Cincinnati, Ohio BMW F650GS

[landlover]

Hi, I looked at a 2002 BMW F650GS, nice bike but where would the dual purpose come into play. I have four one week vacations, where could I go with this bike? I am new to motorcycling and the idea of a dual purpose is nice but can I really use it? Are there roads near hear that are gravel or trails that I could use this on? Please tell me what you think. What do you think of the bike also. Any piece of information is greatly appreciated.


Thank You & Take Care
Damon

[R.Markus]

You happen to live in one of the better areas in Ohio for DS riding. There are also a lot of people on Advrider from your area. Just look around and you will find those side roads leading out of town and into the hills.

The f650 seems to be a decent bike and they aren't too expensive either (I believe they dropped the MSRP by $1000 recently). I wouldn't own one simply because there is no dealership network anywhere close to my area (but unlike a lot of areas I have three good KTM dealerships close by that stock a lot of parts for the DS bikes as well as the dirt models).

I think owning a street only bike limits a lot of riding possibilities that could come up while one is out joy riding for the day or on a trip. DS is the way to go.

[Johnny Monsoon]

New riders nearly always benefit from starting on a DS bike.  They're very drop friendly, very maintenance friendly, easy on consumables (cheap tires, etc.), not very expensive to insure or buy, easy to ride, and you never outgrow them.

Go to www.advrider.com and have a poke around.  That'll give you the true idea of what a DS bike is capable of, and what its purpose truly is.

I loved my KLR650 dearly, and while I own one of the more refined and powerful bikes made, I still often wish I was aboard my anemic thumper more often than not.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I'd ask Bluepoof what she thinks of her 650. I also second the http://www.advrider.com site - excellent information there (wear your thick skin tho').

As for your location - my brother-in-law lives near Zanesville and I can tell you that there are dozens of great DS roads in that area. Hook up with some ADV guys and you'll be set with where/what to ride for years to come  

[bluepoof]

I'd ask Bluepoof what she thinks of her 650.

Love it. Looooooove it.  Our love is a love not found in books.

+1 to advrider.com, and also check out the Chain Gang at f650.com.  The forums are great and the site has lots of FAQs/photos/instructions/etc.