Well said. I’ve had mine since 2016, love it

Top notch presentation! Really helpful and awesome pacing. Thanks for taking the time.

Exceptional review! Thank you much.

Good video I like simplicity too.. glad you pressed that. and mpg…nice

Bought mine new in 2010 and still got it 13 years later. See no need to change, it’s still in great condition and is a really good all rounder. Great review of a proven bike that simply makes sense

My buddy might be selling me one soon they look amazing thanks for the video

Lovely review Adrian, I intend to start riding to explore the vast dry lands of northern and southern Kenya. The BMW singles Funduro/G650/Sertao etc would be very likely be my first (and best!) choice after I learn on a smaller bike...thanks brother, your review reinforces my decision to go the BMW way! Seen a couple for sale but here accesories would be impossible to get, so for me I need a used bike that originaly worked good straight out of the box. BTW like how you use the mirrored images...thought I was the only one does that to my pics!!

Love the confirmation that my purchase of the 650 GS was a wise choice. I love my bike AND it feels good for me. Thanks again.

Outstanding review !!!.... Looking for a low mileage one, test rode a 2010 with supposedly 7k miles, had issues. ABS light on solid, Speedo didn't work, when I hit the high beam momentary switch the ABS light went off and the speedo worked. The heated grips didn't work, : ( it was 37 F in Upstate NY last Friday (12/9/22). Other then that, loved the bike. Did 25 miles of smiles. Have owned a KLR twice, DR650 twice, DRZ 400 (all lowered with lowering links)and three boxer GS's. Liked the smoothness and lightness, and stock 30.7" seat height. At 65 yrs old and a 29" inseam the G650GS is a perfect fit. Now to find one.

Excellent review of a great bike!

Thanks, you help me to decide

Nice review. Always liked the 650 range from the funduros up

A lovely review that's right on the money!! I have owned 3 of these bikes (and still have one) and everything you've said about the bike I agree with. I currently own an '08 Dakar, and it delivers amazing fuel consumption! I also own a 300 GTS Vespa, and my Dakar is lighter on gas than the Vespa! These bikes are amazing all-rounders, and I always look forward to riding this bike, as my BMW 1150 Adventure is starting to get a bit heavy for me. Thanks again for a great video and greetings from South Africa!

Well I never test rode one but I bought an all black spoke wheeled 2016 with 500 miles on it yesterday... I have an 180 mile ride to get her home...

I rode many different bikes, but the F650GS was the best ever.

Thanks!

Coming from a 125 cc, I was undecided between this and the Honda TransAlp but opted for the G650 - thanks for the video, it helped deciding. Especially the availability of mods and parts, which I didn't think about before

All True. No flash, no glitter, just quietly competent.

Came back to re-watch the video... all points still good !

Adding this in November of 2021. While I still find this video thoughtful and informative, I recommend that a would-be G650GS (or Sertao) purchasers actually source “needed” aftermarket parts and accessories BEFORE buying. I have had my newly-purchased 2014 for a month, now, and it is maddening how much is unavailable. …discontinued, not originally designed, etc. While there WAS a long run of the “650 lump,” as people affectionately describe the single, it was, at least in part, low sales numbers that contributed to its demise. It may well be that devotees, already having found and installed bash plates, panniers, etc, are unaware of how narrow the choices have become.

Thanks for the video. I still love my 2010 G650GS since the day I got it. It is everything you mentioned, which is why I bought it. That first month I blogged about the bike and the OEM accessories, which I immediately added with no regrets.

I saw a video with the SWM Superdual and immediately thought 650GS!

I've owned F650GS 2000 since 2004. Fixed water pump 2 times in 30000 kilo mileage and front fork seal 3 times. Rear shock blew off in 15K. Shocks were terrible for full loaded riding. Now it's with progressive HD fork spring and wilbers shock. Wheels are modified to tubless. It runs nice. Crazy design of it for economic maintenance is its fuel filter combined with fuel regulator that costs over 200$. Highly recommended to add normal cheap fuel filter for GM to prolong the life time of it. Especially when you use local gas station with low quality fuel , must have it. Happy ride safely. Cheers.

