G650gs
 

So what's the general view on the new(ish) G650GS?

Is that pretty much the same than the old funduro?

The engine is not Rotax anymore, it is chinese... :( shame as the rotax one was bullet proff... but it has a low standard seat of 78cm which is ideal for women and short riders... the only dual bike so low, all the other ones are at least 84cm or more!

Anyway, the bike has very good reviews in magazines, but as we all know, magazines are just nice marketing (no journalist is going to upset BMW now, right? ) ..

If you have one, could you tell me if it is good travel material? Or too fragile for dirt?

Cheers,

Go back and get another Dakar Maria.
Despite all the marketing hype of the new bikes, the 'old' Dakar is still the best (IMHO)
Mine's a 2002 and I'd rather stick wasps up my 'gearbox' rather than get a new one!
There is wisdom in the devil you know!

The Dakar is now the Sertao, a name that is derived from Brazil, funnily enough in view of where you are located Maria:-

2012 BMW G 650 GS Sertão

I have ridden a G650GS as a courtesy bike, so I came straight from a 2005 F650GS to ride the G model.
For those few hours of "ownership" it felt much the same as the F, unsurprisingly, but the grip of the knees is different because the "tank" (which is still an airbox/battery compartment) is a different shape.
Other wise, the instrument panel is neater, more modern in appearance and much like the other BMW bikes in production now.

I can't think of anything else to say about the G650GS because it is so similar to the F. Of course BMW brought this single cyl back into production to meet the public demand (BMW view in the press).
In the UK it is priced very competitively for its' market segment.

hmm I know.. the only problem with that is that ... there is no Dakar available in Rio. There is not much choice in term of travel bikes here unless you are a 6 feet something giant!

SO still wondering about the G650GS.
The Honday XRE300 is superb... but way to high for me... and as for lowering the bike, it would be trivial in the UK, but nothing is ever obvious or easy in Brazil :(
Especially if you do not speak well the language (NO ONE speak anything BUT portuguese!) or know where to go or who to contact!

Cheers,

Personally I also reckon the twin spark (till 2007) Dakar was the best with a decent tank size, spoked wheels and most powerfull GS Rotax engine.

Don't think it matter where the engine is assembled, so long as it's done in a decent factory, although I'm not convinced that it's actually assembled in China at all. Seems to me it was only done for a small period. Now in Spandau according to this.

http://bmwmcmag.com/wp-content/uploa..._650_GS_EN.pdf

In the end the rotax designed motor, design license now sold to BMW, is as good as it always was. Haven't heard of massive problems, other than the waterpump, on any rotax engine made anywhere. Suspension failure across all 650GS models though, but any decent rider should change them to YZ anyway. beer

or WPs. :thumbup1:

I was not so keen on the older F650GS single. I really liked the G650GS when I took one on a test ride last year, it seemed leaner, though an exhaust that didn't sound like a lawnmower would be my first improvement. My friend and I are renting G650GS bikes in Morocco at the end of the month so will probably report back.

BMW Bahnstormer director Paul Davis says he expects the Sertão to outsell the standard G650GS when it launches in March. Pricing (post #33) seems OK.

maria, the XRE have 2 big problems. There's a lot of those bike with cylinder head problems (oil spitting, bad gaskets and all those things) and the other big problem with this bikes they are expensive and very prone to be stolen here in Brazil. If you are looking for a small displacement bikes take a loot at Yamaha's XTZ 250 line (Lander and Tenere).
http://www.yamaha-motor.com.br/web/i..._tenere_02.jpg.
Underneath all the plastic, the XRE 300 is nothing more than a Honda Tornado, but with 5 speed gearbox (instead of 6 on the Tornado) and Fuel Injection.

The 650's engine is assembled by Loncin in China but still using parts manufactured by Rotax in Europe. The BMW bike is considered as an expensive bike here (a lot of people prefer to buy an XT660 instead) but for almost the same money you would pay on the BMW you can buy a VStorm 650 (sometimes with ABS). Another option is to buy an pre-owned Honda NX400 Falcon is a very popular bike in South America (you can find replacement parts is the whole Latin America) but they don't sold them in Brazil anymore (the new brazilian emission standards kill it) but they still selling the bike in other south american countries.

