Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout
Blackdog,
Time to make up your mind yet?
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Yes indeed - it happened today. The deal with the F650GS went through, and it is now sitting on my drive. It's what you suggested, only with one cylinder instead of two.
All I had from the BMW guy was a model number, 2004 date and 20k miles, together with a fuzzy photo. It was a bit of a leap of faith, but in the end the bike was much better than I expected - full BMW service history, full system panniers and topcase, tank bag, immobiliser, ABS ... pretty much what I was looking for, and then some.
When I look back to the 'shopping list' you quote above, it ticks all the boxes. Except, perhaps, fast enough to be fun. I've taken it out once today, in the pouring rain, and the word 'gutless' comes to mind. I'm used to the XT with thumping torque and a breathless top end. This one is the reverse - slow off the mark but runs well up to 60/70 mph or so, and with more to come. I think I will need time to get used to that. But in terms of cold market value, I have come out of this deal well ahead, I think.
So, my first ever BMW. No-one is more surprised than me.
Thanks to everyone who commented and advised. I really appreciate everyone's input.
And Walkabout - good times with the Versys. A mate has one as a 'daily bike' to complement his VFR and he loves it to bits.