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BMW F650 instead of my R1250GS BMW F650 instead of my R1250GS
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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 Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



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  • 1 Post By Flipflop
  • 1 Post By Erik_G

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  #1  
Old 1 Week Ago
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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?

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  #2  
Old 4 Days Ago
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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
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  #3  
Old 1 Day Ago
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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
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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.
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  #5  
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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
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BMW F650 instead of my R1250GS-suzuki-dl-650-xt.jpg  

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