I'm brazilian so if you need any help let me know. :)

We also have the Kawasaki Versys here in Brazil, for smaller riders is probably the best option (IMHO obviously). I'm 6'2" and the bike seemed very small for me when I tried it a few months ago, maybe this could be the best option for you. The only bad thing about the Versys is the lack of the lack of Kawasaki dealerships around Brazil.

Agreed with colebatch!
I replaced the stock one by WP in my previous F650GS and had no problen at all during my trip.
I would certainly replace the stock shock again if I ever get the new G650GS as I cannot imagine the suspension would be better!
Now it will be interesting to smuggle a WP in my luggage when going back to Rio :innocent:

Bruno, yes the XTZ 250 is a great bike. And I had a Versys in the UK, it is a tall bike for me. In the UK I got the seat scooped out and a gel seat inserted, and I also fitted a lowering link that I sourced from the US. It would be too difficult for me to get this sorted here. Also not great for dirt as the exhaust is under the belly. I absolutely loved that bike though!

The XT660 is great but like the XTZ is way too high for me. Above 80cm I would struggle, and I know" if you can get one toe down it is ok"! Well sort of, maybe on tarmac, but not with a fully loaded bike on a hard dirt road it is not! I learnt my lesson the very hard way and I like to reach the ground with my 2 feet!
Bruno do you know if it is possible in Brazil to find a lowering link for the XT660?
I intend to keep my next bike and tarvel with it so must be dual.

The V-strom is way too ugly! sorry, I can;t! :mchappy:

I would prefer at least a 400cc, mainly because the husband wants to get the F800, I can't just trail behing on a 250! There would be trouble in our couple at some point, so I want to be able to keep up.
I like the Falcon, shame they don't do it anymore. Maybe second hand. Again a bit tall but must be possible to lower it a bit!
If seat height was no issue, I would get the XT660! I hate being little! :(

Keep coming guys, especially if you know the Brazil models and you know how and where to lower a bike! Most useful info!

Thanks!

I am off to a churrasco now! :D

2011 bmw g650-gs
 

Hi Maria 41, I did a write up on the 2011 G650-GS with photos here:

Which Bike :
From F800GS to DR 650 SE? Thread

Elisa and I bought two 2011 G650-GS in Spain and rode them from Spain to Turkey and back last year. Handling is great on or off road!

The 2011 BMW G650-GS engines were built in Berlin, Germany not China. The new 2012 Sertao has a 21 inch front wheel and a narrower back wheel then the 2011 G650-GS and a beefed up suspension which makes it more off roady.

Otherwise very little difference.

xfiltrate

Maria I was talking with some friends and they told me that is possible to fabricate a special Linkage to lower the rear suspension height on the bike just like this one.
OFF-THE-ROAD | Linkage bones, XT660Z | buy online
Using a special seat like the ones made by ERE Bancos also helps in lowering the seat position.
http://www.erebancos.com.br/imagens/...XT660R%202.JPG
According to a friend he was able to lower the seat height on a XT660 to about 780mm (from the 865mm from the original XT660) using specially made linkages and a special seat, the same height as the original G650GS, 780 mm. To compare the XRE seat height is 860mm.

I have the G650 country. Similar thing, almost identical engine but interestingly in 09 they switched to building it in China and made a few model changes, some good, some bad. I did a lot of homework on the bike and a lot of reseaerch into known faults and weaknesses and interestingly enough there was no less reliability with the newer version built in China. I've been out of touch a while so things might have changed now but it does tend to imply that the new one need not be any less reliable than the old one, no matter where it was built.
I've met a lot of people on the road who swear by these machines and not a single person who has used one hard has anything negative to say about them. I reckon the new one could be just as good. Fingers crossed.
As for shocks, I used a Wilburs, as recommended as an upgrade for my bike and it's been brilliant, best money I spent and it wasn't particularly expensive either. Worth a look.

I just bought a 2012 Sertao G650GS it is a nice bike, easily maintains 75 mph on the Freeway, took it out in the dirt today did ok for a 450 pound bike. I bought it because I wanted Fuel injection, BMW reliability, GS tourtech add-ons. The bike will be doing the continental divide dirt ride next summer, 2700 miles of dirt roads, then either Alaska or South America. I shopped around for over a year deciding what to buy, this bike won. I have a KTM 520 EXC when I want to ride ruff stuff. I traded in my Harley Road King for the BMW. After I ride this a year, I will be able to tell you if it was a good deal or not. We will see, so far it does exactly what I wanted it to do.

