2003 650 single - buying tips needed

[Elle]

I have moved to NZ where the selection of bikes (for me) is limited and expensive.

I'm interested in a 2003 BMW F650 single with only 30k miles, being sold for £3500.
The only BMW I have owned is a 2008 F650 twin & realise that is no comparison.

Any tips on what goes wrong with the singles and what major service work should have been done or will need to be done soon?

The F650 will also need to be capable of going off road too - nothing too technical, but gravel roads and stream crossings are the norm here. I already have a 250cc trail bike but it's hard work covering a long distance over a weekend camping trip.
The current owner has TKC80s fitted - any good on tarmac?

 

[Timolgra]

Check the steering head bearings they tend to fail, water pump may need an overhaul at some point.
Yes TKCs are good on the road.

 

[Micky]

As Tim says Elle ... pretty dam sound bikes and been around long enough now to be sorted. Buy it as you see it, nice bike? Get a hunch? Buy it. Get a dull thud about it or the owner, walk away from it. I always suggest at times like this chat and 'interrogate' the owner ... you'll soon know then what kinda person he is, what kinda bike he's selling

Good luck with it ... sorry we shan't see you at Dent

 

[Dansin]

As above but I'd add suspension linkage bearings to the checklist. Other than they all seem to lack enough grease, water gets past the felt seals meaning they're prone to failure. They're reasonably easy to replace, it's worth fitting nitrile seals instead of the felt ones and pack well with waterproof grease when replacing.

 

[MikeS]

"with only 30k miles"

That is a fairly high mileage for a bike like that, it will be okay if it has been well maintained though.

 

[MikeS]

I think they still sell Suzuki DR650's over there, definitely worth a look to see if there are any new or good used ones around. They are usually cheaper than the BMW's and are great bikes and nice and simple to maintain.

The seat height an be adjusted lower if you need that.

Would be my first choice for a 650 single.

Also would be much better for the off road riding you talk about.

I have had mine over 10 years and ride it around the Alps every summer.

 

[Micky]

"with only 30k miles"

That is a fairly high mileage for a bike like that, it will be okay if it has been well maintained though.

Fairly high mileage?

Heaven to Murgatroyds ... it's feck all and just nicely run in

100,000 + usually not a problem

 

[MikeS]

Fairly high mileage?

Heaven to Murgatroyds ... it's feck all and just nicely run in

100,000 + usually not a problem

I am well aware they can run for ever if well maintained as I said in my post, but they can also be totally shagged at 30k miles.

 

[Spout]

Rear sprocket bearing has a hard time - especially if cush drive rubbers aren't regularly replaced.

Check the front sprocket for wear. As it's hidden by cover often gets neglected. Wears out faster than rear sprocket.

 

[Micky]

I am well aware they can run for ever if well maintained as I said in my post, but they can also be totally shagged at 30k miles.

.... and that's what I said in my post. A good look round the bike, coupled with a good interogative chat with the owner, will soon reveal wether either or both are genuine, or not

 

[Elle]

thanks for the tips guys
I too consider 30k nothing, but understand that it could be 30k of being thrashed or 30k of tlc

I'd love a DR650 but yet to encounter anyone who can confirm it can be lowered enough (29" inside leg). The Suzuki dealer wanted to sell me a cruiser instead

Sorry to miss more of your rides and weekends Micky - may I'll see you in NZ instead?

 

[Timolgra]

You'd get a mint DR650 for the same money as the BM and have a lot more fun on it (I've had both).

Dr is lowered by simply changing which hole the lower shock bolt goes through and dropping the front through the forks, you may have to either shorten the side stand or buy the short version from Suzuki,

 

[Micky]

thanks for the tips guys ......

Sorry to miss more of your rides and weekends Micky - may I'll see you in NZ instead?

Now that would be good Elle
Had a few friends over the years that have gone to NZ for motorcycle touring, each and everyone said what a wonderful place it is ...

Mmmmmm

 

[Packer]

Now that would be good Elle
Had a few friends over the years that have gone to NZ for motorcycle touring, each and everyone said what a wonderful place it is ...

Mmmmmm

If you set off after Dent you should just about make it overland to Malaysia and then jump on a ship to ride Oz and another one to Kiwiland in time for their summer. That should add a mile or two to that ancient old one lunger you campaign.

Elle, I've no direct experience but from various threads the F650 will be far better on fuel than the DR if that's relevant to you.