I'm surprised: still love my F650

[jsanford]

Unpredictable amounts of rain were forecast for today and falling a bit this morning, so I took the F650 to work.  There were accidents on all the bridges and in the Battery Street tunnel so my strategy was to take surface streets downtown to work. Not sure how much of an improvement that route was over the highway--between the construction, garbage trucks and street parking, there was a lot of stopping, going, and lane switching.  

The shorter wheelbase was good for these conditions; it was nice sitting up straight to keep an eye on everyone; and there's no mistaking that the F650 is much easier to vary speed with under 25mph.  Not the type of riding we all dream about while working, to be sure, but it sure is the reality of my commute and still beats the heck out of driving and taking the bus.  

The ride home was sunny and traffic was faster, if aggressive.  The F650 has heated grips too and I still appreciate the sound of the motor, even if doesn't have the same growl.  It's the working rider's bike, for sure...and doesn't act jealous by giving trouble starting up or popping out of 2nd gear too often.  

So far, for one reason or another I've had to take the F650 out once a week and leave the new F800ST at home.  This week it was the new front tire.

[katego]

+1

This week I have been riding the F650 to work for many of the same reasons. The F800 & I need to work on our city manners a little more before tackling the daily commute.

-k

[bluepoof]

I tend to prefer my Z for the commute since I can use the extra horsepower to pass road boulders that park in the carpool lane at 60mph. Also, thinner for lanesplitting.

But the times that I do commute on the F650GS I definitely arrive at work smiling!  

[blueridgerider]

Until the weather turns really cold, I'll keep on my GS for the commute.  

[Mrs.BMW-K]

I rode 8 different bikes at Femotto this weekend, and had a blast, but I still love my F650!  The only problem I had was the ride home was too short... I was ready for a road trip!

That being said, I wouldn't mind having the F800ST, or the Buell XB12SCG in the stable!  

[atadaskew]

 Also, thinner for lanesplitting.

The in-line 4 Kawi is thinner than the single cylinder BMW???

[vitaminC]

The in-line 4 Kawi is thinner than the single cylinder BMW???

I would imagine the bars are wider on the BMW, even if the chassis is narrower.

[bluepoof]

I would imagine the bars are wider on the BMW, even if the chassis is narrower.

 

[atadaskew]

Duh! moment...  Same thing with my old KLr650, only a single but the bars are much wider than on my Ducs.

[Orson]

So far, for one reason or another I've had to take the F650 out once a week and leave the new F800ST at home.  This week it was the new front tire.

I hadn't heard about yer F800ST purchase.

I'd love to read your thoughts on it  

[Nny]

I would imagine the bars are wider on the BMW, even if the chassis is narrower.

The mirrors are also narrower on the Z.  The engine and transmission on the Z750 are so great for commuting..  Blue let me borrow her Z while my Multistrada was in the shop and I have to say, I kinda miss how relaxing the Z is on the highway compared to my Multi.  The mirrors on the Multi though, are in a better spot to avoid car mirrors becuase of the height while lane splitting.  My F650 (that I had before my multi) felt a bit wide also because of the saddle bags.  Nevermind that I'd lose a leg before I'd hit one of my saddle bags...

Slow speed my F650 was way better.  My Multi isn't happy until about 25mph..  Under that I need a bit of clutch a lot of the time.

[bluepoof]

I have to say, I kinda miss how relaxing the Z is on the highway compared to my Multi.

Want it? It's for sale.

[Nny]

Again?  I thought you were keeping it.