Comfortable smart MC SUV
Written: Jul 22 '01 (Updated Aug 09 '01)
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Pros: Smart looking, all purpose bike that is good for everything and everybody
Cons: Vibrations at high speed and non-adjustable hand-brake handle.
The Bottom Line: This BMW will keep you happy and proud from day-one and for the long haul. So, if not sure what to get, then you won't regret a Funduro too!
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| vitamin's Full Review: 2000 BMW F 650 |
It's all in the name "Funduro" or SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle), this is NOT another "nada funduro" boring bike. Also, I'm a rather tall bloke (1.85 m) so I need a "biggish" bike to be comfortable. I have had a Husquarna street bike long ago, and recently a four cylinder Kawasaki Zepher but most "rice-burners" are to low for my frame. The seating position on the F-650 is great and makes it easy to "throw around" the bike when required. To me the F-650 feels both as a big AND light bike actually!
It is also a great looking motorcycle and I am happy with it and it is the bike I will stay with me for many years to come. I'm a busy person that have many interests and this (Italian+Austrian+German) "Beemer" is left unused in the garage for long periods when I just have time to give it a passing pat. I have therefore missed a old style kick-start, but I have now a battery charger instead. Sometimes I feel it does vibrate excessively at some narrow RPM bands and it makes my fingers "tingle". I have actually once needed to stop and massage by fingers because of that weird sensation.
The only feature that really has angered me is the brake handle that cannot be adjusted as on the Kawasaki. The BMW handle is so far out that I really must stretch my (not so small) fingers to wrap them around the handle and then the handle will only move a very small way so it ruins my "angle for maximum muscular force" on the front brake. I have my self managed to "tweak" it, plus I got used to it now and I can live with it OK. Also the "exhaust-note" does not make an eager 400cc engine justice, but it's nice'n quiet I guess... It's still a "head-turner", belive me!
When I take the bike out for a spin I still feel just as proud as when I bought it a few years ago and I am happy to just go a few hundred miles each year as my little occasional "kick" when I feel like some funduro on my 650cc SUV.
"It's only Rock and Roll, but I like it.."
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 6500
Condition: New
Model Year: 1998
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Epinions.com ID:
vitamin
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Location: Melbourne, Australia
Reviews written: 5
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
I'm just another dentist with a strong longing to run away one day!
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