Transitioning to or from an F650GS

[kentuvman]

I have to say I really enjoy riding my 2003 F650GS. I live in the Minneaopolis and rode to West Bend and Gillette. It is a nice running/handling bike. I have Pelican cases, an air horn, driving lights and GPS. I rode out to Gillette with a guy on a 1150 RT which was quite a bit faster than mine but I did keep up with him when I wanted to.

My curiousity is wondering how many 650 owners transitioned from a bigger Beemer or in my case from a Honda 125SL (I've had many bikes). I'm thinking that riding two up to Tennessee next year will not work on my F bike and am heard the K75 is an economical, reliable and "eats up the miles" bike.

I'm looking forward to your feedback.

[cjack]

A friend went to a 650GS from an 1150GS. Loves it. Just went 4K miles to WY and CO and back. Had a great time. He said that he didn't think about what bike he was on while he was riding.

[Kentuckyblue]

I traded my F650GS in on a K1200LT. My only regret was giving up my 650. It took me about a block to adapt to the transition to the LT.

[boxerr]

I went from an R1150R to my F650GS. Although, at the same time, I had a Harley as well.

Have sold the Hog, and now have the 650, and an R100GSPD.:dance

My previous bikes have been an R1150GS, R1100RS, R1150RT.

I love the 650. Great bike to scoot around on, and will run all day at over the speed limit. And great fuel economy.

I dont see myself selling, or getting a bigger replacement for it.:thumb

[ROAMRIDER]

My curiousity is wondering how many 650 owners transitioned from a bigger Beemer or in my case from a Honda 125SL (I've had many bikes). I'm thinking that riding two up to Tennessee next year will not work on my F bike and am heard the K75 is an economical, reliable and "eats up the miles" bike.

Hmmmm I guess I'm qualified to reply. I've owned a bunch of bikes over the last 15 years, ranging in size from a Honda CB200 to an '83 Gold Wing/EML sidecar rig, as well as a number of BMW's. There are currently two F650's and a K75RT in our household. Both F650's are delightful to ride. I'm larger and would only consider distance riding on a 650 after getting a custom seat......but that's an easily resolved personal preference and in the works for me.

The bike is certainly capable of distance riding. If you haven't read about their exploits, check out Paul and Voni Glaves' recent Alaska trip reports and photos! A stunning run and certainly demonstrated the bikes' capabilities. A bit of web searching will document several folks who've taken F650's around the world....literally.

However, "I" would not choose it as a two-up touring bike. It could be done, but not very comfortably.

As for K75's, having owned four or five of them. It's a fine bike, and very capable of two-up riding. That would best be done with a top case or back rest for the passenger in terms of comfort, but that's a personal preference. One couple I met at a rally rode two up on an RT model "and" hauled a trailer. They shifted gears a bit more than most folks, but had been riding that configuration for years. They said for rallying together, it's what they could afford, and they had a blast on that rig.

There are some technical issues to be aware of if you're going to keep one long term, most especially the rear drive/drive shaft spline coupling, but they're well documented on various lists on the web and, with proper attention, are manageable. Overall it's a fine bike, and, at least in my opinion, a better choice for passenger carrying than any of the F650s.

If there are folks out there riding two-up on a 650 please jump in and correct my impressions.

My suggestion, budget and garage space permitting.......one of each would be ideal. That's what we did.....plus one more. :) I'm a big fan of both models.

[FredRydr]

I'm "transitioning" from my '07 R1200R to my '09 F650GS, though there's no way the R1200R is leaving me. They'll each have their role to play in my two-wheeled world.

Fred

[kentuvman]

I posted the same ? on the "K" forum and one member said the K75 is underpowered for 2 up riding. He suggested the K100 although I've also heard they get really hot on hot summer days.
I demo'd the K1200GT at the Gillette rally and that bike really is HOT (I don't mean in a literal sense). It sounds like a jet, has all the modern technology and really is fast. But is priced at 20K - always a ying/yang, right?
With that said, I'm told to keep the F650, which I plan to do - the F stands for Forever, right? Am told the K75 is smooth but slow and only tops out at @ 80-90 and is a good one up bike.
Thanks for all the great replies.

[Slablog]

I have an '03 R1150R that is my first love. I'll never part with her. I just rode the fairly new (it had 1800 miles when I started) '07 F650GS out to Gillette and it beat me up pretty bad. Partly because I was out of shape for riding and partly because of the ergos on the little bike. But I will keep it for shorter rides and commuting. Can't beat the fuel economy.

[rinty]

...one member said the K75 is underpowered for 2 up riding...Kentuvman

Kent:

I agree. While the bike has adequate power, it has quite a peaky engine, and for passing, you're going to have to be in the right gear, every time. I find even the K 100 peaky, needing 4,000 rpm before things start to happen, and wouldn't tour on it 2 up either. For 2 up touring I want a whole bunch of torque, down low and these engines make their torque too high up the rpm scale for me; I think of them as horsepower engines.

But this is just my opinion, and you'll get a variety of them. I know guys who are perfectly happy touring 2 up on R 60's. It depends mainly on your riding style, and how fast you like to go. I say mainly, because I think there is a safety issue in making long passes with longer exposure times.

I would carefully consider your riding style, and then decide. If you ride conservatively, the K75 might be OK. And you can always sell it; they're good bikes. You also mentioned the high cost of the new GT, but you could consider a one of the pre wedge GT'sl, which are selling for very attractive prices now.

Rinty

[sgborgstrom]

I rotate between my F650 Dakar, R100GSPD and K100RS fairly regularly.

The 650 is my favorite commute/errand running/logging road bike. I'm not particularly happy with it on the open highway...but it suffers from being directly compared to bikes with more power, if I didn't know any different I'd be fairly content. I also lowered the gearing with a 49 tooth rear sprocket for better off-pavement use.

Airheads are an affliction, I just like the way they "feel" on the road, or off in the case of my GSPD.

The K used to be my main bike, it doesn't see too much use these days. Mostly because it is overkill for my regular commute on side roads that are all posted under 50mph. It's the bomb if I'm taking the girlfriend anywhere, unlike the 650 (and to a lesser extent the R100) the K100RS doesn't seem to notice the extra load.

I am a firm believer in the principle of using the right tool for the job, which justifies having a small fleet of bikes in the shop at all times.

[scott1007]

I sold a 2006 HD FLHTCUI and now have a 2006 F650GS and I'm happy with everything about the bike except the seat!!! Best fuel mileage of any road bke I have owned, 58-65mpg... With a tad taller gearing this bike would we a great interstate hauler.. To reply to the K75, I had a 1993 K75 standard with a plastic shield(BMW), hard bags, and tank bag and it averaged about 47mpg highway.. It will cruise at high speeds.. Did 100mph from DelRio,Tx to Sanderson,TX only slowing when necessary and it was flawless!! I have owned 14 BMW'S and I really like this F650!!! I have had my F650GS up to 102.54mph on gps and still had a little to go..

[knary]

The K75 makes similar power-per-pound to your F-bike. While it is a better highway bike, I think you'll miss the nimbleness and go-anywhere quality of the F-bike. If I were you and I wanted a better touring bike with more power, I'd look at an oilhead OR a new F650/F800.