Im seriously considering getting a new F650, but I have a few questions.

[memnoch]

Since this is my first post on this forum...

Hi All

I have decided to post here rather than opening a similar thread.
I am also considering a F650, second-hand 2009 model with 5kkm. It stands at a BMW dealer, so the legal and technical side should be ok (I hope).
I was and still am concerned by all the problems I have read about here and on other forums, but this is a secondary topic.

I took a test ride (on other bike) and I loved. On the other hand I have not been riding for a while, so I would most probably loved a ride on anything
Additionally this would be my first bike... you probably know how it is.

Anyway, back to the point... apart from worries regarding the technical issues, I have a significant question. Is it worth it? Is it worth to buy a used bike for a price of a new one (like Honda nc700, also rode it... also very nice) or for much more than a used Transalp (same year, similar mileage)?

 

[Adeeelnv]

On the other hand I have not been riding for a while, so I would most probably loved a ride on anything

I loved the one I took for a test ride. I thought it was pretty easy to ride as well and was easy to handle at low speed. So it would probably be a great bike if you havent been riding for a while.

 

[Dave Ett]

Since this is my first post on this forum...

Hi All

Hi! Welcome to the forum.

Is it worth it? Is it worth to buy a used bike for a price of a new one (like Honda nc700, also rode it... also very nice) or for much more than a used Transalp (same year, similar mileage)?

Only YOU can decide that. You can buy an XJ600 / GPZ500 / VFR750 / TDM850 for less than £1000 which will do everything an F650GS will do.

Even an old Transalp will be as capable. Might not have the fuel computer and ABS, but otherwise it'll match the F650.

But I'm guessing you don't want an old bike...

 

[memnoch]

No, I do not want an old bike. I was thinking about something maximum 5 years old, with ABS, more all purpose than street bike. In the beginning I was not even considering a F650... but of course, I had to take it for a test ride (you cannot say "no" to a free one hour on a nice bike).
So, anyway... currently I am just wondering is the F650 worth spending an extra 1k euro or so. I know that in the end it is me who is buying the bike and making a decision, but for now I am just searching for answers

 

[Dean]

Hi! Welcome to the forum.


Only YOU can decide that. You can buy an XJ600 / GPZ500 / VFR750 / TDM850 for less than £1000 which will do everything an F650GS will do.

Even an old Transalp will be as capable. Might not have the fuel computer and ABS, but otherwise it'll match the F650.

But I'm guessing you don't want an old bike...

It is not as capable , Capable yes and a great bike RTW leg end no less!!

No, I do not want an old bike. I was thinking about something maximum 5 years old, with ABS, more all purpose than street bike. In the beginning I was not even considering a F650... but of course, I had to take it for a test ride (you cannot say "no" to a free one hour on a nice bike).
So, anyway... currently I am just wondering is the F650 worth spending an extra 1k euro or so. I know that in the end it is me who is buying the bike and making a decision, but for now I am just searching for answers

Hello and welcome to the forum

Interesting I would not say the transalp matches the F650GS twin at all maybe nearer a F650GS single but not the sweet 800 engine. I was looking at the transalp before I Bought my new 2008 F650GS twin, but the extra Gear, far more BHP and torque backed by the after market additions (as displayed throughout this forum and supporting vendors) done the trick personaly it was the right choice for me.

have you tried the F800 GS not a lot different capability to the F800GS but in used value 1000 or so more .

Maybe before you decide have some different test rides (other bikes) at least thats free and might help you find your answer. whatever you buy

I took one for a test ride a few days ago and I really liked it. Im probably going to get one at the end of the year.

I wanted to know about common problems, so I have looked around this forum and read about chain problems and radiator hoses leaking and a few other things, but all the posts are really old.

So my question is, how are the new ones (from this year)? Have they fixed the problems? I dont really want to get a new bike and then have all sorts of trouble with it when I have a mostly good bike already.

About two or so years ago I got a Can-Am Spyder, I didnt look into its problems before I got it. Since then I found out a lot can go wrong with it, but thankfully I never had a whole lot of trouble with it.

Im sorry if this gets asked a lot, but Im sure you guys can understand my concern.

