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18 Feb 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis
Some of the issues are down to it being a new model. There have been problems with the top radiator hose blowing off (it's taken BMW ten months to announce a fix), crappy chains, faulty fuel sensor, etc. My bike has been recovered on a truck twice, and would have been three times if I hadn't sorted a side stand switch problem myself.
These are things that 'early adopters' maybe should expect, but it would have been soooo much better had BMW not had them.
Longer term issues that could be fixed
- poor design of the side stand (the bike leans over far too much and when loaded can topple),
- centre stand (difficult to deploy),
- side stand foot is minute (falls over in soft ground),
- far too high gearing in 1st and 2nd (why have a close ratio box when there 6 ratios)
- lack of trail readyiness (brake and gear levers don't swivel)
- exhaust sticks out unnecessarily far and cuts into luggage space
Then there's things that can't be easily fixed, such as the underseat tank making the bike wide at the luggage point. This effectively loses you 14 litres of storage space compared to the 1200GS.
Nevertheless it's a fine bike in many other ways and though I have a 1200GSA in the garage, the F650GS is the one I ride most.
Tim
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Hey Tim,
Bummer to hear about the issues with your bike. There were a few minor things on mine, didn't seem to be too much problem but I was probably used to fixing little things at that point in my trip. I had a small weld tacked to the side stand in Columbia. Carried a block of wood for the small base plate but wished I had the $0.10 stand pad that a HU member bought for me in Damascus. The rear pipe is indeed hilariously large. Had the leak from the head cover gasket, apparently very common even on last years 800, fixed but not many spare gaskets on this continent last year is that is any indication. Didn't you throw a set of TKCs on it initially?
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19 Feb 2009
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Super Moderator
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MountainMan
Bummer to hear about the issues with your bike. There were a few minor things on mine, didn't seem to be too much problem but I was probably used to fixing little things at that point in my trip. I had a small weld tacked to the side stand in Columbia. Carried a block of wood for the small base plate but wished I had the $0.10 stand pad that a HU member bought for me in Damascus.
The rear pipe is indeed hilariously large. Had the leak from the head cover gasket, apparently very common even on last years 800, fixed but not many spare gaskets on this continent last year is that is any indication. Didn't you throw a set of TKCs on it initially?
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Yes, I've done the last 120,000 miles on TKCs and have now done 12,000 miles on the F650GS. My criticisms perhaps came over a bit harsh. I have a R1200GSA and was looking for a second bike that could handle all-day motorway rising at 80+mph and still be nimble offroad.
The F650/800GS is uniquely positioned to do both of these well. The obvious alternatives that are widely available in Europe can't do both, though the R1200GS (non adventure) comes close.
It's extremely rare in the UK to see the Kawasaki and Suzuki models mentioned above, so I wouldn't be rushing off to buy one of those.
The older Transalp looks OKish, but the new one is heavier than the R1200GS.
The new Tenere can't handle the long distance motorway cruising and the seat is a bit high for me. A small capacity twin dropped into a slightly lower version of the Tenere would be exciting, though.
The other alternative was the BMW G650 Xchallenge and Xcountry. I was impressed with the road performance of the Xchallenge. Both of these suffer from abysmally poor fuel range but there is now a reasonably-priced add-on rear fuel tank.
Later this year BMW is bringing out a touring version of the G650 Xcountry.
Tim
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"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
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Last edited by Tim Cullis; 19 Feb 2009 at 11:58.
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19 Feb 2009
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Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Oslo, Norway
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis
The new Tenere can't handle the long distance motorway cruising [...]
Tim
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Yes it can. I did long distannce motorway cruising with it last summer (well - 1400 km's anyway), fully laden with daughter and bags. Although I agree that the Ten wasn't designed with this as its primary task.
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19 Feb 2009
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What I had in mind was not wanting to be the slowcoach in the party when riding with mates. Yes, most bikes, including the older single-cylinder 650cc version of the F650GS can cruise at motorway speeds but they aren't comfortable/safe/vibe-free at much over 75mph.
By comparison at 85mph the 800cc F650GS twin is at 5000 revs with plenty more in reserve.
But it's only in Western Europe and North America that we need these motorway speeds, outside of these areas 50-60 mph is the normal maximum and the new Tenere with its massive fuel tank looks absolutely ideal for a RTW bike (if I had it lowered a bit).
