Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
Any common problems/weakness with F650GSD Any common problems/weakness with F650GSD
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 5 Dec 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: London
Posts: 35
Any common problems/weakness with F650GSD
Just wondering if anyone out there travelling through rough terrain has any known problems with the F650GSD. What spares are recommended to be carried along, or left with someone to send on if needed?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Dec 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
Fuel injection elec, rear subframe, fork seals, rear shock, water pump, headlight case (depends on yr model).....
I'm sure other people can make additions.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 Dec 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: London
Posts: 35
thanks lone rider
Fuel injection electronics has been improved with new software, the bike has been running much better since the upgrade, although it very seldomly still surges will keeping the revs up at 3500rpm in slow moving traffic. What problems exactly have you had with the rear sub-frame and shock? Can you recommend any improvements to be made?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Dec 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Golden, CO USA...on the road since Sept 2005
Posts: 343
Hi T-rex, If you look through the BMW tech pages you'll find lots of info regarding the F-650, including one I started over a year ago regarding just what you asked about. I'll try to put a link to the page here tonight. H.
__________________
"And I think to myself, what a wonderful world..." L.B. Armstrong. www.davesgreatescape.net
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readme...e&id=661274218
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Dec 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: London
Posts: 35
Hi Dave,

Your pictures speak for themselves, anything can be done! How long ago did you travel through parts of Africa? I'm heading that way from the UK. All info is appreciated as I'm a novice wanting to take the road less travelled back home.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 7 Dec 2006
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Tacoma, WA USA
Posts: 35
current issues....
my wifes bike is an 02 650gs. we began our trip in september, so far on this trip we (she´s) had:

key ignition switch...ie, turn key on, no electricals.
aftermarket staintune exhaust....can split, replaced under warranty.
radiator cooling fan....on f650.com this sounds like a common problem
under the seat, the access lid for the fuel pump has cracked, causing fuel leak....currently dealing with this one in loja, ecuador.

i´ve got an 01 dakar...no problem so far.

mark
www.roundtheworldorbust.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 Dec 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: London
Posts: 35
Hi Mark,

My fuel tank was replaced under warranty a few months ago when it started leaking at the cap under the seat. The mechanic told me it starts leaking if the tank is over-filled. i.e putting in extra fuel after the auto-stop. It has been fine since.
Thank you for your info and good luck to you both with your travels

Tyrone
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 7 Dec 2006
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Tacoma, WA USA
Posts: 35
one more thing....
t-rex,

we think overfilling is the culprit. for some reason they tend to do that down here.

forgort about the speedo cable on my bike, no bike deal.

and we are wondering about erin's rear shock.

thanks,

mark
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 7 Dec 2006
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Golden, CO USA...on the road since Sept 2005
Posts: 343
T-rex, I was riding in Africa last week. I'm home for a month to replace my trashed equipment and visit familiy. I'll be back in Kenya to continue heading north to Cairo in January, '07. Hope we can meet along the way! H.
__________________
"And I think to myself, what a wonderful world..." L.B. Armstrong. www.davesgreatescape.net
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readme...e&id=661274218
Last edited by hook; 8 Dec 2006 at 14:09.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 7 Dec 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: London
Posts: 35
Hi Hook,

I am still in the planning stages of my trip and will only be leaving the uk at the end of 2008 or beginning 2009, so there is still a long way ahead of me before I head off. If you pass through the uk or europe between now and then, contact me and I would be more than happy to meet up with you. You are on an around the world hey? Do you have plans to pass through this neck of the woods? I'm going to the annual HU meeting next year, I think it is in June or July, will find out the exact date. Sounds like fun. Have a good break at home and enjoy Kenya when you start your travels again.

T-Rex
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 8 Dec 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: London
Posts: 35
Quote:
Originally Posted by honchoandbingo
t-rex,

we think overfilling is the culprit. for some reason they tend to do that down here.

forgort about the speedo cable on my bike, no bike deal.

and we are wondering about erin's rear shock.

thanks,

mark
Hi Mark and Erin,

I do not know exactly what you mean about your speedo cable, maybe you mean it's out of warranty...nor what's going on with Erin's shock, but shock probs seem to pop up often on these Tech pages. Sorry I can't help with any info, hope you sort everything out soon so you can continue on your journey

Tyrone
Last edited by T-Rex; 8 Dec 2006 at 02:25.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 8 Dec 2006
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: USA
Posts: 992
Your best source of info will be www.f650.com

As commonly said, "It's what they do".
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 11 Dec 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: London
Posts: 35
Thank for the link Lone Rider, it answers many questions.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 12 Jan 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Powys, Cymru, U.K.
Posts: 94
we think overfilling is the culprit. for some reason they tend to do that down here.



Wouldn't have thought so, cos as the tank is vented, there'll be no build-up of pressure.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
common question im sure! davidR South America 10 12 Oct 2006 06:32
Russia: Common penalties madmarco Northern and Central Asia 8 19 Jul 2005 14:05
Which is the common dual sport in Africa? Poa Which Bike? 5 31 Jan 2003 06:03

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:52.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top