Test Riding a G650GS today..

[Roberto]

.. and quite looking forward to it.

Had a couple of rides on the older 650 single, really quite liked it
Looking to use it as an occassional light commute bike and something that can do a little more.

Anyone got one.. tried one? Whaddaya think?

Thoughts welcome
Rob

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

.. and quite looking forward to it.

Had a couple of rides on the older 650 single, really quite liked it
Looking to use it as an occassional light commute bike and something that can do a little more.

Anyone got one.. tried one? Whaddaya think?

Thoughts welcome
Rob

Look for a s/hand black model 650 XCountry & save some cash

 

[Roberto]

Look for a s/hand black model 650 XCountry & save some cash

Not out of the question, JB. Not many about though..!

 

[indylead]

Hi there,

I've had a G650GS since March last year, and after 8,000 miles I'm still enjoying it. I don't have much experience to compare the bike with - my only other bike was a CBF125.

I use the GS to commute most days (snow or ice and I switch to the car!) and find it's pretty good for the job. Fairly nimble through stationary traffic and people seem to see me coming more than on the CBF.

I'm also getting 70mpg regularly even on 5-10 minute journeys.

As for a little more, I've been across to Belgium on it, and it seems perfectly suited to long road trips.

Can't comment on off-road...haven't ventured there yet

Steve

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Not out of the question, JB. Not many about though..!

Keep looking, get it set up like Micky's with a screen and heated grips and you've got a better bike which weighs less and has 5hp more power

That would be my choice or an XChallenge (one on here for £2995)

 

[rce]

G650GS is a brilliant bike, great fun. Some have had warm start issues which BMW still haven't fixed properly.

From the seat back takes the old F650GS accessories including the various seat options.

Ours has been brilliant great fun, no problem doing a 10 hour day scratching around A and B roads.

Did a 1700 mile Scottish tour last year which it handled brilliantly.

My first real ride on her to run her in was about 400 miles which I really enjoyed.

 

[Roberto]

Well back to back test rides on the G650GS and then had a spin on the latest RT, there's a contrast for you.

Have to say I like it, I really do. Very easy to ride. Nimble handling, very precise and crucially.. It is a lot of fun. Lots of dashing about in town through the traffic, took it up to decent speeds running down the A3. It would seem perfectly capable of touring on as well as nipping to the shops.

The only niggle was the seat seemed a little on the hard side. These things can be sorted of course..

Thumbs up from me

 

[Micky]

Have to say I like it, I really do. Very easy to ride. Nimble handling, very precise and crucially.. It is a lot of fun. Lots of dashing about in town through the traffic, took it up to decent speeds running down the A3. It would seem perfectly capable of touring on as well as nipping to the shops.

The only niggle was the seat seemed a little on the hard side. These things can be sorted of course..

Thumbs up from me

Ay up Rob ... as JB says, look for a Xcountry, lighter and sprightlier for sure, mucho fun indeed

Or maybe a Xchallenge might be better

A serious bike for lots of fun

But then as RCE (Alan) says, the G650GS which is really a reincarnation of the old F650GS that Sue and misen had, will give stirling service

 

[Roberto]

Ay up Rob ... as JB says, look for a Xcountry, lighter and sprightlier for sure, mucho fun indeed

Alright Micky, long time no see. Well the XC certainly comes recommended from wise owls. Nothing really about and I'm guessing now out of production getting a test might be difficult.

Or maybe a Xchallenge might be better
A serious bike for lots of fun

That looks, erm, a little too serious for me. Wanted a bit of a swiss army knife bike. something for some commuting into town, weekends away, and maybe (just maybe) some novice (and I mean novice) off road stuff..

But then as RCE (Alan) says, the G650GS which is really a reincarnation of the old F650GS that Sue and misen had, will give stirling service

Indeed, my first ride on the single F650 was indeed Sue's.. borrowed it when my bike was in Schmitt's at Adenau for a new tyre few year back..

Thinking thinking thinking..

 

[Roberto]

...Did a 1700 mile Scottish tour last year which it handled brilliantly...

Alan, thank you for sharing that.

From that report.. G650GS average 85mpg.. . .. better than my Vespa

 

[rce]

Alan, thank you for sharing that.

From that report.. G650GS average 85mpg.. . .. better than my Vespa

Usually about 80mpg on a day out though some people seem to only get 70mpg out of the G650GS. Think the speeds on the Scottish Highlands roads suited the G650GS and eked that bit more out of her.

Far better fuel consumption than our previous jap bikes which typically managed 40 to 45mpg

 

[Micky]

Cross Country for sale over on Adventure Bike Rider Rob

Here

 

[Roberto]

Well situation not exactly changed. I liked the G650GS a lot I but doing the research and looking round on the F650 site there do seem some doubts on some issues (ie the starting problem) that haven't been sorted. Also there are some very very low miler non-demo versions for sale which seems sort of odd.

So I'm sitting on my hands a bit at the moment. I've been keeping an eye out for the right X Country to go and have a look at, but they seem as rare as the proverbial rocking horse shyte.

Ho-hum. At least its snowing I suppose and the bike isn't on me mind..

 

[Micky]

Alright Micky, long time no see. Well the XC certainly comes recommended from wise owls .....


...... something for some commuting into town, weekends away, and maybe (just maybe) some novice (and I mean novice) off road stuff..

Yeah ... I see what you mean

Come and have a ride on my XC Rob if you're up this way at all ... but none of the malarkey below please

 

[Seamaster]

While we have both been sitting on our hands regarding a nice x country, two have sold this week, one with 2k miles and the other with 4 k miles, both went for £3k, or there abouts.
It's a dilemma for me, go for something light like the x country or buy a dream bike such as the 1150 adventure, I regret selling my 850 GS last weekend and need to fill a hole in the garage that is bike shaped!

 

[Roberto]

Yeah ... I see what you mean

Come and have a ride on my XC Rob if you're up this way at all ... but none of the malarkey below please

eek, Micky... long memory you have!

Cheers indeed for the kind offer. Incidentally, I can assure you that I have since done the 'BMW Off Road Skills' course and have the associated Blue Peter badge. As a result I have infinitely improved my falling off technique

R

 

[Roberto]

While we have both been sitting on our hands regarding a nice x country, two have sold this week, one with 2k miles and the other with 4 k miles, both went for £3k, or there abouts.

Yes indeed, that didn't go unnoticed..

It's a dilemma for me, go for something light like the x country or buy a dream bike such as the 1150 adventure, I regret selling my 850 GS last weekend and need to fill a hole in the garage that is bike shaped!

Indeed. Canny bike the 850. I'm very lucky in the sense I'll still have use of another bike.

 

[Roberto]

Ultimately..

Just bought an x-country. '07 bike with FSH and low miles. Pick it up tomorrow

As I uncovered the layers on the G650GS, seems that all is not rosy in the garden with that model. Looking over at the tales on the F650 website it seems that the hot starting issues are far from sorted and there seem to be regular new occurrences.

Whereas in comparison, the X-Country is a very well thought of bike, and the key is it seems to be reliable.

It's a shame as I really, really liked the G650GS... it ticked every box. If MBW sort out the gremlins I'm sure it is something I'd consider in the future.

Thanks to those who contributed here, particularly Micky for help on the lookout and JB drawing attention.. appreciated guys, just shows how useful this place is and how good the folks can be