Dear Sir, I live in Australia and I just recently bought a low mileage ( 14000klms ) 2014 BMW G650GS myself and all the things you have mentioned in your video are spot on. I haven't taken the bike of road yet ( I've only had for 3 weeks ) I have changed the exhaust system to a Dominator system ( with a hard DB killer ) changed the battery to a Lithium type ( mainly to help reduce even more weight off the bike ) and have changed the rear tyre to a Shinko E705 and changed the engine oil and filter and changed the front and rear brake pads So far the fuel consumption ( as you mentioned ) is very good I am 66 years old and have been riding since 1971 and I have never had a bike with heated grips until now ( how did I every get by without them in the past?? ) Safe Riding and take care

Adrian was nice enough to respond to yesterday’s message, almost immediately, with questions and offers of help. I think I’ll post again, so that it doesn’t get lost in “responses.” To repeat the same intro: I find the video thoughtful and informative. I looked nationwide for a G650GS (or a Sertao) and ended up buying in my home State of Colorado. I’ve paid attention to offerings that have arisen since my purchase, and it really does seem as though the unique nature of this bike adds to the possibility (probability?) of finding low-mileage clean examples. I do still think a would-be purchaser should either: A) buy an already accessorized bike, (they are definitely out there), or, B) spend a bit of time making sure “your” mods are still available. Adrian asked what I’ve had difficulty finding. Despite my usual OCD nature, I’ve not cataloged the rabbit-holes-without-rabbits. But I have done quite a bit of luggage, skid plate, tail plate and crash bar searching. I don’t mean to imply that one can’t still find a proper set-up. …but it might not be with the same manufacturer that included the line even a few years ago. Links from relevant forums often went “404,” or not-yet-updated websites just listed “unavailable” without any re-stock date anticipated. Another “to be fair” caveat: in 2021, there’s no easy way to know what’s a decision to drop a vehicle from the application line-up, and what’s just another “supply chain” clustershag. Appears as though “Happy Trails,” in Idaho, is still committed to the line. It also has been fruitful to actually CALL places to see if they still have “New Old Stock,” even if the application has been discontinued. (I texted folks from CycleTrader and Craigslist ads asking for the origin of their mods, and most were kind enough to respond. That’s how I knew that there was, at one point, a relevant app.) I hope that’s more clear rather than less. I don’t mean to diminish Adrian’s vid, or his perspective. It is still a “sleeper” value, I think. John

Have the chance to buy one-leery of BMW's costs for repair parts but I've read that the Rotax engine on this is super reliable. Hopefully I'll be tearing up some gravel roads and taking a lot more 'scenic routes' here in Missouri. That is some astounding MPG! I'll probably be doing more highway and it appears that this being more 'on road' oriented it'll handle long highway miles better than the KLR does if I felt like taking a long trip. I like the simplicity-if you limit German engineers to just one cylinder they'll figure out how to make it better instead of loading up on electronics which is nothing but a liability and an expensive one at that since it is a BMW after all. Test rode a decked out KLR yesterday-liked it but I have short legs so it's a problem. The other problem was the price as the owner justified the rather high price because of all the mods and upgrades. The GS for sale is the same price as the KLR-but I'm sure it's a more comfy, ergonomic machine. Hopefully, just hopefully I'll take the BMW plunge tomorrow and not chicken out. Glad I found this video to boost my confidence buying one.

The only BMW I would buy! Have ridden friend’s and have always kept an eye out for one for myself!

My mate I ride the trails in the UK has the Sertao version of the G650GS, it is a cracking bike both on and off road.

Could you compare/contrast the g650gs and the R1250 from both on road and off road experiences? Love your channel!!

I call mine "The Cordless Vibrator". Haven't ridden it enough to know if I am going to get used to it or not.

