I just got mine! My first ride was in the pouring rain on the CA 5 freeway and I could not believe how stable the mike is in the wind and rain! I feel safer on this in wind and rain than my other bike I will be putting up for sale on a dry sunny day.
Agreed, I feel super comfortable on this bike in a much wider variety of conditions. Very confidence inspiring, even on 10 year old tires that I need to replace.
Love mine, had it since 2014, done a long camping road trip, almost 3000km, it is also my daily ride to work and back. It is the best bike I had so far, and I had a few over the years. I will not recommend it for off-road or very poor gravel or sandy roads, but otherwise a very capable bike.
You'll do just fine:) It's not an aggressive bike. On some motorcycles you let out the clutch and they just want to GO. This isn't one of those motorcycles. It's very chill until you want it to go faster.
@@YouMotorcycle Ive been on a vfr850 i think as my 2nd time, i must tell i dont recommend, ive plenty of experience with bigger bikes but never had experience with adventure. i always wanted a license and just came up with the idea i wanna travel from ireland to serbia this summer, im currently looking at a 2008 f650gs dakar, it looks mint. havnt heard one bad thing abot the bike and you definitly made me want to buy the bike from this video.
I love this vid. Thanks. Just sold my Honda cbf600 and trying to determine my next bike. I need to do lots of test rides but I’m really thinking this might be “the one!” 😆 fuel tank under seat, not being top heavy, being such an advantage (in my eyes). Hope I love it!!
Glad it was helpful! I'll do a review of the F700GS in the future, as that's another great option for you. In this video I go over the differences and similarities between the two: th-cam.com/video/LsM-jNoTiJY/w-d-xo.html
Excellent review and thanks!!! I am a 52 year old beginner, 1,83cm high with 110 kg weight (little beast) and looking for my first bike, and I really do like this GS 👍 it looks like a bike for everything, everyday riding, commuting and touring. Simple mechanic, not all new tech, nice looking and good quality. Do you really think it is beginner friendly ?! Ride safe and regards from far away Serbia 🇷🇸✌️
It's a little taller and heavier than the beginner bikes you'll see in the 250cc-500cc class of bikes. But at your height you'll probably want something a little bigger anyway. As far as the power, when you first start from a stop, it is calm and won't try to take off on you. It's not aggressive. I think it will be okay. Serbia can be hilly right? Get used to it on flat ground first :)
@@YouMotorcycle Thanx for your quick reply 👍. I've tried the Honda cb500x with similar weight with less power and smaller, also the Benelli TRK500 much heavier. I prefer the BMW, with my age suit better, simple and will be ok many years for my needs ✌️
2008-2013 is the 800cc twin cylinder motor, so it can go plenty fast. Maybe you're thinking about the model that went up to 2007 which was only a single cylinder? This bike does 120 mph/195 km per hr on flat ground. Uphill, freeway, head wind, dragging a trailer full of beer behind it, it will be fine. Twist and go :)
Yup. My F700GS is up for sale now though, unless my other bike sells first and then I'm keeping the F700GS. Trying to scale back to just a few bikes lol. Comparison of the F650 vs F700 th-cam.com/video/LsM-jNoTiJY/w-d-xo.html
Just put up a video on a new exhaust for the F700GS (basically F650GS with a couple tweaks). The R1250GS is a really nicebike, just too much nice bike for where I do 90% of my daily riding lol
Hey thanks! These are the BMW original ones. I think you can only get them from BMW dealers. You can probably find used ones on eBay if you're lucky. But if you buy a used pair just make sure that they are for your year and model!
Are these solid, reliable motorcycles? I have a Z125 i learned on. Definitely time to up my cc's. My neighbor has a good lean on a GS650 for a decent price. What sayest thou?
Hi There ! Thank's for the video.There it goes a question for you, that has both models at home : Can i install a crashbar sold for f700gs into the f650gs ? I mean does the two bikes have the same structure ? I think i can but i am not sure... thank's for your work in that channel ! its nice to be able to get some info about these 3 bmw. See you !
@@YouMotorcycle thats what i understood that you wanted to do so i guess its the same frame ! Cool ! I am waiting for my blue one. Got it in a few weeks if everything goes alright. Can't wait anymore ! Thanks mate your channel is really nice and helpfull ! Will need to change a few stuff so i guess your videos can help (led fornt light for exemple)
Alright so this is an oddball question but do you happen to know the differences in spec for an American GS Vs Canadian? I live overseas right now and picked up a 2011 GS but was told to import to the US I'd need to convert it.
