the F650GS or F800GS could be my first bike

[senasplage]

Hi Everyone,
Well all is said in the title really ;-)

I am planning to buy my first bike very soon and the F650GS or F800GS are in my top list of bikes I like (among the Suzuki GSX650F).

I have a test ride booked for saturday and just hope that I am doing the right thing. Indeed both bikes, the GS and Suzuki are two different type of bikes, I like to be able to go fast with the Suzuki but also like the versatility of the GS.

I just hope I am doing the right thing, I guess that a couple of test rides is the way to go.
Thanks for reading.
Ben

 

[v8legend]

Hi Ben. I've got an 800GS, and it does everything that I want and more. I seriously doubt the Suzuki is any quicker. However, as a first bike, I think the 650GS with its lower seat is probably better for you (unless you're really tall). I know I'm biased towards the BM, but whilst you're in the Suzuki showroom, check out the 650 V-Strom.

 

[senasplage]

Thanks v8legend for the reply. I am 6" tall and I already sat on a 650 and 800 at the BMW retailelr on saturday. Indeed the 650 "feel" comfier as it it lower, but I don't have much trouble on the 800 either.

 

[GunZenBomZ]

It's all a question of do you want a bike that you can grow into or a lighter bike that will do everything you need.

 

[senasplage]

Hmmm, well I want a bike that I can grow into in order to do everything I need

 

[Deleted Member I]

There are some cracking deals on 2009 model year Yamaha XJ6 diversions (the half faired one).

I would say that is a much better buy than the BMW 650.

If you really want a GS .. go for a 1200 GSA. Most eventually do, but initially deny themselves.

 

[wheeledwidewebb]

If you really want a GS .. go for a 1200 GSA. Most eventually do, but initially deny themselves.

Aye, very true.

 

[Deleted Member I]

Aye, very true.

People think it is a joke but everyone I have met who was on a GS is now on a GSA. Especially after seeing how macho I look on my GSA

 

[Dean]

Hi Ben
Hello and welcome as its your first post,

I would say test ride all you have in mind that way you dont have to be -
INDECISIVE about your Decision


good luck with your choice

 

[mcbikerider]

If you really want a GS .. go for a 1200 GSA. Most eventually do, but initially deny themselves.

I bought a 650 twin last year, kept her for 6 months and a couple of thousand miles and then "upgraded" to an 800 last week. Although I felt that the 650 was a very good bike for a beginner like me I never got rid of the feeling that I should have bought an 800 in the first place.

Anyway, I miss my 650 because it was a really good bike, but I am glad I now have an 800. After 700 miles I really like the bike, the height suits me better (I am 6 foot 3), I like the looks of her and she can really do everything.

But I am sure that I will eventually buy a 1200. However, no need to rush - I believe one should grow with the bikes before upgrading.

 

[Buz]

I passed my test 12 months ago and was all set for an 800, after test riding the 650 and sitting on the 800 I realised i'm too short in the leg for the 800 and went the 650 route. Lovely bike but i still hanker after the 800. Would like a 1150/1200 but still feel I lack the experience, I still manage to scare myself enough on my 650

 

[Mick_rw]

I felt that...

I passed my test 12 months ago and was all set for an 800, after test riding the 650 and sitting on the 800 I realised i'm too short in the leg for the 800 and went the 650 route. Lovely bike but i still hanker after the 800. Would like a 1150/1200 but still feel I lack the experience, I still manage to scare myself enough on my 650

when I passed my test on Feb 03 I wanted a 1150GS as well but lack of confidence with its size, so purchased a 1150R 4 months later changed it for a 1150GS and 8 years later have never looked back....

 

[v8legend]

If you really want a GS .. go for a 1200 GSA.

As a first bike? Bollox!

 

[Beth]

As a first bike? Bollox!

Must admit that does seem a very sensible post

I'm 4'11", just on my first 650GS!

Cannot for the life of me understand why you're considering the 650 tho', you will only want to trade up to the 800 pretty quickly (think mcbikerider explains it pretty well)

 

[v8legend]

Sorry Beth. But I can't imagine anyone getting on with a 1200GSA as a first bike. By all means have it as your aspiration, but learn your craft first. Besides, if you start off on a 1200GSA, what do you move up to in 12 months time?

 

[mr badger]

Buy whatewver you feel the most confortable riding. That way you develop your skills.

I've known several peeps who go out and buy supersport 600s as their first bikes, get scared/feel out of control and only do 500 miles before giving in.

 

[Blind Lemon Ade]

I have the F650GS Twin, with lowered seat, because my legs aren't long enough for the F800... but that doesn't mean I ever wanted an 800, or regret not buying an 800, because the 650 IS an 800, just "badge-engineered" to appeal to a different buyer. They say it has better low-down torque than the 800 as well (Is that actually true? I've yet to see a dyno comparison...)

Before that I had a Yamaha 600 Fazer; lovely bike, but I found I couldn't get on with the revvy 4-cyl engine. I grew up on twins, singles, Guzzis and Ducatis, so for me low-down grunt is more important than a whizzy top-end I'll only use once upon an Autobahn...

When I test-rode the 650, it felt clunky, vibey, bouncy and generally rough, after the smooth 600, but since then I've grown used to it, and it's great fun. We're planning 2-up trips with full luggage - whatever the 800 can do, so can the 650!

 

[Dean]

I am 6" tall and I already sat on a 650 and 800 at the BMW retailelr on saturday. Indeed the 650 "feel" comfier as it it lower, but I don't have much trouble on the 800 either.

I'm 6' and 9.5mm the 650 is fine. but its so far from standard seat high TT touring screen etc etc etc. but when I ride the f800 it does not feel so vastly different ok maybe a gnats willy

and yep its true peeps do say the F650 is the better ROAD bike, wich suits 99.9% of my Riding on road mines a keeper

depends on your needs and wants, like I mentioned before have the test rides take your time,


good luck in your choice

 

[senasplage]

Thanks all for you reply

 

[deadseriousdave]

I am 6"1 and have spent my first year riding a F650, fantastic bike, does everything I want it to do. I have gone on a few long day trips and have found it sore on me rear, at first I thought that it was because I was new to biking but now I think it is because the bike is too small for me. For that reason I am now looking to get the F800 but other than that I would have stayed on the F650... Might suggest test riding a F650 for 3-4 hrs if poss and see how you get on or just go for the F800.....