Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
BMW F650 instead of my R1250GS BMW F650 instead of my R1250GS
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



Like Tree7Likes
  • 1 Post By Flipflop
  • 1 Post By Erik_G
  • 1 Post By Tomkat
  • 1 Post By markharf
  • 1 Post By Flipflop
  • 1 Post By Erik_G
  • 1 Post By waffey

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 7 Nov 2024
waffey's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Plymouth, Devon, UK
Posts: 11
Lightbulb BMW F650 instead of my R1250GS
Hi, Planning a 3 month trip for 2025 from UK to Armenia and back over 3 months.

Reluctant to take the new GS as it's dam heavy and I am on my own. I'm not wandering far from normal roads but I'm not sure how much hassle of have a bike bike whilst alone so I was thinking of getting an old F650. Kit that out, I dont hav eto worry about dropping it etc.

I have toyed with RE Himalayan as well.

Your thoughts?

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 Nov 2024
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: UK
Posts: 448
If you’re not wandering far from normal roads then riding to Armenia and back will be no different to riding around the UK.
Perhaps I’m jumping too far ahead and apologies if I am but when you say the 1250 is dam heavy it’s sounds like you’re struggling with it anyway.
If this is the case then instead of buying an old, unknown quantity perhaps sell the 1250 and buy a lighter/smaller bike for your every day ride and take it on the trip.
I’m in a slightly similar position myself: planning a long trip with a lot of off road and feel my 1200 is too big - one option I’m not keen on is buying an older bike for the trip.
On our last trip my wife bought a nearly new 411 Himalayan then sold it after the trip. It was great on the 20K mile trip - I’d do the same for my next trip but the bike’s too low for me.
Hope it all works out for you
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 Nov 2024
waffey's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Plymouth, Devon, UK
Posts: 11
Hi Fliflop,

i mostly on road, well thats the plan so the GS would be idal. I meant its heavy if iwas out on a dirt track on my own and dropped it, I might struggle with getting back up. I'm probably over thinking it.

I am looking at the RE Himi as this could be an option, cheap bike, dont worry about it too much, probably cheaper and easier to insure for a longer trip.

I'll keep mulling over the issue.

Waffey
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Nov 2024
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: UK
Posts: 448
Hi Waffey
I took my 1200gs from Canada to Patagonia - I was over thinking it too but in the end I went for the cheapest option, which was the bike in my shed.
We did plenty of gravel travel but didn’t go looking for hard stuff and the bike was perfect.
Hopefully I’ll be heading to the Stans next year so maybe see you on the road.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Nov 2024
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Portugal permanent, Sweden during summer
Posts: 480
Bike ?
"Your thoughts?"

Probably as many as there are riders......
The best bike is the one the you like and feel confortable with.
I have used both Himalayan and Suzuki DL 650 XT for long distance travel.
Both did their work excellent. And i like both of them.

Himalayan if you plan to ride some more tricky roads.
The Suzuki is not a trail bike. But I am very comfortable riding in on gravel/dirt roads. And it is better on faster roads

Both were equiped with Alu cases.
The Suzuki had luggage equipment from SW Motech.
You can see that they mount rather low. One is outside of the exhaust system =>
One 37 liters and one 45 liters => symetric
Many "adventyre bikes" have the luggage very high => Bad
And Mitas E-07 Tires 50/50
Attached Thumbnails
BMW F650 instead of my R1250GS-suzuki-dl-650-xt.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Nov 2024
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 219
I recently picked up a KLE500.

Really surprised - it does most things pretty well.

They are not popular so pretty cheap.
Attached Thumbnails
BMW F650 instead of my R1250GS-img_0273.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Nov 2024
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 845
The 650 is still heavy as adventure bikes go (or can go) but it's got to be better than an unwieldy monster that's only at home on motorways. Honestly, if Ewan and Charley hadn't set the fashion years ago nobody would even be considering them now.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 15 Nov 2024
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,982
I rode 3 different rental bikes in Georgia, Artsakh, and Armenia (and one of my own in Turkey, but that was long ago): an Africa Twin (too tall, top-heavy and complex), an older F650 (too short and somewhat anemic), and a Canadian KLR 650 (just right, per Goldilocks). i’m no expert and no longer a bold adventurer, but in all 3 countries there were rough tracks begging to be ridden, along with the ones I ran into by accident. To have avoided these due to too large a bike would have been a real shame and seriously limited my trip.

Note: just a single data point. But I’d suggest not falling into the “I’ll stay on paved roads…” trap.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 17 Nov 2024
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: UK
Posts: 448
This is an overland forum and I can understand why so many posters are obsessed with lightweight adventure bikes - but the OP is going on a road trip across Europe and Turkey.
In general the road conditions in the countries he will be travelling through are much better than the UK, mainly due to a combination of weather and heavy use.
My opinion is he could take any bike - my wife rode around the Balkans in 2000 on a 600 Bandit with camping gear.
If you were riding to The north of Scotland and you’d take your GS then take it to Armenia and use the money you’ve saved on the trip.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 17 Nov 2024
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Portugal permanent, Sweden during summer
Posts: 480
Downsize
If you wnat to go down in size from GS 1250.
There are many bikes in the 450-500 segment.
(Maybe due to the popularity of Himalayan)

* Royal Enfield Himalayan (as you mentioned)
* And do not forget the old Himalayan 411. A used one in good condition. (Both me and my friend that have done a lot of riding on the 411, would not change to the new 450. Due to that the new one ismore top heavy)
* Voge 550 DSX (More "road" orineted). Can include aluminium panniers and top case. Comes with everything included. That you have to add extras on most other bikes. E.g. Honda)
* CF Moto 450 (Similar to Himalayan)
And ....

Nathan gives objective views and he is a very exprienced rider/traveller.

https://youtu.be/hyRt8FUY4Do?si=8WRFGsGzGKkL5KSg

https://www.youtube.com/@nathanthepostman


Since you are in UK. Maybe you can go to Devon and test ride them back to back.

But I agree. Don't overdo it.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 3 Weeks Ago
waffey's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Plymouth, Devon, UK
Posts: 11
Thanks for all the reply's. My mind is made up. It's the 1250, thats what I bought it for.......adventures.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 2 Weeks Ago
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: hants uk
Posts: 184
Hi Waffey: I think you have got to a good conclusion!

When I started off for West Africa I agonised (as you are doing) over whether to bring my trusty 1150GS or my KTM690 enduro. Then my wife said...if you want me to come travel part of the route with you, it's got to be the big old GS!

In the event I rode 40,000kms around the circumference of Africa on the GS, and only dropped it once...in deep sand riding 2 up

Just one caution...the Armenian roads were terribly potholed (in 2015 mind you) so watch where you go
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
Swap my BMW F650, Netherlands <-> Italy (Southern Europe) JoostR Bike Swap or Rent 3 12 Jul 2022 15:44
BMW F650 Central Asia? spicystew Which Bike? 12 19 Feb 2020 10:44
My BMW F650 needs a parking space in Helsinki from 09/16 -08/17 ridick911 Europe 1 24 May 2016 19:35
Consider this before buying a BMW KevOK Which Bike? 80 27 May 2014 15:41
BMW, Quito, Ecuador!!! moto_girl South America 9 24 Jul 2013 11:35

 
 

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 12:15.

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