wtd: honest F650 GS Twin advice

[Elle]

Almost 2 yrs ago, I started to look for a different bike to my (then) CBF600. As someone who suffers from height deficiency, I'm limited to what I can ride. I do a lot of touring miles so comfort is important.

I took a test ride on the F650GS twin - thought it lacked power and wasn't different enough to my 600.
Allan Jeffries persuaded me to test ride a 1200GS with a lowered frame & seat. I was surprised I could touch the floor but I decided, once loaded up with camping or touring gear, it would be too heavy to easily manoeuvre.

So, I purchased the CBF1000 which occasionally feels heavy but overall, it's a great bike. But, it's still not rocking my boat and I find myself thinking about the F650 GS again.

I've found a lowered 08 model which has numerous accessories, 15k miles and in good condition at £4200.

I don't intend riding it off road but if capable of the occasional gravel track that would be useful - I wouldn't dare take the CBF down a gravel track due to it's weight.

Are there any owners out there who are willing to provide an honest review? I've heard all sorts of stories about unreliability and parts being of poor (chinese) quality.

thanks

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Almost 2 yrs ago, I started to look for a different bike to my (then) CBF600. As someone who suffers from height deficiency, I'm limited to what I can ride. I do a lot of touring miles so comfort is important.

I took a test ride on the F650GS twin - thought it lacked power and wasn't different enough to my 600.
Allan Jeffries persuaded me to test ride a 1200GS with a lowered frame & seat. I was surprised I could touch the floor but I decided, once loaded up with camping or touring gear, it would be too heavy to easily manoeuvre.

So, I purchased the CBF1000 which occasionally feels heavy but overall, it's a great bike. But, it's still not rocking my boat and I find myself thinking about the F650 GS again.

I've found a lowered 08 model which has numerous accessories, 15k miles and in good condition at £4200.

I don't intend riding it off road but if capable of the occasional gravel track that would be useful - I wouldn't dare take the CBF down a gravel track due to it's weight.

Are there any owners out there who are willing to provide an honest review? I've heard all sorts of stories about unreliability and parts being of poor (chinese) quality.

thanks

Chains were suspect, check if a 2008 one has had the official recal for new chain and sprockets, if it hasn't BMW wiill do it for you

From what I hear (talking to BMW mechanics) the 650 Twin has been ok and is a better motor than the 800GS

Sarah has one (Lowered Seat) and I'm sure she'd let you have a look over it and an honest appraisal - she seems to like it (though she'd like double discs) and she came from a K1200 which is a heavy beast (worse than your Honda)

I'd have a F650GS Twin no problem and when I did 200 miles on one in 2008, I really liked it

 

[SERVDAVE]

Hi Elle,

I have had my 650 gs twin for 2 years now and done 24k with no problems. I have found it cheaper to run than my Kawasaki ER6F.

I've had none of the reported problems that some have suffered with, I do think most of the problems have been ironed out. I went for the 650gs over the 800 as it seemed to be having less problems than the 800.

Im sure someone who knows allot more about the technical problems will be along shortly. But if you have any more questions ask away!



If you decide to buy you won't be disappointed. They get better the more miles you cover on them!

 

[Elle]

Thanks JB, I did have a brief chat with Sarah on Saturday. We both agreed that if BMW did the F650GS without a detuned 800cc engine it would be ideal. There's a lot of customers waiting for a mid-range engine on a bike capable of touring with a low seat height. Sarah also complained about the lack of twin disks at the front.

Thanks SDave for your opinion. Good to know you've had few issues and it's economical to run. Fairly important these days.

Does anyone here ride an F650 off road? In the past it was proclaimed to be the ideal machine but I notice the centre in Wales are now using the G650GS.

 

[v8legend]

There have been a few well documented issues with both the 650 and 800. You'll find more details in the relevant section. Many bikes have had no issues at all. There were early fueling problems on the 800 (it cut out when you stopped), it was sorted with a software upgrade.

Other problems have been the fuel gauge, top hose, cam cover gasket, chain and sprockets, plus the rear wheel bearings. Very few bikes have been affected, but these problems are common to both models.

If you want to know what the 60 is like off-road, then contact F650GS Puma.

 

[Blind Lemon Ade]

Yup, look in the F650GS Twin section, in particular Tim's index to popular threads:

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=195475

If you do a lot of miles, you're gonna need a comfortable seat. I don't go far, but I still get a sore arse.

 

[SERVDAVE]

Thanks JB, I did have a brief chat with Sarah on Saturday. We both agreed that if BMW did the F650GS without a detuned 800cc engine it would be ideal. There's a lot of customers waiting for a mid-range engine on a bike capable of touring with a low seat height. Sarah also complained about the lack of twin disks at the front.

Thanks SDave for your opinion. Good to know you've had few issues and it's economical to run. Fairly important these days.

Does anyone here ride an F650 off road? In the past it was proclaimed to be the ideal machine but I notice the centre in Wales are now using the G650GS.

I Haven't done loads of off roading on mine but they are more the capable. However F650GS Puma will be the one to speak to.

I would imagine the only reason the centre in wales swaped to G650GS bike because they are cheaper.

 

[oblertone]

Just how ...

... vertically challenged are you ? Jaq on here went from a factory lowered F650 Single to the factory lowered twin and loves it; she claims to be 5'00" on a good day

The essential mods for her were adjustable clutch & brake levers, a shorter gear lever and an F800GS standard screen; she has no trouble keeping up with my 1150GSA

 

[Elle]

...Tim's index to popular threads:

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=195475

thank you, had totally by-passed that section