Comments on: Taking Home a BMW F 650 GS

By: David Masse

David Masse — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:57:33 +0000

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,

By: Antonio Liao

Antonio Liao — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 21:02:04 +0000

Great! Another new adverture for you.. Motorcyle in the sticks ! bmw offer very attraic price for this model

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:24:17 +0000

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

By: Conchscooter

Conchscooter — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:11:15 +0000

They build nice engines them Chinese.

By: Sojourner rides

Sojourner rides — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 21:42:15 +0000

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.

By: American Scooterist Blog

American Scooterist Blog — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:37:31 +0000

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

By: bobskoot

bobskoot — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:51:12 +0000

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

By: Jack Riepe

Jack Riepe — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:06:57 +0000

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

By: Paul

Paul — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 05:38:10 +0000

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

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 02:53:09 +0000

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.