Nice revi ew. I own a 2009 F650GS (bought new) and love it. Easy to handle, great for long trips. I live in Norway where service is a little pricey, but the reliability makes it worth it. I think it's a great looking bike, too. It's an old friend that I hope to ride for years to come.
Hello! Do you still have the bike? How is your opinion now about the bike? Im thinking of buying one from 2009 with 35k on the clock. Really curious about the reliability.
I have owned a 2011 F550GS since '11 (new) It has performed flawlessly to four corners of the US and Alaska - While not as dirt worthy as the F800GS (21" front tire makes a difference) it will do fine for easy off road (I road it across the Denali Highway in Alaska and top of the world etc. no issues. I have never regretted purchasing it.
Love mine, had it since new 2010. I just wanted a nice universal motorcycle. That’s this with backroad dirt road bonus. It’s been extremely reliable and super fun for me. My daughter will probably have to sell it after I croak.
I own a 2008 F650, great bike, good for daily commute, ok even for long trips, but not so great for gravel or off road. Did several long distance trips mostly on tar road and enjoyed every second. This year my bike threw me off on a gravel road when I hit a soft spot and broke several ribs and my thumb. I was wearing full gear and had no other injuries. Maybe I was going a bit slow and was not fully standing or fast enough on the throttle. Otherwise I love my bike and will keep it until it can’t go anymore.
Bought a used 2009 twin back in 2010 as a first bike. I went with Bmw because I wanted one bike to last me forever. I haven’t ridden it for a few years but it’s easy enough to change my own oil and I even replaced the stator. Time for something with a wider tyre and faster. 185km/hr is alright but that’s all she got.
I almost bought a BMW F 650 GS. I think that if I had bought one, then I would have loved riding it. But, I don't think that I would want to pay the high maintenance costs. So, I bought a low milage, Kawasaki Versys 650 , instead. I am actually glad that I didn't get a BMW !
And not to mention its amazing low center of gravity and that it only weights 436 lbs fully fueled, so in other words you get an 800cc that weights about the same as the cb500x or the 411 Himalayan
Excellent bike, excellent chassis, excellent fuel consumption, little maintenance. I bought one new from 2009, over 14 years old, with 75,000 km. The project is excellent, the rotax engine is unsurpassed in terms of sturdiness, performance and consumption. Apart from a few small flaws, the bike is still current. Much better than the new model with the usquarna engine. The other versions are also excellent, 800 gs, 800 st, 800 GT, etc. I don't understand how bmw was able to abandon the rotax 800 engine project. The new engines have a few more horsepower but consumption has doubled like maintenance. Evidently it didn't make sense for him to make good and durable motorcycles. Sin. To this day the new BMW models tell me nothing. Expensive and delicate.
Tks for your video. I just bought a F 650 GS from 2012 and am looking to buy panniers and pannier racks as well as an aftermarket higher seat ? I live in Switzerland. Any suggestions ? Tks
i love my 650 i dual sport ride with it a lot off dirt roads and black top it does have lot off off road stuff engine bars belly pan its running a lowered aftermarket shock cause I'm short ass 5foot 8 the wheels are strong I've hit many wash outs that have bottomed suspension blown tires etc the rims are fine yer its a great bike before it I had a dr650 a sv650 a himilayan the gs is allround better bike than above mentioned
That's a good solid bike that usually can be found nice and cheap. It's a little more engine than I usually recommend for a first bike, and at this point it is old enough that you will need to work on it some. If you are comfortable with working on it and being very careful until you get used to it then go for it! I do usually recommend staying under a 500cc for a first bike.
@@AlexSimmons11c thankyou for your reply your channel is very helpful and informative. I wish you and your family the best. Us subs appreciate you very much keep up the good work
Never had the twin cylinder F-650 GS, but did own a single cylinder for about 10 years. My only input is that when you go to order parts make dam sure you're ordering for the right one. Also have no Idea why BMW would do something this confusing.
I don't really understand why they did that either, especially since the original single cylinder was such a successful and loved model haha...I mean I understand making the twin, but not giving it the same model name.
@@AlexSimmons11c To add to the confusion after they came out with the twin, the single soldiered on for a few more years but as the G-650 GS. BMW what were you thinking.
