Why I own an F650GS
I caught the bug to start riding in 2001. Except for a brief (and not very good) stint riding a dirt bike when I was 11 - 14 years old, I hadn't ridden before. Now, I'm a pretty level-headed practical by-the-book kind of guy, so it really surprised me that what got me thinking about getting my first "real" bike was BMW's ad campaign for the GS - the one that included the pic's of a guy leaning against his bike in the middle of the desert. It just struck a chord with me - I had two kids, work was becoming all-consuming, the standard exercise routines had become boring and I needed an outlet - I'd buy a motorcycle! (Sounds a bit like a slightly early mid-life crisis to me).
Anyway, being the well trained scientific-type that I am (hydrogeologist by training). I researched the heck out of what was available on the market. I didn't want to mess with a used bike at the time, 'cause I knew nothing about bike maintenance. Yes, I do my own maintenance and wrenching on almost everything else - but without any experience, the thought of screwing up on a crucial part of a two-wheeled conveyance basically scared the s*it out of me - Since, I've overcome this aversion. I took the MSF rider course and took to heart that I didn't want a liter-class squid bike or a huge cruiser. I wasn't exactly sure what type of riding I wanted to do, so everything came to mind - commuting, riding local fire roads, occassional longer tours, and bike camping.
It came down to three choices at the time: the F650GS, the Suzuki SV650, and the Kawasaki KLR650. Being nearly middle-aged the styiling of the KLR650 didn't appeal to me. And, being new to motorcycling, the ABS available on the 650GS did appeal to me. The more I researched, I found The Chain Gang - this site pretty much made up my mind for me - it was going to be the 650GS. Off to the dealer I went and I've been totally thrilled since.
I pretty much do ride as I expected - I commute a couple-few times a week to work, I take at least two 3-4 day tours a year, and occassionally run down a dirt road - my dirt riding confidence hasn't gotten any better from when I was 12 years old!
I love the bike - I have a couple mod's left to make still - taller seat, and a windscreen to make it more comfortable (I'm a bit over 6' 3"). The only maintenance problems I've had is when a mouse made a nest on top of the fuel pump, had babies, and chewed through my fuel feed and fuel return lines!!! Then I learned that with a BMW, you can't run down to the local auto parts store to replace molded lines which have each end of a different diameter.
I'd say I'd buy another one again, or possibly upgrade to the 1150GS - but for its handling, nimbleness, fuel efficiency (regularly over 65 mpg), and just plain-old fun factor - it's a hard bike to beat. Plus, I'm Unique - I don't see many on the road and I certainly don't fall into the so-called "Individualistic Harley-rider" type - who all have the same bikes, of the same style, etc.
I'm very glad I found The Chain Gang . This on-line forum for F650 owners is amazing. The knowledge I learn from the forums and the FAQs can't be found anywhere that I've seen for other bikes.
Anyway, being the well trained scientific-type that I am (hydrogeologist by training). I researched the heck out of what was available on the market. I didn't want to mess with a used bike at the time, 'cause I knew nothing about bike maintenance. Yes, I do my own maintenance and wrenching on almost everything else - but without any experience, the thought of screwing up on a crucial part of a two-wheeled conveyance basically scared the s*it out of me - Since, I've overcome this aversion. I took the MSF rider course and took to heart that I didn't want a liter-class squid bike or a huge cruiser. I wasn't exactly sure what type of riding I wanted to do, so everything came to mind - commuting, riding local fire roads, occassional longer tours, and bike camping.
It came down to three choices at the time: the F650GS, the Suzuki SV650, and the Kawasaki KLR650. Being nearly middle-aged the styiling of the KLR650 didn't appeal to me. And, being new to motorcycling, the ABS available on the 650GS did appeal to me. The more I researched, I found The Chain Gang - this site pretty much made up my mind for me - it was going to be the 650GS. Off to the dealer I went and I've been totally thrilled since.
I pretty much do ride as I expected - I commute a couple-few times a week to work, I take at least two 3-4 day tours a year, and occassionally run down a dirt road - my dirt riding confidence hasn't gotten any better from when I was 12 years old!
I love the bike - I have a couple mod's left to make still - taller seat, and a windscreen to make it more comfortable (I'm a bit over 6' 3"). The only maintenance problems I've had is when a mouse made a nest on top of the fuel pump, had babies, and chewed through my fuel feed and fuel return lines!!! Then I learned that with a BMW, you can't run down to the local auto parts store to replace molded lines which have each end of a different diameter.
I'd say I'd buy another one again, or possibly upgrade to the 1150GS - but for its handling, nimbleness, fuel efficiency (regularly over 65 mpg), and just plain-old fun factor - it's a hard bike to beat. Plus, I'm Unique - I don't see many on the road and I certainly don't fall into the so-called "Individualistic Harley-rider" type - who all have the same bikes, of the same style, etc.
I'm very glad I found The Chain Gang . This on-line forum for F650 owners is amazing. The knowledge I learn from the forums and the FAQs can't be found anywhere that I've seen for other bikes.
posted by dbtgeology at 3:44 AM
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