Been running a G650Gs since January this year.

Previous bikes in the BMW range have been an old black/white 650 Dakar...a 1150gsa...100gspd...and now the g650gs.

I think it is a cracking little bike.

The fuel mileage I have been getting has been very good, I think I managed 195 miles to 9.2 litres going up to Ripley this year. It is very agile and is great to flick around sharp corners and such, it is happy to cruise around motorway speeds as well.

It is a lot lighter and smaller than most bikes in the range obviously, which suits me fine as I have got over having to carry around a ton of gear all the time.

Comfy, fun, economical on fuel, cheap to service, cheap parts....lots of old f650 ( single ) parts fit it and when you drop it, you dont get a hernia picking it backup.

As far as I know the newer Rotax engine parts are made in Europe and then shipped to China for assembly along with the rest of the bike.

I'm not sure if that's a bad thing or not.... The Chinese seem capable of making everything and anything.

As you know Maria, the German built older F650's we're out of a kinder Egg.


The Sertao really temps me. It does look like a real contender and these engines seem to have shaken off the past problems of the older models.. As far as I know.

Maybe a great Mongolia/Siberia bike.

There's a link to a thread thats just started (think its Ted too !)
here http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...reliable-68284

Hi Ted! YOU? Buying a BMW??????????????? :confused1:
What has the world come to! :innocent:

Seriously, the Sertao looks like a good bike (if you want a thumper). Similar to the Dakar. Well identical with a new name imho!

Alistair wants a F800GS....

For me I am going to get a Versys as soon as I get my container (From Brazil!).
Next trip is to Mongolia? I am still set on that for next year.
Must catch up at the HU meet.

Btw did you finish your welding job? Still toying with the idea of a pannier of sort for the dog in the Versys.... I just need an idea of built that would fit, as the stuff I saw in US sites is for sunny weather!

See you soon,

I know... I think I'm having a midlife crisis. Luckily, I did some more research and came to the same conclusion that BMW are still peddling over-priced, over-marketed, mediocre bikes.

Yup, I'm still on the welding and fab stuff...

If you draw me up a design or a model in cardboard we can work something out from there.

Design below:smiliex:!!! & I wouldn't swop her for any new 650 on the market today:thumbup1:
Go on Ted- give in- Rotax is an awesome engine and the so called 'water pump' issue is just an impeller shaft and 2 seals down to be replaced when you service the bike. Just changed mine for the first time at 38,000 miles.

You're dead right.. I can't argue. The Rotax is a fabulous engine. It really is. Very economical, smooth, good power etc. It's the only saving grace of the F650.

The waterpump seal thing isn't the end of the world either. It's just a pain in the ass and it should of been fixed YEARS ago. The fact they didn't and won't even admit is was a fault shows how much they don't expect anyone to actually really travel on their travel bikes let alone do enough miles before it failed.

My main gripe is the finish.... I just don't like all the fisher price gubbins on the F650's. They all rattle and fall off. Stupid Torx bolts with heads made of cheese make servicing and on the road repairs a pain. Poor design meaning you have to strip half the bike down to check the plugs and valves. The really poor reg/rect that's positioned so it doesn't get any air. The stupid early design which dried up and seized headstock bearings from bad frame/oil circulation design. The ABS that works for the first 15 minutes when you roll it out of the showroom door before all the electrics fail. That's even if your dashboard hasn't rattled off and fallen off down a bumpy track..

I won't even go into the snapped forks on some models doh

I've travelled with LOADS of F650's. I've not seen one reach it's destination looking like it hasn't been in the garbage compactor on the death Star.

It's not a bike that you think the designers had any intention of it ever really going anywhere. I bet BMW were surprised when it really took off.

It's not a BAD bike. It's just worth about £2000 less than BMW charged for it.



Anyway, some people are going to think I've got a thing agaist F650's at this rate :rofl:

It does need the whole suspension revised though but a Wilbers on the back, 20 point oil in the forks with the uprated TT spring and the job's a good one.
Go on...admit, you really want one:cool4: and if the badge offends you- a screw driver pops it off!

And with enough upgrading, ferreting and money you could get a reliant robin to fly to the moon.


Or you could just buy a space ship...

Nah! Not powered by Rotax!

Dy'a dare me to buy a bmw dakat and ride it to magadan?