BTW I really enjoyed your write-up on Norway and it's got me thinking. Maybe 2010.
Tim
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"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
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19 Feb 2009
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Join Date: Apr 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis
What I had in mind was not wanting to be the slowcoach in the party when riding with mates.
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Motorcycle hell: 12 RxxxxGS's on the motorway, cruising at three figure speeds, taking half an hour plus at every fuel stop. Once I figured this out I just kept the F650 (carbed) at a steady speed and over took them every 45 minutes until I was so far ahead I had to wait three hours for them at Algeciras.
I used to run my XT600E at a nice steady 80 on the motorway and it survived. Horses for courses though, been there, done that, won't wear the T-shirt .
Andy
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19 Feb 2009
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No need to be disparaging. And 85 isn't three figures.
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"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
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21 Feb 2010
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Great to hear peoples opinions on which bike to choose !! I've only been riding for 15months, with sole intention of swapping my usual methods of travel to that of a bike..............
I researched loads of bikes, but kept coming back to f650gs, being female with short legs, good entry level bike for new rider and the various seat heights seemed perfect ! Sept '08, the new twins were marketed so decided to buy one - not knowing where i'd end up in the world ! To start with i chose to have the lowered suspension - gave me more confidence - but unfortunately i couldnt have the centre stand.
A few months ago it went in for service and i asked how much it would be to have suspension and centre stand - 'not possible' was the reply, it's now 'factory set'............... 
HELP..............I'm off round africa in sept and could really do with one !!!!!!!! Any solutions ?????????
LouB
PS fuel sensor problem was a model recall, had mine done back in nov, i also attended the BMW mechanics course and Simon mentioned the hoses coming 'off' was a problem and to replace with jubilee clips - not sure whether that is a better solution
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21 Feb 2010
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OK just generic advice here as I'm not familiar with your bike .
Option one = fit the centre stand ,[now assuming that the reason BMW won't fit a centre stand is because of lack of leverage with lowered bike ] ,run the wheel of the bike onto a short,thin plank of wood to increase the height .Bike is now higher and you should be able to lever it onto centre stand .
Option two , fit a centrestand and have the stand shortened by an appropriate amount.
Option three , carry a length of wood so that you can prop up the rear of the bike .[Employ sidestand ,then lean the bike over on the sidestand and ,on the other side of the bike ,place the length of wood under a suitable place on the frame to prop the bike up and keep the rear wheel off the ground ].Secure sidestand with a strap so that it won't flip back on you .
Proper hose clamps like Jubilee clips are usually better than original fitment ,because you can get them tighter -what's surprising is that the originals are so poor .Bad BMW !
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Last edited by Dodger; 22 Feb 2010 at 02:50.
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16 Apr 2010
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LouB - re your centerstand dilemma - maybe this will help
F650GS LOW w/center stand - ADVrider
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 Sandy & Mike Dimond
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19 Feb 2009
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Registered Users
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis
Yes, I've done the last 120,000 miles on TKCs and have now done 12,000 miles on the F650GS. My criticisms perhaps came over a bit harsh. I have a R1200GSA and was looking for a second bike that could handle all-day motorway rising at 80+mph and still be nimble offroad.
The F650/800GS is uniquely positioned to do both of these well. The obvious alternatives that are widely available in Europe can't do both, though the R1200GS (non adventure) comes close.
It's extremely rare in the UK to see the Kawasaki and Suzuki models mentioned above, so I wouldn't be rushing off to buy one of those.
The older Transalp looks OKish, but the new one is heavier than the R1200GS.
The new Tenere can't handle the long distance motorway cruising and the seat is a bit high for me. A small capacity twin dropped into a slightly lower version of the Tenere would be exciting, though.
The other alternative was the BMW G650 Xchallenge and Xcountry. I was impressed with the road performance of the Xchallenge. Both of these suffer from abysmally poor fuel range but there is now a reasonably-priced add-on rear fuel tank.
Later this year BMW is bringing out a touring version of the G650 Xcountry.
Tim
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Hey Tim,
Yes, I remember having seen a picture of the TKCs when you first put them on. I can imagine the 650GS getting a long hard look from people contemplating dual sports. The value is hard to beat. The lower clearance shouldn't be an issue for most except in really rough spots. It may be hard to sway the odd person away from the more aggresive looks of the 800 though.
The G650X sounds like it might be interesting, but not my cup of tea.
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