F650GS Reduced Power Version

[Dave78]

MrsDave is currently learning to ride, and although that is on hold at the moment having been knocked off her bike by a bird (feathered type) she is thinking about what bike she wants when she gets back on and passes her test.. Now I've got a old GPz500s (no laughing at the back) which was my first bike, which I've told her she can have (although this isn't restricted to 33bhp at the moment).

At the moment she is not sure whether she wants to go for the Direct Access route, or just go do the test on a 125, then spend a few years getting experience on a 33bhp bike, before moving onto more powerful bikes..

Anyway, she is thinking that she would prefer a more off-roady style bike, (she'd quite like a R????GSA, but thinks a bit big for a first bike) so we were thinking about a F650GS with the reduced power.. (as they don't seem to do a F800GS with the reduced power)

Has anyone actually riden one of these, and what were you're thoughts

Cheers all..

Dave

 

[vtr1000sp1]

Hi Dave,
My better half, Helen, passed her test last year on a 125 and now has the restricted licence.

We will be looking at getting an F650GS, factory lowered (both seat and chassis) and also the 33bhp kit for Helen. We haven’t ridden one yet but your BMW garage should have no problem in restricting one for a test ride.

I’ve been told that the restriction kit is a bracket that limits the amount the throttle can be opened. You can buy this part over the BMW parts counter and it takes about an hour to fit.

Cheers
Phil

 

[Dave78]

Cheers Phil

Any chance you could put a few words on here once your got it as to how the bike goes?

Dave

 

[Ptarmigan]

I first sat on a motorcycle when I was 53 years old and being a bit uncertain about my biking future decided to go down the restricted access route. I purchased a F650CS (Scarver) with restricted output and in retrospect it was the best thing I ever did. I realise it's not the same bike as being discussed but I would not hesitate in recommending this route to anyone who has concerns about using powerful/heavy motorcycles. I toured two up on it all over the Uk and put 12000 miles on it over the two years I had it. My next bike was a K1200S but the experience and confidence gained on 33bhp was invaluble . Hope this helps someone.

 

[Greger]

I first sat on a motorcycle when I was 53 years old and being a bit uncertain about my biking future decided to go down the restricted access route. I purchased a F650CS (Scarver) with restricted output and in retrospect it was the best thing I ever did. I realise it's not the same bike as being discussed but I would not hesitate in recommending this route to anyone who has concerns about using powerful/heavy motorcycles. I toured two up on it all over the Uk and put 12000 miles on it over the two years I had it. My next bike was a K1200S but the experience and confidence gained on 33bhp was invaluble . Hope this helps someone.

Mine, a second hand 2001 bike, came with a restrictor fitted. I rode it with the restrictor then without and took test on it without.

It felt like the same bike unless you really turned your wrist round a lot.

Personal choice about which way to go. When I first started I thought restricted route was a sensible option but am glad I changed my mind and when DA.

If it is the concern about the extra power tempting the restricted route I would say don't be.

Cover both options and try a few lessons on unrestricted school bike.

Good luck.