New f650gs se

[Mad_Accountant]

I've just sold my 1200 GSA (one year old!) and bought a 650 SE ( yellow black)

I didn't wait for the 700 as I didn't want the lower gearing or the switch gear plus, of course, they are not yet available and the prices are unknown. What I DID know was that I didn't fancy any of the colours.

The GSA was just too heavy to be enjoyable and an extended test ride on the 650 confirmed just how capable it is.

I have great hopes for this bike, due to garage access issues it has to live in the drive under a good quality cover. I feel if I ride it daily and clean it weekly it should survive Ok.

My only reservations are helmet noise over the 800 screen ( maybe the lower screen would have been quieter) plus the hardness of the seat

So hello everyone!

Ride safe

 

[GSTourer]

Congrats on your new purchase.

As it is going to live outside and ridden daily (presumably during inclement winter conditions) it might be worth considering giving it a coat of ACF50.

A company near me do a wash/coating/polish for £60........or of course you could do it all yourself.

I am considering getting my bike done initially by them to see if their sprays get the coating anywhere I am not likely to and will probably do further applications myself.

Enjoy the bike.

 

[Tim Cullis]

Nice choice, I had a 1200GSA and moved to a F650GS twin. You will find the fuel economy is staggering.

I did more than 20,000 miles on my first F650GS twin. My second one is now almost three years old and is kept outside all the time without a cover. I apply ACF50 every autumn and it still looks mint.

(Top tip: on cool/cold days, warm the ACF50 spray can in a bowl of hot water before using to get more of a misting spray)

AirHawk is one answer on seats, otherwise consider Viking Motorcycle Seats in Kent. I have a *very* tall Eagle screen which looks a bit naff but does the job in terms of keeping wind off.

 

[BAKERMAN]

Me too out with the 1200 in with the F650 GS SE

 

[jez]

Me too out with the 1200 in with the F650 GS SE

I thought that was Beckys bike? Or does she get it when it's raining?

 

[Reggie P]

I love the grey painted frame / swingarm on the SE.
Sadly it looks as if this is not continued with the new 700/800's.
You have a rather unique bike there....enjoy.

 

[Mad_Accountant]

Thanks for the encouragement!

Yesterday I rode it in the dry for the first time (I even collected it in pouring rain!) and I think the bike is exactly what I want. I'm waiting for 1200 handguards and a fender extender to be fitted but otherwise wish to leave it standard (I only have the vario topcase as luggage).

Now for some extended running in !

 

[Malcolm Leick]

There is a nice little article in MC monthly with Chris Scott riding the SE on the pistes in Morocco. I've seen them in the showroom and love the colour, and the fact they got rid of the 650 sticker!

Re the saddle, try a gel insert from Tony Archer in Yorkshire. Mine was only £60 including fitting and has made a big difference.

Enjoy!

 

[Malcolm Leick]

And re the gearing...I recently had the chain and sprocket recall done (thank you Rainbow!) and was back on standard gearing for the first time in about two years. I had forgotten just how good the standard gearing is for everyday use. I have just put a smaller front sprocket for on for an Iceland trip, but the standard sprocket will go back on as soon as I get back.

 

[y2blade]

Congratulations on the new bike.

Any pictures of it yet?

 

[Mad_Accountant]

I guess I should mention I also have a 1992 R100R ( on which I have spent rather too much money) and some BMW C1s.


I'm hoping the GS will take over the C1 commuting duties, whether it can compete with the R100R remains to be seen.

I have just confirmed the tech data and can hardy believe that the 650 is 9 stones lighter than the GSA. Wow!

 

[Mad_Accountant]

Today I had the 1200 hand-guards (cheaper and better than the 650 ones) and the fender extender fitted.

Also it had it's first fuelling at 209 miles, the computer showed 69 mpg and the actual calculation was 70.33 mpg, which is impressive.

Every journey so far has started in good weather/ dry roads and has ended in torrential rain, which is annoying, but the bike seems to work well in foul conditions.

It seems to clean up easily and lives happily under a quality cover.

I greatly appreciate the light weight and superb handling of this bike and can't wait to get through the running in period and be able to use more of the available performance.

These machines are very capable and seriously under rated, my feeling so far is that the 700 will be even better.

I can't wait !

 

[y2blade]

Sounds like you are enjoying it.
post some pictures up please

 

[Mad_Accountant]

I've only recently become a subscriber, I'll post pics when I can.

Btw what's the derivation of "Tosser" some sort of in joke I presume?

 

[Mad_Accountant]

600 mile service yesterday £106

Average mpg is 64.74, which is not being helped by my 4.7 mile commute.

I have given up on the standard seat and ordered a BMW comfort seat, I found myself having to stop the bike and walk around after 40 minutes which is ridiculous. Is anyone managing with the standard seat?

Otherwise all is well with 750 miles on her now.

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

While acting as Medic /Guide for the recent E Scooter in London my Mate was using the 650 and loved it . I was on a 12 , escorting Journo's out to Kent from Canary Warf . He loved it , it was quick enough and easy handling . Great bike

 

[gjclark38]

got my se in feb done just under 9,000 mile so far love the bike far more than my 1200gs

 

[BAKERMAN]

got my se in feb done just under 9,000 mile so far love the bike far more than my 1200gs

yeap me too horses for courses

 

[moody]

I love mine too.

 

[Mad_Accountant]

Sorry - I've deserted you.....,

After 2 months and 1400 miles I have traded it back in for a GS Adventure

Although the timing is strange there is a very narrow time band before the 650 will drop substantially in value, plus these are the final opportunities to buy a new oilcooled 1200.

The SE has been a superb bike and I would unhesitatingly recommend it but there is something about Adventures I just can't resist.

Still they are both GSs and both BMWs and this Forum has been a great discovery.

Thank you &

Regards

Phil