F650GS twin

[MarkShelley]

I think one of these may be my next bike as they look good value used.
I have a couple of 1100GSs and a Transalp 600. I got the Transalp as a lighter alternative as I am not getting any younger. Although the Transalp is great, I do a lot of motorway stuff and I expect the 800 motor would be much more relaxed at 80-85 which is my preferred cruising speed.
I have read that the seats are sh1te, but are there any other problems. Are they roomy enough for pillion use?

 

[Smythson]

Love mine.

New screen probably a good idea but these vary massively and are very much personal preference

With 18 tooth AFAM front 85 comes at just shy of 5000 rpm (it comes with a 17 tooth probably does around 5500 rpm at 85)

A change of seat would be a good idea, the aftermarket ones and the BM comfort seat have a mound separating the two butt spaces and stops the pillion slipping forward. Also pillion capability depends (and i mean this with the greatest of respect!) being realistic about the size of you pillion and the distances you wish travel. The 658's are not as comfortable as the 12's in this respect.

Best,

S

 

[Gigsy]

I have an F700 which is basically the same - standard seat is not that bad but I guess it depends on what you're used to an how far you plan to go on it, plenty of options out there though for replacements.

+1 on a new screen though - the standard one on all F series GS (other than the GSA) are pretty useless. I have an F800 screen on mine and it's better but still not great.

Engine and gearbox tend to be pretty solid. Chains can be a weak spot (especially early ones) but may well have been replaced anyway... mine went at 5k miles but was replaced under warranty with a DID one that hasn't moved an inch in 10k miles. Early headstock bearings were a bit of a weak spot too, but again, likely to have been replaced by now.

Performance is OK so long as you're happy to shuffle the 'box a little but economy is the strong point - I get around 55-60mpg on my mixed daily commute. 70 is possible if you take it easy.

 

[wknight]

All around the USA, a fantastic bike

Here is the story of my 650GS Twin. Put a tall screen on it, added givi panniers and added airhawk seat pad, much cheaper than buying a new seat .

Flew the bike to Boston USA, rode it all the way across the US. Put it in a storage locker for 6 months in Las Vegas, returned and it started first time, in fact both of our 650's started first time!! We then rode up to Alaska and back across Canada and the US to New York from which we shipped the bikes home. We typically did around 250 miles a day around the 70ish mark depending on speed limit. No pillion and fuel economy was amazing.

We did an oil change. One set of tyres. I did suffer an oil cooler leak but suspect the guy nicked it during the oil change. The bikes still have their original chain and sprocket after 18,500 miles!! although we do have scotoilers fitted. Even our BMW dealer was impressed that after 18,500 miles very little work needed doing on them.

A fantastic touring bike and as you can see very reliable. Highly recommended

 

[Dean]

F650GS twin. Great bike

When I bought mine I had 3 in mind the transalp - triumph scrambler and the F650 GS twin, the F650GS twin was the choice , it just has more

I'm more solo rider, pillion is rare for me so I may be the not used to it enough not to like it so much on the F650GS twin or F800GS.

May be my weight/size and the pillion feeling like the straw that broke the camels back


But "Are they roomy enough for pillion use? " for me Rather pillion on a 12

great bike does it all

 

[ferrol]

Steering bearings need looking after on a regular basis. Mine get warranty replaced every service, (6K) via Dealer as parts come with a 2 yr warranty.

As far as I know the new ones (F700) have the same geometry so unlikely to be changed. But don't let that put you off, its a great bike and I love mine to bits.

Takes everything I chuck at it and more.

Pillion'ing for me is easy as me other 'alf is only little.

 

[Alan R]

Steering bearings need looking after on a regular basis. Mine get warranty replaced every service, (6K) via Dealer as parts come with a 2 yr warranty.

Really? How many times have you had the bearings replaced and how many miles has the bike done? I'm not doubting your word but that seems a bit excessive. You must have a great relationship with the dealer and be a wheelie God to wreck bearings so rapidly and regularly. Do you know if the 800 bearings as fragile? I'm getting worried now.
Alan R

 

[ferrol]

This is a known issue with this model of bike, all dealers know it. Search the forum you'll see plenty of posts on it. And ways round it deal with it, from nipping them up slightly after 1000 miles to using different bearings (though not sure if this actullay solves it).

This is a work bike, I ride it year round, does a lot of motorway work for commuting, about 60 miles or so a day. Mileage is approx 44K, got it about 18K?. I do trips on it to Europe and a little offroading too.

My dealer does the warranty work on this and get money back from BMW when they do it (just a business model). There are posts on ADVrider for doing the steering bearing yourself, which do look straight forward.

Bear in mind this is my 2nd BMW F650gs twin. I've had this for over a year and before that, I had exactly the same bike with the same issue for 2 years before that, infact I;d still have that bike if I didn;t have my accident (my fault).

Would I buy this bike again, YES, I love it to bits, it takes everything I can chuck at it and more. If I was taller I'd get the F800 but seen as I'm more short arse than most this is perfect for me.

Oh no wheeling for me, prefer to keep both wheels on the ground, though I do want to learn as it has useful offroad applications.

Why are you so worried, its not your final bike, you don't have to keep it forever.

Maybe useful: me and the missus are little so plenty of room for both of us. Tall screen and prob a better seat.

 

[Alan R]

Fair enough, I'm pleased for you that the dealer is so accommodating. I'm not worried really, the 800 is a second bike and is a toy rather than a serious means of transport. I'm 6'6'' so the 800 fits me fine. I've fitted hyperpro springs to lessen the fork dive and am pleased with the bike. Don't think I'd substitute it for my 1200 for my annual Europe trips though.
Alan R

 

[ferrol]

Fair enough, I'm pleased for you that the dealer is so accommodating. I'm not worried really, the 800 is a second bike and is a toy rather than a serious means of transport. I'm 6'6'' so the 800 fits me fine. I've fitted hyperpro springs to lessen the fork dive and am pleased with the bike. Don't think I'd substitute it for my 1200 for my annual Europe trips though.
Alan R

Some people have reported just changing the oil weight solves the fork diving on F800's, but progressive springs better anyway. I did the same upgrade on mine. Doesn't bottom out anymore