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2009 BMW G650 GS: MD Ride Review

Barry Winfield
Dual-purpose bikes are great for most people in the real world Motosports needs. They are an easy, economical, easy to manage, and usually have enough energy to beat traffic. For beginners, adventure lovers, public transport, as well as women motorcyclists, the so-called dual-purpose motorcycle is undeniable appeal.

There is only one thing wrong with many of them, the place is too high.


Check the popular Kawasaki KLR650. The standard seat height of 35 inches. Honda XR650L in a way there is 37 inches. Hey, I'm six feet five, but my inseam only 34 inches long (yes, I Phelps body type). Long story short, in this place, far from the earth, some people have trouble getting his feet down.

This BMW has played a trump card with his first re-entry level thumper, G650 GS. It has a low level of 30.7-inch seat height can be dropped even with the special optional suspension, to 29.5 inches, for only $ 175.

This is probably enough reason to keep the model in production there, but there are other compelling reasons. BMW needs of entry-level model, F650 GS, which replace the bicycle (and took its old name) is a 800cc twin and retails for $ 8750, including freight. Its seat height is too high, at about 33.5-inches. It is obvious that with the new 800cc F650 GS range, 652cc single-cylinder model must be changed. Therefore, G650 GS moniker.

BMW told us that the F-prefix bikes are twins, and G-prefix bikes are singles. But Boxer twins have the prefix R-bikes, so we are still confused. Anyway, at $ 8165 ($ 495 including freight), re-introduced G650 BMW GS is the cheapest in the bike, but only $ 585, which makes one question why the company will go to all the difficulties the creation of Chinese-made earlier Rotax - single-cylinder engine deceive us all, the terminology changed.
There are two answers to this question. One is that the model is well sold in the last full year of production (2200 units in 2006) and the other is that now comes standard with ABS and a heated steering wheel grips. For some people, these items may cost more than the extra cylinder, another 150cc of displacement, and 32 more horsepower - especially when they arrive at the very capable little bike as G650 GS.

It can boast only a 53-horsepower, and only five-speed gearbox, a 425-pound machine perfectly calibrated fuel, powerful Brembo brakes and suspension components of a decent bit of Syowa (fork) and BOGE (drums). Therefore hoot to drive. He plods along happily at low revs, and does not require a manic engine for the brisk acceleration. He also did not produce much vibration.

The best of the bike is its chassis. It is light and maneuverable, thanks in particular to the center of gravity low held its underseat fuel tank and a relatively light engine. With a lot of leverage on the tubular bar, a small BMW can be flicked from one extreme to another, with little effort. Ground clearance is not bad, allowing a respectable amount of meat to the underside of the rider to start grinding gently against the road. Footpegs quite narrow, so the drivers' shoes are always first to touch the ground.
My biggest problem - as in height, and possibly unsuitable for the customer - is that the form scalloped place in reality does not allow much movement. Not just to keep me in a top position by focusing pressure on the small area, it was too close to the bars. I found myself really leaning back in some corners. On the long journey from the introduction of a bicycle in a Grand Del Mar resort, I have to resort to other way on horseback, which is located on the top of the passenger seat for the distribution of the burden.

It may have looked strange, but he did not feel too bad, although it did not put my head and torso up to the wind. When skudnom protection from the blast, BMW would not prefer long Freeway travel. But this mountain for a comfortable journey moderate and it is good for Canyon adventure. Even with the large number of invalid in the figure (for good drainage and gravel roads bite) GS has a very good adhesion, and sends enough of what is happening in contact patches for the rider with the confidence it is difficult to corner.

With only one front disc brake was strong enough to slow the bike, and the achievement of ABS threshold in normal operating conditions. Yes, of course, we tried it. In the end, BMW representatives have told us that the new, lightweight drive with analog operation was mounted on a friendly feel to the lever. That was true for the front brakes, which gradually switch to the ABS is activated, even though the rear brake pedal does not seem that, unlike some cars on the road, it throbbed under his feet.

It is good that the system can be switched off for off-road work, because there are cases in the mud when you want to lock the wheel. But to ride in the rain, especially here in Southern California, where rain seldom make some surprises slippery-ABS provides a welcome assurance.

Heated handle just fine. I miss him already. This is a long journey back from San Diego in my house in the South Bay has been done so much more convenient to the two positions hand warmers. One click gets captures the warm, two clicks hot enough brave the winter cold air is worse. At least here in SoCal it.

Four gallons under your seat and 60 MPG potential of black-painted Chinese Single (BMW said no significant differences in quality between this Loncin built engine and Rotax-supplied original), you can go far from the stops. So little world tour is not beyond the scope of the BMW 650. Especially after the bags for a bike fit so well and cleverly Telescope for large loads.

According to BMW, G650 GS bicycle is often bought relatively affluent new riders who are whether they want to go motorcycling. Many of them buy another BMW motorcycle for a period of 18 months. So, is that shows that the G650 GS bike is not enough, even for novice riders and entering? No, we think so little bike is working so well, and gives so much confidence in a short period of time that people who can afford it to decide to get more adventurous.

The bottom line is that the entry-level BMW is quite adequate tool for the needs of most people, until they are no more than six feet. The price may seem high in comparison with other makes, but BMW has a few high-quality components and enviable resale value. (The Kelley Blue Book offers a $ 6235, as the retail price 2006 F650 GS).

Only a few countries continue to import the one-lung 650 GS, BMW, and hopes that the market would justify this strategy. With gas prices, it is to guess whether the bike will sell significant numbers. Let's just hope he does. The world needs more bikes like this.


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