BMW F650GS (800cc) Walk Around & Review
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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!
Comments
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Michael, i got the same bike. How can i get it unrestricted?
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Thanks for this, very helpful! I wish i could find more info about whats on the digital display. Looking at buying one of these in the US.
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Also, my bike came with a Sergant seat. It is amazing. (Bought the bike used) I am a big guy, 6' and 260 lbs and I am very comfortable on it.
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I concur with your opinion about the mirrors and the turn signals. One Hugh improvement I made on my bike was to install "mirror extenders" . I can see so nicely behind me right now. I have wide shoulders.
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Great review and a great surname
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Nice video. I have a 2012 f650gs twin but mine came with a whole lot of factory defects - must have been built after one of their drunken holiday celebrations - LOL. You can see my videos under RedonKiLaus. It took me a bit of time, but I finally have all of my quality issues corrected and the bike runs very well now. Cheers!
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They (BMW) did pretty good in car sales here but Motorcycles... Just strictly to the niche market people with buckets of cash to spend. Honda pretty much ruled our big bike market here. And most people rather choose luxury cars over bikes here. Just the way we treat riders far worse than we treat our fellow drivers like shit here so i think BMW NEED to make something affordable now! I heard they have plans to make 500 and 250cc bikes facilities here.
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Seems BMW doesn't feel the need to compete on price. Keeps a certain air of quality and up-marketness about their bikes. They (BMW) do make nice bikes though.
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Still this bike is on my list of my dream motorcycles! It got everything that i want but unfortunately it also got a heavy price of almost 700,000 thai baht and that's the only thing that prevent me from getting one... Too bad they should do some research here where they're now in asian market it strictly just a toy for rich people. Really wished BMW make something like a 500cc class which Honda got a runaway success here,up to like 30 bikes deliveries a month on a small big bike market here!
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Thanks Mad. Yeah, I found, changing lanes on the highway, say to get around a car and back again, would result in my throttle hand giving more throttle as I moved it around to cancel the signal. Make a left or right turn wasn't so much of an issue. But lane changing on the go wasn't so rider friendly. Thankfully, BMW have gone back to the Standard left/right/off single signal switch on the left grip like all other bikes have, for the F700GS - the newer version of the 650 reviewed here.
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I agree about the goofy BMW signal system...my buddy has a K1200GT touring bike with the same system...it's pretty confusing and I never really got used to it & we switched bikes for a few hours (although he liked my bike...damn guy) Excellent review! Later.
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You're welcome. Good score too. Everything bike wise the weestrom is really close to the BMW. Some things it leads the BMW on (wind protection), some things the BMW comes out in front (nimbleness). Certainly cheaper though. And good you got the 2011 weestrom as you still have the larger 22 liter tank. Enjoy the ride!
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In the end I found a 2011 WeeStrom with under 10K on the clock, lots of extras and $3K below new price. Just too good to pass up... Thanks for the great vid review and speedy correspondence Michael. Cheers mate
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F8 might have more power on paper than the F7, but I felt regarding the F650s, even in restricted mode it was better through the twists than the F8. And the extra power of the F8 was negligible as the F650 out handled the F8. The F8 only having slightly better roll on as its edge. For mine, better handling trumps slightly extra power every time. Same reason I'd take a VStrom 650 over a 1000 Versys - the weestrom handles better. But I do know what you mean, the extra power is nice :)
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Cheers Michael I did just that but sadly found the F800 just too tall for me, as I prefer to be able to be flat footed when stationary. Loved the F700.... just greedy for power!
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A BMW dealer will not do it. Something about their Duty of Care or the extra power coming back to bite them if someone crashes or whatnot. So all BMW dealers will say "No, it cannot be done, if you want 800 power buy the 800 model". To get the bike unrestricted you need to find an Independent Mechanic who has the BMW software and computer interface. Take the F7 and the F8 for a spin back to back. You just might find you are happy with the F7 in stock form.
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Sorry stuffed up my question... I looked at an F700 today, which I loved and asked Pro Cycles in Sydney if the 75 Hp engine could be tuned up to 85hp like the F 800 and they said it couldn't be done. How did you go about getting the engine unrestricted on this F650 test bike? Cheers
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Good review Michael... Than
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When I finish riding the f650gs and hop on my Honda 919 - which has loads more legroom than my Suzuki GS500 - I feel cramped at the beginning. I find the BMW F650GS has stacks of room. BUT, if the lower seat was put on first, then you would find it more cramped than the higher seat. So find out which height seat is on first. Also, no bike will have a leg stretching position like a chopper, besides choppers. I have no issues with long rides on any of my bikes. It's what you get used to. :)
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Ah ok, i'm 1.88m and i tried the 650cc one... it's a really good motorcycle, but the seat was to low, and so i have my knees to much angled? :$ so for long journey it's not that good... I like the footpedal bit more in front, like a chopper but you can't have the sportif drive with a chopper... :/ thanks for answering :) great video!
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