BMW F650GS Reviews

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BMW F650GS
★★★★☆
4.4
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Latest Reviews

“Great allrounder”

★★★★★

written by tc40 on 20/02/2014

Collected my 2011 F650GS 800 cc up on one of the worse days of the year, heavy rain, sleet, high winds, and only a few degrees above zero, my trip was 65 miles home and I loved every minute of it, heated grips kept my hands from going numb, Excellent road holding, riding in town was effortless, screen was fine doing the job of keeping the wind off and fuel consumption was amazing, As a rider of cruisers, nakeds and sports bikes this feels more like a sports bike, confidence giving on the bends even in wet conditions without the need to get used to the bike over several days. powerful enough to overtake when you need to get past fast and safely, and comfort was not compromised even though I had the lowered seat,Only criticism is if you wear motocross boots the gear lever and rear brake are fiddly to use properly, could of been the oneal boots, but wearing normal bike boots was fine

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“Great commuters bike thats fits well into the sticks!”

★★★★☆

written by bedtime_for_democracy on 22/03/2013

Ive owned this bike since Nov 2011 after seeing it and falling in love with it after passing my restricted license. I love this bike! This bike is nippy, perfect to throw around as the fuel tank is underneath the seat and fun to ride. Its no sports bike but I use my bike mainly for all weather commuting and thick rush hour traffic on the M25/A2 so im after practicality and economy over speed. I clock my tank and get roughly 60-65MPG. I also live out in the stick where potholes and muddy roads are quite common and this bike ploughs through everything and feels well suited both on motorway and country roads. Ive done about 6000 miles on this bike in just over a year and ive had only small problems with the battery and sometimes the gears can be a bit hard to click in but nothing major and nothing thats left me stranded on the side of the road! A little TLC will cancel out the battery issues as its mainly due to the fact it doesnt get used in ice and snow so the battery needs to be jumped. Other gripe would be the seat! Its just that bit to low for me. It gets a bit uncomfortable but only after an hour or 2's ride. Overall, a good, sturdy, runaround built for all roads and conditions!

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“almost perfect”

★★★★☆

written by on 03/08/2012

I,ve owned my F650GS for 18mths, previous bike was a Triumph Sprint 955 ST and I found that due to health problems was just to big. the 800twin from BMW was 1 of my choices and on visiting my local dealer for a test ride was impressed with its handling and usability. they offered me 1 of there ex demo bikes at a very reasonable price with a trade in more than anyone else so the deal was done that day. The bike has been totally reliable unlike a friends Triumph 800 tiger. I have ridden to the south of france and to the netherlands and it has returned exceptional mpg at speeds up to 100mph, I have now covered over 8500 mls the only niggle being the seat which I am going to replace for a comfort 1.

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“Was unsure at first to either go for a used Japanese...”

★★★★☆

written by brains on 19/09/2010

Was unsure at first to either go for a used Japanese adventure bikes or the BMW f650GS Dakar single cylinder, Spent ages on the internet checking specs of all the middle range adventure bikes. I decided to go for the BMW after reading many reviews. Bought an 04 plate BMW F650GS Dakar and love it, The Seating position is just right for me as a back suffer, The performance is not bad for a single cylinder engine and does rev freely with a nice punch at higher revs, Rides quite comfortably with many rear shock absorber settings, It's a very tall bike which you can see well over car roofs while riding allowing time to plan well head. The Brakes feel confident and powerful. The Bikes instruments are very clear with many warning lights. Their is no fuel gauge fitted but instant theirs a warning light on the cluster which warns you when theirs four litres left in the tank. The build quality is second to none, Very solid. The Engine is a single cylinder which has two spark plugs and fuel injected. The exhaust system is made from stainless steel which came as standard from the factory. A single exhaust down pipe from the engine but ends with a twin system at the rear. The downside I have experienced is the very clunky gear change especially when selecting first gear, Reviews confirm this is common on this bike for the gears to clunk up and down the range ( 5 Speed Box ). The Bikes instruments are very clear with many warning lights. Overall I am very pleased with the bike

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“I am coming up on three weeks of ownership with my new...”

