfortably

He loves it, it is utterly reliable and cheap to service and run. Tyres last 10,000 miles.

My father is not a big bloke, is 73 years old and wanted a light-weight bike, so it's probably going to be good offroad although he's never tried.

There are three different types of F650, the GS that my father has, the GS Dakar which is a bit more radical, and the CS which is classed as a city bike, has belt drive, road wheels and no main stand and wierder styling than the GS.

My Father can't fault it.

Tom