The dashboard will definitely be different as ours will be in km/hr instead of mph. Get a pic of your dash cluster and see if it's also in miles, then maybe you'll be okay. Emissions wise, everything sold here should meet US EPA standards. I think you might need an actual BMW Motorrad dealer to write a letter or something. You should check with the one closest to wherever your bike is. Best of luck!
@YouMotorcycle thanks for the reply! The dash only has kilometers on it, but hopefully thats all I need to change because I feel like I could do that myself honestly.
@@spacesabove8780 I think you could hopefully find a cheap used one on eBay. No idea if they need you to have the same mileage or if they're willing to overlook that. I have a video on importing from USA to Canada but no experience going in the other direction, sorry man. Best of luck!
@@spacesabove8780 PS: might be a good idea to ask in some BMW GS communities what would be involved in the work, those guys really know their stuff. On some bikes (Ducati, Vespa) the key is paired to the cluster as a security feature (anti theft). I have no idea if the GS is like that. GS mega nerds on Reddit and GS forums will know!
The G650GS is similar'ish, but also quite different. The oil changes on both are stupid in two different ways. One has a belt which is all good until you get to 50,000 miles. The GS just uses chain. One has the weird front trunk, the other doesn't. Both are kind of not the prettiest motorcycles lol
Companies like Seat Concepts might offer a "TALL seat" option that would give you an extra 1" or so of seat padding in a new aftermarket seat. That could give you a little more clearance. More importantly though, this F650GS is a lowered model. Just make sure you don't buy the lowered model. The standard height one will already be a lot more comfortable for you.
Seems you got a lowered bike. How tall are you ? I've got a lower shock which make it too low and a standard shock which make it too high. I'm 5'9. This is with a custom comfort seat.
Between 5'10"-5'11". Yeah this one was lowered and had the low seat. New owner is female, bought it sight unseen, but it sounds like they're loving it.
wilbers sells shock absorbers for lift / lowering bike, you can get standard height, +20mm, -25mm or -50mm version. I personally have their lowered type 641 competition in my F650GS 2008.
I don't know why yours consumes 7l per 100km. I have mine for over 2 years and the highest fuel consumption was 6.2 l/100 km urban and the avarage crusing mostly countrysides no more than 4l.
How so? 17 liters of fuel is almost 30 lbs. A stock battery is only about 10-12 lbs. That's an 18-20 lbs difference. That's substantial on a bike this size. Then, when people switch to a lithium battery, it's closer to a 24-26 lb difference.
I don't consider it stiff, but I don't really consider it at all. It's definitely on the soft side though, but if you feel like it's too soft maybe budget some money to have your favorite local bike shop check it out
😂 2 km long (about 1.2 miles), but if you cover every road in there like a circuit, it becomes about 5 km (3.1 miles). We have a bigger one about 15 minutes away. Big city = LOTS of dead people lol
I just got mine! My first ride was in the pouring rain on the CA 5 freeway and I could not believe how stable the mike is in the wind and rain! I feel safer on this in wind and rain than my other bike I will be putting up for sale on a dry sunny day.
Agreed, I feel super comfortable on this bike in a much wider variety of conditions. Very confidence inspiring, even on 10 year old tires that I need to replace.
A very solid walk around showcasing tje gestures and benefits. Well done!
Thanks Eric! Good bike but I'm glad it's gone! More space for the others.
Love mine, had it since 2014, done a long camping road trip, almost 3000km, it is also my daily ride to work and back. It is the best bike I had so far, and I had a few over the years. I will not recommend it for off-road or very poor gravel or sandy roads, but otherwise a very capable bike.
Very capable, very versatile, great all-rounder.
how many miles ?
What do you mean?
Such underrated bikes ! I really miss mine !
Never too late to buy another one!
I have an R1250GS and an S1000RR ! But do have very happy memories of my F650GS ! Playful and trusted !
@@maxflight777 only two motorcycles?! Definitely time for an f650! 😂
You just sold me the bike! inlove!
wish me luck going from a 125 cc :)
You'll do just fine:) It's not an aggressive bike. On some motorcycles you let out the clutch and they just want to GO. This isn't one of those motorcycles. It's very chill until you want it to go faster.
@@YouMotorcycle Ive been on a vfr850 i think as my 2nd time, i must tell i dont recommend, ive plenty of experience with bigger bikes but never had experience with adventure. i always wanted a license and just came up with the idea i wanna travel from ireland to serbia this summer, im currently looking at a 2008 f650gs dakar, it looks mint. havnt heard one bad thing abot the bike and you definitly made me want to buy the bike from this video.
