BMW G650 Xcountry
Folks; I've been doing a spot of reading tonight after finding a couple of rather nice local-ish deals on BMW F650 Xcountries. We'd originally planned on getting a F700GS for my other half but they are awful expensive, she's new to riding and they're heavy compared to the single cylinder versions.
So, a few things come to mind. I've read various nuggets of wisdom around the net but sometimes it's worth asking the questions as well.
- I've no experience with single cylinder bikes, I was always under the impression there were a bit vibey. Any truth in this? Are they very much worse than the newer two cylinder versions for munching up on-road miles?
- The single is markedly lighter. For a new, fairly short rider with less strength to throw around than us blokes that's got to be a great thing, right?
- To me the X-Country looks markedly better as a travel bike than the standard 650 single; spokes and a slightly bigger front wheel. Thoughts?
- I understand that the later (2009) models were a bit crap compared to the earlier ones, any truth in this?
- How long could one reasonably expect the engine to last? I understand the Rotax ones are pretty bulletproof.
- If anyone happens to have had one and a newer F700 - how do they compare in seat height? On paper the X is 2cm taller. I ask because the F700 has, so far, been the only bike my good lady has got on with in terms of height.
- The X-Challenge looks rather more expensive. Worth the pennies?
Any other comments/feedback or suggestions would be appreciated!
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[ Tim | History - NW Italy/French Rivera, Swiss Alps, Morocco | 2016 - Greece > Albania > Macedonia > Kosovo > Montenegro > Bosnia > Slovenia > Austria ]
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