F650 GS or CS

[Honda_Star]

Hi

I am thinking of buying either a F650 GS or CS for commuting etc. Any recommendations for either? Fors/Against?

Thank you!

 

[Tim Cullis]

Welcome to the forum.

With their upright seating position both bikes would be fine for commuting.

The CS is probably slightly more focused on commuting with its belt drive (rather than chain) and the natty storage space in what would normally be the tank area.

 

[freeloader]

Hello from me too...

Having ridden both when I worked for a BMW dealer, the CS is (IMHO) much more of a learner's machine, although none the worse for that. The GS is much more fun to ride, although I couldn't begin to put that in more objective terms.

If you have the chance, ride both, back to back, and see where your preference lies. That's the best way to tell.

 

[Honda_Star]

Hello from me too...

Having ridden both when I worked for a BMW dealer, the CS is (IMHO) much more of a learner's machine, although none the worse for that. The GS is much more fun to ride, although I couldn't begin to put that in more objective terms.

If you have the chance, ride both, back to back, and see where your preference lies. That's the best way to tell.

Thanks - i am still very much a learner - just wanted something a bit more uprighty as i currently have a babyblade which is a bit too focused for bimbling to work

 

[Ropey]

I loved the 650GS, the CS front scared me... It's too weird and I've heard that the handy storage areas fills up with water if left outside in a downpour... 'd go for the 650GS

 

[smartbear]

better

my girlfriends cs is for sale,so i would say its far superior to the gs
but seriously they are both great bikes & you wont go wrong with either.

 

[Ogmios]

while i'm not a 'learner' i'm still learning

i had to (you had no choice ) ride a CS at a trainers meeting on an ADAC track in Frankfurt.
for this particular excercise we were told " go into that blind corner at a good pace and when you see the obstacle blocking your way apply front brake while still leant over and swerve to avoid"

within 5 minutes i was happily doing this with gusto and the Bike was shall we say "Confidence inspiring!"

though i do feel you may get bored quick - so work that into the equation too.

Good Luck.
(i'd still like a CS to play with though )

 

[EggChaser]

I used to commute on my CS and loved it around traffic etc, also found some amzing lean angles on roundabouts

Never ridden a 650GS in traffic - but would say that if you are only planning to stay on tarmac and use it for commuting then the CS would be better, if you are ever likely to be riding in the countryside (possibly on farm tracks or trails) then the GS would be a better all round option for the commute and the country.

Also although the stuff bay is useful and you can put a Givi rack on a CS for a top box, the pannier options are much more limited so if you ever did want to add panniers the GS would be better.

 

[luckylucian]

I've had two f650gs and a cs as a loaner bike.

Wasn't impressed, went for fuel and the small lip on the kerb on the entrance to my local petrol station slid the bike six enches to one side 'cos the front forks didn't compress enough to steer over it, this is the same kerb my gs rode over many time in the previous two years.

Go for the gs, it will lean as far as the CS

 

[Honda_Star]

I have never ridden a single before - is there much vibration or are they relatively smooth (no jokes please lol)

 

[Ropey]

They take a bit of getting used to but no greatr deal... I loved my old 650GS but recent 2000kms trip to France in a week made we consider upgrading.

As the fuys have said www.f650.co.uk is the oracle as worth a look.

They do need alot aof revs to make em comfortable, 5000rpms and she's singing.

Fuel economy is top class, engine is bullet proof, good range of accessories(I'd steer clear of the OEM vario luggage, totally naff on the 650)

Only issues I had with mine in nearly three years was steering head bearings needed doing and sone scoat tried to rob it and buggered the ignition, steering lock and front disc... BTW... Did i mention very easy to work on even for a numpty like me...

 

[Flipfly]

I'd steer clear of the OEM vario luggage, totally naff on the 650

I'd disagree with this comment, my old varios took me around the Alps with no probs. No good if you are off roading, but perfectly acceptable on road and can be picked up for £100 if ya don't mind the bumps and bruises

 

[Ropey]

Point taken not totally naff... Mine served me well but the rear lugs are just too damn flimsy....

 

[redstan]

rob now then lads!! i PX a CB500s for a 56plate f650gs Dakar and never looked back on the swap it is the best bike for computing etc that i have ridden. my big bike is a R1150R .

THE F650 IS VIBY / TO TALL / SLOW / but Wat the hell its great in town.
the last two tank full rides ave 75++mpg

 

[smartbear]

computing

rob now then lads!! i PX a CB500s for a 56plate f650gs Dakar and never looked back on the swap it is the best bike for computing etc that i have ridden. my big bike is a R1150R .

THE F650 IS VIBY / TO TALL / SLOW / but Wat the hell its great in town.
the last two tank full rides ave 75++mpg

thats why my other half is selling her f650 then,shes always been rubbish at computing!
its pretty good at commuting however

 

[redstan]

thats why my other half is selling her f650 then,shes always been rubbish at computing!
its pretty good at commuting however

we carnt all be perfic

 

[Honda_Star]

thats why my other half is selling her f650 then,shes always been rubbish at computing!
its pretty good at commuting however

Am now the proud owner of said CS !

 

[smartbear]

new owner

aha,this is your alter ego then!
have you ridden it yet? hope you gel with it & have many miles of fun
regards rob
ps ann keeps looking at the empty space in our garage-il have to fill it with another bike

 

[Honda_Star]

aha,this is your alter ego then!
have you ridden it yet? hope you gel with it & have many miles of fun
regards rob
ps ann keeps looking at the empty space in our garage-il have to fill it with another bike

ah yes am LOVING the bike! Already racked up over 250 miles on it already and taking it to the Bike Safe course on Sunday