I just found you today!, love it.. Question: I know there is not just 1 answer, however...I am starting a RTW tour, solo. I don't want an uncomfortable "dirt" dual. But following "Itchy" lead she went with lighter, I agree but I'm now debating on nimble, quick light and wondering instead of crf300 rally (can't even get on west coast-recall shipping etc) but I think the BMW GS310 rally..but worried about the limitations of qualified mechanics? As apposed to say a Yama, Kawa? Maybe I just make sure I have the chapter presidents of the BMW clubs world wide haha...now there's a totally decked out 650, near me from a ex racer that has 30k miles, but is that too many? For a RTW? And my nay sayers are saying BMWs 40% fail rate in 5 years?please help me lol

Greetings, again, from Colorado, USA. This vid continues to be at the top of any “G650GS” search, and rightfully so. I still find it thoughtful and insightful. (See my 2021 post, below.) As things turned out, I am “way deep” into all things G650GS, as I now have a ‘14 and a ‘15. The ‘15 was a find near Steamboat Springs, CO - home of the world-renowned ski area - with a verified 108 miles from the original owner. I do want to return to my recommendation from last year’s post, as, if anything, evidence mounts. It may not be as true in Europe and Australia, but… Despite my love for the bike - and I am happy to have two plain “Gs,” despite my initial fascination with the Sertao - I would exercise patience and find one spec’ed out with all the “farkles” you want. The aftermarket catalog is definitely closing on these bikes. Here are a few of the many examples over the past year: 1) Touratech, which has KZfaq vids showing its full treatment bike, has closed the whole line down. I found e-bay original Touratech items all over the world, (often Australia,) but there is now essentially nothing from them. 2) I was in touch with “Jesse Luggage,” as I really liked the strong review for their products. Talked with the now-owner in Arizona, and there was apparently a set still in stock. But nothing on the website, and that was a one-off. I did, still, have good luck with Idaho’s “Happy Trails.” 3) In the US, the Revzilla / Cyclegear empire (!) is one of the first places to look, and often is the best choice for price. In ‘21, I ordered a SW Motech crashbar for bike number one. This week, I looked to buy for bike two, and, over and over, “discontinued.” I paid a significant premium when I found one, listed, FWIW, as “ten remaining; act now!” (BS? I don’t know.) I have ordered stuff from “Boonstra,” in the Netherlands, often at significant cost. Though they are very well-organized, prompt, and the website is excellent. Highly recommended. Wide selections of aftermarket windscreens? No longer. Brake reservoir guards? Buy now on E-Bay, or take your chances on obvious Chinese (no sino-offense meant) knockoffs. Have found some good Wunderlich stuff, but that catalog is closing, as well, and VERY expensive. …needed an adjustable shift after my pivot pegs, as I couldn’t even get my foot around the stock. Essentially no options. I THINK I’ve found a counter-shaft sprocket guard from Craig at Ratel Engineering in Australia, but I searched and searched before looking him up on ADV Rider. They used to be plentiful. SO…… This is in no way meant to detract from Adrian’s overall video. I do, genuinely, like the bikes. I think that the low-sales numbers, at least here in the US, before they gave up and just went with the 700/800 and 750/850… I think those low sales numbers contributed to the wide-, then narrow-aftermarket catalog. Cheers; thanks for reading; Merry Christmas ‘22!

It will surprise you with gobs of power when you open it up...and a wide powerband so tractable power is always there

Great video. Kind of bummed to hear the low seat height since I'm tall. I'd rather have it taller with more clearance. Might be buying one this weekend

Watch and a like for ya bro, that mileage is a big deal !

Great Video, informative, confirms my interests and the strengths of this bike as a daily driver. This is how you make a fucking video KZfaqrs, take note. I think I'm sold. I can't honestly say I could find a used motorcycle for a good price that could do everything as a daily driver as well as this, and off-road too; and potholes, and torn-up roads, etc. So many KZfaq videos are too long or rambling on, and the points are lost; there's no way someone flipping through videos wants your rambling, 25 minute review of a bike unless your name is Noraly.

great

Hello, thak you for the detailed review. What year is the motorcycle from the video ?

