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Written review of the BMW F650GS with the 800cc engine. The BMW F650GS is one of the bikes in the range which has the 800cc engine but it comes restricted to mimic the capacity of a 650. So you can get the engine unrestricted to take it back up to its 800cc full performance. I've ridden the restricted one and was Very impressed with its handling and performance on the open road and in the twists. This, however, is a review if the same bike but Unrestricted, full in its 800cc glory. Details... Wt 199kg Wlb 1,405 mm Tnk 16 litres (I feel the tank is larger going by fuel gauge, distance covered and amount of fuel put in on top ups). Sth 820 mm Pwr 84hp (71hp in the 650 format. I assume unrestricted it would match the 800) Trq 83 (75Nm in the 650 format. I assume unrestricted it would match the 800) Top 200kph (185kph in the 650 format, 200 on the F800GS so I assume this can make it to 200kph unrestricted as well) Power. The power from the 650 was smooth and you never felt like the bike would unexpectedly launch out from under you. You never felt it chop on or off in the twists. Engine braking into a corner and then twisting the throttle brought the power on smoothly. This 800 version feels the same - no sudden lurches, easily controlled throttle which is ideal for less experienced riders or those coming back into the fold, or those who like that kind of rider-friendly throttle. Roll on power was also excellent. From 120kph to 140kph (on a closed track) in top gear was effortless. It didn't have the zip of a CBR1000 or the like, but it was no slouch about it. Which means, when it comes to overtaking, this bike will not falter. Interestingly, it could do up to 80kph (50mph) in 1st gear without the bike sounding like it was revving its guts out, or struggling. And it got to that speed deceptively quick. You didn't think it was going so quick until you looked at the speedo. And the torque was so good a wrong gear choice into a corner (one gear too high for eg) and the bike powered out of it. It sat around 3,500rpm at 100kph (62mph) without struggling. Suspension. Coming to a stop the bike never really took a nose dive. Nor did it bottom out hitting bumps. In fact, I felt the bike soaked up all bumps of various bumpiness quite well. The front forks were not adjustable while the adjustable preload on the rear makes that part baby-bear just right. Finish/Cosmetic. The finish doesn't match that of an all steel type bike cause it isn't. There are plastic bits and pieces. But there is also a robustness about those plastic pieces. And the finish is quite good. Cosmetically, it looks kind of odd at first. But it's a look that grows on you the more you ride it. And I find the bike has an overall feel of solidness about it. Handling. With wide-ish handlebars this bike's steering inputs are effortless. The 800GS was quite vague in corners. Not this bike. This one almost corners itself. Just lovely to ride in the twists. Slow riding sees the bike well balanced. And doing sharp turns like u-turns is effortless on the bike. Even in high wind on the highway, the bike was rock solid. two thumbs up on the handling. Comfort. While the seat doesn't look comfortable, it actually is. I've done multiple 60 minute stints as well as 90 minute stints without any numb bum or rider discomfort at all. Yes the riding posture is quite upright and you think that with the wind blast it would be uncomfortable. But it is not. The small screen seems to break up the wind much in the same way water is broken to lessen its stopping power. And the wind never feels like it's going to blast you off, or that you need to hold on more. It's just comfortable, that's all. Negatives. The small screen in front is useless for wind protection for the rider. If you want wind protection you can get an optional larger screen from BMW. The three-button indicator system is just plain horrible, stupid and unsafe and the worst "innovation" I have seen. The one button does three things with the left hand is tried and proven. Asking the throttle hand to move a little to turn on and indicator and then be in a different position to turn one off is idiotic. BMW dropped the ball on that one. The updated versions (F700GS) will be losing this idiotic indicator system and going back to the tried and true, left button for left/right/off. Only other negative is the mirrors. While they work, they have sacrificed some functionality for style - I'm all about maximum view behind me and these could be better. Overall. This bike is a little ripper. From handling and comfort to power. Fuel economy is pretty good getting over 300 km (200 miles) before needing to refuel. It has the biggest load carrying capacity in its market (Yes, it can carry more than a Vstrom 650). And it was a pure pleasure to ride. It's a bike that makes you want to come up with any excuse to get on and ride. Love it!