Who are the BMW 650cc riders here?

[Gizzit]

I don't know anything much about the smaller BMW's (or the bigger ones for that matter ! lol)
Is there a 650cc single model, and a 650cc twin ? I don't mean any of the Boxer configuration, and not the CS model .... that doesn't appeal to me, nor the Dakar really. I prefer the 19" wheels on the front of the "F" ... or GS ... ??

Just curious as to how comfortable they are on a trip ? Range on a full tank, and what kind of gas mileage you get generally. What speed they will do ? what they cruise at ? Power to overtake ... general stuff.
What is the seat height .... can they be lowered for riders 5'10", so we can get our feet flat down ? What kind of weight are they ? Reliability ? Things to look out for ....

Any info gratefully received.

Don't really wish to enter into the pro's and con's of the BMW versus any other DP bike at present. Just curious about these little BMW's

Cheers,
G.

[Frodo]

There's a wealth of info at www.f650.com

In short, they're fine for one-up on NZ roads (seal and gravel), a bit heavy for serious offroad, very reliable (check the waterpump) and very economical.

Cheers

[JATZ]

I don't know anything much about the smaller BMW's (or the bigger ones for that matter ! lol)
Is there a 650cc single model, and a 650cc twin ? I don't mean any of the Boxer configuration, and not the CS model .... that doesn't appeal to me, nor the Dakar really. I prefer the 19" wheels on the front of the "F" ... or GS ... ??

Just curious as to how comfortable they are on a trip ? Range on a full tank, and what kind of gas mileage you get generally. What speed they will do ? what they cruise at ? Power to overtake ... general stuff.
What is the seat height .... can they be lowered for riders 5'10", so we can get our feet flat down ? What kind of weight are they ? Reliability ? Things to look out for ....

Any info gratefully received.

Don't really wish to enter into the pro's and con's of the BMW versus any other DP bike at present. Just curious about these little BMW's

Cheers,
G.

Wot.... the old "funduro" ones ?
If thats what you meant, then they're not bad...... adequate for most things.We only got rid of our 2 because they were to small. But we're both 6ft+

[Gizzit]

There's a wealth of info at www.f650.com

In short, they're fine for one-up on NZ roads (seal and gravel), a bit heavy for serious offroad, very reliable (check the waterpump) and very economical.

Cheers

Thanks for that Frodo. I'll check that website out. Yeah, I'm just looking for a comfortable lightweight tourer. Gravel roads, will be the only off seal road I would use one for. Mainly just commuting, weekend rides, and short touring (4-5 x days). Just looking at some options. Have had a DR in the past, but found the seat to narrow and too hard (even with a modified seat) for comfortable distance travel. Even lowered, it was still to tall for me to be comfortable on. (Good bikes though, the DR !!)
Cheers.

Wot.... the old "funduro" ones ?
If thats what you meant, then they're not bad...... adequate for most things.We only got rid of our 2 because they were to small. But we're both 6ft+

Thanks JATZ, not sure what the model numbers are, but not the CS (which looks a bit naf IMO) and not the larger wheeled Dakar, as I'm not into off roading as such.
I'm only 5'10", so hopefully it would fit ok. I mainly want something easy to manage weight-wise, as my left hip/lwr back is a bit munted.
Cheers.

[Frodo]

The dual carb F650 Funduro twin spark was replaced by the fuel injected F650 GS single spark in 2000. Earlier versions of that model had some fuelling issues, that were corrected in the later twin spark model.

I had a Funduro for a bit over a year and 24,000km. I was happy with it.

The F650 GS is now an 800cc twin (go figure), whereas the current G650 is similar to the post-2000 F650 GS single, but with the motor from the X-Challenge. The post-2000 F650 single can definitely be lowered.

Cheers

[limbimtimwim]

I have an early Aprilia Pegaso, which is pretty much the same as the early carb BMW F650. It's a bit thirsty on the highway, but otherwise it's a remarkably capable bike that will take whatever you can throw at it.

[Motu]

If you are only doing gravel roads,what's wrong with a 650 Boxer....works just great for a little old man with a crook left hip....

[jafar]

I have an F 650 G/S 2005 model (twin spark). So far i have done over 8,000 miles on it & am very happy with its performance. Fuel economy varies depending on the type of use. On the open road at around the speed limit I can achieve over 80 MPG, but if out playing silly buggers on it that can be halved.

[Squiggles]

Not me but Hanne (mrs) really wants one

[clint640]

Thanks for that Frodo. I'll check that website out. Yeah, I'm just looking for a comfortable lightweight tourer. Gravel roads, will be the only off seal road I would use one for. Mainly just commuting, weekend rides, and short touring (4-5 x days). Just looking at some options. Have had a DR in the past, but found the seat to narrow and too hard (even with a modified seat) for comfortable distance travel. Even lowered, it was still to tall for me to be comfortable on. (Good bikes though, the DR !!)
Cheers.
.

