Thinking about buying a F GS

[deckes01]

I'm one of the lucky guys whos wife has been bitten by the riding bug. She has taken our R65 out of semi-retirement and has been putting the miles on. We are planning on taking advantage of the nearby Blue Ridge and I've been thinking of getting a bike a bit more the same speed, ie comfortable,easy riding(in case we want to switch),week end sport tourer at reasonable speeds. I am 6'3", 215lbs and am wondering what the experience of you other F riders has been with the bike. Will my size be an issue? Any special things to look for, or look "out" for? Appreciate any help.
Steve

[bmwmotowoman]

If you decided to switch bikes, a standard height would be great for her but it may be a little short for you. A dakar would probably be for your height-not hers. I would also reccommend if you decide to get one, you will probably want to buy a more comfortable seat for it. I got one from a guy named Tom Simmons and it is GREAT. The nationals this year was the first time I rode my bike a few hundred miles for 4 days in a row and the seat worked great. Also check out www.F650.com for more advice.

[PacWestGS]

Steve, buy one for your wife and then tell her you need to go the hardware store (often). :D

OK, we know how big you are, how tall is your wife? Angelina Jolie is a tiny little thing (Hollywood make her looks big) she rides a Dakar, but then again she can RIDE! So it's more ability than size.

If she doesn't like the Dakar, the Classic is still a great bike. You can by another seat for you, and you can buy a foot peg lowering kit that will work for both of you.

I'm almost 6' and 200# and I have ridden both. I like my Dakar more than the classic but I have put several hundred miles on the ones the dealer gives me from time to time.

I bought the Dakar for some more serious off-road stuff so it was the choice hands down.

Doc

No matter which one they are great bikes, you and your SO will love it...

[sgborgstrom]

I'm 6'-0 and 215#, my Dakar hauls me and my camping stuff around just fine. Slower than my K100RS? Yes. More fun day and day out? Absolutely.

TT makes seats that are higher and lower than stock (the Dakar seat is thicker than the GS so it's a bit higher too) and some lower/adjustable footpegs, though the pegs seem to be in a state of perpetual backorder.

Head over to the chaingang (http://www.f650.com) and peruse the FAQs, then head down to your local dealer and go for a test ride.

Steve

[PUDGYPAINTGUY]

A fantastic bike, the comments about the seat and footpegs are very accurate in my opinion, and the Dakar is definitely a very cool bike indeed. Check out the Chan Gang at F650.com to learn more than you ever wanted to know about a bike...enthusiastic and lively over there.

[deckes01]

To All, Thanks for the responses so far, great info. My wife is a fit 5'9", with an inseam longer than my short 33". My interest in the F over an R is mostly weight and overall mass, which makes the F bike seem more realistic. I'm curious as to what some of you may think of the F vs. R. I have a '91 K100RS that certainly meets long range needs, so I am curious what others with experience with the F650 think of it after a while.
Steve

[sgborgstrom]

I don't know about this...how many "Steve's" can we have with both a K100RS and an F650 around here? :bikes

Steve

[creola]

Think not, do.

[PAULBACH]

The F650 CS is no longer being brought into the US. There are some great buys out there on the CS. I like it better than the GS since it is belt driven - saves weight and no chain to clean or lubricate.

If you can find a used one the rice will be right and I think your wife will like the machine.