G650GS = old F650GS

luckyll

Wannabe

Posts: 90

Motorbike: 1982 Yamaha XJ650RJC Seca - 2003 Yamaha XT225 - 2011 Suzuki Burgman 650

Location: Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada

Thanks: 71

Thursday, February 5th 2009, 2:48am

G650GS = old F650GS

OK, so BMW seems to be applying a little more consistency with their naming conventions. At least, that's what I'm thinking after reading the latest issue of Motorcyclist magazine and seeing that the original F650GS (i.e. thumper) is not going to be discontinued, but rather renamed the G650GS. Makes sense :thumbsup:

So all thumpers are now G series, parallel twins are F, boxers are R, and inline-fours are K (with the notable exception of the K1200LT, which is still the lopsided flying-brick engine).

About the G650GS. I like it! Sure, it won't be as powerful as the F-series, and doesn't have as many bells and whistles. But at $7670 USD, it's considerably cheaper than the F650GS, and even a little bit cheaper than the Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS. Not a bad deal. Plus, since it's been around a while, most of the bugs have been corrected and there's a big supply of aftermarket goodies for it.

Cheers,
Lucky

1-Find road, 2-Aim handlebars, 3-Release clutch and twist throttle, 4-Repeat

Peter

Candyman

Posts: 1,061

Motorbike: R1200GS-07

Mileage: 47,000 km

Location: Singapore

Thanks: 1439

Thursday, February 5th 2009, 3:12am

Did you take a test ride? The price is certainly good.

Peter .PEOPLE WHO HAVE VISIONS SHOULD GO TO SEE THEIR DOCTOR

luckyll

Wannabe

Posts: 90

Motorbike: 1982 Yamaha XJ650RJC Seca - 2003 Yamaha XT225 - 2011 Suzuki Burgman 650

Location: Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada

Thanks: 71

Thursday, February 5th 2009, 9:25pm

Not yet, there's still about three feet of snow on the ground and the GS wasn't equipped with the optional studded tyres

It's on my "to do" list this spring.

Cheers,
Lucky

1-Find road, 2-Aim handlebars, 3-Release clutch and twist throttle, 4-Repeat

Peter

Candyman

Posts: 1,061

Motorbike: R1200GS-07

Mileage: 47,000 km

Location: Singapore

Thanks: 1439

Thursday, February 5th 2009, 10:52pm

I rode her a couple of times. Do you want to hear my opinion now, or shall we save that for after your test ride?

Peter .PEOPLE WHO HAVE VISIONS SHOULD GO TO SEE THEIR DOCTOR

luckyll

Wannabe

Posts: 90

Motorbike: 1982 Yamaha XJ650RJC Seca - 2003 Yamaha XT225 - 2011 Suzuki Burgman 650

Location: Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada

Thanks: 71

Friday, February 6th 2009, 9:37pm

I've already got a pretty good idea :chuckle:

Just by looking at the spec sheet, I'm already certain that it won't be a good fit for me. Since we like to travel two-up with luggage, I doubt this would have the power I'm looking for. For a single rider, or as an urban commuter, it would probably be OK, but not for long distance touring.

Cheers,
Lucky

1-Find road, 2-Aim handlebars, 3-Release clutch and twist throttle, 4-Repeat