★★★★★

written by on 06/04/2010

I am coming up on three weeks of ownership with my new twin. Let me set up the review a bit. I am coming off a 2008 Honda VTX 1300 and a 1999 BMW K1200LTC prior to that. To be quite honest I wanted something with more pep, and much lighter. My first tank was 62 mpg, my second was 69, and then I started riding it which took me down to the mid 50's (a lot of Interstate). The bike corners like a crotch rocket, give you exactly the information you want as a rider, fits like a glove, and allows for upright riding. I did not buy the factory lowered version because it took the useable weight from 540 to 310, and since I weigh 240, that leaves room for Vario bags and groceries. I was torn between the 800 and the 650, and am glad I went the way they steared me at BMW.

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“Only short period of ownership of this late 2009...”

★★★★☆

written by Retiredbiker on 24/03/2010

Only short period of ownership of this late 2009 F650GS and only approx 400 miles done so far (thanks to weather). However, have enjoyed the rides to date. I'm not tall (approx 5ft 8in with 29in leg) and being in my 60's wanted something I could flat foot, "sit up and beg", and mid weight intended for frequent use short runs but able enough for touring. So far it fits the bill a treat with just a couple of minor nigles.
First, I had to get a "comfort seat" else I feared for my anatomy - cost approx £200 - you'd think BMW would fit a comfortable seat in the first place rather than offer it as an option, wouldn't you? However to be fair it does increase the seat height a little - but not enough to cause me undue concern. Next I wanted to get TomTom Rider and made enquiries about using the electrical socket to power it. I was then informed that fitting TomTom invalidates the warranty. Apparently it causes the battery to go flat and sometimes makes the lights come on at random???? When I went back to the sales guy he said he'd only heard about this problem last week (I do believe he was being genuine). Of course I was told that BMW have a GPS that's ok but that's about £500 apparently (not confirmed). Also checked (at time of purchase) about using same socket for charging battery - only the BMW charger can be used. So electrical socket doesn't seem to be a lot of use unless using BMW accessories. Other nigle which almost everyone seems to remark on is the BMW indicator switches - a real trial to get to master (apparently this will be changed/has already changed for 2010 - again not confirmed). And lastly the screen doesn't seem to offer any real protection. I find 65 to 70 mph the buffeting around my head very wearing. I included the touring screen option when I purchased the bike but have yet to fit it.

However, enough of the niggles. With the comfort seat and having mastered (I think) the indicators it is a pleasure to take for a ride out. It "fits", it's smooth, it's comfortable, it's soundly engineered and well built (even the luggage exhibits the same quality and fits without a struggle). Generally the machine has a touch of engineering excellence about it. And there's plenty enough power for me. So, on balance, so far I'm very pleased with my purchase. (Just a shame that for all it's excellent points BMW don't get things like the seat, indicators and the electrical socket quite right - at least for me).

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“I own a 2004 BMW F650GS. I've has this bike for 5...”

★★★★★

written by on 25/04/2009

I own a 2004 BMW F650GS. I've has this bike for 5 years and am enjoying it as much as the first day I rode it. Its the perfect bike for me. Lots of power for my driving needs, - comfortable on dirt roads, or open highway. It is light and manouveralble and easy to maintain - I do most of the maintenance myself.

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“Had this 2004 ' twin-spark 'BMW F650GS for 18 months,...”

★★★★★

written by Colin Dawe on 16/03/2009

Had this 2004 ' twin-spark 'BMW F650GS for 18 months, have fitted a Techlusion Fuel Nanny fuel system " surge eliminated and can adjust without a BMW computer (so it ' s paid for itself). Front end has progressive fork springs so even better handling, and had the seat rebuilt with gel insert so the long distance runs e.g. Scotland to Kent/Bristol twice, much more comfortable. Fuel consumption is astonishing, have even considered sending money to the OPEC people as I feel I ' m not paying my whack on this thing!! It ' ll cruise all day on the motorway, but this is boring for this machine as it loves the B roads " but it will redline far too easily until you get used to it. Not so good in bad weather as you are bolt upright - admittedly you can see over the top of our four wheeled friends and see what they are up too way, way ahead " but you ' re on a par with ' high-sided 'vehicles in strong winds. If I know that type of weather ' s about then I use a very heavy K100LT and stay dry and warm and very much on the road. Toured Morocco on one for ten days and kept up with the R1200GS ' s (much to their disgust) and next month doing the ' short-way down 'to Portal.

