2009 G650gs?
 

Any thoughts about these? I may buy one next week. I want a 650 dual sport, I've sat on most of them (DR, KLR, Honda), and the GS is the only one that really felt right. But I'm worried about how capable it is compared to a DR. My dream is RTW travel, and although I don't know if I will end up travelling around the world on the bike I'm buying now, I'd like to have one capable of doing it. I want something that I can see North America on for now, and maybe CA too. In the very near future, I would like to do the TAT. So is the G650GS right for me?

I reckon it is. But it's the kind of bike that needs some prepping as BMW didn't do it for ya and won't do certain things on the maintenance schedule properly either. They built it as a starter bike but the work to do is very minimal. Have a look at my blog for what things I'm talking about. Just came back with it from a South America trip, and I sometimes go trail riding on it here. It's a bit heavy but very comfortable. Weight for RTW is not always a bad thing.

My wife has the F650gs single and I prefer it over my F650gs twin, they are very comfortable and stable, they are not bad off road at all, there is a lot of hair splitting when it comes to these bikes, I think it is down to the rider.
I admit the Wee Strom is the best dual sport bike I have ridden, but the F650gs is a lot lighter:thumbup1: so gets my thumbs UP.

Thanks
Paul

carnet
 

Hi There,

Here are some pros and con's to think about when buying a new bike vs an old bike.

Pros.
1. You know the History
2. You get a warranty
3. it looks pretty

Cons.
1. The carnet is more expensive
2. Sometimes the technology has not proven itself (not the case with the single cyl bmws in my opinion).
3. More expensive

My wife rides a 2004 F650GS Dakar and loves it. Its offroad capabilities are very good although I would upgrade the suspension before we do another major trip.