BMW F 650 reviews

I eagerly anticipated this bike when it was unveiled in 2006 and my anticipation was well rewarded. I purchased my F800ST for my girlfriend as a lighter, more agile replacement to the 2001 R1100S she was riding. She insisted that I rack up the first 600 miles before she'd get on it, and during that time I discovered the F800ST can be ridden significantly faster, and with more control and comfort, than the R1100S. I'm talking about the real world, on real roads, not potential 10/10ths performance on the racetrack. This bike is amazing. The torque curve isn't a curve -- it's flat and substantial across the rev range and allows the rider to pull away at almost any RPM without shudder or complaint. The handling is extremely nimble, the brakes are perfect and thanks to the smooth running engine, the bike is super comforable for hours on end. Plus I dig the belt drive -- clean, quiet, compliant, no fuss, no muss. My personal reference point is my K1200RS with over 100K miles on it, which I've always felt was one of the most comfortable, smooth and controllable bikes out there. In many ways, the F800ST has superior real-world performance, and it's definitely more fun to ride than the K1200RS (and the R1100S). Believe it. Show less

This is one sweet handling motorcycle. It replaces my 95 BMW R1100RS so many of my comments are comparisons to that bike (Which by the way served me faithfully for nearly 70K miles). The F800ST is lighter and more nimble with about the same amount of power. Up to 80 mph at least, plus it has a 6th gear. I still have the stock windshield which provides little wind protection so speeds in excess of 70 I don't consider pleasant whereas the RS was just getting into its zone about then. Riding comfort also doesn't quite match the RS but an after market seat undoubtedly will improve that (I had a Corbin on the RS). Also there is enough heat flowing thru the fairing unto ones shins and feet, especially on the left side, to make riding in temps above 90F a little more unpleasant. Overall however, I expect the bike to be a blast for shorter rides (200 miles) on curvy mountain roads and California Hwy #1 when ever I can get to it. Show less

My riding is 90% on the highway to remote places where the road turns into twisting shale rock, most of which is up hills. The engine guard allows for log jumping on trails and the occasional rock mishap without any damage. The factory tires work well in most conditions, if you plan on doing much in the mud replace them though. This bike has plenty of power for on and offroad use. The only complaint I have had is on long trips ( 2+ hours )the seat becomes uncomfortable. Show less

I recently test drove and purchased my first BMW, the F800ST. I hopped on up on the excellent looking graphite grey colored F800ST and first thing I noticed was how great the bike looks from behind and how awesome the weight distribution was on this bike. Keep in mind, that this is my highest compliment I can most humbly offer as I am a huge Italian bike fan and the Italians absolutely own Sexy. The temp was in the upper 30s F and I had just had a pretty cold 18 mile into town. Now is the time to see what these Beemers are made of and try to understand how these guys put 30,40 and even 50+ thousand miles a year on these machines. Will I be comfy? Will I be warm? What will the wind resistance be like at speed? Off we go. First thing I notice is that although the HP rating of my Ducati S2R1K and the F800ST are similar and p/w ratios are in the same area, the F800ST does not have anywhere near the snap of the Monster, not even close. It is more confident and mature in it's manners. I am not sure how to process that as it hits me and then I take my first city corner...wow that was smooth...lets get on the superslab and head to the tightest technical corners I know my Duc can eat that provides a big jolt. Will I get a jolt? The bike does everything I ask. As I lean it though the clover of the onramp, I quickly notice that the bike is one of the smoothest and most stable cornering I have ever felt. Period. On the Highway, the ride is totally sublime, I wind it smoothly up through the gears and look at the speedo and I am at 80-85 MPH. Is that right? This is the smoothest and most comfortable 80+ I have ever had on any bike..Period. A Few miles up the road and off the ramp onto my intended highway. A local favorite of mine (and my Duc friends) it starts off with some nice wide sweepers,50-60 MPH. A few Rail road tracks and wow those are some nice smooooth...brakes. I am familiar with the likes of Brembos, but the chasis does not dive like an Italian. I think to myself those hot grips are real nice and toasty as the dash tells me it is 38.6F. I am feeling great, it is chilly, but I am ready to ride for hours. Can this really be? It is on up to the tight stuff and I gently nudge her over and she falls perfectly in...and I mean perfectly into my chosen line. As I hit the corner apex. I am powering it through and rolling on strong, the bike sticks like GLUE. Me thinks, Glorious. This German beauty is stunning! One word comes to mind...S-O-L-D. Let me run that set of corners again. Was it really pulling through there that freakin smoothly?!! On back through in reverse and yes..it is for real. S-O-L-D. I drove her home last night and I must say that this bike is nothing short of fantastic. I took a spin on a K1200GT before I closed the deal on the F800ST and came back after about 15 minutes, for me and my riding desires..the F800ST is the Beemer for me. The bike is beautiful and in 24 hours it has charmed the pants off of me. This Beemer is a real world CLASS middleweight! Wind Resistance 9 Ride feel 10 Ride Performance 10 Power 10 (Fast feels slower than it is, which for a sport tourer is a sign of perfection) Ergos/Comfort 10 Build Quality 10 Dealer Experience 10 Show less