You'll be just fine man. Enjoy it!
I love this vid. Thanks. Just sold my Honda cbf600 and trying to determine my next bike. I need to do lots of test rides but I’m really thinking this might be “the one!” 😆 fuel tank under seat, not being top heavy, being such an advantage (in my eyes). Hope I love it!!
Glad it was helpful! I'll do a review of the F700GS in the future, as that's another great option for you. In this video I go over the differences and similarities between the two: th-cam.com/video/LsM-jNoTiJY/w-d-xo.html
Excellent review and thanks!!! I am a 52 year old beginner, 1,83cm high with 110 kg weight (little beast) and looking for my first bike, and I really do like this GS 👍 it looks like a bike for everything, everyday riding, commuting and touring. Simple mechanic, not all new tech, nice looking and good quality. Do you really think it is beginner friendly ?! Ride safe and regards from far away Serbia 🇷🇸✌️
It's a little taller and heavier than the beginner bikes you'll see in the 250cc-500cc class of bikes. But at your height you'll probably want something a little bigger anyway. As far as the power, when you first start from a stop, it is calm and won't try to take off on you. It's not aggressive. I think it will be okay. Serbia can be hilly right? Get used to it on flat ground first :)
@@YouMotorcycle Thanx for your quick reply 👍. I've tried the Honda cb500x with similar weight with less power and smaller, also the Benelli TRK500 much heavier. I prefer the BMW, with my age suit better, simple and will be ok many years for my needs ✌️
How fast can the bike go realistically climbing a hill on the freeway through a headwind?
2008-2013 is the 800cc twin cylinder motor, so it can go plenty fast. Maybe you're thinking about the model that went up to 2007 which was only a single cylinder? This bike does 120 mph/195 km per hr on flat ground. Uphill, freeway, head wind, dragging a trailer full of beer behind it, it will be fine. Twist and go :)
amazing review! thanks!
Thanks for watching and thanks for the kind words!
Great review. I want one…
Thank you!
Hey Bud, this is a great and perfect demo. I would like by this bike as a beginner. I am in Ontario too lol. Did you sell this bike?
Yup. My F700GS is up for sale now though, unless my other bike sells first and then I'm keeping the F700GS. Trying to scale back to just a few bikes lol. Comparison of the F650 vs F700 th-cam.com/video/LsM-jNoTiJY/w-d-xo.html
The BMW Comfort seat is worth getting
Agree! Have it on my f700gs and like it. Have the Seat Concepts seat on my g650gs, both are really nice!
Is this seat higher then the original? Im looking for a comfortable higher seat
Look at Seat Concepts they make some nice options at different seat heights
Yep, they also changed the name of the 650 at the same time....to G650gs instead if the F650.
And to this day people are still confused about that haha
Swapped mine for a R1250GS … but I miss the F650GS (twin ) it was playful
Just put up a video on a new exhaust for the F700GS (basically F650GS with a couple tweaks). The R1250GS is a really nicebike, just too much nice bike for where I do 90% of my daily riding lol
Hei nice video :). Could you please tell me the name of these splendid vario cases? I just bought my 2012 f650gs but couldn't find them
Hey thanks! These are the BMW original ones. I think you can only get them from BMW dealers. You can probably find used ones on eBay if you're lucky. But if you buy a used pair just make sure that they are for your year and model!
Are these solid, reliable motorcycles?
I have a Z125 i learned on. Definitely time to up my cc's.
My neighbor has a good lean on a GS650 for a decent price.
What sayest thou?
The f650gs twin (800cc) or the f650gs (650cc single cylinder)?
Great bike dude, thinking of buying it
They're awesome. Love the f700gs I replaced it with!
Hi There ! Thank's for the video.There it goes a question for you, that has both models at home : Can i install a crashbar sold for f700gs into the f650gs ? I mean does the two bikes have the same structure ? I think i can but i am not sure... thank's for your work in that channel ! its nice to be able to get some info about these 3 bmw. See you !
I think so. I took a crash bar off of the blue F650GS twin cylinder and put it on the red F700GS.
@@YouMotorcycle thats what i understood that you wanted to do so i guess its the same frame ! Cool ! I am waiting for my blue one. Got it in a few weeks if everything goes alright. Can't wait anymore ! Thanks mate your channel is really nice and helpfull ! Will need to change a few stuff so i guess your videos can help (led fornt light for exemple)
@@jgp1701thanks for the kind words! Congrats on the new bike when it arrives!
