F650GS - what to check on used bike

[Craig David]

Hey again folks!

I'm thinking about getting an F650GS - probably the fuel injected model (year 2000 onwards?). They seem like brilliant bikes.

Do they have any common faults or known problems I should check for when looking at used bikes?

 

[John Armstrong]

You could have a look here: http://www.f650.co.uk/ and under "Resources" at the top in the blue banner, and the go go the link for Chain Gang FAQ's. Or click here: http://faq.f650.com/ for just a little information

 

[Flipfly]

They do have a tendancyto cut out from time to time when pulling up at junctions. They can surge a bit and the finish is very BM (ie not that hot ).

Check the usuals, chain. sprockets, panel fit, wheel bearings, headstock bearings (can be a weak point) etc etc.

If it sounds like a bag of nails walk away. Go and try a few from a dealers, that'll give you an idea of what they should sound like

 

[RadioActive]

Since I bought mine I've changed the headstock bearings and the swing arm bearings. No big deal as I like tinkering, and the others have given good advice on things to look for. It's not 650GS specific but what I really should have done however was get it's history checked out for £15 or however much it is. I allowed my better judgement to be swayed because the seller is very well known on here and ended up with an insurance write-off

 

[Timolgra]

If it sounds like a bag of nails walk away. Go and try a few from a dealers, that'll give you an idea of what they should sound like

Agreed, but it may sound like a bag of nails because the plunger part of the cam chain tensioner is sticking which is a two minute fix.

 

[Flipfly]

Agreed, but it may sound like a bag of nails because the plunger part of the cam chain tensioner is sticking which is a two minute fix.

Nice to know, cheers tim