fish_antlers
Administrator
The Truth is Out There
Posts: 21894
|
posted April 12, 2003 09:44 PM
Question about BMW F650??
PrincessKiwi and I have been in the market for a while for dual sport bikes for us to ride to Alaska.
We have concentrated our search for DR650's and KLR650's ... we never really considered a BMW as we thought that they would be a little too expensive....
Today, however, I found what I would consider to be a "steal" on a 1999 F650
My questions are this.. since I am relatively unfamiliar with the F650, my major concern is that it is the "street" model which is for sale. My understanding of this is that it has a lower front fender, smaller diameter front wheel, and some other minor cosmetic changes.
I would like to use the bike 50/50 on road off road as we would like to travel logging roads/ back roads up north.
My question is this: is it possible for me to make the necessary mods to "convert" the street model to an off road/ dual use machine? Can I simply buy more aggressive tires, change the fender, sprockets and I'm done? I am going to see the bike tomorrow, and I dont really want to make a mistake, as there is an equally good deal on DR650 available.
My preference would of course be a BMW as they are well known for they're off road touring capabilities... I am just worried if that extends to this model or not.
____________
What business is it of yours where I'm from, Friendo?
   
|
zxrcy
Novice Class
Posts: 62
|
posted April 13, 2003 11:24 AM
Do a check on the net fish. There are a number of sites. Early model BMW F650's had fuel injection issues that made them a PITA. I looked at getting one and did quite a lot of research. I eventually bought a KTM Supermoto for backroads riding. If you are into adventure touring the KTM Adventure is well reguarded. The F650 is a good bike all round bike but heavy compared to a KTM (100lbs heavier). It also has an odd 19" front wheel size which makes tire choice a little more limited.
|
fish_antlers
Administrator
The Truth is Out There
Posts: 21894
|
posted April 13, 2003 04:14 PM
 Edited By: fish_antlers on 13 Apr 2003 17:15
Well.. .how disappointing... I just came from seeing the F650 ..... in person the owner disclosed that the bike was re-registered as it was previously classified as a total write-off from an accident.
The bike according to the owner is fully restored, however is in questionable shape. Upon inspection I noted some very strange wear marks on parts of the engine, and also that the air box was platic welded. In addition to this the front fender is broken from where he rode away with the disc lock attached.
I find it odd that it was legitimately rebuilt here as the insurance comapny (ICBC) would never plastic weld an airbox or re-shape engine cases etc etc....
in short.... the bike is trashed.
oh well.. no biggee.. I got something even nicer and I get to pick it up Wednesday  !!!
____________
What business is it of yours where I'm from, Friendo?
|
|
|
|
|
HOME
NEW TOPIC