From my experience as a BMW Tech.
They're all a nightmare to work on.
The general build quality is quite poor. The paint falls off them in a breeze, all the fittings are generally corroded solid and most the plastic will fall off on a bumpy road.
The water pumps are a big weakness. Some never fail (lucky) and some never stop.
Reg/Rects like to fail randomly
The suspension is pretty poor
Avoid the ABS model as it's difficult to change/bleed and the sensors often fail
Forks have been known to snap.
The fasteners are very poor quality. When you work on them, they drive you nuts unless they've been cared for. Disc bolts always snap in the wheel, callipers seize a lot etc. They corrode A LOT.
They do have their saving graces.
Apart from the water pump the engine is VERY VERY strong. It's a solid Rotax and very well engineered.
For a 650 single its surprisingly quick. Cruises at 80mph without issue
MPG is EXCELLENT.. 70-80
It's very comfortable and has a low seat
There are endless accessories about.
In a nutshell, they're a decent bike but only if it's been cared for. I prefer the Dakar Model. Twin spark is better.
For the same money you can have an XT660R. Worth considering.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|