How aboutt some sponsership too ;)

I do ...

I'll buy you a beer if when you make it.

jeiger

Hmmmmmmmm this is an interesting idea...

Maybe I can raise some charity sponsorship for it too..


HMMMMMMMMMMMMMM I'm tempted.

The only thing that might stop me doing this is that for some rediculous reason, the dakar's are expensive.

G650gs tires
 

Can anyone suggest a good alternative to the OEM Tourance tires that come with the G650GS? I was surprised that after 1700 miles I was able to get the rear tires to spin out as I was accelerating out of a deep corner. I was at about 5000 RPMs. Did not think a 48 HP bike could do that on a dry surface.

I have since dropped the pressure to 29 lbs fornt, and 34 rear. Have to see how that works. would like to put a sticky set of 80/20s or 70/30s on the bike.

BTW, this may be old news, but since 2011 the engine for the G650GS has been made in Germany.

Bought the Sertao last year and rod it to the Arctic Ocean. Bike was flawless, I used the Heidenau K60 tires which lasted the entire trip loaded up on gravel over 11,000 km

Here is a link to the ride report Tuktoyaktuk Ride Report

Re the engines, someone told me they have built in Germany since 2011 and not in Korea by Kymco ? Anyone know if this is true ?

It doesn't really matter where they built. It's HOW they're built and to what budget.

A factory in Germany or Korea would use the same tooling and probably have the same project manager and go through the same testing. It's not like BMW just wash their hands of it and pass it over to some random factory in the jungle.

The G650 in general is built to a tight budget. It's a cheap bike. That's the bottom line to it.. The paint is thin and the fasteners are poor quality. Like any budget bike.

The overland favorite, XT600E is also a cheap bike. It too has cheap bolts that rust in front of your eyes and exhausts that look like they were recovered from the Titanic.

Yes - I must admit you can see where the corners have been cut on my Sertao - and the paint / chassis is definitely one of them ! To date I have been quite impressed with the critter though, but compared with the build on the GSA or 800 there is a noticeable difference in many areas. I do like the 650 simplicity though

Yup... It does seem to be a solid little engine though. Suspension and finish is cheap but if you keep it for any length of time you will end up upgrading bits and pieces, here and there anyway.

Does yours have the hot start problem ?? If it does, your dealer will fix it for free on warranty.

Done 33000 on my old (03) F650 GS this past year including 6000 miles in three weeks through Eastern europe and ukraine , I then rode it all winter , the salt has got to the engine lacquer but thats part down to me for not washing it off every day , no major issues with it, fork seals went and an oil pressure switch in Romania still got me home though great bike and that is from someone who said never a BMW . Biggest plus for me 79mpg means I can go a little further on my budget. Also i bought it for £1800 with 1800 miles on it , to me thats good value .

Mine ate it's waterpump near Fez. Rotax remains unforgiven :thumbdown: and their Bavarian overlords remain on my list of people I only buy from when the product is one of a kind and at least three trouble free years into it's production.

Andy

im led to believe that after a certain build date the hot start is fixed already and in my case the larger beak of the sertao also.

Mefo tyres for Sertao
 

Try MEFO tyres - German - from Zen Overland - Gabe stocks them and I really like these tyres!
Tyres & Tubes

Explorer - MFE99. REAR. 13/80-17
Explorer - MFE99. FRONT. 90/90-21

Cheers
Col

Yes - all was done when I collected mine (Dec 2012) along with all other mods. I believe its all done at the factory now - only thing changed was the beak.

I'm just back fro trail riding in parts of Spain and I can say the bike was superb (TKC's fitted). Loaded up on roads it never dropped below 65mpg, and peaked at 80.4 one day !

As a few have said, I think I'd change the rear shock in time ...

Iain

In Anchorage now after 22000 miles from Argentina, waiting for parts again. 2 x 2011 G650's, same issues, water pumps x 2 Fans X 2 overheating issues, steering head bearings, wiring issues (caused by Motoadventura in Chile)
Almost 6 weeks off the road in 8 months so far, not impressed just now. Still got 8000 miles to do this trip

www.ginoontour.blogspot.com read the blog and you'll get a flavour for it. Pretty fed up as they could have been brilliant, cost cutting is the main issue IMHO

I think the fan died because it was on to much because of the rad guard. They do have a lifespan. The cooling system is designed without much margin so better not block it off. Better to ditch those guards and use chicken fencing. This should solve your cooling/ overheating issues.

