BMW F 650 GS reviews

This F700GS factory low was used primarily for long trips. Most of the mileage was on the road rather than in town local riding. Owner is a MSF RiderCoach so the bike has had a good life. The bike was always garaged, factory maintenance was done on time and T-CLOCS was done before every ride. The included equipment makes it ready for any trip or adventure. Show less

I personally LOVED owning and riding my 2016 R1200GS. I never initially considered buying this bike and was going to buy something else. I thought that I wanted something more pretty, less unique or more powerful...but then I took it for a test ride and understood the hype about BMW GS bikes. The BMW build quality is just awesome. They do it the best direct from the factory with high quality components throughout: Adjustable Sachs suspension, Brembo brakes, braided stainless coated hydraulics, LED lighting, Bosch electronics and tech that surpasses all others. The handling is second to none with a circle turn radius of less than 8 feet . The braking is amaizing, where there is NO dive due to BMW lever suspension system. The bike squats upon hard braking instead of diving from traditional telescopic fork tube suspension. The low center of gravity and torque from the boxer motor is more than adequate and reliability is off the charts. There are more BMW boxers are on the road eating up greater miles compared to others. The torque and HP are enough that I never had to disable the default traction control to get more out of the 1200 engine. It truely is enough and I'm not a small guy. The only downside if it's even considered negative is the tall riding stance and wind protection, but these minor shortcomings that can be solved with greater wind protection mods and lower seat/suspension mods. Touring with the GS is just amaizing too. I could safely stand, stretch and change into so many different comfy riding positions that I would run out of fuel before growing fatigued or uncomfortable. I would honestly implore. Yes, IMPLORE you to try out a GS. If haven't rode a BMW GS, don't wait it will most likely be the one you buy. Also, the different and unique look of the GS is something that will grow in your heart throughout ownership. IMHO it's one of the best looking motorcycles made. After owning my GS for 8 years, I now understand why they will forever be cemented as icons amongst motorcycle enthusiasts. Show less

Incredible performance motorcycle, purchased brand new from Irv Seaver BMW Motorcycle Dealership in Orange County California. Thus is the only place it’s ever been taken to for any reason. It’s been garaged its entire life. Show less

I have had 2 F800ST motorcycles a 2009 that I put 27k miles on, and a 2012 that I have put about the same miles on. These are great bikes. You can (and will) ride them all day long. Gas mileage is 60+ MPG on a trip as long as you don't go crazy with your right hand. The eat up the twisties, and do well on the highway too (with the right windscreen). Shifting up and down is smooth, throttle/power delivery is predictable and linear, Vibration isn't even noticeable with grip puppies on. Speaking of grips, the standard heated grips are a joy in the Northeast. I also love the low-maintenance belt drive. No chain lube or gear oil changes! And when I had to replace the new belt, I got one online and changed it myself, quick and easy. Mods: As an older rider, I didn't like the lean forward position, so I added bar risers and lowering kits on both bikes. The progressive springs front and back make a world of difference in handling. Show less

I just got one a week plus ago and did my first 150 miles with it. This bike is so smooth you feel like you can just keep going. On the expressway, even keeping a low rev (below 5,000) you still move at way around 70 miles and you still have plenty of power to come. The torque is very good as you can nearly slow down to nearly stop in 3rd and just go again. The ABS - that is great. The sitting position on the comfort seat that I have is superb. I have to say I am very happy to have traded in my G650 for this one - totally different league. I tried the F800 but it is a bit too big / height for what I like and the engine of the 700 is basically the same as the 800. Show less

It is little as it is compact and light weight ideal for the smaller rider and great for commuter / day trips. I've had this bike for over four years and looked after it and it never let me down. I did some day trips (300 miles) on it and no issue all along. It is very fuel efficient (93 super premium). It is very confortable as the sitting position is not killing your back and the padded seat is nice as well. Now if you are looking to do long trips I know a few persons who did so with the same bike as the 650 engine is very strong and used across a few models in the BMW line. The look of the bike is nice. It has that "scrambler" design. This is BMW quality after all. Show less

After owning several of the larger BMW GS twins I have to say that dollar for dollar, this bike is superior. The pluses are an incredible do it all engine, nine inches of suspension travel, great handling, rugged side cases, lighter weight, BMW quality at a much lower price and a machine that gives up little compared to the bigger GS. The only gripe I have is that the wind protection is fair but not good. Offroad, this bike will ride circles around the other big adventure bikes and will put a huge grin on your face. Show less

I have ridden them all, Triumph, Honda, Yamaha and a few Harley's. This is my first BMW. I'm loving the R1200 GSA. I tested the GS800, very nice and fast, but I kept thinking that would not be long, I would wish that I bought it bigger (knowing self...) This bike is a little intimidating. It is tall and heavy, but when moving, even at 5 mph., it is a cat. It rides great, feels nimble and you can go everywhere with it. This is the first motorcycle that I have owned that I could do off road. I love the fact that I have been riding in the middle of nowhere, exploring roads that I would never go on a Harley, and just have so much fun with it. It is so much more than just a bike to commute, go out at night, or traveling. This is a bike that you can go off road and go highway 80 mph. and does great either way. It is very ergonomic and has a fantastic sitting position. Your back will not hurt, plus it is one of the few bikes out there, that you can stand straight up, riding full standing at 45 mph., rest your back and legs, then sit and continue on. It's just amazing. I would buy a GSA, or Triumph Tiger 1200, or Super Tenere. All of these are fantastic bikes, but BMW is the only one with an awesome club and support from dealer and other riders. Plus it is the coolest, most expensive and has as much poise out there as riding a "Harley". Cheers. Show less

Since my last review I added 10,000 miles on this bike and my opinion has changed as now I like the bike even more. In the last couple of years I have ridden quite a bit more on the weekends but probably the most inspiring was the day I took off at 3 in the afternoon and did not stop until I reached Canada. The bike was fantastic as the luggage and gear that is readily available for it worked wonderfully and the bike was almost perfect. The only reason I say almost is that the seat is good for a couple hours of riding and then you are in pain. So I had a custom seat made that I wish I had for the trip to Canada but at least I will have it for the next trip. The positives are the great mileage, adequate power, ease and pleasure of riding the bike and reliability. The main negative is the BMW seat is not good for long trips and the headlight could be a bit brighter. If you can only have one bike I recommend an Enduro motorcycle as this class of bike will enable you to do the most varied kind of riding. Show less

This bike is amazing, I have owned crotch rockets, cruisers, and this is the best of all. I spent almost six months trying to decide which new bike I would get. I went with this, and not a regret in the world! The only downside is the seat, it's a little uncomfortable after the first 150 miles. Other than that everything is awesome! I went to a rider safety course after I owned the bike for four days and I got asked how long I had owned the bike and they couldn't believe it had only been four days because of how easily it is to handle. GET THIS BIKE!! Show less