Advantages: Good around town Disadvantages: Motorway Speeds
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 off road a couple of times going through mainly forests, it copes with it, but I think that you would need to invest in knobbly tyres before you get the best out of this bike in this terrain. I haven?t ventured down that route myself. There ...
JamesinOxford 26.04.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of BMW F650GS
Advantages: Low running costs, reliability and fun to ride Disadvantages: no centre stand
I traded my 2003 Yamaha FS600 for a 2004 BMWF650 CS and have no regrets. Although signficantly less powerful than the Faser the Scarver is more fun to ride - I feel more in tune with the torquey single, and the engine braking is excellent. Handling is surprising good too - probably something to do with the low centre of gravity. My missus and son have both enjoyed the pillion experience.
The Scarver is cheap to run - low insurance, good fuel economy and reliable. The heated grips are good in winter and the headlights are very effective. The gear change is a bit agricultural but you get used to it. The seat is low so would be good for short legged people. I use the bike mainly for 25 mile round daily commute into Bath, and its perfect - the upright riding position is extremely comfortable and gives good visibility. I would definetly ...
Advantages: Has it all Disadvantages: Expensive to have serviced
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 definitely wouldn't take it to the motocross track but I would take it on the Dakar. It is big and heavy (Touratech in particular makes a whole line of accessories to make it easier to handle off road) so that takes a while to get used to . I ...
lightedkeypad 17.06.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of BMW F650GS