@@AlexSimmons11c It is very confusing. The best explanation I've seen for why BMW called one twin an F650 and the other twin an F800 though they both have the Rotax 800cc engine is that BMW wanted people to understand the more mildly tuned F650 had more of the engine characteristics of a 650cc engine than an 800cc engine. F650 had 71 bhp and 55 ft lbs of torque while the F800 had 85 bhp and 59 ft lbs of torque. The F650 was marketed more for a beginner rider. BMW figured a beginner was more likely to start with a 650 and may be afraid of an 800cc engine. Thus they tuned one engine with slightly less bhp, though I have also read that the F650 has a bit more torque on the low end. That also would make it a better bike for a beginner. It's still confusing but that explanation actually makes some sense to me.
@@Bass1923 I'm looking at an 09 for $6000 22500 miles ABS heated grips and BMW cases. Thinking long trips and maybe 6 months travel after mom passes. Any suggestions?
Now its9 months later and I still haven't rode it, but my buddy has. It sounds good! Got to be really careful how you start it ! I can start it but he can't !
My f650gs is a piece of crap. Hate everything about it. Working on it is a nightmare and have had everything fail on it. Always wanted the rt or 1150 but regret buying this one
@@jirval2581 he’s an idiot … ignore him! I owned a couple, they were superb. I now have an S1000RR and a R1250GS … but I miss the F650GS and F800GS! Why ? They are playful, reliable and sweet to ride in most places ! (Not brilliant on motorways )
Nice revi ew. I own a 2009 F650GS (bought new) and love it. Easy to handle, great for long trips. I live in Norway where service is a little pricey, but the reliability makes it worth it. I think it's a great looking bike, too. It's an old friend that I hope to ride for years to come.
Hello! Do you still have the bike? How is your opinion now about the bike? Im thinking of buying one from 2009 with 35k on the clock. Really curious about the reliability.
I have owned a 2011 F550GS since '11 (new) It has performed flawlessly to four corners of the US and Alaska - While not as dirt worthy as the F800GS (21" front tire makes a difference) it will do fine for easy off road (I road it across the Denali Highway in Alaska and top of the world etc. no issues. I have never regretted purchasing it.
Love mine, had it since new 2010. I just wanted a nice universal motorcycle. That’s this with backroad dirt road bonus. It’s been extremely reliable and super fun for me. My daughter will probably have to sell it after I croak.
I own a 2008 F650, great bike, good for daily commute, ok even for long trips, but not so great for gravel or off road. Did several long distance trips mostly on tar road and enjoyed every second. This year my bike threw me off on a gravel road when I hit a soft spot and broke several ribs and my thumb. I was wearing full gear and had no other injuries. Maybe I was going a bit slow and was not fully standing or fast enough on the throttle. Otherwise I love my bike and will keep it until it can’t go anymore.
Thank u Def I helped my decision on the F650gs. Thanks
Bought a used 2009 twin back in 2010 as a first bike. I went with Bmw because I wanted one bike to last me forever.
I haven’t ridden it for a few years but it’s easy enough to change my own oil and I even replaced the stator. Time for something with a wider tyre and faster. 185km/hr is alright but that’s all she got.
Alex thanks so much for giving me that review. I was surprised how fast you made it. Al
No problem, sorry for the delay! I try to make video requests as quickly as possible, but the list gets long hahaha
I almost bought a BMW F 650 GS.
I think that if I had bought one, then I would have loved riding it. But, I don't think that I would want to pay the high maintenance costs.
So, I bought a low milage, Kawasaki Versys 650 , instead.
I am actually glad that I didn't get a BMW !
And not to mention its amazing low center of gravity and that it only weights 436 lbs fully fueled, so in other words you get an 800cc that weights about the same as the cb500x or the 411 Himalayan
How is this bike for tall riders? Im 6'6 thinking of buying one.
Excellent bike, excellent chassis, excellent fuel consumption, little maintenance. I bought one new from 2009, over 14 years old, with 75,000 km. The project is excellent, the rotax engine is unsurpassed in terms of sturdiness, performance and consumption. Apart from a few small flaws, the bike is still current. Much better than the new model with the usquarna engine. The other versions are also excellent, 800 gs, 800 st, 800 GT, etc. I don't understand how bmw was able to abandon the rotax 800 engine project. The new engines have a few more horsepower but consumption has doubled like maintenance. Evidently it didn't make sense for him to make good and durable motorcycles. Sin. To this day the new BMW models tell me nothing. Expensive and delicate.