If the steering bearings were never lubed while you owned it you've done pretty good out of them.

The water pump is common. They last less long than other bikes, but with the weep hole you get warned. Other bikes don't.

Forewarned is forearmed
 

I'm not familiar with this weep hole design; please elaborate on how this works.
Thanks.

As tmotten indicates, at least some of these factors have been identified for a long while with the F650GS and that technology very much carried over into the G650; therefore, prepping the bike for riding long distances is not exactly rocket science.

As for cost cutting; every manufacturer does that, some more than others, but they all do it - so do we of course, in every aspect of life.

The weep hole is on the water pump cover. It prevents cross contamination as well as warns you.
Well documented, and I think in the manual as well.

Thanks - I don't recall that detail on the 2005 F650GS so maybe Rotax/BMW modded the water pump cover design.
I guess the weep hole relieves any excess water pressure from contaminating the oil and, as you say, tells the rider that the seal is leaking.

the 2005 F 650GS does have the telltale hole, As far as im aware all bmws that have water cooling have this. In the left engine casing where the waterpump shaft goes through there is 2 identical seals, one for oil and one for the collant and there is about 1mm inbetween with this telltale hole so that if one of them fails the liquid will flow out of the hole so you know it has failed

And on the rotax 650s its always the coolant seal. There is a kit to repair it..

I've not seen a g650 in our place with a failed seal ... The early f650s were terrible for it.

Tony will be able to advise you better.. I've only been with BMW specifically for 6 months and we don't get many 650s through the workshop.

www.touringted.com

They've all had one and I think all bikes should have them. I'm situated this is still new to some familiar with this bike.

This bike is great in the right hands. Reason is that It's got certain quirks.

BMW tells you to fill the hole with grease, which is stupid and I'm convinced the engineers didn't come up with that one. So if the owner hasn't studied the bike or don't do their own maintenance you'll end up finding lots of complaints about this bike. Bearings, battery, pump, cooling. I'm not flipping here, but this is probably the most documented bike in history. It's got a comprehensive faq on a dedicated webpage including maintenance videos which cover everything down to full engine rebuilt. This bike should never end up in Ted's hands really. ;-)

It mainly leaks during cooling down due to the material contraction rates which are different between the seal and casing. Changing the seal takes 29 mins if you have prepped the bike for it with removing the solid oil line. The new ones came with flexible ones when BM finally pulled thru finger out.

Thanks again! I didn't own the bike that occupied our garage so I had very little to do with it, apart from put a few miles on the clock :thumbup1:

In 12000 miles there were no issues with it - not a lot of mileage sure, but that engine was impressive IMO. I've written about that elsewhere in here.

In 4 1/2 years i have only replaced 1 water pump seal on a f650 single. The owner of our dealership and has owned a 650 dakar since new and the only reason he has had any bother with the waterpump is because he dropped it on a rock whilst off roading.

Well, now I am back to civilisation I will stick to Japanese. Very happy with versys for Europe . Awesome on Tarmac and can do easy dirt roads.

As for Mongolia, I will give a wide berth ( if this is correct expression?) to bmw and will get a YBR125. Boring to cross Europe but great when hitting the soft stuff!
I had enough trouble with my former 650gs to last me a lifetime. On top of that, when I hired a f650 in the US last summer, I had similar electric and electronic issues. Piece of crap..... Never again....

So just starting to plan mongolia ride... That is if I can convince Alistair... :innocent: Working hard on that :D
Hope to set off next may (2014).

It seems far more common when people take them travelling. Mileage irrelevant. Maybe its those long days, temperature, etc. I think it's the impella and bush too.

www.touringted.com

And 100 of miles of corrugation can't help either....

Maria....

I'm planning a Mongolia/Siberia trip for spring 2014 too.

Don't say we'll be back in competition for bad luck haha

www.touringted.com

Not our experience at all. 17000km including Ruta 40, Camino Austral, Altiplano and general Bolivia and only 1 started leaking in Cusco. The other was fine. It's the luck of the draw with the pump.

With good prep it's a great bike that I'd happily take to Mongolia. Maybe stick with the normal routes and take the horse trails on my WRR, or even better the 57kg FX bike.

