BMW F 650 GS reviews

A V-Star cruiser has been my ride for the past 11-1/2 years. I grew up riding dirt and eventually street motorcycles. It was mostly the on/off style of bike and riding for me. Ever since I first became aware of the GS line of BMW's, in the mid 1980's, I've been amazed by the go anywhere/anytime attitude and culture it inspired. Well I finally rejoined the on/off party yesterday afternoon thanks to Rick and all the kind folks at the dealership. I'm currently the overjoyed owner of a black 2011 R1200GS, with ESA, ABS, heated grips, hand protectors, on board computer and a top box. It's a great beginning to what eventually will become my very own set-up on an ultimate go anywhere/anytime machine. Show less

It's excellent - all around just an excellent, reliable, comfortable bike. When looking to start riding I went to all the websites, read the articles about what cc engine to start on, what style of bike is better and this bike is it. This is a bike that you can learn to ride on then really grow into. Show less

The F800ST is a great mid-sized bike. It's light weight and powerful. It gets great fuel economy and has decent ergonomics. There are enough accessories on the market to customize this thing to one's desires. It's also great for semi-long range tours and great in the twisties as well. I could use a bigger gas tank and a somewhat stiffer suspension. The rear suspension is adjustable but not the front. Show less

The decision to buy a bike wasn't hard; which bike to buy was tough. It took me a year of reading, test driving, and asking around to narrow it down. Lastly, I made a list of everything that I wanted to do on a bike, and one item was that I wanted to ride in the dirt, which meant "Sorry, Harley". don't get me wrong, Harley's are nice bikes, I wanted to play in the dirt and explore. There are so many dirt roads in every state that to ignore them just wouldn't be right. First the negative; the seat is uncomfortable, so plan on stopping and walking around every 150 miles. Now for the positive; it drives as well on the pavement as it does on the dirt. There is an almost endless reservoir of power, great torque, agile, light, and shaft driven (low maintenance). The gas mileage is awesome as is the eight gallon tank. On the interstate, I was passing cars and trucks with ease; on the dirt, the handling was amazing. If you have a little extra cash, get a top case. I bought mine from the dealer in Longmont Colorado and was really impressed. They treated me well, were professional, and wouldn't let me leave until they showed me the essentials (how to check the oil, where to hang my helmet, how to remove the side and top cases, etc.). They also worked with me on the price. In closing, if you want to ride on the streets, that's fine, but real men play in the dirt. And this bike will get you where you need to go and to those places where you wish you could go. Show less

Pros: It's a very reliable bike, very nimble with great torque. It's a great fit for all category riders from entry level to novice. Cons: The side view mirrors could be extended about another inch for better rear sight. The front windshield doesn't do a whole lot in deflecting wind. Bottom Line: It's a great buy. I highly recommend purchasing it. It handles great on twisties and straits. I've never had a problem. Just do routine services and you're good. I'm getting 12k on my tires before replacement. Show less

I just got this 2007 F650GS a week ago. I've been riding every day and taken some short trips. I averaged 69.2 mpg the first tank. (WOW). I added a taller windshield, and a trunk for now. I also have a 2008 650 Suzuki Brugman, and have had many other bikes in the past. This BMW is way too much fun, with great mileage. Show less

This bike is excellent but single cylinder bikes are not as popular here as in Europe. If you buy one as many people have bought and traded in the past, give the bike a chance and put some miles on it before you decide. I hated mine at first but after a few thousand miles of getting to know it, it's awesome. It's a great all-around bike that can do it all. The only thing is that on this bike I didn't like was the headlight when there are not street lights. It also should have come with fork tube gaitors and a rear shock gaitor. Keep your chain lubed a lot. Show less

I recently bought an F800GS and love it. I had intended to sell my faithful thumper but every time I clean it up and take if for a ride I decide to keep it. It is a wonderful all around bike that will take you anywhere in the world on either tarmac or dirt roads. I especially love it on the roads of Baja. The 60 to 70 MPG it gets isn't bad either. Unless a really good friend comes along that will appreciate and love this bike like I do, I think I'll just keep it and use it for city runs in traffic.... I can't part with it! Show less

I had done all my research on this bike before purchase and still couldn't believe its abilities. I live in the big city and love the country aspect so I decided on the enduro and I couldn't have been happier. The suspension system is pure excellence with the ease of adjustment on the right side within seconds. The power is more than one needs for your average to experienced rider. It's been a while since I rode the "dirt bike" style but I've been on bikes all my life from dirt bikes as a kid, rockets in my twenties, custom choppers, to my last harley streetglide and I can honestly say this is most FUN bike I ever owned. Comfortable to ride-the only downfall is being so light and tall profiled you really feel the wind on windy days but that's to be expected. I constantly get looks and compliments. The only WARNING I have is don't underestimate the power of this machine expecially with its light weight. As my buddies say "that's not a birt bike-that's a dirt bike on STEROIDS!!" All in all, I've already put a couple of scratches on it after two days and my other half said you could've waited a month or two. But how else do you test a dirt bike if you never take it off road? I STRONGLY SUGGEST getting it with the knobbies since you never know when you might find that adventure; besides they handle pretty good on the road as well. Good safe riding---ED P.S. Center stand worth it for maintenance and winter storage Show less

I bought my '09 ST in late January of 2009 after starting to ride with an '01 F650GS about 7 months earlier (it was a great bike to start with). I've found it is a great bike to continue the learning process with. It has enough power, is light, quick and comfortable. I've put about 7500 miles on since I purchased it. I'm located near in an area where I can go to the Sierra foothills in about 20 minutes - and then to the coast in a couple of hours. The bike is the best for these great California roads. Show less