BMW F650GS

[MicheleZ]

Any one own one of these? Knows someone who does? I would like to get opinions on them.

[safety-boy]

Is that the dual-purpose bike? If so, it is (IIRC) a single-cylinder. One guy I talked to loved his. I am not a fan of singles, however.

--Dave

[MicheleZ]

Yep, it is an Enduro - single cylinder. I am a short female so my options are somewhat limited. The F650GS comes with a lowered frame option from the factory so it would fit me really nice. It is light and would be great at slow moves - right up my alley. I also have a lot of dirt/gravel roads where I live. I am not looking for a lot of power as I am a somewhat new rider and want to get more mileage under my belt before I got bigger/heavier (if I ever did).

[safety-boy]

You might look at a KLR650 from Kawasaki. Also a single Dual Purpose. $5199 MSRP - probably a lot better price than the BeeMer, unless you found a great deal.

http://kawasaki.com/Products/Detail.aspx?id=161

--Dave

[d2mini]

I'm only throwing this out there because you mentioned height.... you might want to look at the Triumph Bonneville Scrambler if you haven't already.

[MicheleZ]

You might look at a KLR650 from Kawasaki. Also a single Dual Purpose. $5199 MSRP - probably a lot better price than the BeeMer, unless you found a great deal.

http://kawasaki.com/Products/Detail.aspx?id=161

--Dave

Good lord - I would have to drop that baby by 6 inches to even get on it.........

[Lion_Lady]

Any one own one of these? Knows someone who does? I would like to get opinions on them.

Have you checked out www.f650.com? A whole forum of f650 types.

I used to own the city cousin of the GS, the belt driven f650CS, LOVED that bike!

The GS has the same engine if I'm not mistaken, with some tweaks to make it a bit more 'dirt friendly' but not so much as to REALLY change the character of it. Enough power to get you around town or out on the highway but not so much that you've got any worries about setting your hair on fire or scaring yourself.

I put 8000 miles on my little BMW in the almost 2 years I owned it. Have since moved up.

Is there a BMW dealer anywhere near you? Why not contact them and see if they have one you can come look at. Many BMW dealers allow test rides.

P

[MicheleZ]

Have you checked out www.f650.com? A whole forum of f650 types.

Is there a BMW dealer anywhere near you? Why not contact them and see if they have one you can come look at. Many BMW dealers allow test rides.

P

Yes I have been hanging out there - but it being a F650 board, of course most all of them LOVE their bikes LOL! I am visting the BMW dealer this weekend

Sounds like you got a lot of mileage out of that bike - and had a great time doing it. So far, I have only read good things - very encouraging.

[Lion_Lady]

I loved it because it was lightweight, but not too 'toylike.' I frequently did 150-200 mile days on it.

The flip side of the lightweight issue is that you'll be more affected by crosswinds (or passing trucks) than on a heavier bike. Just something to deal with and be aware of. (ANY lightweight bike will suffer this.)

P

[High_Side]

After riding one I'd have to agree that they are designed for shorter riders. At 5'11" the dished seat held me too far forward and I really couldn't wait for the ride to end. It would seem to be a nice bike if I could fit it however...