Considering 1997 F650..........any input would be appreciated!

[wheatman31]

I am looking at a 1997 BMW F650 on eBay and considering bidding in the next 24 hours. I would appreciate any input as to value or questions to ask. I own a R1150RT but do not have much exposure to the F650. I would use it for dual sport trips in Wyoming and Utah on gravel and fire roads mostly. The alternative choice would be a KLR650 or DR650.

 

I will try to attach the link to the eBay auction below if you would like to check it out before providing input. Thanks.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150170675564

[Joel]

We have a '99 in our garage. The current bid (~$2,600) would be a decent deal if the mechanicals are sound. That's pretty low mileage for a 10 year old bike, and that isn't necessarily a good thing. I'd hesitate bidding over $3k for it even it it is in good mechanical shape.

 

Have you ridden one? If not, you owe it to yourself to ride one first. It is different.

 

Our '99 is ridden mainly by my wife. She really likes it, but it will be sold in short order when she quits riding. It doesn't fit me (I'm 6'4") and if I were looking at a 650 I'd lean toward a WeeStrom. I had a SV650 and I like that little twin MUCH better than the Rotax thumper.

 

P.S. You might want to poke around at f650.com.

[OoPEZoO]

I borrowed one for about 150 miles last May when my R1100RT broke down due to a HES failure. It was a fun ride.......not something I would tour on (the RT has spoiled me there), but definitly fun to rip through traffic and back roads on. I'm about 6'2" 235, and I didn't feel like I was cramped. I've been keeping an eye out for a good price on a used one ever since. Danielle wants to get her license and start riding next year, and I would love to have a second bike like that in the garage.....perfect match .

 

If I was shopping for a fire road/duel sport for myself, I think I would look at the Japanese offerings

 

As far as shopping for one goes. I have seen them from 3k-6k depending on farkles, add ons, and mileage. My only requirement would be that it has heated grips and ABS.

[bakerzdosen]

Our '99 is ridden mainly by my wife. She really likes it, but it will be sold in short order when she quits riding.

Joel, tell me I'm not reading too much into that statement...