It sounds like the single cyl 650GS would suit you perfectly. They have the most comfortable seat of any of the 1 cyl adv machines I have ridden, & the seat is fairly low, with lowering options available too. They are heavy compared to most other 650 adv bikes, but light compared to bigger tourers.

Another bike worth keeping an eye out for would be the Suzuki Freewind 650 - It's like a DR650 but with a 19" front wheel, windscreen & comfy seat, and without a BMW price tag.

Cheers
Clint

[nallac]

If you are only doing gravel roads,what's wrong with a 650 Boxer....works just great for a little old man with a crook left hip....

I'm digging the look of your Bike Motu....

what model ,year, is it?..

A work mate is on his second 650gs keeps trading when the k's clock up
on them, gets about 27k's per litre riding around the speed limit.

[The Baron]

I picked up my new G650GS single about two months ago. I thought I would never own a single but I find it much better than I thought it was going to be.
Lots of torque. Holds its own even in a group ride. Top speed is approx 170kph. Fuel is about 26/27km to the litre which is the same as my wifes 250. Quick pick up, so no problem overtaking. Running in it had to stay under 5000rpm - at 5000rpm its doing 120km. Very good seat. They can be lowered and you can also get factory lowered bikes. Cost is $15,000 new. BUT hard cases are another $2000. Total cost Approx $17,000. Yamaha make one very similar at $18,000.
G650GS also come standard with ABS and heated grips.

I think you should take one for a ride. It might grow on you as it did me.

[Motu]

what model ,year, is it?..

1987 R65 - handles as good or better than any dirt bike on gravel.The lower and more forward CG,wheels,tyres and handle bars make it a very stable bike with no vices.The only trade off is suspension travel,which is not really a big issue.

[Gizzit]

.... snip .....
I had a Funduro for a bit over a year and 24,000km. I was happy with it.
The F650 GS is now an 800cc twin (go figure), whereas the current G650 is similar to the post-2000 F650 GS single, but with the motor from the X-Challenge. The post-2000 F650 single can definitely be lowered.
Cheers

Thanks for that info Frodo. I think the 800/650 looks heavier than the old singles Im thinking of., i.e. the F650GS.

I have an early Aprilia Pegaso, which is pretty much the same as the early carb BMW F650. It's a bit thirsty on the highway, but otherwise it's a remarkably capable bike that will take whatever you can throw at it.

Those Pegaso's are quite similar aren't they. I haven't seen one up close, but they do look similar to my eyes. They get very good reviews too :niceone"

I have an F 650 G/S 2005 model (twin spark). So far i have done over 8,000 miles on it & am very happy with its performance. Fuel economy varies depending on the type of use. On the open road at around the speed limit I can achieve over 80 MPG, but if out playing silly buggers on it that can be halved.

Like most big singles ... can be economical ... or twist the loud handle, and they can drink a bit !! Getting anything near 80mpg is amazing though !!
Cheers.

It sounds like the single cyl 650GS would suit you perfectly. They have the most comfortable seat of any of the 1 cyl adv machines I have ridden, & the seat is fairly low, with lowering options available too. They are heavy compared to most other 650 adv bikes, but light compared to bigger tourers.
Another bike worth keeping an eye out for would be the Suzuki Freewind 650 - It's like a DR650 but with a 19" front wheel, windscreen & comfy seat, and without a BMW price tag.

Cheers
Clint

Cheers Clint. I didn't realize the BMW F650 was heavier than other similar bikes. The size and comfort would certainly be a bonus. I have owned an 07 DR650, and while it wasn't heavy, it was certainly to tall for me, even lowered, and not comfortable enough for my requirements.
The Freewind will be worth looking at though. I have received a PM about that same bike from another member, XF650. Obviously he likes them !!
Cheers.

I picked up my new G650GS single about two months ago. I thought I would never own a single but I find it much better than I thought it was going to be.
Lots of torque. Holds its own even in a group ride. Top speed is approx 170kph. Fuel is about 26/27km to the litre which is the same as my wifes 250. Quick pick up, so no problem overtaking. Running in it had to stay under 5000rpm - at 5000rpm its doing 120km. Very good seat. They can be lowered and you can also get factory lowered bikes. Cost is $15,000 new. BUT hard cases are another $2000. Total cost Approx $17,000. Yamaha make one very similar at $18,000.
G650GS also come standard with ABS and heated grips.
I think you should take one for a ride. It might grow on you as it did me.

Sounds like a great bike Baron, but I'm not interested in buying a new one. Her indoors would have a coronary if I mentioned the possibility of outlaying that kind of coin on another bike !!!! I have had a few new bikes over the last couple of years or so .....

Thanks for all the info guys. Much appreciated !!