bluehole
Active member
My son is living in South Korea and has been riding a small Korean brand motorcycle. He would like to continue motorcycling here when he returns early next year. While he is not certain what type of riding he will do in the future, he would like the capability to ride off pavement (fire roads, dirt/gravel roads...not trails). He and I think his pavement to non-pavement riding pattern might be something like 70/30. He may even try his hand at moderate distance riding...maybe a couple of hundred miles a day.
His budget will be limited...probably $3,000. We both thought the KLR650 and the Suzuki DR650 might fit the bill. He has been checking them out and likes both models. The other day it occurred to me the older F650, the Funduro, might be something to consider too. I have never ridden one, but looked one over while checking out bikes many years ago. I am guessing the F650 leans more toward street than off road use, but that will probably be fine. If nothing else, I hope whatever he buys is versatile enough for him to try different things, and if not meet his needs, help give him and idea of what type of riding he is interested in pursuing.
The other 650s seem to be pretty reliable, affordable and have a good secondary market which is important if he decides to resell. I hear good things abut the F650's Rotax engine. May not have FI the newer models posses, but a solid engine anyway. Looking at the market I think he can afford one. Not sure what the secondary market is like.
Appreciate your opinions. Advantages/disadvantages. Things to look for/avoid. Known issues. Strengths/weakness...not only of the F650, but in comparison to the others. Maybe there is a model I have not, but should consider? Why did you buy your BMW as opposed to the others available out there? I think you get the idea. Thanks.
His budget will be limited...probably $3,000. We both thought the KLR650 and the Suzuki DR650 might fit the bill. He has been checking them out and likes both models. The other day it occurred to me the older F650, the Funduro, might be something to consider too. I have never ridden one, but looked one over while checking out bikes many years ago. I am guessing the F650 leans more toward street than off road use, but that will probably be fine. If nothing else, I hope whatever he buys is versatile enough for him to try different things, and if not meet his needs, help give him and idea of what type of riding he is interested in pursuing.
The other 650s seem to be pretty reliable, affordable and have a good secondary market which is important if he decides to resell. I hear good things abut the F650's Rotax engine. May not have FI the newer models posses, but a solid engine anyway. Looking at the market I think he can afford one. Not sure what the secondary market is like.
Appreciate your opinions. Advantages/disadvantages. Things to look for/avoid. Known issues. Strengths/weakness...not only of the F650, but in comparison to the others. Maybe there is a model I have not, but should consider? Why did you buy your BMW as opposed to the others available out there? I think you get the idea. Thanks.
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