Hi,

This far down the road from the initial well documented issues would not phase me in buying second hand and new with Dealer back up even less of a no concern, most have been fixed i know some have had problems galore and a fair few have not had a problem. coming up to 24,000 miles (38,624.26 kilometers) and next to zero issues, all recalls carried out by the dealer

Fingers crossed touch wood

But either way good luck

 

[memnoch]

well, I thought that Transalp 700 will be closer to f650 twin than single... the problem is that here, I am not able to get a test ride, the Honda dealer (one in Brussels) do not have a TA as a test bike That was good about BMW, test ride... no problem, the question was when I wanted one.

F800, well I am one of those not too tall ppl so I think it is not an option.

eh, choices and decisions... never liked them

 

[Adeeelnv]

This far down the road from the initial well documented issues would not phase me in buying second hand and new with Dealer back up even less of a no concern,

So it should be ok to get a second hand one? Thats good.

 

[Dave Ett]

F800, well I am one of those not too tall ppl so I think it is not an option.

Sure it is. Lower it like I did.

How short is short?

 

[Dean]

well, I thought that Transalp 700 will be closer to f650 twin than single... the problem is that here, I am not able to get a test ride, the Honda dealer (one in Brussels) do not have a TA as a test bike That was good about BMW, test ride... no problem, the question was when I wanted one.

F800, well I am one of those not too tall ppl so I think it is not an option.

eh, choices and decisions... never liked them

I think the transalp sits in the middle power (BHP) wise between both F650 single and twin but has a big edge as its a twin , I nearly got one from new also but The f650GS twin as mentioned exceeded in many areas

..................... BHP ........ Torque (Ft/Lbs)
F650 single........ 50 .......... 44
T,Alp ............... 59 ........ 44
F650 Gs twin........ 71 ........ 55.3

the torque on the F800GS is 61.2

All great bikes all Capable its a personal preference, I think the Alp looks great. But like you know its all down to your choice test riding is your friend size can be got over many small people on f8's here, some with lowering kits and seats some with not. Choice and personal opinion play a big part and limited funds of course

So it should be ok to get a second hand one? Thats good.

I would, but its personal choices unless I had a lot of money for bike then I would buy new. The natural progression from the f650GS twin, is the 1200GS. I would choose the triple black and dont tell memnoch but they are smaller than the F800GS and have a torque rating of 88.5Ft/Lbs

 

[Adeeelnv]

The 1200 would be too big for me, I think. I will just get the 650 and keep that.
Power doesnt really matter a whole lot, the 650 has enough for me.
I dont think my spyder would be any quicker than the 650, anyway. Even though it has a 990, it is so big and heavy, it slows its self down.

 

[memnoch]

How short is short?

I am 1.72m... anyway, I don't think I will be doing any hard off-road, so paying extra for f800 does not seem reasonable.

test riding is your friend

yes, it is a very nice thing... you just take a bike and go for a ride... unfortunately, as I have mentioned, currently I am not able to test TA

Choice and personal opinion play a big part and limited funds of course

Well F650 is generally 1k+ more than other bikes, F800 is another 1-1.5k more than F650... I like the looks of F800, but I don't think I like it that much... I don't even want to test it... too dangerous

1200GS

I think I need a bit of experience and a lot more funds, I need to save something for

 

[Adeeelnv]

memnoch, another bike you could try is the Triumph Tiger 800. I tried the Tiger 800 XC, it was really good, except I thought it was a bit too big. But I have been told the normal non-XC version is a bit smaller.Im pretty sure it is about the same price as the F650.
I still prefer the GS though.

 

[Dean]

the 650 has enough for me.

And Me and then some

I am 1.72m... anyway, I don't think I will be doing any hard off-road, so paying extra for f800 does not seem reasonable.


I think I need a bit of experience and a lot more funds, I need to save something for

I only passed my direct access in the October of 2008 so when I bought my brand new bike, I could not test ride anything, Actualy had to follow a friend whom rode it back to my place while I just looked on and then it stayed in my Garage until I passed. all these miles and smiles later I'm sure It was the right choice of bike and still is

The F650 GS twin will do prety much what the F800 GS will and some things better and thats a factoid

 

[hub-61]

The NEW VStrom 650 is another nice bike, nearly bought one before 650 Twin but was too high for me

 

[Mr Toad]

