f650 things to know?

[Ian Loveday]

Hi Folks,

I have just managed to find the forum and i'm planning to get an F650 either a CS or GS i had an 1150gs a couple of years ago but had little time to ride so unfortunately it went. i want the bike for commuting, bimbling in the countryside and the occasional two up ride.

Is there anything relaibility to be aware of and is the bike built to the same standards as the other BMWs? Service and running costs are also important to me and i was curious how long you get out of tyres, my last singe a honda dominator ate rear tyres quite quickly, but that was some time ago.

Hope you can help

Ian

 

[richie]

Get a secondhand oilhead...

You know it makes sense

 

[Spout]

My 650 Dakar was terrible......................could only ever get it to run on one cylinder

Check out Trevors 650 site:

here

Buy and enjoy..............................

 

[Taff]

Ian,

Got 5,400 miles from my rear tyre. Front one has done 6,200 miles already and will probably need changing in another say 500 miles. The first service (600 miles) on my Dakar was free but I have been quoted £200 for the 6,000 mile service. It is more expensive than the same service for an Adventure, but the bits are easier to get at for an Adventure - so you save on the labour.

As for reliability, in fairness I can't fault it - it's never let me down. Build quality ? Excellent, the only issue I have had with mine was that the paint peeled off the top of the yokes when it was less than a year old. I understand that this is a common problem - but in fairness, Rydales will be sorting them out under warranty.

Mine is for sale at
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=28079

 

[Chisurz]

F650 Reliability

The 2002-52 F650GS we've had from new has been mechanically fine. The battery decided that simple venting was no fun, so opted to blow bubbles and split the seal twixt clear base and black top... I've no idea why, perhaps someone else can tell me.

The resultant dribble down the left of the engine looked at first sight like a leaking gasket - fortunately not!! Battery, battery tray, heat shield, rocker cover and seal all replaced under warranty.

The engine is sufficiently well lacquered as to repell a battery acid attack and the rest of the build quality is fine.

Tyres - just replaced after a little over 7000. They would have done more (the front much more) but the handling was beginning to suffer round the back roads. That said, I could still keep well in front of my colleague's 1100RS on the green lanes...

Chis.

 

[Telford]

Re: F650 Reliability

The battery decided that simple venting was no fun, so opted to blow bubbles and split the seal twixt clear base and black top... I've no idea why, perhaps someone else can tell me.

There is a trick on the older F650s to stop them boiling batteries - look at "flaying the VR" - on F650.com it solved the problem on my old 95 model after boiling the battery dry riding from Fort William. I also moved the voltage regulator somewhere cooler.

Mark

 

[Trevor George]

Re: F650 Reliability

Originally posted by Chisurz = The battery decided that simple venting was no fun, so opted to blow bubbles and split the seal twixt clear base and black top.

If you look closely at the way the battery sits in its 'case' you will see that it can easily pinch the vent tube when strapped in, UNLESS the vent tube is carefully aligned with a very small hole to a bottom corner of the casing.

It's fiddly to get it right but it can be done.

Cheers ... Trevor, Bristol, UK. F650 website dedicated to UK & Ireland owners
.

 

[Chisurz]

Thanks gents - I've just taken a look at the 'Flaying the VR' article and usually tampering with the wiring is something I'm a little shy of - especially when I'd have to explain myself to my wife (it's in her name!). The bike is only two years old, so I'd hope (my mistake perhaps) that BMW had sorted out any problems...

I'll take a look at the tube routing in the daylight (that means the w/e!!).

Cheers

Chis.

 

[Trevor George]

The "Vloltage regulator" overheating problem only occurrs on the Funduros and Stradas (the carburetted versions).

The fuel-injected F650GS (since 2000) has a voltage regulator which is well-cooled and hidden down behind the sump-guard, so don't even worry about it, even if you ride through deep water.

Cheers, Trevor, Bristol, UK. www.F650.co.uk
.

 

[Chisurz]

So they did fix the VR problem - I shouldn't be so cynical...

I have always noted the position of the heat sink for the regulator. It does look a little odd right down below the sump-guard, but I can vouch for its waterproof (i.e. submerged) properties.

Thanks
Chis

 

[Spout]

The earlier Dakars had theirs tucked up out of the way where the ABS pump usually sits. (along with the remote resevoir for the rear shock).
Better protected, but there were a few cases of them overheating.

 

[LivNorway]

CS Scarver!

Hi all!

So you are discussing F650's, and do not tell me!?

I love my F 650 CS Scarver!

The battery are fine, he start when I want him to, my Bridgestone tyres lasted for 11300kilometres - but I guess my Metzeler Z4 are gonna last longer (8700 right now, much rubber left), I love the ABS, and I use electric heated clothes; the 400W dynamo/generator is good, I change oil and oilfilter my selfes; it's easy! And the belt; love it! And heated grips!

Oh; and the StuffBay or ''the hole'' - I have so much fun with it! I put flowers there! And if I see a little kid or a little dog; up in the hole for a minute! And I have The Spider = a lock for locking the helmet in the hole.

50Hp is enough for one person on the Scarver, and the seat is OK.
I often ride with my boyfriend; he rides a K100RS, and he's often surpised how fast I can accelerate!

But;
If you need a bike for two people - and want to go to Norway and bring your tent and a stove and everything; neh - it's possible, but not fun.
But if you buy the Scarver you have money for buying two; it's half the prize of the big BMW's - so you and the missis ride two bikes to Norway!

I hope I'll meet many Scarvers from all over the world next summer!

...and I'm the Boss of the local club; Club Scarver - now we are 17 members!

Liv.

 

[wessie]

Tyres: I had a 1992 Honda Dommie which wore out the OE crossply Trailwings rather rapidly.

However, just before I sold the bike, Michelin brought out the radial T66 which doubled the rear tyre life and transformed the handling.

Tyres have evolved since the T66 so the wear rates should be better again.

If you choose the 650CS, the better bike IMO, then you will be using proper road tyres like Bridgestone BT45s which will last for ages, as Liv says.