Thanks.
Thanks for stopping by :)
Alright so this is an oddball question but do you happen to know the differences in spec for an American GS Vs Canadian? I live overseas right now and picked up a 2011 GS but was told to import to the US I'd need to convert it.
The dashboard will definitely be different as ours will be in km/hr instead of mph. Get a pic of your dash cluster and see if it's also in miles, then maybe you'll be okay. Emissions wise, everything sold here should meet US EPA standards. I think you might need an actual BMW Motorrad dealer to write a letter or something. You should check with the one closest to wherever your bike is. Best of luck!
@YouMotorcycle thanks for the reply! The dash only has kilometers on it, but hopefully thats all I need to change because I feel like I could do that myself honestly.
@@spacesabove8780 I think you could hopefully find a cheap used one on eBay. No idea if they need you to have the same mileage or if they're willing to overlook that. I have a video on importing from USA to Canada but no experience going in the other direction, sorry man. Best of luck!
@@spacesabove8780 PS: might be a good idea to ask in some BMW GS communities what would be involved in the work, those guys really know their stuff. On some bikes (Ducati, Vespa) the key is paired to the cluster as a security feature (anti theft). I have no idea if the GS is like that. GS mega nerds on Reddit and GS forums will know!
When you got to the l/100km … I’m … “ oh he’s not a Yank ! 😳”
Nor a wank!
I rode a 650 scarver as a rental .How does the 650 gs compare to that?
The G650GS is similar'ish, but also quite different. The oil changes on both are stupid in two different ways. One has a belt which is all good until you get to 50,000 miles. The GS just uses chain. One has the weird front trunk, the other doesn't. Both are kind of not the prettiest motorcycles lol
Perfect.
They're really 🙂👍
i'm 6,25 tall, I have budget for this F650GS, but F800gs price is just out of reach. Is there a way to make that work? :)
Companies like Seat Concepts might offer a "TALL seat" option that would give you an extra 1" or so of seat padding in a new aftermarket seat. That could give you a little more clearance. More importantly though, this F650GS is a lowered model. Just make sure you don't buy the lowered model. The standard height one will already be a lot more comfortable for you.
How much did it end up selling for? I'm also in Toronto and considering purchasing a 700 or 800 gs
I basically broke even on it so I think $5k or max just under $5500.
Seems you got a lowered bike. How tall are you ? I've got a lower shock which make it too low and a standard shock which make it too high. I'm 5'9. This is with a custom comfort seat.
Between 5'10"-5'11". Yeah this one was lowered and had the low seat. New owner is female, bought it sight unseen, but it sounds like they're loving it.
wilbers sells shock absorbers for lift / lowering bike, you can get standard height, +20mm, -25mm or -50mm version. I personally have their lowered type 641 competition in my F650GS 2008.
😲 my MPG is 54-60, city and high speed rides
Great mileage. BMW knew exactly what they were doing with this motor. Ride safe, but have fun!
I don't know why yours consumes 7l per 100km. I have mine for over 2 years and the highest fuel consumption was 6.2 l/100 km urban and the avarage crusing mostly countrysides no more than 4l.
You should read the text at the bottom: th-cam.com/video/JYhvMyvBpJA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=-0_B7taMLHTsZTCI&t=331
The fuel idea of being under seat is a sells gimmick, the battery and oil tank under where the gas is normally weighs about the same.
How so? 17 liters of fuel is almost 30 lbs. A stock battery is only about 10-12 lbs. That's an 18-20 lbs difference. That's substantial on a bike this size. Then, when people switch to a lithium battery, it's closer to a 24-26 lb difference.
i tried one today to buy, but i feel the front suspention soft, is it normal? Thanks
How old was it, how many miles on it, what kind of shape were the fork seals in, and when was the last time the fluid was replaced?
@@YouMotorcycle it's from 2012… 27000kms 16777 miles I guess , the others questions I can't answer you . But you consider soft or stiff ?
I don't consider it stiff, but I don't really consider it at all. It's definitely on the soft side though, but if you feel like it's too soft maybe budget some money to have your favorite local bike shop check it out
@@YouMotorcycle ok I'll try another Thursday, and I will compare. Thanks for the help
Worlds biggest graveyard ?
😂 2 km long (about 1.2 miles), but if you cover every road in there like a circuit, it becomes about 5 km (3.1 miles). We have a bigger one about 15 minutes away. Big city = LOTS of dead people lol