FX Bikes Mountain Moto World’s Lightest Motorcycles 125lb 125cc 125mpg

Adventure trim is in development. Chuck it on the train to Ulaan-Ude, change to UB and get lost in Mongolia. It's perfect for that country. Can't wait.

On the fan I recall a bodge fix I did in Norway or Finland way. The temp switch is a gravity return disk type thing. With typical design care its mounted on its side. The disk cockles over and stick. Jump the pins and the fan might run. You can actually pull the wires off the horn, bodge them to the fan switch loom and when you push the button the fan runs.

Andy

I hope not! I had enough in South America! When is your estimate departure time next spring? We should catch up....
Talk to you via fb...

Cheers

My little G650GS has just completed its first proper trip, a trip around Iceland doing virtually every off-road route possible during the time. Then a blast across Norway, Sweden and Finland and a final hideous non-stop long haul run from Hirtshals in Denmark to Aldershot via Calais ( about 1700km including getting lost ) in about 20 hours. Total trip distance was nearly 17000km.

The Icelandic F-roads were a great mixture of deep, soft sand....hard striations....solid rock outcroppings....loose shingle....essentially some of the most varied and demanding terrain the little bike could have gone through, especially riding at speed over those bloody hard hitting rocks.

Servicing

Home serviced to avoid the ridiculous BMW costs for a little bike. Oil and all filters replaced ( K&N fitted ) and new iridium sparkplugs. The Valves have not been touched since new ( now on 20,000 miles )

Modifications

Good bashplate and bars, barkbusters and higher bar mounts, off-road pegs and soft pannier mounts and TKC 80,s fitted to standard cast wheels.

Good results.

1) Cast wheels absolutely amazed me with their toughness..I was convinced several times that I had hit rocks hard enough to bust them, even spokes would have left me really worried.

2) Engine. Did not miss a beat on rough terrain or long distance on motorways, especially as its well over its servicing schedule,exceptional mpg when just tootling along.

3) Brakes, they just worked fine.

4) Electrical system worked without fault...battery replaced beforehand with a Gel type from Hein Gericke. ( I did not realise they still used lead-acid as standard ) lights were fine.

5) Quite simply the bike juist worked with no dramas of concerns.

Bad Points.

1) HANDLEBARS are made of some pathetically weak metal that bent everytime I came off the bike, even at slow speed....made it easier to bend them back I suppose. I would suggest fitting a good quality Renthal set or similar.

2) the Rear shock just could not put up with the travelling, damping went within 4 days....to be honest I really did abuse the bike of some very demanding tracks...but I would suggest fitting a good reliable shock to the rear for peace of mind. Wilbers suspension for example.

3) Clutch and brake levers on handlebars also a tad on the tinny side and bent in their mountings on minor falls.

4) FUEL RANGE. While I never actually ran out of fuel due to planning and carrying a fuel can, the fuel range is pathetic for this kind of bike.

160 miles to reserve at gentle, economical speed at best.

85 miles to reserve going uphill into a headwind at worst.

To my mind the fuel tank is at least 5 litres too small to seriously class itself as an adventure/dual sport bike.

I always carried a 5 litre jerry can for peace of mind.

5) Servicing. Some bits are way too bloody fiddly than they need to be...hence why I have now fitted star trek style iridium spark plugs that last for about 50,000 miles.

6) Lead-Acid Battery. Immediately replace yours as soon as possible, they really have no place being on a bike that can get dropped on a regular basis. When I swopped mine for a Gel battery, the old battery had about 1 inch of fluid left inside it.

7) Pegs and levers etc....I replaced mine with beefed up, welded home made versions of the incredible expensive off-road stuff. £15 for a local welder to make off-road pegs, the standard pegs are useless off road ( too thin ) and the gear lever rubber is lethal.

All in all for a cheap bike, it performed far better than I imagined it would, quite impressed with the core mechanics.

#### Important point i forgot ####

Rectifier fitted to the front, bottom right of engine is the worst place possible for it...I fitted a standard old 650 gs bashplate and a heavily reinforced primary bashplate to protect it....the standard plastic cover is only good for rain.

A few photos so you can see the general setup of the bike, panniers and sans panniers.

Also the fording depth of the bike is half way up the front black panniers, or to just below the bike seat in height, any more and you are going to start sucking water.

It's worse than that. The charging systems was not designed for that battery. It wasn't till the value engineering took place that is was changed (citation needed). :oops2:

It's the biggest problem that still many people don't appreciate or consider.

