F650 Experience, single not the new twin

[jb44]

Or is it the G650GS experience, now that it might return to production?

It wasn’t love at first sight, as was the 1150R, the TW200, and the Bonneville.

I convinced myself I needed a lighter weight, more nimble, road bike rather than the 1150R, which I had loaded down with so many accessories it might as well have been an RT, not that there’s anything wrong with that.

It had to have a standard riding position with a low seat… not many to choose from as I found out.

Here’s the ride, set up the way I like it:




First change was an AGM sealed battery. Sooner or later my bike ends up on the ground.




BWM engine guard and Touratech fairing guard.




BMW handguards and Tech Mount GPS mount (hard to see because of color)




Beadrider… refused to pay another $400 for a custom seat.



Fastway footpegs and Bob’s kickstand foot enlarger.




Givi windshield




SW Motech tankbag system. Permanent mount fits several sizes of tankbags.




Kildala rear luggage plate.




Overnight bag. Big enough for tools, change of clothes, and a toothbrush. I knew I didn’t want side cases, at least not yet.




Touratech low fender, to keep road debris from being thrown up on engine and rider.




So, what’s the verdict?

It is nimble and lighter. It does everything I want it to do.

And it is growing on me.

And it does have a beak, even more pronounced than the Roadster.

Would I buy it again? At this point, yes. If I had the choice of the new F650 twin (at $2,000 more), I don’t know.

Known weaknesses are the water pump seals, fork seals, and under extreme use, the rear frame has known to crack.

Kind of like a final drive failure, might never happen, and then it might just spoil my day.

jb

[duckdave]

Sweet!
Really sweet!

[12bar1]

If you decide to go with side cases check out http://www.cariboucases.com. I have them on my KLR they cost a little less than some of the other hard case options and I think they look really good especially on a black 650GS. Also if you are interested in a little dirt road riding check out http://www.dixiedualsports.com.

[jb44]

If you decide to go with side cases check out http://www.cariboucases.com. I have them on my KLR they cost a little less than some of the other hard case options and I think they look really good especially on a black 650GS. Also if you are interested in a little dirt road riding check out http://www.dixiedualsports.com.

Thanks, 12bar, I know about the Caribou cases, and most think highly of them.

However, I've seen two reports by riders traveling outside the US where the mounting frames for the Caribous continuously broke and had to be rewelded. Calls to the owner/manufacturer were less than graciously received.

I'm a member of the Dixie Dual Sport Forum, but only as a lurker.

jb

[machew01]

JB,

I bought a '99 F650 in March, 2007. I put 9,000 miles on it and sold it last February. I liked it so much, that I immediately bought a 2007 F650GS. I already have more than 3,000 miles on the F650GS, in addition to riding the KS. The BMW F650's are amazing bikes - from the freeway to the mudhole. 67-70mpg on regular isn't too painful either.

mac

[jb44]

JB, ... I already have more than 3,000 miles on the F650GS, in addition to riding the KS. The BMW F650's are amazing bikes - from the freeway to the mudhole. 67-70mpg on regular isn't too painful either.mac

Mac, I thought I saw a couple of your posts on that other forum. Mine's an '07 too, that I have put on 3,000 miles as well. But then I keep it in NC where it shares time with the TW200. In FL I ride a different bike.

I don't know what it is. I just haven't warmed up to it like I did the 1150R. I think it may be something as intangible as the engine sounds and vibrations.

jb

[machew01]

JB, I think I know what you mean. My Roadster sounded like a sewing machine; the F650GS sounds like an aged air compressor.

mac