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Registered
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 329
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Anyone ride a BMW F 650 GS or other enduro
Checked out the new motorcycle models at the latest show in town and was drawn to the BMW GS bikes. Mainly the F 650 GS Dakar model. I have always liked the idea of an enduro bike but all the japaneese ones seem to be dirtbikes with lights. This BMW was pretty sweet. More suspension travel over the base model, Anyone have one? How are its street manners? Enough power? I cant justify twice as much for the 1200 model.
I have some property in th UP of Michigan, roughly 500 miles from my home. This bike seems perfect to ride there on the highway and then play on the backroads and forest trails. I usually do the trip on my Roadking which has seem its share of backroads in pursuit of fish.  The BMW just seems to be better suited for this.
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01-16-2006, 07:27 PM
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unsafe at any speed
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 12,326
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The F650 is great at Highway and unpaved roads... But it is not real strong on trails.... it will do them, I know a guy who beats his on enduro courses...But he is fairly tall and the height of the seat is not an issue. If you plan to ride it the 500 miles to the property the BMW would be a good choice... KTM has some great bikes too for the task, but KTM's can be a little more high maintenance. KLR's are good road bikes but not very well suited to playing on trails either. It is a lot to ask of a bike to do 500 highway miles comfortably.... and be a good trail bike too. I love MY XR650L and with an aftermarket windshield I would consider it for the excursions you plan. But would rather have the road comfort of the F650GS
couple of good threads from "ADVRider" of some dual sporting http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=90030&highlight=ozarks http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103151
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Bill Swartzwelder 2002 R1100S Prep/ 2024 Tenere 700 |
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01-16-2006, 07:52 PM
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Registered
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,381
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I know this probably isn't what you want but I just thought I'd throw it out there anyways. I ride a Yamaha TW200 enduro. I really like it for running around. But it would NOT be good for a long HWY drive like that. It's really good for short trips on the road to the trails and back. What I do is trailer it up North and back.
I don't know how you ride but sometimes I jump, wheelies, wipe out, etc.. There has been a lot of times my bike isn't rideable when I'm done. I trailer them home, fix 'em up, and I'm ready for next time. All I'm saying is it's nice to have a backup when you are that far from home.
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Bill 997.2 |
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01-17-2006, 04:27 AM
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Dept store Quartermaster
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: I'm right here Tati
Posts: 19,858
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Look into the KTM LC4 bikes. The Adventurer 450 and 950(LC8) I believe. Also look at the KTM DukeII which is a Supermoto version of the Adventurer. I am 80% sure I'm getting a Duke this spring.
 
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Cornpoppin' Pony Soldier |
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01-17-2006, 05:16 AM
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: N. Phoenix AZ USA
Posts: 28,943
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If you want a really heavy duty bike, try the R1100GS or R1150GS. BMW ran both the big bikes and the F650's in the Paris-Dakar (or whatever they are calling it this year that finished yesterday.
Any bike that can finish the PD will do just fine with most anything we could throw at it! joeA
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2013 Jag XF, 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins (the workhorse), 1992 Jaguar XJ S-3 V-12 VDP (one of only 100 examples made), 1969 Jaguar XJ (been in the family since new), 1985 911 Targa backdated to 1973 RS specs with a 3.6 shoehorned in the back, 1959 Austin Healey Sprite (former SCCA H-Prod), 1995 BMW R1100RSL, 1971 & '72 BMW R75/5 "Toaster," Ural Tourist w/sidecar, 1949 Aeronca Sedan / QB |
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01-17-2006, 06:20 AM
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Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 329
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I saw the bigger BMW's and I liked them as well but I really cant afford the R1150GS unless I sell the Harley, which isnt happening. If I can find a used one that might work, but I dont know enough about these bikes yet to go that route.
Im more of a conservitive rider, I cant beat up my bike or body now. I had a Honda CR125 Elsinore to ride but it was a pure race bike so I sold it. To much hassle with trailering. With all the cars and boats I dont want another trailer around, which is why long distance comfort is at the top of the list. The KTM looks nice but I dont see doing 500 miles on that thing in 1 day. |
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01-17-2006, 06:53 AM
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: N. Phoenix AZ USA
Posts: 28,943
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Get a used BMW PD. The older BMW's are still a good deal and the 30 year old one I ride all the time still has never had the engine or gearbox opened up.
You can have both!  joeA
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2013 Jag XF, 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins (the workhorse), 1992 Jaguar XJ S-3 V-12 VDP (one of only 100 examples made), 1969 Jaguar XJ (been in the family since new), 1985 911 Targa backdated to 1973 RS specs with a 3.6 shoehorned in the back, 1959 Austin Healey Sprite (former SCCA H-Prod), 1995 BMW R1100RSL, 1971 & '72 BMW R75/5 "Toaster," Ural Tourist w/sidecar, 1949 Aeronca Sedan / QB |
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01-17-2006, 07:03 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Mid-life crisis, could be anywhere
Posts: 10,382
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The BMW r1150GS or 1200 is the obvious choice for a big bike, but if you need something smaller, I'd go with the KLR650. The BMW 650 is nice, but way too expensive for what it does. You can get a couple year old KLR for $3500, or a new one for $5000 out the door. They are good on trails, and will still do 500 miles of pavement a day at 85mph with no complaints.
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'95 993 C4 Cabriolet Bunch of motorcycles |
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01-17-2006, 07:10 AM
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