52184
GTRider
Hey, thanks for the heads up on the Suzuki Bergman. That may be just the ticket. All it needs to do is 70MPH.
Then the BMW C650 GT should fill the bill quite nicely!
Best,
DG
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Hey, thanks for the heads up on the Suzuki Bergman. That may be just the ticket. All it needs to do is 70MPH.
Hey, thanks for the heads up on the Suzuki Bergman. That may be just the ticket. All it needs to do is 70MPH.
The 650 (actually 638 cc) Burgman by Suzuki comes in at 525 lbs., and a top speed of 110 MPH. Give it a close look - stylish, good weather protection and might just be the solution?!
That's the model I mentioned before with the CVT failures. It's a totally different bike than the 400cc model. The only thing that's the same is the shape and the name. Those CVT failures are expensive enough to make it a throw-away bike if it fails.
Chris
So what can BMW do to the F800GT to make it a better touring machine? I have been saying this for many years. 2019 should be the change year for this model. I have ideals but what ideals are out there? Yes I am back after a major house move!
All these suggestion are worth looking at. The V-Storm is a strong bike the only knock against it for your smallish wife might be that the older model carries it's weight high with the tank full of gas. Not a problem at speed but in the parking lot for a short rider it could be a handful. The newer ones have a smaller gas tank and that might not be an issue. I'd check that out.
Good luck with your search you'll find some great bikes in this market. The engine in the SV-650 and V-Storm is a great unit.
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I had a 650...for a couple of years and no problems with performance, comfort, carrying capacity or range...
Back in 2010, I bought a new F800ST, replacing a Triumph Trophy 1200. The ST felt like a 250, compared to the Trophy. Low center of gravity, fairly lightweight, expandable panniers, decent ergos for my 5'8" frame. Toured all over the southern US on that bike. Only change I made to it was putting a CalSci windscreen on it and some GrabOn foam grip covers. I traveled on that bike from AL to GA to OK to IA to CA (many different trips). Never a problem. Up to 800 mile days. For me, only 2 downsides to it: smallish luggage for 2-up touring and a smallish gas tank (4 Gal). Traded it in 2015 for a new RTW. Wish the RTW was as light as the ST!
Once you add some mods to the GT, it isn't far off. (Of course, this is just personal opinion. Obviously, others moved on thinking they couldn't get there.)
Mine has a Madstad windshield....