First (BMW) adventure bike opinions requested

[clint640]

Just to clarify for the thread starter:
An F650GS - if made in the 90's or early to mid 2000's - is a single cylinder 650. It also comes in a dakar version with the difference being it has 21" front spoked wheel as opposed to the standard 19". Recently, this bike was tarted up and re-released as the G650GS, and the G650GS Sertao (the 'Dakar' version).
The NEW F650GS is an 800cc parallel twin, sharing an engine (albeit in a detuned state) with the F800GS.
.

We do know all that, & it was pointed out, it's just that we can't be buggered explaining BMW's farked up, arse about face, inconsistent naming conventions in every sentence regarding their 'non R' GS series bikes

A well set up DR will hold it's value pretty well. Also keep an eye out for the rarer XR650L which is similar but a better fit for a tall guy. Or if you like a bit of tinkering, buy Jatz's Tenere for the ultimate in cool.

Cheers
Clint

[Devil]

You're ugly and your mother dresses you funny.

[JATZ]

A well set up DR will hold it's value pretty well. Also keep an eye out for the rarer XR650L which is similar but a better fit for a tall guy. Or if you like a bit of tinkering, buy Jatz's Tenere for the ultimate in cool.

Cheers
Clint

I forgot about those XR thingys, and I wouldn't recommend mrs J's tenere to someone just starting out.

the link was one of the new tenere's

[Gremlin]

You'd know.

:P

Yes, I have a very good imagination.

And maybe by sand, Gremlin? Huh? Huh?

I have a proven track record when it comes to sand. I drop my bike.

[Oscar]

We do know all that, & it was pointed out, it's just that we can't be buggered explaining BMW's farked up, arse about face, inconsistent naming conventions in every sentence regarding their 'non R' GS series bikes

A well set up DR will hold it's value pretty well. Also keep an eye out for the rarer XR650L which is similar but a better fit for a tall guy. Or if you like a bit of tinkering, buy Jatz's Tenere for the ultimate in cool.

Cheers
Clint

A well set up DR650, XRL650, XR400 or DRZ400 will be cheaper, way better off road, only slightly worse on road and waaay cheaper than a F650GS. Hell, a well set up 25 year old R80GS is better than an F650GS...and I've owned every bike I've just mentioned, except for the DR650 (and I've spent a considerable amount of time riding other peoples Dr650's).

As for cool, I'll see your Tenere, and raise you my R80:

[Crim]

A well set up DR650, XRL650, XR400 or DRZ400 will be cheaper, way better off road, only slightly worse on road and waaay cheaper than a F650GS.

You seemed to have missed "the world's most powerful dual sport motorcycle" (KLR if you were wondering)

[Gman71]

I know you don't want to hear this, but given the above, why buy the heaviest, most fragile & most expensive to buy parts for bike in it's class? The pose value of a BMW evaporates pretty quick when you've got a bunch of DR & KLR riders standing around pointing, laughing & taking photos before they help you pick it up

If onroad comfort is a higher priority then the F650 does make more sense as it excels at that.

Cheers
Clint

Don't believe him. Those DR fuckers are NEVER around to help you pick up a BMW. Just laugh. Trust me.

[Padmei]

Great idea that, see if you can have a spin on a range of 650's and then work out wether BMW is worth twice a DR or KLR to you, if I was you I would go cheap and cheerfull to start with - amazing how many people on this website have had bigger, more expensive bikes and then gone for a DR - biggets bang for your buck out there! (I love my KLR but it is bloody heavy to pick up which I seem to have to do quite often)

Totally agree. When I got interested in adv riding I thought a BMW was a great way to start but when I saw I could buy a new DR or KLR etc for the price of a 2nd hand modern GS I ended up getting a new KLR. In hindsight I should have bought a cheap KLR/ Dr/DRZ till i learnt how to drop them without breaking too many parts.
BMW parts are bloody expensive & they aren't anymore reliable than a Jappa nor are they more stable.

You don't lose much on a cheaper adv bike but can lose shitloads on an expensive adv bike.

If I could quote Warewolf 'Get what bike .... ummm something about sleeping or sumthing'

Edit: oscar you're a prick!

[Oscar]

Totally agree. When I got interested in adv riding I thought a BMW was a great way to start but when I saw I could buy a new DR or KLR etc for the price of a 2nd hand modern GS I ended up getting a new KLR. In hindsight I should have bought a cheap KLR/ Dr/DRZ till i learnt how to drop them without breaking too many parts.
BMW parts are bloody expensive & they aren't anymore reliable than a Jappa nor are they more stable.

You don't lose much on a cheaper adv bike but can lose shitloads on an expensive adv bike.

If I could quote Warewolf 'Get what bike .... ummm something about sleeping or sumthing'

Edit: oscar you're a prick!

Ain't it something - you settle into a great BMW bashing thread and these cheap-arsed KLR preecks turn up and start telling us how powerful their bikes are

So powerful that they're capable of hauling all the milk crate luggage that fits

[pomgolian]

Depends on your budget 8k wont buy you much or an old a pre-bashed expensive to own F650 look at something like a DR or KLR newer and parts & mods a whole lot cheaper. I worked at a BMW dealer in the UK the early GSs constant hassle & costly to fix.

[Eddieb]

Buy a cheap DR or KLR and get it dirty and hold onto your F4 while you decide if ADV is your thing. Or, for a little more refinement, road manners and pillion comfort at the cost of a bit of off road ability in the knarlier stuff get a Honda Transalp 600/650 V twin. All can be had for not much more than 4K but the KLR may suit a little better than the DR due to your height, it's taller and wider.

You'll have as much fun, if not more while learning than on an expensive Beemer and then you can decide if you want to chop the CBR in for a full time ADV bike. You'll know how dirty or not you want to get and what will suit those needs. I think every ADV rider I've seen that started on an F650GS Dakar appeared to struggle on them.

(Current DR and ex 3x BMW GS owner.)

[Padmei]

Ain't it something - you settle into a great BMW bashing thread and these cheap-arsed KLR preecks turn up and start telling us how powerful their bikes are

So powerful that they're capable of hauling all the milk crate luggage that fits

HEY!!! We may be cheap but we our KLRs don't have any power so there

[ops.normal]

Agree wholeheartedly with your logic Eddie. I now think I'll be test riding a few more bikes to get a proper feel for what is out there. Allows for the most informed decision making in the end

[Kokopelli]

As for cool, I'll see your Tenere, and raise you my R80:

Points deducted for side panels, there shouldn't be any.

[JATZ]

Points deducted for side panels, there shouldn't be any.

Yebut, points gained for the classic TT in the back ground