1100GS to an F650GS?

[ajd]

Here's a thought experiment. What would it be like going from an 1100GS to an F650GS? I have half an inkling to go down to a single cylinder.

 

[Micky]

Here's a thought experiment. What would it be like going from an 1100GS to an F650GS? I have half an inkling to go down to a single cylinder.

If you regularly carry a passenger then forget it

Otherwise go for it ... had the 1200's, 1150's now got an F800GS and a G650Xcountry

If the 650 was the only bike I had it certainly wouldn't be a problem, it'll do everything I need a motorcycle to do ....

.... but then I'm getting old and past it

 

[MickDB1]

Ive had a 1100 and a 1150 and done 25 thou on each. I have only done 12500 on me Sertao but I have had loads more fun on it in the nearly 2 years Ive had it.
Having said that, I ride solo now and dont ride the motorways to europe and back as often. That bit would be hard to do on a 650 but on or off tarmac at the speeds you can achieve in this country at the moment with the roads and traffic. 650 is more than enough fo me
HTHY

 

[uncle dick]

Slightly different but I ride an 1100GS and my daughter has an Aprilia Pegaso 650ie (like a Funduro). As others have said, the luggage/touring capacity isn't quite the same but her bike is a hoot to take across Dartmoor on a Sunday morning. The Rotax engine is excellent. Suspension a bit primitive compared to my Ohlins set-up but I'm sure a decent 650GS wouldn't be bad in this respect.

 

[mrsroynie]

I had a 2001 650GS before changing up to a 1200 in 05; I loved it. I now have a 2002 1150, but have since ridden a 650 on a couple of ORS courses in Wales and, though they were thoroughly enjoyable in that context, I wouldn't go back to one for day to day riding. Admittedly, the ORS bikes would have been fitted with knobbly or dual purpose tyres, but I hated the slightly lawnmower-like noise they make at lower speeds and the 'vibeyness' compared with the bigger bikes.

 

[John B]

F650gs

Hi, Before my 1150GS (now had that for 14 yrs!) I had the original 'funduro' F650gs, as others have said, not so good for 2 up work with luggage, however that 'little' bike took me all over Europe and when I came to sell it still had some value (I would happily have given it away for the memories we shared!) We did lots of miles and it managed motorways cruising comfortably up to 90mph. So dependent on what you want to do the 650 is one very capable bike Cheers John B
p.s. I'm old enough to remember when a 650 was a "big' bike

 

[Orinoco]

As Mikey and others have said, if just you, no problems, the F650GS will do everything you need and was in my experience more reliable, YMMV, just one of everything, nice and simple. Having said that mine to me and sone to south of France and Alps two up with camping gear, inc 80 on motorways, just would have been easier on the 1100! Sold mine with 45,000 miles on for a song, should have kept it, but needed the cash.

I've an 1100 for the last few years, but would happily change back to the 650. I think the issue is more of the perception of 'only being a 650', for new riders, shorties and girls. It's those things and a great around bike, and lots lighter for manovering around the garage.

 

[mikeyboy]

I have an f650 an 1100 and a 1200gs
For solo stuff where I can avoid motorways i use the 650,
Pillion or long distance the 1100 ,if I am in a hurry and need a fast cross country bike I take the 1200.
The 1100 is the nicest more relaxing bike to ride.
I really would not want to ride the 650 very far with a pillion

 

[Rob Farmer]

I remember watching spout flying down the motorway at 70mph on his 650 Dakar he really didn't look confident or like he dare loose his death grip on the handlebars.

Unless your struggling with the weight of the 1100 stay with it. You will miss it when it's gone.