I can't trust a company where that stuff can get past QA. No more BMW for me.

Yup... That's true.

However, BMW are still shipping the older none models to dealers WITH the problem and expecting them to fix them under recall/warranty.

Some are going out with the problem... UNFIXED !!

first 20,000 miles
 

I have now had the bike about 1.5 years and put 20,000 miles on it. About 1/4 real dirt riding loaded. Is a good bike for one person loaded. Is also a very good bike to do dual sport event rides with my 13 year old daugther riding two up. Sucks on the interstates. If I had it to do again I would buy a GS800 or more likely a KTM990.
But after you invest 5000 in touratech add-ons your are stuck the bike for life. Look for posts in the future with 50,000 miles maybe even 100,000 miles on the bike, who knows I ride alot, for someone with 5 kids and a full time job as a Thoracic Surgeon. :scooter:

satisfied g650gs owner
 

I bought a 2014 with 2550 km in Neiva Huila Colombia in july 1017 i am very happy with this machine because it is my first licensed bike i now have 6800 on it
on days off i go riding to some pretty awesome places and this bike tears up the roads, dirt and pavement like nothing i have ever seen on the Colombian grid
it is very stable being low sg and high performance in the mountain roads
you can pass anything but not a super bike or high end autos
millage is incredible Neiva Colombia to Bucaramanga Colombia 700 kms 2 tanks moderate driving 11 hrs 7 gallons total! How can you beat that

Hi Rolly,

I read your post about deciding between the Sertao and the G650GS and I'm glad to hear the 2014 G650GS hasn't left you disappointed.

I started riding when I was 16, growing up in India on a Yamaha 125cc 2 Stroke machine and I used to have a hell a lot of fun on Indian roads manouvering through traffic. I live in Germany now and haven't had a motorcycle for the past 7 years apart from the occassional day or two in Thailand, Cambodia and India. After my last holiday and a day trip on a Honda Rebel I decided I had to get back on a motorcycle asap.

I took the leap and got a 2015 G650GS with 3100 km on it. The previous owner had never taked it off the tarmac and it looks like its in great shape. I had to pounce on what seemed like a good offer. All the inspections were done by BMW service technicians and now all that is missing is my German driving license :biggrin: (Fingers crossed). The Germans are pretty hard to satisfy when it comes to road rules.

Now that you have a few km on your G650, what is your take on the stock suspension that I hear people constantly complaining about. I intend on doing long tours around Europe for starters once I get the hang of riding the machine. If I had to say do 20% of NOT SO hardcore offroad. The usual gravel and mud, what would you suggest are the upgrades I should look into?

Thank you.

Cheers,

Naveen :scooter:

I'm actually surprised to read so many negative comments about technical issues with the g650 :confused:

I bought a used, but relatively new g650gs in 2016 (build '14, first owner BMW, 2000km) and put 70000km on it so far - literally without losing one single bolt. And it really had to take some beating, lot's of rough ground, offroad, water crossings, the whole bit.

The "chinese Rotax" is just working, no oil consumption, no leakage, nothing. It had a strange phase with quite heavy vibrations around 50k, but it just came and went.

The only electrical problem I ever had was a broken clutch switch (the one at the lever).
The cover of the front brake fluid container tends to leak, I recently changed to the third one.
So much for the problems I had...

Just to mention, the hot-start-issue was fixed around '13, afair BMW offered free replacement of the worn out choke or just changed it when servicing. Mine doesn't have this problem.
Regarding possible battery issues: I had a Gel battery from day one, a gift from the shop where I bought it. It's still in there & I never cared about it.

There are a few downsides though; as already mentioned the rear shock "isn't really good", same as the fork. I changed to Touratech suspension last year & really wish I had done this earlier. Not saying it has to be TT, I guess any rear shock will be better ;)
Maintenance is indeed a pain - or expensive. I sometimes think the engineers where told to hide anything as good as possible to prevent self-service... Anyway, it has a 10k interval, so I can cope with it. And, to be fair, I heard about similar maintenance nightmares on others bikes as well.

I'm definitely NOT a BMW fanboy, not at all. If my legs weren't that short, I possibly be riding a 660 Tenere. But I'm really happy with the g650, and I'd always! buy it again. Mine is definitely a always-works-never-lets-me down bike.