Nice easy going comments. Smooth with no BS jokes trying to be funny. Tks
Tks for your video. I just bought a F 650 GS from 2012 and am looking to buy panniers and pannier racks as well as an aftermarket higher seat ? I live in Switzerland. Any suggestions ? Tks
i love my 650 i dual sport ride with it a lot off dirt roads and black top it does have lot off off road stuff engine bars belly pan its running a lowered aftermarket shock cause I'm short ass 5foot 8 the wheels are strong I've hit many wash outs that have bottomed suspension blown tires etc the rims are fine yer its a great bike before it I had a dr650 a sv650 a himilayan the gs is allround better bike than above mentioned
Nice bike, silly confusing name tho. Cheers mate 👍🏻
Very confusing hahaha
Hi i love your video content you go very much into detail about bikes. Question, is the suzuki 1990 vx800 your opinion a starter bike?
That's a good solid bike that usually can be found nice and cheap. It's a little more engine than I usually recommend for a first bike, and at this point it is old enough that you will need to work on it some. If you are comfortable with working on it and being very careful until you get used to it then go for it! I do usually recommend staying under a 500cc for a first bike.
@@AlexSimmons11c thankyou for your reply your channel is very helpful and informative. I wish you and your family the best. Us subs appreciate you very much keep up the good work
@@kingsmurf8131 Thanks for the support, ride safe my friend!
Never had the twin cylinder F-650 GS, but did own a single cylinder for about 10 years. My only input is that when you go to order parts make dam sure you're ordering for the right one. Also have no Idea why BMW would do something this confusing.
I don't really understand why they did that either, especially since the original single cylinder was such a successful and loved model haha...I mean I understand making the twin, but not giving it the same model name.
@@AlexSimmons11c To add to the confusion after they came out with the twin, the single soldiered on for a few more years but as the G-650 GS. BMW what were you thinking.
@@stuglenn1112 Right? hahaha
@@AlexSimmons11c It is very confusing. The best explanation I've seen for why BMW called one twin an F650 and the other twin an F800 though they both have the Rotax 800cc engine is that BMW wanted people to understand the more mildly tuned F650 had more of the engine characteristics of a 650cc engine than an 800cc engine. F650 had 71 bhp and 55 ft lbs of torque while the F800 had 85 bhp and 59 ft lbs of torque. The F650 was marketed more for a beginner rider. BMW figured a beginner was more likely to start with a 650 and may be afraid of an 800cc engine. Thus they tuned one engine with slightly less bhp, though I have also read that the F650 has a bit more torque on the low end. That also would make it a better bike for a beginner. It's still confusing but that explanation actually makes some sense to me.
@@Bass1923 I'm looking at an 09 for $6000 22500 miles ABS heated grips and BMW cases. Thinking long trips and maybe 6 months travel after mom passes. Any suggestions?
thanks
Anyone has F650gs 08-13 owners manual??
Can't find it online...
Thanks.. I have a 2008...in great conditions so I want to give the best care...
☝🏾👴🏿Why would a GS 650 be an 800? It should be called a GS800?
I jus got a 2001 for $2000 so I'm probably an idiot. It won't start.
Now its9 months later and I still haven't rode it, but my buddy has. It sounds good! Got to be really careful how you start it ! I can start it but he can't !
What a goofy move by BMW they just can’t get it right. 650 that is an 800cc motor and cast wheel rims. Very stupid.
Deceiving, maybe ?
My f650gs is a piece of crap. Hate everything about it. Working on it is a nightmare and have had everything fail on it. Always wanted the rt or 1150 but regret buying this one
I'm considering this as my first bmw. Can you please tell me what kind of issues have you had
@@jirval2581 I think he said everything.
@@jirval2581 he’s an idiot … ignore him! I owned a couple, they were superb. I now have an S1000RR and a R1250GS … but I miss the F650GS and F800GS! Why ? They are playful, reliable and sweet to ride in most places ! (Not brilliant on motorways )
Excellent