F Series

Not in the same class as the 1200 but still a lovely bike

Advantages: An excellent all rounder
Disadvantages: Uses funny BMW switchgear

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 ...
...of a demonstrator from the BMW dealer when my 1200 was getting an annual service, and whilst my sister commented that she thought my bike was a different colour, she didn’t twig that it was an entirely different machine altogether! Riding was an absolute delight. Having ridden ‘conventional’ BMWs for about five years, the bike immediately struck me as being far slimmer and lighter than what I had become accustomed to. Of course it lacked the awe-inspiring ...

dobieg 10.06.2009 · Read full review
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Review of BMW F650GS

BMW Scarver F650CS

Advantages: Low running costs, reliability and fun to ride
Disadvantages: no centre stand

...Yamaha FS600 for a 2004 BMW F650 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. ...
...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 recommend this bike. The lack of a centre stand is my main criticism. ...

28Berkeley 06.05.2007 · Read full review
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Review of BMW F 650 CS Scarver

Strangely normal bike for BMW - well almost

Advantages: Well behaved, if slightly underwhelmeing but that could just be me!
Disadvantages: Possibly a tad expensive and not a REAL beemer in some ways

...you could easily mistake the BMW F800ST for a 'bog standard' Japanese sports tourer, but closer inspection soon revels this to be as quirky a machine as any from the BMW fleet. One of the best (and possibly worst) things about BMW bikes are that they don't slavishly follow convention, and the F800ST follows the trend of 'tried and tested' designs with a few off the wall ideas. The results are ultimately interesting, but whether they live up to ...
...the engine capacity - although BMW don't always stick to this convention, bizarrely their F650GS is actually an 800cc model as well! The ST part indicates 'sports tourer' which indicates that it should be suitable for thrashing about as well as 'serious' touring, with optional hard luggage. The bike comes with full fairing, what *looks* like the tank is actually a cover for the airbox and electrical components, the tank itself is under the pillion ...

dobieg 30.11.2007 · Read full review
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Review of BMW F800 ST

Fine Motorbike

Advantages: ---
Disadvantages: ---

...hakelig failed, rather usually with BMW however otherwise has one only fun, fun, fun with the section. Some Tipps: I changed very fast the tires. The standard Michelin T66 did not please me correctly from the outset, and was degrees on wet roads in the curves hardly to be held. Now have I the Metzeler Tourance drauf and can it much recommend. Additionally I for the chain a Scottoiler (www.scottoiler.de) installed yourself, which takes over the chain ...
...a beautiful Plaetzchen. Now make themselves around the chain maintenance no more Kopp custom I. For everyone that bischen hand to the machine to create wants can I the book " BMW F 650, F 650 ST " from the STX publishing house only recommend. Bye from Germany ...

Flasher88 31.03.2001 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of BMW F650ST

BMW F650GS

Advantages: Has it all
Disadvantages: Expensive to have serviced

...is it's reliability. Although BMW maintenance is extremely expensive ( we're talking $50 oil changes and $500 for major services (brakes, filters, valves, checkover and moditech) but it never breaks down or has problems. However, the steering head bearings do wear out after fifteen thousand miles and they cheerfully put it on your excellent BMW warranty at no cost! The high maintenance costs are easily avoided by a little mechanical aptitude. The ...
...to work on. And BMW is kind enough to make an awesome shop manual with step by steps on how to do everything you could possibly need to do on it. A full service takes me about 5-6 hours and is very easy to do, then I take the bike to the dealership and have them plug it into the computer and check that out. However, if you crash the thing, it does cost. Anything with the blue and white roundell stamped into it is going to cost you. Levers, turn signals ...

lightedkeypad 17.06.2005 · Read full review
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Review of BMW F650GS