railbender
New member
That is the best reason I have ever read for owning a F650GS!
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Would a new F650 GS make a good FIRST bike
- Thread starter CHTUCKER
- Start date
That is the best reason I have ever read for owning a F650GS!
H
Hankles
Guest
Great Read ... Another Question
You'll see below I've got a K100LT right now, however, I've continued to look at F650. I've also continued to look at the KLR650. Because of the financial bracket I find myself in I keep leaning towards the KLR, however the F650 looks a little more comfortable over-all. Any input on the KLR vs the Beemer?
You'll see below I've got a K100LT right now, however, I've continued to look at F650. I've also continued to look at the KLR650. Because of the financial bracket I find myself in I keep leaning towards the KLR, however the F650 looks a little more comfortable over-all. Any input on the KLR vs the Beemer?
I took a very hard look at the KLR last spring. I have ridden both, and the GS 650 is more comfortable. but if I had a choice I would pick the KLR and change the seat. more bang for the buck by a long shot.
F650 vs KLR
You may want to do a little research on the KLR. There are many threads about it's propensity for using a LOT of oil (newer model only). The resale is nil and the first time you get out on some high speed roads with it some clown on an F650 will embarrass you. The build quality is not even close between the two. If you go to F650.com you will find MANY riders with well over 100K, some even 200K on the Rotax powered F650. I've put about 100,000 (combined) on two F650s, much of it at 80-90 for long periods of time when safe to do so. Fuel mileage ranges from 56=71mpg depending on where and how fast. Am I prejudiced? Sure! But after I sold my first F650 and bought an R1100RT, I missed it immediately. Will the F eat miles like the RT, no way but it will cruise all day well past legal speeds comfortably, handle almost like a motard on the curves and give you mile after mile of trouble free riding pleasure. Also, If you see that alluring gravel or dirt road it will handle it as well as any 430lb bike can. Sold the RT, bought another F and never looked back. The current KLR is just as big a pig as the F weight wise but with less power. No comparison!
You may want to do a little research on the KLR. There are many threads about it's propensity for using a LOT of oil (newer model only). The resale is nil and the first time you get out on some high speed roads with it some clown on an F650 will embarrass you. The build quality is not even close between the two. If you go to F650.com you will find MANY riders with well over 100K, some even 200K on the Rotax powered F650. I've put about 100,000 (combined) on two F650s, much of it at 80-90 for long periods of time when safe to do so. Fuel mileage ranges from 56=71mpg depending on where and how fast. Am I prejudiced? Sure! But after I sold my first F650 and bought an R1100RT, I missed it immediately. Will the F eat miles like the RT, no way but it will cruise all day well past legal speeds comfortably, handle almost like a motard on the curves and give you mile after mile of trouble free riding pleasure. Also, If you see that alluring gravel or dirt road it will handle it as well as any 430lb bike can. Sold the RT, bought another F and never looked back. The current KLR is just as big a pig as the F weight wise but with less power. No comparison!
nyfty
New member
F650 vs KLR
I have a '01 R1150GS that's set up for LD riding. Ya know 10.5 gal tank and more lights! I't's great for long range high speed travel. I also had a '01 KLR that I used for commuting to work and short range (<200 Miles/Day).
The KLR was good but it doesn't compare to a F650. There were a lot of things I did to get the KLR to a level that I'd travel distance on it. And the older style burned oil at sustained speeds also. Nine hours of 60 mph two lane travel was about 3/4 of a quart of oil. I sold the KLR when I found a '01 Dakar. It will do everything I did with the KLR. The Dakar will do MORE than the KLR. Better mileage, can run sustained interstate speeds all day long, (much more stable). It will go "off pavement" as well or better than the KLR. I wish the Dakar carried more fuel and had more watts to use. Guess I can't have everything
It's so good that I've considered selling the R1150GS. I keep it around for the riding I do where I need to cover ground and have a limited schedule. If I get to a place in life that I can take my time...the big GS is gone. Oh, one other plus....chain final drive.
I have a '01 R1150GS that's set up for LD riding. Ya know 10.5 gal tank and more lights! I't's great for long range high speed travel. I also had a '01 KLR that I used for commuting to work and short range (<200 Miles/Day).
The KLR was good but it doesn't compare to a F650. There were a lot of things I did to get the KLR to a level that I'd travel distance on it. And the older style burned oil at sustained speeds also. Nine hours of 60 mph two lane travel was about 3/4 of a quart of oil. I sold the KLR when I found a '01 Dakar. It will do everything I did with the KLR. The Dakar will do MORE than the KLR. Better mileage, can run sustained interstate speeds all day long, (much more stable). It will go "off pavement" as well or better than the KLR. I wish the Dakar carried more fuel and had more watts to use. Guess I can't have everything
It's so good that I've considered selling the R1150GS. I keep it around for the riding I do where I need to cover ground and have a limited schedule. If I get to a place in life that I can take my time...the big GS is gone. Oh, one other plus....chain final drive.
alabeemer
Rather Be Ridin'
I am another that has been the KLR route. I bought one because it was lighter and overall less expensive to own and operate. I found out that the KLR while lighter was not near the bike to ride to the dirt. My F650 is an 03 that I have had since 05. Now, the KLR is gone to a new home. Sure glad I kept the F650 during the KLR "trial period".
Look around and you can pick up a good used F650 for little more than the KLR. I think you will be much happier with it!
bmwchromehead
Soleman
I think you will love this bike. I bought one last spring and fell in love with it immediately. Light weight, handles well, great fuel economy and a fantastic price. I took a 6 day 2600 mile trip late summer by myself and the only thing I wish I would have had is cruise control even though I avoided freeways the entire time. I have since added a Throttlemiester brand cruise control which is a slick product. I got the BMW bags with it which work great and added a taller windshield from Cee Bailey which helped with both wind noise and bugs. A great all around bike.