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“I purchased the BMW F650GS for work commute, and...”

★★★★★

written by on 16/03/2009

I purchased the BMW F650GS for work commute, and weekend camping. Bike is easy to handle and fun to ride Viewed as entry level, it seems suitable for highway and backroad, even for a six ft, 200 pounder. Also own 2 big cruisers and Kaw versys. This bike lives up to the BMW rep for quality. I feel like I'm on a well built machine, no rattles or squeaks. Remember you get what you pay for.

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“The BMW F650GS is a good allround commuter and...”

★★★★★

written by on 02/02/2009

The BMW F650GS is a good allround commuter and definitely value for money.
A pleasure to ride all day. Smooth ride, no saddle fatique, weight distribution excellent. Effortless cornering, rapid response on throttle, brakes need getting used to though, very fuel efficient. Overall a masterpiece of engineering. Haven't had it long enough to find any bad points.

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“Great bike, perfect for commuting in town and for...”

★★★★★

written by on 29/01/2009

Great bike, perfect for commuting in town and for tours outside. The passenger seat is comfortable as well. Only little consumption of fuel. Very round and elastic power engine. beautiful look: mine is a DAKAR!!!

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“easy handling. ”

★★★★★

written by MK143 on 05/01/2009

easy handling.
comfortable.
less fuel comsumption.
good outlook I own the BMW F650GS just 3 months, I buy from my friend because he change to a new F800GS, that bike is easy riding and handling, more comfortable than my R1150R bike. I really like this bike.

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“A really great all round motorcycle. Easy to ride and...”

★★★★★

written by johnirl on 31/08/2008

A really great all round motorcycle. Easy to ride and lovely build quality. Low centre of gravity. Very comfortable to ride. Very good suspension. Excellent as commuter or tourer. Very reliable. Excellent abs brakes.

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“The BMW F650 is an outstanding motorcycle. Great...”

★★★★★

written by rtroiani on 27/04/2008

The BMW F650 is an outstanding motorcycle. Great commuter bike, although I would do some work with the seat if you wanted to take it on a long distance ride. Overall I am thrilled with it, and every time I think of trading it for the next big thing - I think of a reason not to!

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“I have the 2006 model F650GS. I use it mainly to...”

★★★★★

written by Haydn Ogden on 01/02/2008

I have the 2006 model F650GS. I use it mainly to commute in gridlocked Johannesburg, but on weekends out in the countryside. I have taken the standard F650GS up Sani Pass. It handles this rugged 4x4 terrain with ease. This bike is an absolute pleasure to ride. I hope it stays with me forever, I never want to sell it.

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“Great commuter and decent tourer. I do about 30,000km...”

★★★★★

written by on 11/01/2008

Great commuter and decent tourer. I do about 30,000km in a year on the bike and it never misses a beat !!
Great after-sales service as with all BMW bikes!
Very economic and very capable on and off road.
It will be missed when the F800GS comes out !!

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“The BMW F650GS bikes are used all over the world and...”

★★★★★

written by lusaka1967 on 28/05/2006

The BMW F650GS bikes are used all over the world and for a good reason; they are so versatile and come with a bomb proof engine. Mine has only been used for commuting duties at present - but now it is run-in and the sun is appearing in the sky more often, I hope to take it on some longer trips.

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2Lippy's Response to 244650_lusaka1967's Review

Written on: 25/09/2007

I don't think a bike that's only been run in isn't what you would call much of a test, how do you know how "bomb proof" the engine is? Oerhaps a new review in 6 months time would be far more useful?

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“Driving a BMW F650GS has really been one of my best...”

★★★★★

written by salvovaccaro on 16/05/2006

Driving a BMW F650GS has really been one of my best experience in life, considering I've driven many bikes in the past, being a mono you won't believe the way the power is given at all speed. I thing it should be a must to try one! Really a must, ideal to connect for work, light and cheap (£60 tax and about £300 insurance!!!...per year), and fully enjoiable for light touring and not afraid of long journey (my last 900 miles).

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Asked by manoliskamenakis on 7th April 2014 Report this content
I am thinking of buying BMW 650 Dakar model 2001. From the reviews I have read it's an excellent motorcycle. However this model was produced until 2008. Will I be able to find spare parts easily?

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