Any common problems/weakness with F650GSD

**T-Rex** · #1 5 Dec 2006

Just wondering if anyone out there travelling through rough terrain has any known problems with the F650GSD. What spares are recommended to be carried along, or left with someone to send on if needed?

**Lone Rider** · #2 5 Dec 2006

Fuel injection elec, rear subframe, fork seals, rear shock, water pump, headlight case (depends on yr model).....
I'm sure other people can make additions.

**T-Rex** · #3 5 Dec 2006

Fuel injection electronics has been improved with new software, the bike has been running much better since the upgrade, although it very seldomly still surges will keeping the revs up at 3500rpm in slow moving traffic. What problems exactly have you had with the rear sub-frame and shock? Can you recommend any improvements to be made?

**hook** · #4 6 Dec 2006

Hi T-rex, If you look through the BMW tech pages you'll find lots of info regarding the F-650, including one I started over a year ago regarding just what you asked about. I'll try to put a link to the page here tonight. H.

**T-Rex** · #5 6 Dec 2006

Hi Dave,

Your pictures speak for themselves, anything can be done! How long ago did you travel through parts of Africa? I'm heading that way from the UK. All info is appreciated as I'm a novice wanting to take the road less travelled back home.

**honchoandbingo** · #6 7 Dec 2006

my wifes bike is an 02 650gs. we began our trip in september, so far on this trip we (she´s) had:

key ignition switch...ie, turn key on, no electricals.
aftermarket staintune exhaust....can split, replaced under warranty.
radiator cooling fan....on f650.com this sounds like a common problem
under the seat, the access lid for the fuel pump has cracked, causing fuel leak....currently dealing with this one in loja, ecuador.

i´ve got an 01 dakar...no problem so far.

mark
www.roundtheworldorbust.com

**T-Rex** · #7 7 Dec 2006

Hi Mark,

My fuel tank was replaced under warranty a few months ago when it started leaking at the cap under the seat. The mechanic told me it starts leaking if the tank is over-filled. i.e putting in extra fuel after the auto-stop. It has been fine since.
Thank you for your info and good luck to you both with your travels

Tyrone

**honchoandbingo** · #8 7 Dec 2006

t-rex,

we think overfilling is the culprit. for some reason they tend to do that down here.

forgort about the speedo cable on my bike, no bike deal.

and we are wondering about erin's rear shock.

thanks,

mark

**hook** · #9 7 Dec 2006

T-rex, I was riding in Africa last week. I'm home for a month to replace my trashed equipment and visit familiy. I'll be back in Kenya to continue heading north to Cairo in January, '07. Hope we can meet along the way! H.

**T-Rex** · #10 7 Dec 2006

Hi Hook,

I am still in the planning stages of my trip and will only be leaving the uk at the end of 2008 or beginning 2009, so there is still a long way ahead of me before I head off. If you pass through the uk or europe between now and then, contact me and I would be more than happy to meet up with you. You are on an around the world hey? Do you have plans to pass through this neck of the woods? I'm going to the annual HU meeting next year, I think it is in June or July, will find out the exact date. Sounds like fun. Have a good break at home and enjoy Kenya when you start your travels again.

T-Rex

**T-Rex** · #11 8 Dec 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by honchoandbingo

t-rex,

we think overfilling is the culprit. for some reason they tend to do that down here.

forgort about the speedo cable on my bike, no bike deal.

and we are wondering about erin's rear shock.

thanks,

mark

Hi Mark and Erin,

I do not know exactly what you mean about your speedo cable, maybe you mean it's out of warranty...nor what's going on with Erin's shock, but shock probs seem to pop up often on these Tech pages. Sorry I can't help with any info, hope you sort everything out soon so you can continue on your journey

Tyrone

**Lone Rider** · #12 8 Dec 2006

Your best source of info will be www.f650.com

As commonly said, "It's what they do".

**T-Rex** · #13 11 Dec 2006

Thank for the link Lone Rider, it answers many questions.

**oldbaldrick** · #14 12 Jan 2007

we think overfilling is the culprit. for some reason they tend to do that down here.

Wouldn't have thought so, cos as the tank is vented, there'll be no build-up of pressure.