Which one to rent

[Tarmac Teaser]

I'm going on a trip to Oz in June for three weeks and have managed to blag 7 days to myself so I intend to rent a bike and do some touring.

The choice I have is either a F650gs or 1200gs. Not being a Bmw owner I'm on the orange side I thought I would put it to the collective as to what would be a more suitable choice for touring given weight and mpg/reliability.

I'm looking to do about 2500 kms in the 7 days.

So what are your thoughts?

 

[HR0]

Both will do the job.

depends a bit where at that time of year, and how much dirt tracks and off road.

so may depend on tyres abit too, the dirt roads in the wet are slippy mud.

but you wanted an opinion.............the 1200

you can have a great ride anywhere

where are you starting from ?

H

did all the way round and down the middle of oz (40,000 miles ) in 1989/90

but in a 1973 ford falcon

loved it

 

[Tarmac Teaser]

Starting from Perth and maybe looking to get to Ayres rock and back in the 7 days.

The 1200 would probably be my first choice, although fuel availability may be a concern.

 

[Tim Cullis]

If the F650GS is a single, I'd personally go with the 1200GS, but if it's the new twin cylinder 800cc version of the F650GS, then I'd go with that.

The 1200GS has a bit more space for two-up or slinging luggage. Fuel range at non-motorway speeds is slightly better on either of the F650 bikes.

Tim

 

[Fanum]

How tall/heavy are you?

I know either choice can be made to fit, but for a comfy tour, given that both bikes would be up to the work itself, for me it would come down to which one I felt more at home with.

Without sitting on them both , I'd say that it's impossible to tell, and that opinions here are irrelevant as well (after you hear both will cut it)

I'd suggest that you drop in to a BMW dealer and sit on both models, then go with your gut feeling, simple as that

Enjoy your trip

 

[HTB]

Have just done 3,500kms in Aus over Christmas and New Year, but by car. Wished I'd been on a bike for some of it. Aus is big (if you haven't noticed!). Suggest that the 1200 will be better bet for the distance, particularly with any luggage.

Having an ADV and the use of a 650 GS (the new model), the 1200 will just be an easier, more 'effortless' ride. The 650 will be more than capable, but I've found it a little gutless with 'two up' weight, so have a think about how much you will be covering.

Keep in the back of your mind that the Roos and Wallies come out at about dusk and it can get a little exciting trying to avoid them - they are not small (even the small ones). Nearly collected a few during the hours of darkness. Once out of town, it can be very risking driving at night.

 

[Tarmac Teaser]

How tall/heavy are you?

I know either choice can be made to fit, but for a comfy tour, given that both bikes would be up to the work itself, for me it would come down to which one I felt more at home with.

Without sitting on them both , I'd say that it's impossible to tell, and that opinions here are irrelevant as well (after you hear both will cut it)

I'd suggest that you drop in to a BMW dealer and sit on both models, then go with your gut feeling, simple as that

Enjoy your trip

I'm 5'7 and 155lbs and currently have a Ktm 990 adv so the height won't be too much of an issue.

The rental difference is only £70 for the 7 days and includes panniers, helmet, gloves and jacket.

The 650 is advertised on the website as the Dakar if it makes much difference.

Ideally I was looking for a F800gs or Ktm 990 adv but they don't exist as far as rental is concerned.

 

[Navy Boy]

If the F650GS is a single, I'd personally go with the 1200GS, but if it's the new twin cylinder 800cc version of the F650GS, then I'd go with that.

The 1200GS has a bit more space for two-up or slinging luggage. Fuel range at non-motorway speeds is slightly better on either of the F650 bikes.

Tim

I'm with Tim on this one however I'd venture further and not recommend the twin model either. I hired a 650 Twin last month whilst in South Africa and it was a little short of grunt when 2-up and with luggage. Not surprising I guess however the suspension was also a little lacking when loaded and that was with full preload at the back end.

Oh and the 650 we had kept blowing its top coolant hose and then, when a new hose and jubilee clip had been fitted by BMW assist, simply overheated instead...

Go for the 1200

 

[Tarmac Teaser]

I leaning toward the 1200 unless there's a F800gs that I can find.