KMG_365 Posted February 8, 2008 Posted February 8, 2008 Just got this in my email newsletter from San Diego BMW Motorcycles: Demand is high for the discontinued line of F650's. We will pay you top dollar, pay off your loan or consign your bike if you prefer. All years, all miles, it doesn't matter. Contact the Sales department if you're interested in letting your F650 go. Is the demand for those old F650's really that high? Maybe it's just in the San Diego market, but it's interesting to me that they'd put out a call like that. And why the discontinued models of the F-650? Aren't they still making a new 650? Why wouldn't you want a new 800? I was thinking of picking one up as a commuter myself, but I haven't really been following the development of that line of bikes. I guess that's why I don't understand what's going on here to drive the demand . . . anyone?? Bueller?? I guess it's nice to know that there's a market for those who want to move up and sell their old bike, but I'm still confused. Maybe it's really just our proximity to the deserts and/or Mexico . . . or is there something in the newer bikes that makes them less desirable somehow?
awagnon Posted February 8, 2008 Posted February 8, 2008 There was the general consensus on the F650.com (Chain Gang) site when the announcement was made that BMW was discontinuing production of the F650, the value of everyones bike suddenly increased about $500. This was tongue in cheek, but probably true. There have been a number of rumors about why BMW stopped production ranging from inability to get the engines at a reasonable price, to not wanting to compete with their new line. Also, there is some rumor that they may start production again, but very doubtful. I bought a pristine, low mileage 2006 F650 just before they announced they were stopping production. Glad I acted when I did.
DaveC Posted February 8, 2008 Posted February 8, 2008 I can believe it. The F650GS is a great all purpose motorcycle. Did you see the thread here last week with this news flash from Power Sports business? "Powersports Business Tuesday January 29, 2008 Those awaiting the arrival of BMW’s new F 800 GS will need to wait awhile longer, as production of the middleweight dual-purpose enduro will be delayed due to continued demand for the F 650 GS, BMW said in a press release Jan. 24. The F 800 GS is expected to be available at U.S. BMW retailers in Fall 2008, making it a 2009 model. " I suspect everyone that has been admiring them and considering buying one has suddenly decided to buy one NOW before they are not available anymore.
Quinn Posted February 8, 2008 Posted February 8, 2008 I would imagine that the insurance on a 650 is much lower than an 800; although I always thought that 600cc's was the tipping point.
tallman Posted February 8, 2008 Posted February 8, 2008 It is on the Right (spin) Coast too. Sold 'em all, people still looking for them.
baggerchris Posted February 8, 2008 Posted February 8, 2008 I don't do a lot of off road, so Pepper the 06 F650GS is pristine. Every time I go into either one of my dealers, they always ask me if they can trade me out of her. I was really hot on one of the new 800 Gs's, but as built, they are too high for me. That is one of the really good things about the 650. They are pretty low with the 30 inch seat height, plus they have the link rear end, so you can get longer links to lower the bike more if you want, then if you get the lower seat, you can get really low. I use mine for a 30 miles total commute each day and with 65 mpg, and 70 + on trips into the mountains, she is very nice indeed. Pepper will go 75-80 all day long with a top end of an indicated 110, and deliver 65-70 mpg., and carry all of my camping stuff easily and one of the biggest pluses is her light weight, so's I can manuever her around easily. Also, the chain gang is wonderful for info; tips, and friendlyness. They have a wonderful tech site which is worth it's weight in gold. Many, many folks have gone around the world on this bike and their reliability is legend. Since I don't do hardly any serious off roading, just fire roads and getting to my campsite, I hate the tube type rims, and the rear rim is especially hard to change/fix tires on. I have a wolfman tank bag, and Givi side bags. Oh, I forgot, since the 4 gallon tank is under the seat, the bike is not top heavy at all and adds to the lightness feeling of the bike. I took her to Bodie and all over the Sierra's last year and Boy-Howdy, did she do great!!!!!!!!!!!!!
James Clark Posted February 8, 2008 Posted February 8, 2008 Just got this in my email newsletter from San Diego BMW Motorcycles: Demand is high for the discontinued line of F650's. We will pay you top dollar, pay off your loan or consign your bike if you prefer. All years, all miles, it doesn't matter. Contact the Sales department if you're interested in letting your F650 go. Is the demand for those old F650's really that high? Maybe it's just in the San Diego market, but it's interesting to me that they'd put out a call like that. And why the discontinued models of the F-650? Aren't they still making a new 650? Why wouldn't you want a new 800? I was thinking of picking one up as a commuter myself, but I haven't really been following the development of that line of bikes. I guess that's why I don't understand what's going on here to drive the demand . . . anyone?? Bueller?? I guess it's nice to know that there's a market for those who want to move up and sell their old bike, but I'm still confused. Maybe it's really just our proximity to the deserts and/or Mexico . . . or is there something in the newer bikes that makes them less desirable somehow? A dealer offering a high trade-in on your old vehicle to entice you into purchasing a new vehicle? Wow. I've never heard of that before.
