Can anyone tell me about Freewinds?

**trumpy** · 22nd September 2009, 20:50

......about these bikes..http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/List...x?id=243053290

Can't remember actually seeing one in the flesh (I've led a sheltered life...). Pondering the possibility of a second bike for meandering around our back country highways and byways with a few dirt roads thrown in (well ok, more than a few). At this stage I'm not really interested in serious off road stuff (been there, done that) but going places where I'm not particularly keen to take the li'l Trumpy.

Any advice/info appreciated.

**XF650** · 22nd September 2009, 21:04

Now where do I start.........
I'm slightly biased but I still think they would be ideal for your description.
Very comfortable, powerful for a 650 & way cheaper than the BMW version.
Their main limitation in the rough stuff is the 19" front wheel. However for gravel riding, fitting an aggresive tread certainly helps.
You need to test ride one first.

**Sensei** · 22nd September 2009, 21:06

Guy i know here has one seems a good bike bit like a KLR/DR 650 bike be great for gravel stuff where a full roady would be abit dodgy .

**YellowDog** · 22nd September 2009, 21:20

I had a 2000 mode Freewind.

Owned it for about 4 years.

Would highly recommend it for on road comfort. Both for short or long journeys. Much more power than you would expect from a single pop 650.

Off road was fine, but not light enough to really throw around. Maybe a slightly larger front wheel would have helped.

IME: a great all rounder.

**trumpy** · 23rd September 2009, 07:11

Thanks for the help guys.

**oldrider** · 23rd September 2009, 10:22

Originally Posted by XF650

Now where do I start.........
I'm slightly biased but I still think they would be ideal for your description.
Very comfortable, powerful for a 650 & way cheaper than the BMW version.
Their main limitation in the rough stuff is the 19" front wheel. However for gravel riding, fitting an aggresive tread certainly helps.
You need to test ride one first.

I think front wheel size is a bit overstated as far as bikes go, it's more about what the "rider" is happy with!

The only right or wrong is what the rider thinks and feels.

I.E. Rider personal choice and why not, he is the one upon whom his life is dependant!

**MSTRS:Me** · 23rd September 2009, 10:25

Originally Posted by oldrider

I think front wheel size is a bit overstated as far as bikes go, it's more about what the "rider" is happy with!

The only right or wrong is what the rider thinks and feels.

I.E. Rider personal choice and why not, he is the one upon whom his life is dependant!

Absolutely. All impressions are subjective. I got one as a loaner when my GSXR was being serviced. I was glad to be back on the GSXR...

**XF650** · 23rd September 2009, 20:33

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Absolutely. All impressions are subjective. I got one as a loaner when my GSXR was being serviced. I was glad to be back on the GSXR...

So how does the GSXR go on gravel?

**MSTRS:Me** · 24th September 2009, 09:01

Originally Posted by XF650

So how does the GSXR go on gravel?

Not bad actually. Got caught one day...

**chasio** · 24th September 2009, 10:49

Well I'm enjoying mine.

I do find the engine and drivetrain a bit rough but maybe that's just how I ride it... or maybe the 24k service next week will improve matters. I'm told about $50 for airbox and carb mods will give you a useful HP boost and I'm keen to do that pretty soon. And there are some very knowledgeable owners on here (XF650, Rogson to name but two).

That looks a minter. For reference I paid $5500 6 months ago for a pretty good 2002 model with 21000km on it, centre stand, ScottOiler, home made 3-way rack and a pair of Givi E36 panniers.

Note sure how tall you are, but the suspension can be dropped a bit (like the DR) if you want.

Cheers

Chasio

**XF650** · 24th September 2009, 10:50

Originally Posted by MSTRS

Not bad actually. Got caught one day...

Well done - see ya on the next adv ride.

**MSTRS:Me** · 24th September 2009, 10:59

Originally Posted by XF650

Well done - see ya on the next adv ride.

Not an experience I care to repeat anytime soon.
Low winter sun in my eyes. Shadow demarcation right where seal turned to gravel. 90+kph. Brown trousers...