BMW F 650 CS reviews

I'm another one - a returning rider, that is. The last bikes I owned were a Honda CB 305 Superhawk and a Yamaha DT-1C Enduro. This was a LONG time ago. After 25 years of marriage, I got the spouse to agree to let me get a bike. I chose the 650 GS - it was a wise choice. This is a well made bike. It is well balanced and, while powerful enough, not too powerful to jeopardize those of us who have returned and need to re-learn. Yet, I've found I can be quick in the canyons and capable off road. While I am not trying to keep up with the "crotch rockets," I want a bike that can carry me from the home over the highway and to the dirt -- and the 650 GS does the job. It carries a lot of gear, handles predictably, and can be customized to be what you want. Would I like more power? Sure. Do I need it? Not really. Great bike for those, like me, who want to enjoy the spirit of the road, but seek skill in riding not speed (for its own sake). Show less

After riding 2 Suzuki 750s and a Honda Interceptor 800 with bag set, this nimble lil bike is a real blast. I am still able to keep up with the fast guys in the canyons (not on the straights) and can settle into 60-65 mph to see up to 68MPG, 2 up! AND I can now go off road.... What freedom... Loving this lil champ. Wish I could use Synthetic oil, and also wish there was a better windscreen available for this bike... Happy Trails.. Show less

I bought this bike instead of a KLR or DR because it had racks and hard bags and it is also a BMW. No problems so far. It rides great on the superslab and also in the dirt. I have taken it on many hard 4x4 roads and dropped it numerous times. The pannier racks absorb most of the falls with only a broken mirror and blinkers to speak of. I am in good shape so it is no problem to pick the bike up. Sure it could use more suspension travel, but for commuting to work and 4x4 on the weekends, it has been the perfect bike for me. Go ahead and ride it offroad, it can handle it!!! Show less

I'm enjoying my BMW very much as an entry bike back into road riding. My last experience on a road bike was with a 1972 Motto Guzzi Eldorado, not a very enjoyable bike. Most of my riding after that was on a dirt with a true dirt bike and thus one of my reasons for buying the BMW 650. However I now have discovered that I really enjoy road riding again and have only taken to the dirt roads twice so far. The one issue I can see riding dirt roads here in Colorado would be that the BMW doesn't have a low enough gear to comfortably ride on many of the rocky trails. If I had one wish it would be for a factory granny gear (6 speed) so I won't have to change sprockets and lose the highway speed of this bike. Other then that a very nice bike. Show less

In less than 3 months, I've put 5,225 miles on this bike, and tested it a little in the dirt. As my first "big" bike (my other is a DRZ-200), I love it. It handles and runs well, has good brakes and great mileage (65-70 MPG, depending on how fast I'm running). This bike has ruined me for all other makes. 532 miles was my longest ride - very comfy! Oh, and great service from my dealer. Thanks guys! Show less

In all respects, the bike is great. I've taken it on long trips riding 300-450 a day, loaded with the set of bags or sometimes unloaded but two up, and sometimes in dirt roads. Every mile it has been a pleasure riding it. I wouldn't venture with it on very rough dirt roads (I've got a smaller dual sport for that), though I'm sure if I replaced the Tourance/T66 with knobbies it would do fine in most cases. I did have some problems, all fixed under warranty, and the dealer was very helpful here: instrument panel replaced as the odometer mileage would most often reset 1-2 miles less after each trip. Mirrors (the old ones, no longer made, sometimes flipped over at high speeds/acceleration), also a piece of trim on tank fell off, and I need to put it back (I got a new set under warranty). Mechanically, it's superb otherwise, and I like the engine purr. I got over 60 mi /gal quite often. Show less

As of 2000 miles I have found this to be a very good bike. I had to have the brake pads replaced on the back. When I stopped they could hear me 4 blooks away. I have found that the 1st gear is to tall, I dont need to go 35-40 in first gear. If I ride at 4 to 5 rpm I get 60 miles to the gallon nice. I'm tall and I find that the small wind shield pushes the wind into me. And I find in a cross wind I move around on the road. Other than that it is a very nice road bike. Off road that tall gear comes into play its hard to go slow. You can get a smaller front sproket to lower the gears. I run 89octane gas and it runs very well. Show less

I have previously owned a R100GS (34000mi)a R1100GS (36000mi)and a R1150GS (6000mi)and have enjoyed ridding all these bikes, hence the purches of the F650GS Dakar. I down sized because I had moved to the mountains to which I used to commute, and for my recreational ridding up and down the old mining roads of the Sierra's exploring old gost towns in the mountains. I have not been disapointed with this bike in as much in what I purchased it for. It's lighter than the last two GS twins so it's a little easier to ride on dirt roads. (more fun to explore with)It's as comfortable as any of the other three GS modles I have owned. (Great seat)And although I would like to see just a little more power (maybe an HP modle?)it has adequate power for its intended purpose and my ridding style (but when was "too much, too much?" BMW has added the heated grips to the 2005 Dakar modle, but still really need to add a center stand to the Dakar! Great bike, I have had lots of fun on it. Great stuff Show less

I am new to motorcycling and recently purchased a certified pre-owned 2005 F650CS with 662 miles. This is my first bike and so far I'm very satisfied with it. I mostly use it to commute back and forth to work, but also find time to get out and roam the back roads. Starting the bike when it is cold takes a couple tries, when warmed up it starts flawlessly. The height of the seat is a good fit for me. At 5'10" I have a 32" inseam, so my feet are planted on the ground when stopped. I have a custom lowered seat, which the previous owner had purchased, that lowers my CG, but not real comfortable for a longer trip. Being on the light side, 140lbs. soaking wet, acceleration is very good. Getting up to desired speed is no problem. Good stuff! Show less

Usually my arms and rear hurt after long rides. With this new F650CS, I've been able to tour the country in comfort. I'm an overweight guy, so I need a bike I can feel safe on...and this is definitely the one for me. I've owned many other brands of motorcycles before, but BMW will have my business from now on. I'm very happy with my new purchase! Show less