peterbulgar Posted February 8, 2008 Posted February 8, 2008 The F650GS is a great all-purpose transportation tool for commuting and weekend rides, and is perfect for the type of touring that involves as many miles on dirt and gravel roads as on the Interstate. The new G650 series is much more focused on sport for two of the models - off-road dirt riding or Super Moto (tearing around the city and annoying everyone). The gas tanks are all too small, which makes the third (all-purpose) model useless for touring, although I'm sure that people will use them for that purpose. People also ride across the country on Honda Helixes. The F800GS is going to cost $12k by the time you get it on the road. $4k (the difference between an F650GS and an F800GS) may not a factor for some people, but it is for me. peter '73 R75/5, '04 R1150RA
bimmers Posted February 9, 2008 Posted February 9, 2008 I just got a new 650GS in november and ws first taken aback alittle with the announcement of the 800gs. It iwould however have been too much for me and I had as an alternative the KLR650 which I was not allowed to test ride. I love the little one but have hardly broken it in yet. My reasoning was to be able to get on gravel roads which the RT clearly is not made for. Mine is a keeper and if it retains its value, great. h
EdJ Posted February 9, 2008 Posted February 9, 2008 After 30 years on boxers I was looking for something new. I ditched the R1200ST for an '07 thumper. It's not for every body but this aging baby boomer thinks it is a hoot; almost like starting all over again. The little GS is a great commuter and gives up little in the touring department. Sixty plus mpg on regular pump gas is certainly nice feature!
rkd Posted February 9, 2008 Posted February 9, 2008 I own a '03 F650GS, which I would consider trading for a F800R if ever available - I'm not interested in the F800GS, mainly because of the seat height.
Wiley Posted February 9, 2008 Posted February 9, 2008 IMO BMW has made a blunder. They should forget the new two gallon gas tank, dirt bike 650's or give them to Husky. Then bring back the old 650. The title of this topic seems to suggest other's feel the same way.
Bullett Posted February 10, 2008 Posted February 10, 2008 Well I was going to buy an F650GS a few months ago, but didn't because I thought we needed to get rid of the Suzuki's first. There seem to be some F650's around on the internet, but not as many as there used to be. Now I'm looking for something else, but I'm not sure what.
peterbulgar Posted February 10, 2008 Posted February 10, 2008 Now I'm looking for something else, but I'm not sure what. Suzuki DL650. peter '73 R75/5, '04 R1150RA
R1100RSpurist Posted February 10, 2008 Posted February 10, 2008 How do V-stroms(DL650) mileage compare to that of the F650GS'?
peterbulgar Posted February 10, 2008 Posted February 10, 2008 MCN tested an F650GS in 2000 and got 53.5 mpg over the course off the test. They tested a DL650 in 2004 and got 47.7. The BMW has a 4.4 gallon tank and the Suzuki carries 5.8 gallons. YMMV. Peter '73 R75/5, '04 R1150RA
Wiley Posted February 10, 2008 Posted February 10, 2008 Now I'm looking for something else, but I'm not sure what. Suzuki DL650. peter '73 R75/5, '04 R1150RA Either a DR 650 or KLR 560 would make a great garage mate to your RT.
SANTA Posted February 10, 2008 Posted February 10, 2008 i was looking to buy an f650 last year, there were none available, in the end i settled for a 98 model without the F.I.. until the new f800/f650 twins are available for road duty, all bets are off. EFBEE/Paul M, does this mean that right now BMW is shipping f650gs single cyl models for 2008? the new local dealer told me yesterday we won't see the the f800/f650 twins till fall...
tallman Posted February 10, 2008 Posted February 10, 2008 Don't think so. The "new" 650GS is merely a detuned version of the 800 GS.
SANTA Posted February 10, 2008 Posted February 10, 2008 yes i know the "NEW" 650 is a detuned 800, but I'm focusing on the commment about "demand" for the old f650... being the reason for the delay of introducing the "NEW" f800/f650
Marty Hill Posted February 10, 2008 Posted February 10, 2008 No such situation/two different worlds. The fact that a few people are suddenly falling in love with the old 650 has nothing to do with the 800 delay. The new 650 is very popular in europe and the euro is very strong as opposed to our $. Those are the reasons for the delay in bringing it into the US.
