2010 F650GS Twin Gearing

Recently purchased 2010 F650GS Twin. Planned to use on and off road but have found 1st gear does not slow bike down on steep loose dirt roads. Sometimes stalls. Anyone else had this experience and is it just the nature of the gearing on that bike?
Thanks
Mark

Short answer: yeah it's geared that way....

Longer answer:

The bike's internal gearing (transmission 1st gear) is pretty tall ... far too tall for an "adventure" bike IMHO.
The two explanations I've heard are:

1) Same gearbox as the other twins - saves money
2) Could not pass EU noise standards with lower gearing ...

I don't know, but but I really wish first gear were lower as well....
anyway ... we can't change that ...
The only thing you as the owner can really play with is the sprockets.

The standard sprockets on the F650GS twin are 17/41
for comparison the F800GS comes with 16/42
and the F700GS has 17/42
Some folks that do serious off-roading use a 15T front sprocket ...

Depending on your overall habits you could try a 16T or 15T front sprocket ... not a lot of expense involved in experimenting...

For a really really long answer - see:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=457297

Great Info

Thanks for the input and advice. I think a sprocket change might be worth it but since it is on my wife's bike I will let her make the call. (-:

Telebeamer said:

Thanks for the input and advice. I think a sprocket change might be worth it but since it is on my wife's bike I will let her make the call. (-:

Click to expand...

A wise man you are ...

My next serious dirt-ride the 15T will go on ..............
I wish the BMW had the "snail" adjusters like my old honda ................

F650GS gearing

Telebeamer said:

Recently purchased 2010 F650GS Twin. Planned to use on and off road but have found 1st gear does not slow bike down on steep loose dirt roads. Sometimes stalls. Anyone else had this experience and is it just the nature of the gearing on that bike?
Thanks
Mark

Click to expand...

I have the same bike, 2011 version and have learned it is not a dirt bike partly because of the gearing and second because of the weight but it is a great adventure dual sport bike able to do both things pretty well plus great gas mileage.
Anytime I get close to gravel or loose dirt roads I turn the ABS off, that way you can drag the back wheel, if necessary, for braking and not lose your steering. Another improvement I made was the installation of Heidenau K60 scout tires, almost as good as the TKCs on dirt. but are supposed to wear much longer. More of a true 50 -50 dual sport tire.
Best wishes, Bruce