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Ok, I've still got a year before I'm actually ready to buy a bike, but I did notice that the new F650GS, which I've been drooling over, now has the what appears to be the same engine as the F800, but slightly tuned down.

So, do y'all think it is still a good beginner bike, or should I look at the G650GS, which has the smaller engine?

A secondary question - can the new F650 later be tuned to have the same power/torque as the F800? Seems like that might be a cheap upgrade.

I've never ridden either, yet, so I don't really know how the handling characteristics change.

Anywho, just idle wonder as I continue to drool, wait for my shoulder surgery & recup time to be over, so that I can actually go get my bike.

Bmw are great motorcycles I had two, the F659 cost alot to buy and it is not cheap to maint. If you do your own maint you will save there.

I just picked up an 07 with ~2700 miles on it. I can do a lot of my own maint, such as changing most fluids, etc. Esp. as the bmw shop charges $80/hr.

But I do have to say that they are the nicest ppl I've talked to in a dealer here. I went into another very well known dealership and no one would talk to me. But the BMW guys talked to me for 3 hrs, even though I wasn't buying, and had made that clear, then.

Where I got my Beull from they were great ,where I got my last Bmw from they were also. But many dealers I have by me treat you like crap.

The 800cc engine is going to be a bit much for a beginner, in my opinion.

The 650cc in a totally different engine, and it will not be possible to tune it to match the 800. BMW made their models very confusing this year, so pay attention to the spec sheets.

This is my first bike and it's fine. Love the ABS brakes (which is my primary reason for bmw)

I think it's iffy, but doable. However I think the single-cylinder F65OGS (2007 and older) would have more forgiving power characteristics, and would be easier to recco for a beginner. Started out on an F650CS myself (same engine, same chassis, but a street-oriented design). Loved it, miss it, and would still be on it if I didn't need more pillion space.

I'm with Grey Thumper, I think the F650GS twin is a gray zone bike. My wife has the lowered version which is probably more beginner-friendly. But that engine is awfully zippy for a beginner.

I have a F650gs with the lowered suspension, the power is great , probabley a bit to much for a beginner , you have 6 gears which is good. However my 08 model has a problem with chain slapping caused by the factory fitted lower suspension whic for a beginner could be very distracting . Test ride all the bikes before you buy .

Here I go again. the bike in it's stock form is actually one of the easiest bike to ride and if you have the right attitude and respect for the machine , there is no reason why this would not be a good bike for a beginner. It is very controllable, has a linear power band, great brakes. Slow speed balance and control is exceptional and the clutch and friction zone are very forgiving.

Just do the right things in the right order. Proper gear, invest in training first before you even get the bike, note I said invest, which is exactly what you do when you train, and respect the machine.