Im currently in South America and bumping into many overlanders, especially at the hotspots...

Well, as you can imagine.. im seeing hundreds of every imaginable travel bike out there in all different forms and disguises..

Well, ill get to my point.....

Im coming back over here in 2-3 years with a buddy who wants me to recommend him a comfortable, fairy low seated and economical bike.. I want to recommend the (new model) BMW F650GS for him as it ticks all the right boxes, BUT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Out of all the bikes I see, the ones which are broken down, failing and falling to bits are the BMW´s, usually the 650´s.

These are new bikes too or well looked after 3-4 year olds with low mileage..

Eg:

Fuel pump disintegrating on a new 650,
Regulator failing on new 650,
Head bearings shagged after 12,000 miles,
Fork seals leaking after only road use,
Ignition electrics dropping contact
ABS failing

The list is pretty endless and peoples trips are being made pretty miserable. Soo many travelers are cursing their 650 Beemers..

Now I know people will say "But theres more BMW´650 on the road than other bikes", but thats just is not true by a long way..

So, is the 650 weak and overly electrically complicated or is it just coninsidence that its just the ones I see ???

Im a qualified moto mechanic but have limited experience on BMW´s, so id appreciate your feedback... Please try and try objective !!

Thanks

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.