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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



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Old 14 Nov 2021
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F650GS (800cc)
BMW F650GS 800cc 2012 models in the uk can be picked up for around 4K with low miles. Of course a 7-8k AT, T700, or newer GS maybe a better bet but I can’t ignore the 4K saving on what all the contemporary reviews say is a great bike. Does anyone here have any recent first hand ‘owners’ experience with them? ie do they age well, reliable etc.
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Old 14 Nov 2021
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I've had two of them, the first was a 2008 model and had so many repeated failures of many types (including rear wheel bearing in the middle of Morocco) that BMW funded the replacement with a second 2009 model bike, which my son-in-law now owns.


My second F650GS in Morocco in winter

There were huge problems initially but I guess later model year bikes will be much better.

The reason I bought the F650GS rather than the F800GS was primarily the tubeless tyres.
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Old 19 Nov 2021
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Well, I dithered too long and it’s been sold
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Old 19 Nov 2021
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Here's a 2012 F700GS (next generation model) for under £4,500.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/bike-de...01907260491270
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Old 24 Nov 2021
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Own two - 2009 F650gs and a 2013 F700gs
The 2009 F650gs has now 86k miles. Runs like a clock, but had to perform many mechanical and electrical (stator-replacement twice) repairs throughout its life. The 2013 F700gs has now a little over 13k miles, nicer and more responsive bike. No issues whatsoever with this bike.

I'm short legged fellow and like these bikes for their low seat-to-ground height.
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Old 24 Nov 2021
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Three years ago I bought my F650GS twin with only 10 kkms on the clock. Now I'm getting near 50 kkms - so fa without any problems whatsoever.


The bike handles very well, it doesn't weigh as much as my old 2V GS and it is very easy on fuel. Depending on the trip it consumption is between 3,3 and 3,9 litres on 100 km.


The only drawback is the low ground clearance, but you can help yourself with a sturdy bashplate.



In Germany it is generally seen as a girl-bike, probably due to the alloy rims and low height. Fortunately I'm beyond the age where dick bikes are important I fitted a higher seat and a massive bashplate. And I love the tubeless rims.
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