December 28, 2009
You can't always get what you want - Part II
But if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need. At CALMoto in Mountain View I had the opportunity to check out the BMW enduros.
I really enjoyed the ride on the F800GS, and it is a fantastic bike especially for two people, but it is just too much motorcycle; way too high for a vertically challenged person like me. The F650GS with the lowering kit would work for me, but the price certainly does not. The G650GS however, is the one that attracted me the most. I know it is a thumper, but how much motorcycle do I really need? I'm not planning to take it on a 'long way round' trip anytime soon. It felt alright indeed, plus the price is right - considering that one gets a BMW. The two-wheeler would serve off road if overcome by the desire of a little more adventure, and has ABS as a safety feature. Oh, not to forget the heated grips, something one gets to appreciate up in the North. The poor sales man already smelled a deal, when he watched me returning and surrounding the bike several times. Alas, the deed will have to be done back home. So thanks y'all for the good advice... I might just have found what I was looking for.
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You won't regret it. They're a gem :-)
ReplyDeleteThose are good motorcycles Sonja, you really will have a good time on them. Have you considered trying to find a used 650GS?
ReplyDeleteBack when I used to belong to the local Beemer club, there was one guy on a F650GS who used to "annoy" the guys on the 1200GS's by easily keeping up with them on the twists and turns while riding. The bigger bikes will leave you behind on the straighter stretches but as you said, how much bike do you really need? The 1100-1200 GS are HEAVY motorcycles. Highly capable but there's a reason they're called the Hummers of the motorcycle world.
F650GS's tend to be better riding solo, if you plan on a pillion...the only thing I've heard negative about them is the stock seat....many riders replace them with better.
Me, someday I'll get a 1150GS with a sidecar and truly be unstoppable.....
I salute you for having the wisdom to separate the "need" part. I see too many people choose a bike to make themselves look somehow "more cool". It's really more the rider than the bike, anyway. For what it's worth, you look good on the bike.
ReplyDeleteYou can't go wrong with a BMW - German engineering and all. Of course you already know that. :)
ReplyDelete@indigoid: Thanks for pushing me in the right direction
ReplyDelete@Charlie6: I would love to see you on that BMW sidecar
@irondad: I have to admit that the 'need' part comes along with the 'what can I afford' part. Thanks for your kind remark ;-)
The G650GS also has the engine guard (bash plate)standard. Makes it a very good value. I had to pay extra for that on my F650GS.
ReplyDelete@Mike: I can't disagree with that ;-)
ReplyDelete@Anonymous: Good point, I haven't even thought about that one yet.
I'll echo Irondad's remark about separating wants and needs. Being vertically challenged myself, I know what I can handle and what not to even attempt. An extra 2-3 inches would be nice, but I'm long past my growth spurt LOL!!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!