Just picked up my Dakar, I have to give BMW a compliment, the Bike is so much fun and so comfortable and great to ride. I am from Europe and drove the Honda Africa Twin and other bigger Enduros, but the Dakar is by far the best Enduro I drove yet! It is also a big eye catcher, lots of people ask me at red lights what kind of Bike it is? Only issue, my Bike only has 82 miles on so far and I have a problem finding neutral, according to the service technician at the dealership the Dakar has a de-tuned racing motor and that the motor likes higher RPM,s but the problem should go away after the drive in period!?! Also, make sure that you are close to 6 feet tall, otherwise you have to stand on your tippy toes! Coming from big enduros to big heavy cruisers back to enduros, the BMW is by far the best and funnest Bike I have ever ridden! Go out and get one, you will love it!!! Show less

I had been out of riding for about 12 years and decided New Years Eve to get back into it. I wanted a high mileage medium cc bike that I could ride anywhere I wanted to go, on road, off road, but I didn't want a bike that looked or rode like an Enduro. Then web surfing I saw it. The F650GS from BMW. It looks more road bike then dirt, it rides more road bike then dirt, and that works great for me since 95% of my riding is on the asphalt. I've taken it offroading and found it works just fine, not as well as it would if it had true off road tires, but well enough for the 5% of the time I drive it off road. The 4 gallon gas tank is great, and at 58 mpg it's got quite the range. The bike has no problem maintaining 80 mph and still has more power for passing trucks or other slow vehicles. I've taken it on several 400+ mile trips and found it very comfortable for solo riding. My wife on the other hand said it could use a back rest and she would be fine. I mostly use it for my daily commute to and from work. What used to cost me $6.50 a day in gas is now $8.00 a week. Am I happy? You bet. Half the cost of the bike is being offset by my savings in gas. And this bike makes doing your part to save energy a blast. Show less

Finally got back on a motorcycle! Interstates are off my scope for bikes - crazy drivers and not all that much fun. After much research, I settled on a 10 month old 2006 F650GS. It is perfect for me and what I want from a mid-size bike. Looks fantanstic, plenty of power, great mileage. With both a side and center stand, it is easy to keep clean and maintain. The single point aircraft type fuel port makes refueling a breeze and never a drop spilled. I like the fact the tires have tubes - additional safety as far as I am concerned. The stock windcreen is low - more for off road applications so I will purchase a tall version. Add a top case and overnight trips will be all set. I love this machine. Show less

I really like this bike, but it does lack a bit of power on the low end when riding in the rough stuff. I would also recommend the taller seat as I'm 5'11. I have the regular seat and it's not as comfortable as it seems. I would also recommend a taller windshield. The stock tires are great on and off (better on). On the highway it has more than enough power to keep up and pass traffic. I was riding two up on the bike with the wife and we got to a long very steep hill. I gave it all she hade and the bike would not stop accelerating. I like it! Cheers. Show less

Great bike for new riders and those returning to riding after many years like myself. This bike is great-looking, versatile, has a bullet-proof history, and is fun to ride on all kinds of roads. I would highly recommend this bike to any rider looking for something fun! Show less

I hadn't ridden since college and this has been an awesome bike to return to riding on. Very fun to ride and the bike handles very well. I would highly recommend it. Show less