BMW F650GS

BMW had an image problem a few years back – whilst the bikes they made were fantastic, they tended to appeal to more mature riders, and had the reputation of being just a bit uncool. Then came along two actors, who had some crazy idea about riding round the world, and the rest was history – or nearly. The GS range of bikes had been around for about twenty years or so – they were big, heavy and expensive. Most owners harboured a fantasy that given the opportunity they too could take a few months off work, leave the wife and kids at home (note the male bias) and head off into the wilds with ... more

I’ve owned the F650GS for 2 years; there are good points and bad for the bike. Handling at motorway speeds, this bike is not the cruiser as it appears in its looks. On more than one occasion, at speeds in Europe above the 80mph limit stated when the panniers are fitted, the back tries to overtake the front. Even without the panniers, there is a great deal of wheel wobble from the rear, starting at 80mph; this can make overtaking manoeuvres a little chaotic. The maximum speed is around the 105 mark, if you are prepared to tolerate the back end waving at the vehicle behind. I’ve used the bike ... more

Bought my BMW F650GS Daker in September 2010 with 19000 miles on the clock after a long time researching adventure bikes, The final choice was between the Honda Transalp 650cc or the BMW 650 Dakar. Decided on the Dakar as was a taller and in my opinion a nicer looking bike which came with ABS brakes as standard, So after two months of ownership and approx 1000 mile later I can now comment on the likes and dislikes of the bike, Had many problems with the bike starting from cold, The engine revs would race to 3000-3500 rpm for a few seconds on start up and the exhaust header pipe would also glow ... more

I got my GS December of '03. It had 4,000 miles on it and I bought it for $6,800. The odometer now has over 17,000 miles on it. I absolutely love it. A bit about me for the record: I'm 5'3 and female. The whole dual purpose thing is fantastic and the 650 GS is the perfect dual purpose for someone who actually wants to use the bike on the street too. The street performance is excellent, it's super fun in the corners and thelarge front wheel handles all the potholes, bad pavement and such with ease. I can easily keep up with my sportrider friends. In the dirt it is also a great bike. I ... more

OK, a review based on 40 minutes rideout at the BMF bash doesn't count for much, but it left some strong impressions in my mind. 1. The indicator is NOT a thumb stretch from the clutch - very awkward and potentially hazardous 2. Smooth delivery but underpowered - I learnt n a CB500 and that would eat the beemer for breakfast 3. Clunky gearchange 4. Comfortable riding position 5. Good overall quality 6. Impression of sitting on top of rather than in the bike Conclusion - not the bike for me and perhaps for most given the lower cost of the aforementioned Honda. Just bought a VFR800 that so far ... more