Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
'97 F650 reliability '97 F650 reliability
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 22 Nov 2000
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Posts: 4
'97 F650 reliability
I own a 97 BMW F650, currently on 24000 km (98% on tarmac).

I read a lot of stuff about how reliable it is, but I've had - and continue to have - constant problems that tell me to buy something else for a RTW. Engine oil leak, broken exhaust pipe, rear brake oil leak, strange engine noises and backfiring that the BMW dealer cannot diagnose correctly.
It's always been serviced by BMW and I treat it with great care.

I don't think this is the kind of bike I want to go RTW with. Would you?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Nov 2000
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
Hmmm. I rented an F650 in Aus for a month. It had about 10,000 KM when I bought it and I put about 9000 KM on it during that month. It was very reliable and I had no problems with it.

None of the problems you mention really sounds all that major to me: backfiring pipe, an oil leak, etc. Maybe what you really need is a better mechanic to do the servicing...

------------------
Bruce Clarke
brclarke@islandnet.com
www.islandnet.com/~brclarke

__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 22 Jan 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Locust Grove, Virginia, USA
Posts: 4
I would second Bruce Clarke's comments about your mechanic. I've owned a '97 F650 for three years and 22000 miles now, and the only problem I've had is a broken brake light switch (a five minute replacement job). I've ridden mine from Florida to Labrador and the tip of Newfoundland without a hitch.

------------------
Steve Anderson
Locust Grove, Virginia USA
__________________
Steve Anderson
Locust Grove, Virginia USA
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 10 Mar 2001
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: NSW, Australia
Posts: 15
We've had up to 13 F650s in a rental fleet and their reliability under high mileage and rental use has been excellent.

Problems include two blown exhaust gaskets, and a couple of broken chains. Not bad for the mileage and use they get.

Many are ridden two up at higher speeds and the engines have been extremely trouble free.

Also, on my African trip in 1999, there were several couples on F650s that were literally ridden flat out for hundreds of miles. They gave no trouble at all.

Cheers
Peter
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Apr 2001
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Posts: 233
Read my posting regarding KLR vs F650.

My friend has had one for several years without many poblems. I believe it's been a very reliable bike. Maybe try another mechanic.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Apr 2001
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Shropshire, UK.
Posts: 143
With all the quality procedures in the world, faulty products do sometimes escape the net and make it to the store. It almost sounds like you got the one they made last thing on a Friday.

I've not heard too much bad said about the F650, so the chances are either you've got the one that got away, or your mechanic stinks. So try another BMW dealership, and if that doesn't fix it, sell it and get another one.

Iain.
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

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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 01:10.

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