1999 Bmw F650
 

I've located two bikes with 4-7,000 miles on them that I'm considering for purchase. Both appear to be in good shape and these would be used for an upcoming trip (US to Argentina). Am I likely to run into mechanical problems/replacement parts issues with the bikes given that they're now 11 years old?

It's not the fact that the bikes are 11 years old that will be the problem, it is that BMW bikes are much much rarer on the road in LatAm than KLR or DR's. The BMW parts are harder to find and significantly more expensive. Read through this forum, there are lots of threads about which bikes are best.

BMW still makes parts so you can get them. Once past Mexico most any bike that needs a part will need to be ordered. I had to order brake pads for my DL in the USA so think about that.

For the BMW F650 funduro as with any bike there are problems, one that I know of is the power rectifer. There air cooled but BMW put them under the seat and there is no airflow so they burn out. At $300 to 400 a shot a bit more than I am looking to spend. Moving them to the outside of the bike is the fix most use. The pre 2000s are all carb bikes you may need to rejet if you are riding at altitude.

When I had one loved it grate bike but the service in the USA is more of a pain than it needs to be the reason I no longer have it.

If you get one look here The Chain Gang more info than you will ever need.

Join the chaingang and read their FAQ if you didn't already. The ones of interest will be the Waterpump/why does my oil go chocolate brown and the one about the voltage regulator.

These bikes are Aprillias. Very nice when in A1 condition (I loved both of mine apart from the waterpump related walk across a tiny bit of North Africa) but don't let the marketing of the badge fool you into doing anything you wouldn't normally do.

Parts are no problem in the UK, there are thousands of carbed F's about, at least one gets broken for parts every month and BMW will sell you what you need at the usual daft prices.

Andy

I hear that the funduro's have a much better reputation for reliability then the new f650's.


If it is not too late for you to change bikes I would say go with a KLR. It will be much easier to find parts and will break less on you. Just make sure to find an old one with low miles. There is no sense in taking a high mileage bike on a trip like this because you will run into replacement problems.

I did this trip with a 2001 BMW F650 and know all about the rip off BMW parts prices down there. Expect to pay $40 for an air filter and $60 for aftermarket brake pads.

Also, breaking down in the middle of no where and having to have your bike towed 400 miles to the nearest mechanic is always fun.