Unrealistic Expectations?

[Deucer]

Kawasaki KLR 650.

+1 on an older KLR. They can do all the things you are asking for. Can be good for long tours or twistys. Many available bag setups. Swiss army knife of bikes, in that it isn't the best at anything, but does lots of things passably.

One downside might be that the seat is kinda tall if you are short, especially if you are just starting out. I'm 5-8 and I make do but it's not ideal.

 

[Roadstergal]

I've had a DR650 and an F650GS, commuted on both, taken both on the dirt, appreciated both for their respective strengths. The latter is better on the street, the former is better in the dirt. The latter has the hard luggage options for touring; the former can take enough soft luggage to get you there (I put a Cortech sport tailbag on mine).

I think dirt is an awesome experience for learning bike control and learning not to panic in iffy traction situations. IMO, the F650 is a bit porky for getting comfy out on the dirt - and the DR650 is going to crash better and be easier to pick up. (The DRZ400S is more competent in the dirt, but it's a lot taller and a lot less freewayable.)

The DR650 is going to be cheaper and have ridiculously low maintenance - not that an F650 is bad, but if you want to learn to DIY, the DR650 is a good place to start.

 

[CABilly]

Thanks for all the valuable input, everyone! This thread has basically confirmed that the BMW is the bike for me (so far, I've yet to ride one and see for sure). As I mentioned, I'll be mostly commuting so it doesn't have to be a real monster off the pavement. I want the comfort factor and the thought of ABS is a plus for a n00b like me.

The hard bags aren't a must, but, like the off-road capabilities, I'd like them to be there when I do need them.

Now, what is the standard protocol when it comes to test rides at a dealership? Is there usually some experience requirement? Are they fully insured, or is it on a "you break it, you bought it" basis? (not just for the BMW, I also want to try out a few 250s)

 

[Roadstergal]

If that's what you want, go here.

You can take the F650 on a dirt track without jumps, like the TT track at Hollister, as a decent starter for getting comfy offroad. Turn off the ABS before hitting the dirt.

 

[CABilly]

Bookmarked

Thanks!

 

[psychocandy]

Squiddly friends or tattoo covered posers

^
i guess having ridden for a dozen or so years, riding scooters, two-strokes, old jap cafe bikes, recently sportbikes, mostly wrenching on my own stuff, all that jazz... i guess after all that, i'm still a poseur after all these years 'cuz i'm covered in tattoos. thanks for setting me straight, i'll make an appointment right now for the squid tattoo on my forehead.

 

[cbr954]

I think a cbr 600 f4i would be good for you.

 

[V4]

if looking at the F650, call a BMW service department and ask how much it cost for maintenance and see it'll fit your budget...

Personally, I'd rather have the Dakar than the regular GS if doing any type of trail riding...

I put over 300 miles with heated grips/abs on a dakar until the owner decided he wanted to keep it....

I've been wanting one since then...

 

[davidji]

Thanks for all the valuable input, everyone! This thread has basically confirmed that the BMW is the bike for me (so far, I've yet to ride one and see for sure).

I'm sure it's a great bike, but if you're looking at a new one it's prolly a lot different from the ones you're getting the most feedback on.

The F650GS used to be a 650cc thumper, and at least in some models around 50hp or less.

As I understand it, the current one uses an 800cc parallel twin putting out around 70hp. It's a detuned version of the motor from the F800GS.

The twin should be more pleasant on the freeway (both for power and smoothness). Despite the extra cylinder, I think the wet weight is very similar to the old bike. The wire wheels of the old bike are probably more suited to dirt than the cast wheels of the new bike.

Whatever you decide on, have fun.