BMW F650CS vs. KLR650

[SWriverstone]

I had a chance today to ride a friend's F650CS---that's the "street" model of the F650. It was my first time on an F650 of any kind, so it was really interesting to compare it to my KLR.

From the moment I fired it up, the F650 definitely reminded me a lot of the KLR---BMW engineering aside, the F650 is still a lawnmower.   (Just like the KLR.) Obviously, a thumper's a thumper, no matter how slick it looks on the outside. I did think, though, that the F650 felt *slightly* smoother (less "vibey") than the KLR...but the difference was minimal (in other words, the F650 is still a Briggs & Stratton compared to my V-Strom 650!)

I was also struck by how small the bike is. This isn't any news, but the KLR is a tall bike, and I'm used to that. So when I could flat-foot the F650 with my legs bent, I felt a bit like I was on a kids bike. LOL (Is the Dakar any taller?)

Of course the fit & finish of the BMW was nicer than the KLR all the way around (especially this CS street model)...but it was almost odd in that it seemed a bit strange having such a beautiful-looking bike that still felt like a Briggs & Stratton, LOL.

I did *not* think the F650 handled any better than the KLR. I took some turns at a good clip (to get some lean angle on) and did lots of swerving back 'n forth, etc...and I think the KLR's handling is easily equal to the F650's (partly due to the KLR's wider bars, which equals greater turning leverage).

This particular F650 was also obviously a "street" bike, as the whole bike shuddered and jolted me when I rode over potholes, bumps, etc. (suspension wasn't great). I'm sure the Dakar is very different in that department...

Finally, I had to admit the F650 (at least the CS model) definitely has more pep (torque? HP? not sure, but it accelerated faster). I also appreciated the 6th gear, which of course is absent on the KLR (and which I still try to find sometimes...LOL). I've heard the F650 was a better highway bike than the KLR...and based on this ride on the CS model, I agree---it had no problems accelerating up to 80mph and seemed happy and (relatively) smooth cruising at that speed (the KLR will do it too, but feels a bit more strained above 70mph).

Another interesting aspect of the F650CS is that it's belt-driven. I honestly did *not* notice anything different about the belt drive while riding it. I've heard people say the power transfer is more immediate with belt-drive bikes...but I don't think it makes much difference on a 650cc thumper with as little horsepower as this bike.

I rarely see the F650CS models on the road, so it doesn't seem there are many out there. But after riding this one, I'd say it's a great bike for riding around town, for a beginner motorcyclist, for a shorter rider...and for limited long-distance travel (it was hard to imagine doing a 2,000-mile tour on one, but I'm sure people have done it--heck, I rode 5,000 miles on my KLR!).

I hope to ride a Dakar someday, as I know that's a better comparison to the KLR...but I'm guessing aside from suspension, the Dakar isn't *that* different from the CS model (it's still a thumper). And the bottom line in my mind was: they're ALL lawnmowers, period! so anyone who gets their panties in a bunch crowing over one bike or the other needs to be reminded that they're still talking about Briggs & Stratton bikes!  

Here's a photo of the F650CS I rode:



Scott

[bluepoof]

Obviously, a thumper's a thumper, no matter how slick it looks on the outside. I did think, though, that the F650 felt *slightly* smoother (less "vibey") than the KLR...but the difference was minimal (in other words, the F650 is still a Briggs & Stratton compared to my V-Strom 650!)

Yeah, I totally agree.  I think my F650GS is pretty comparable to the KLR, vibe-wise (caveat: I've only ever ridden a F650CS for about 10 miles on a test ride, but I'm pretty sure the engine is the same in my GS).

(Is the Dakar any taller?)

I think the F650GS is the same size as the F650CS; the F650GS Dakar is taller.

I did *not* think the F650 handled any better than the KLR. I took some turns at a good clip (to get some lean angle on) and did lots of swerving back 'n forth, etc...and I think the KLR's handling is easily equal to the F650's (partly due to the KLR's wider bars, which equals greater turning leverage).

Yeah, also agreed.  Six of one, half dozen of the other.

