F650gs or R1200gs

[Beeza Boy]

Putting my R65 into semi retirement after many happy adventures together. But should I repace it with a F650 or R1200 ? I use the bike every day for short distances and it is my sole form of transport. I also go exploring once a week on rides of 250-300miles. Additionally, I have two trips planned, Northern France in March and Northern Spain in September. I must admit I'm very much drawn to the F650 but have a few concerns. Chain final drive, torque, high speed cruising, long distance comfort, and longevity (I'll rack up 15000 miles a year, every year, will the 650 cope ? ). One of my mates reckons the F650 will meet my needs and will be far more agile off road, the other says 'if you're going to be a bear, be a grizzly bear' (I think this means get the bigger bike). Anyway, any of you guys out there who have owned or ridden both, please give me your views.

 

[bgd]

I put 30k miles on a 650GS over 12 months and thought it a great bike. Did everything I asked of it and more. Only problems I had were electrical in nature and easy to sort. Then I took the 1150 for a test ride and that was it, 650 went. As good as it is the 650 doesn't compare to the 1150, it's a whole different class of bike.

Take them both for a ride and then make up your own mind, but for me the 1150 (and perhaps the 1200) wins hands down.

 

[Cooky]

Likewise. I had an F650GS for 2 years. Have had the 1150 for about 3 weeks and love it. More than I even loved my 650 which was a great bike. The 1150 does everything better (even town work).

Don't know about the 1200. The mags think it's faultless but I wouldn't want to own a new Bmw in its first year. Anyway the 1150 looks better and has a world of aftermarket accessories to fine tune the bike to your liking (more than the 650 also)