The time has arrived to check out one of the new BMW motorcycles at Kissell Motorsports. I was going to wait until the weather was a bit warmer but when Craig Kissell send an email asking when I was going to take a GS for a ride what could I do? So I am starting with a BMW F 650 GS. This one is brand new. Zero miles on the odometer. I get nervous being the first one to take something out on the road. But who am I to complain? A quick check of the bike and the controls revealed a big difference from the usual tools on my Vespa. This bike has ABS brakes, heated grips, built in port for electrics, and a lot more.
I didn’t really have time for any riding today. Just a less than direct ride home from work with a few stops to check out the motorcycle. The turn signals took a couple of practice runs to reprogram my brain from the one button all function switch on the Vespa to the three button self canceling function of the BMW. A smarter person could make the adjustment on the road. I had to pull over and look at the controls for everything to make sense. A little side trip up a gravel road did the trick. This motorcycle is smooth, quiet, and seems to pull no matter what speed I’m traveling or what gear I’m in. My kind of performance.
Home appeared too quickly. I stopped the motorcycle at the end of the driveway being cautious with this shiny new machine. On the Vespa I would have zipped right between our cars and on to the garage.
I’m planning an early departure tomorrow despite the weather forecast calling for 20F at daybreak. And since my Gerbing electric gloves have the wrong connector I won’t be able to plug them in. So I will have a chance to try out heated grips. And if all else fails I can cozy up to the big shiny muffler.
I’m excited. I can tell. For the next few days I am a BMW rider.
Congratulations, Steve on trying out the Beemer. I too had to adjust to the turn signals after riding a Vespa. By the end of tomorrow you’ll be use to it. You’ll love the heated grips too! Looking forward to your next post.
I’m also really looking forward to your review. Whenever I start thinking I want a modern bike, that’s the model I would consider. Especially with all the gravel we have around here. Have fun!
Oh yes, as they the truckers say, “Keep the shiny side up.” That’s a ten thousand dollar one I’d bet. It’s got similar model numbers as mine but it’s not the same chassis layout is it? There is a BMW adapter in the garage you can borrow for your gloves. Do you know where I hide the key? Sheesh. I’ll send you an email with that. The adaptor is either on the Mercedes in the box or in the luggage of the concours…you’ll have to look around.
Steve,
the 650GS is a great beemer!
Not as heavy as the 1200GS or as massive but hang can hang with the big dogs on the highways.
I’ve test ridden both the new 650 and 800 GS and liked the 800 a bit more for its power, very tempting.
I too look forward to your review of this Beemer.
The poor Vespa will probably start to rust from all the tears shed due to neglect.
I too am excited to hear what you think of the 650, It is one I have had my eyes on before. I don’t think that a really big engine is in my future. A 600 to 800 seems a very nice size, very capable, yet not real heavy.
Steve,
Looking forward to hearing your review; The BMW 650 plus the Triumph Bonne, and Honda NT700V are my choice for a future bike.
It’s a great bike, but I can tell you what will happen. You will have very sore legs for a while. That’s a tall seat to be climbing on and off of frequently to take photos!
I’m quite interested to read your review. Enjoy the bike!
Mike: I did adjust to the turn signals. I’ll describe my experience with the heated grips when I do the longer post. I did like them though.
Richard: I’m spoiled. I don’t want any vintage bikes anymore. Vintage cameras yes. Vintage bikes no.
Paul: There were moments at 70mph and 25F that I wished I had gone to your garage and picked up that adaptor. Oh well….
Charlie6: The F 650 GS is a really nice bike. I’m gathering my thoughts and will post soon. Wish I could keep it another few days without rain…
Robert Sisson: I don’t even like to think about the poor Vespa all alone at Kissell Motorsports. On the other hand, it may be getting all kinds of crazy ideas from the gathered Ducati’s, BMWs and Triumphs!
cpa3485: It’s a great motorcycle. I look forward to your reactions when I post in a few days.
pvino: I’m familiar with the first two bikes but had to look up the Honda. Seems like a fine machine too. So many choices!
irondad: It’s not that tall. Seat height about the same as the Vespa. And without side bags no problem swinging my leg over. But the Vespa really does spoil you for getting on and off…
Chris: A few more days and I’ll post my experience on the BMW.
Steve:
Oh. You see I was thinking the heated grips were just as good as the heated gloves. And also I thought that model motorcycle had the wind/branches protectors in front of the hand levers. Oh well.
Just so long as you don’t drive too far. Just stop every 15 minutes for more hot chocolate. It’s 90F here right now. Back the the Usa on Wednesday. See the photo of the diesel Enfield on my blog. http://indiamarch2010.blogspot.com/Paul
Dear Steve:
This is how it starts with a BMW. First you take a test ride. And then you discover how logical things are. They may not seem so at first… But give it a few miles.
The multiple turn signal buttons are odd. But they make a lot of sense. Now watch what happens when you press both of them together.
Ever wish you could switch caution flashers on without ever taking your hands off the handlebars… Like in a situation deserving of a little caution. Most bikes don’t have them at all.
The Powerlet outlet seems odd… Until you read the discussion threads where this is likely to become a new industry standard. When you bring the bike back to the dealers, buy the adaptor for $12. (I use one for the GPS on my dash.)
Now, it is perfectly normal to get up in the morning and suddenly want weinerschnitzel for breakfast. That is just the next stasge of the transformation. Ask to ride an F800S next… And ask for a map of the 12 surrounding counties too.
Fondest regards,
Jsack • reep • Toad
Twisted Roads
Steve:
I looked at those F650GS’ up here but they are more than just the exchange difference. Being in Canada makes for huge price discrepancies, but it is a nice bike with good ergonomics. Once you have a dual purpose bike it is hard to go back.
I have to agree with you about modern technology. Why fiddle when you could just be riding. Perfect bike for Alaska or Kansas, or even PA
bob
bobskoot: wet coast scootin
Love the bike. But I always wanted the bike to be a flat twin with shaft drive. Oh well, I guess if I ever get a Beemer it’ll have to be a 1200C…
But gosh, they are pretty.
In a logical manly sort or way…
Harv
Steve, this is a hard bike not to fall in love with. My husband has a ’09 F650GS that I had to babysit it for months while he recuperated from knee surgery. I put about 1000 miles on it and loved everything about it. You are so right that it pulls easily. A number of times I started off in second gear and it pulled off without a whimper. The relaxed legs position is a plus on long distance rides. I’ve heard others say, it is the Swiss army knife of bikes. It’s more jeep like to me. A real winner from BMW IMHO.
They build nice engines them Chinese.
I believe that is the F650GS twin… a Rotax engine (actually an 800cc badged as a 650), not made in China.
BMW, in their unexplainable wisdom,changed the designation of the old F650 single cylinder to the G650, which does have a Chinese made Rotax copy.
jbfla
Great! Another new adverture for you.. Motorcyle in the sticks ! bmw offer very attraic price for this model
Hi Steve,
I have a blog (http://scootcommute.blogspot.com) and I have linked to your blog.
If you feel that the link is inappropriate, I’ll edit as you suggest.
Warm regards,
d.