I know it's a GS forum and I am pending delivery of a new GS800, but having passed my direct access in 2005 my first bike was a Suzuki DL650 VStrom, an excellent bike, very under rated and good value for money. It never missed a beat for me in 24,000 and that included one 1110 mile day (yes 1110 miles) on the standard seat through much of France and half way up England. If you only intend to ride on tarmac it's a middle weight/engined bike well worth a look. The new model for 2012 means there are some excellent deals on the previous model which other than styling and a having a slightly bigger fuel tank is pretty much the same as the new model. I only swapped the Wee Strom because I had my eye turned by something orange which I have now sold to fund the GS800. In many ways another Vstrom would fit the bill but it's just it's nice to try new things and I don't believe in going backwards.. This is just my opinion and having test rode the F650 and F800 twins they are quite different bikes I think. Best of look with your choice.

 

[Adeeelnv]

I sat on a VStrom yesterday, Im not so sure I like it. It seems to have a long front and the handle bars are a bit too far forward.
The GS also looks better.

 

[JWFr]

Yep, they are just about all over east. I was thinking I could just ride it back, but I dont think I would really want to do that by myself.

I just got a looked at a quick quote on at transport website and it was going to be about $900. It would probably be about the same cost or maybe cheaper to fly over and ride it back.

Its good to hear you have had a good experience with a used bike, JWFr. Near the end of the year when I am having a more serious look into buying one, I will see if there are any good second hand ones because they are a fair bit cheaper.

I have never heard of those scottoiler things before. It seems like a good idea, but is it really worth it? it would be cheaper just to carry a can of chain lube. Wouldnt it make a mess with oil dripping on the chain all the time? Normal chain lube already makes enough of a mess.

Scottoilers are reckoned to double and sometimes triple the sprocket and chain life, because they dispense a precise amount of oil (about 1 drip per minute) onto the rear sprocket. On the 650Gs model the oiler is automatic vacuum dispensed and is very precise. It's a lot less messy than chain lube or oil. I have done over 3000kms since I fitted mine, and only used half the oil reservoir. Personally I think it's the best bit of kit you can buy for a chain driven bike.

 

[memnoch]

memnoch, another bike you could try is the Triumph Tiger 800.

I thought about Tiger, but I have not come across a used one yet, and I am not planning to buy a new bike.

it stayed in my Garage until I passed

and not even late night trips around the block... you are strong willed

The F650 GS twin will do prety much what the F800 GS will and some things better and thats a factoid

yes, so I read and that is why I do consider it... to worst part is that you actually have to pay for the fact that it is a BMW

I know it's a GS forum and I am pending delivery of a new GS800, but having passed my direct access in 2005 my first bike was a Suzuki DL650 VStrom, an excellent bike, very under rated and good value for money. It never missed a beat for me in 24,000 and that included one 1110 mile day (yes 1110 miles) on the standard seat through much of France and half way up England. If you only intend to ride on tarmac it's a middle weight/engined bike well worth a look. The new model for 2012 means there are some excellent deals on the previous model which other than styling and a having a slightly bigger fuel tank is pretty much the same as the new model. I only swapped the Wee Strom because I had my eye turned by something orange which I have now sold to fund the GS800. In many ways another Vstrom would fit the bill but it's just it's nice to try new things and I don't believe in going backwards.. This is just my opinion and having test rode the F650 and F800 twins they are quite different bikes I think. Best of look with your choice.

Vstrom is a bit massive and again too tall for me. I would like to be able to put both feet almost flat on the ground (confidence issues). Right now there is a good deal on old Vstrom but I am not too convinced... I have no doubt that it is a good bike, a friend of mine did a quite long trip across Americas. On the other had he also was saying that BMW 800 is the worst idea ever

The NEW VStrom 650 is another nice bike, nearly bought one before 650 Twin but was too high for me

yes, the 2012 is much nicer... and taller than old one :/ but there is a lower seat available

 

[Adeeelnv]

[/COLOR]It's a lot less messy than chain lube or oil. I have done over 3000kms since I fitted mine, and only used half the oil reservoir. Personally I think it's the best bit of kit you can buy for a chain driven bike.

Are you able to get a photo of your one? Im interested to know how much less messy they are. I thought it would have been worse than normal.

 

[JWFr]

Not easy to qualify ' how messy' in a photo, but here are some pics of my bike today. It has done nearly 500kms since I last washed it, and you can see some oil specs on the rear wheel and a bit on the chain guard, but it's very minimal. The others just show how neat the fitting is.