EffBee Posted February 10, 2008 Posted February 10, 2008 I can believe it. The F650GS is a great all purpose motorcycle. Did you see the thread here last week with this news flash from Power Sports business? "Powersports Business Tuesday January 29, 2008 Those awaiting the arrival of BMW’s new F 800 GS will need to wait awhile longer, as production of the middleweight dual-purpose enduro will be delayed due to continued demand for the F 650 GS, BMW said in a press release Jan. 24. The F 800 GS is expected to be available at U.S. BMW retailers in Fall 2008, making it a 2009 model. " I suspect everyone that has been admiring them and considering buying one has suddenly decided to buy one NOW before they are not available anymore. I think you're mistaking one F650 for another. There are two completely different motorcycles. First, there's the original F650 single-cylinder and its variants, including the GS and the Dakar. Next, there's the new F800GS twin, which will come in an 85hp version. However, that bike is also being produced in a 71hp version, which meets the requirements for some of Europe's tiered licensing/insurance regulations. While it is an 800cc twin, it has been named the "F650GS" in order to separate it from its full-powered sibling, the F800GS. It is THAT lower-powered GS whose demand is so high right now in europe and many other parts of the world, and which is taking up the manufacturing capacity which BMW thought, by now, would be devoted to the full F800GS. Thus, the more powerful F800GS has been delayed. The U.S. will not get the less-powerful F650GS twin. Confusing? You betcha!
smiller Posted February 10, 2008 Posted February 10, 2008 Thanks for the clarification Fernando. Confusing? You betcha! Yeah, mostly caused by the decision to name the new 800cc bike exactly the same as a completely different discontinued model, and at the same time deviating from the industry practice of making the numbers in a model name match the displacement. Why in the world did they do that? I can only imagine it was for some sort of marketing purpose but I can't imagine how it would help in that regard... if anything the confusion should do just the opposite. I wonder why the new hexhead line wasn't designated as R100xx... BMW really missed the boat there...
SANTA Posted February 11, 2008 Posted February 11, 2008 thanks EffBee that makes sense. so you will see the 800gs you can buy the g650's now so if you want a single go to this pile and pick through till you find the colour you want... canada will get the f650gs twin... its already up on their website... i have kinda taken a shine to the g650, but will see how the trip goes this year before making the jump
baggerchris Posted February 12, 2008 Posted February 12, 2008 In case anybody is interested, over at the Chaingang site they have just posted something about the Stosh Brothers and a radio show called: Side Stand UP, THE WORLDS ONLY MOTORCYCLE RADIO ROADSHOW. about their adventure: Throttle Days: Dual Sport Adventure. It goes on to say that in the movie, they use the F650 GS. www.sidestandup.com On tuesday Feb. 12th, at 9-11 EST.
outpost22 Posted February 12, 2008 Posted February 12, 2008 The Rotax/F650 engine contract expired (was filled) as of last year. There was no renewal of the contract, thus no F650 engines. The other G650 engine contract is in place for the G bikes. Confusing? Yes. The G engine actually makes 5 more H.P. All I know is the F650 is a great bike. I will gurantee you that a magazine test where the F650 only got 52 mpg is suspect. They had to really hammer it for it to be that low. I average 65-74 mpg. The only time I got as low as 58 mpg was hammering it at 85 mph for two hours in the Arizona desert with no windscreen and lots of drag. The popularity of the F650 is not restricted to the current supply. I had to beg, borrow, and steal to find my new 2006 . It was worth the search
Rich_O Posted February 13, 2008 Posted February 13, 2008 Sad to see the F650GS single go by the wayside. I haven't ridden one, but it seems like a great design. I wonder if some will trickle in as trades or priveat party sales when the F800GS becomes available. Seems like it would be a reasonable trade-up for some people. We can only hope.
Jeff98362 Posted February 13, 2008 Posted February 13, 2008 The popularity of the F650 is not restricted to the current supply. I had to beg, borrow, and steal to find my new 2006 . It was worth the search Nick's BMW in DePere, WI has 2 used 2007 models advertised on their website at www.nicksbmw.com. (no affiliation, usual disclaimer, etc.)
KCScott Posted February 13, 2008 Posted February 13, 2008 Engle Motors in Kansas City has a new '07 in red with ABS and grips on the floor. I just bought a used '05 in black with the orange seat and am having a ball. It's great to be able to head down a gravel road and do some exploring. It is surprisingly quick and has less vibration than I expected from a thumper.
velomoto Posted February 14, 2008 Posted February 14, 2008 No such situation/two different worlds. The fact that a few people are suddenly falling in love with the old 650 has nothing to do with the 800 delay. Another possibility is that there are a number of folks who wanted the new 650 or 800 twin and are buying the old model cuz they'd rather ride than wait (most of) the riding season.
Marty Hill Posted February 14, 2008 Posted February 14, 2008 There are a few around and they will discount them. I have emails to prove this. Remember they are last years leftovers on a discontinued model. Now back to mourning the loss.
gettysburg Posted February 14, 2008 Posted February 14, 2008 I suspect it's just a marketing ploy to get bodies into the showroom. I received a similarly worded letter from a local Audi dealer indicating that there was a high demand for 1st generation TT coupe and roadsters and that they'd pay top dollar for mine. I had traded the car in a year ago after realizing that upcoming repairs to the car exceeded it's BlueBook value.
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