Finally, I had to admit the F650 (at least the CS model) definitely has more pep (torque? HP? not sure, but it accelerated faster). I also appreciated the 6th gear, which of course is absent on the KLR (and which I still try to find sometimes...LOL).

Actually, the F has 5 gears as well.    I always try to find 6th on my freeway commutes, too.

I hope to ride a Dakar someday, as I know that's a better comparison to the KLR...but I'm guessing aside from suspension, the Dakar isn't *that* different from the CS model (it's still a thumper).

Yeah, aside from the suspension and slightly more off-road friendly handlebar ergonomics, my F650GS feels very similar to the F650CS that I test rode (the GS, of course, is chain-driven, but like you said, who can tell?).

I agree that fundamentally, there's very little difference between the F650GS and the KLR.  Granted, I only put about 150 miles on a KLR (~40 or so offroad, IIRC), but they're both fun bikes for those of us who love thumpers.  

[SWriverstone]

Actually, the F has 5 gears as well.    I always try to find 6th on my freeway commutes, too.

Waitaminit...you mean the F650CS I rode only has 5 gears??? I could've sworn it had 6! (Maybe I just thought that because the high gears were taller?)

I agree that fundamentally, there's very little difference between the F650GS and the KLR.  Granted, I only put about 150 miles on a KLR (~40 or so offroad, IIRC), but they're both fun bikes for those of us who love thumpers.  

Yes! As much as I love my DL650...and though some people scoff at them...I actually *like* riding a motorcycle that sounds and feels like a lawnmower!  

Scott

[bluepoof]

 Waitaminit...you mean the F650CS I rode only has 5 gears??? I could've sworn it had 6! (Maybe I just thought that because the high gears were taller?)

I KNOW mine has only five, because I really wish it had six.   I'm pretty sure the CS has the same tranny.

Yes! As much as I love my DL650...and though some people scoff at them...I actually *like* riding a motorcycle that sounds and feels like a lawnmower!  

Amen, brother!    3 of my 4 bikes now are thumpers.   So much scrappy fun!  Though now I need to find a shortie-friendly road couch too to compensate.  

[ZED]

Haven't ridden either of the F650s, but I'll take the KLR any day for the following reasons:
1.  KLR costs less
2.  KLR parts can be obtained almost anywhere
3.  No computer to fail in the boonies

I'm sure the BMW is a great bike and a marvel of engineering, but I can set up the KLR to handle great on or off road.  Kawi just needs to give us that SIXTH GEAR!
Maybe next year.  Oh, wait.  Now I'm sounding like those Honda guys.
(slinks off in a corner somewhere...)

[R Doug]

I dunno, how fair of a comparison is the CS to the KLR?  Other than the same engine, how similar is the road going CS from the dual sport GS?

Now, go out and ride the 650GS (Dakar version or not) and let me know how it compares to the KLR.  

Either way, you'd have to be pretty impressed by it for me to justify the higher price of the baby GS over the KLR (as a second bike).  I'm becoming a cheap bastage lately.  

[cbsnbiker]

The F650GS and its Dakar brother are more similar to the KLR than is the F650CS.

One reason to consider purchasing an F650GS (or CS): available ABS.

[bluepoof]

Now, go out and ride the 650GS (Dakar version or not) and let me know how it compares to the KLR.  

Actually, I own a F650GS and have ridden a KLR and I found Scott's comparison to be pretty accurate (see my comments above).  I really think it just boils down to whichever bike floats your boat, as it were.  For me, it's the Beemer; for many people, it's the KLR.    It's no more expensive than a KLR, too, if you buy used.  I got my 2001 model in perfect condition with 5000 miles on it, pre-farkled with handguards, fairing guards, centerstand, and bar risers, for $5k.

[sagerat]

Riding buddy sold his KLR a few years back and bought the F650, which he plans to ride to Alaska next summer.  He takes his F650 off-road, even two-up.

Odd thing is, he says while he likes the Beemer, he wishes he'd kept the KLR and saved the money.  Better fit and finish on the Beemer, little more highway peop, but not $4K worth.