Great... now I want one. I was planning on the cb500x

Thanks for the video mate. I didn’t know this bike existed. Everyone talks about the 800, 850, 1200 and 1250. I was looking for a f800gsa but this seems like a better and more affordable option. Would you consider this over the CB500x ? My riding level is average. I currently ride a Honda 919 and love the bike. Want to add an adv bike but cannot makeup my mind. I know cb500x has a rally raid option for off-road adv riding. What I am looking for is a reliable easy to work on Motorcycle. Thnx and subscribed!!

Good review. How long did you keep the bike and any issues during the time you had it? I am thinking of trading in my 2011 T100 for this next season.

Great to see this video...thank you! I bought a 13 GS for my wife and she loves it. While it can be a bit of a pain to figure out the BMW naming conventions, it has been a great bike! One question for GS owners. How do you find replacement handlebars. It seems the BMW notched bars are a pain to source (as I've been looking for one for a while) Are there any work arounds or sources. Thanks again!

Great video, but what is the service intervals and is it DIY friendly?

Did you say 80 mpg @ 75 mph?? Do you feel this would run 75, like across North Dakota and Montana? Great video, thanks.

You mentioned in the video if you were going to ride offroad, you would invest in a kit to help out the bike. Can you provide more details about what that kit is please? I have a 2017 GS 1200 Low but do not touch comfortably enought to take it off road. I am picking up one of these this weekend and need to definately change tires but want to know what else I need. Thanks!

I actually bought f 650 as my first big motorcycle. It would be cool to buy a g 650 gs but it goes for around 4 k euros here the f 650 funduro it is 1500Euros because it is old .It burns more fuel but I am not afraid to drop it or do work on it myself .

Got one for the wife. I rode it more than she did. I regret selling it.

Hello Adrian, Can you help me? What would be the disadvantages to buy a 2010 opposed to a 2015 for example. Is there a big difference in tech or parts? The bike has low miles.

Hi. My g650gs has been giving issues with the key cylinder. During a ride, bike will just shut off. I’d switch the key on and off, and it will fire up again. I suspect - rust or dirt in the key cylinder. Have you replaced it? Otherwise - love how light the bike is. Sometimes I think of selling, but when I ride it - I fall in love again. Thanks for posting this.

Looks interesting. Did you mention what this bike is called?

I actually didn't know they and continued to make the single, in essentially the same form as the 2001-07 F650gs, but with even lower seat perfect for my 29 inch old man inseams...!

And the great-granddaddy is the Aprilia Pegaso

Can someone help me find the Sertao kit for this bike? I might be buying one and want to see how to better equip it for offroad use

I have one too. Its a really great bike.. Its Not that sexy.. But its fun

The Sertao seat height is so much higher though... ? Unfortunately!

Is it possible to take someone with you on the standerd seat?

I really wanted to buy one of these, but given I'm a tall fella there were only ~5 for sale in the whole country I went with a KLR.

I have a 17 g650gs..bought new..now May 22 got 1560 miles on it... awesome bike but hardly ever ride always grabbing my new Africa twin Adventure Sport

Bout to pick up one of these bad boys in a week

Heard it’s super buzzy on the highways is this true?!

Great review mate. I'm looking at buying one to explore remote Australia....looks the goods. Unless I missed something I think you may have made a mistake with the MPG stats though. You basically said going faster would use less fuel? 90 km/h gets 74 mpg (31k's per litre) and 125 km/h gets 80 mpg (34k's per litre). Is that right?

I'm buying used, just for moto camping not huge long trips...please help me.. a 2003 dakar with 12k miles (not ridden much 3k in 7 years ) or a 2001 f650gs in my favorite color...7k Mike's super clean never been off road...I plan on riding on dirt as well as road

I have a 2013 G650Gs. At 50mph it's a great bike. But at 60mph or more it has massive amounts of vibration through the seat making it impossible for me to tour on. It is only an issue under load - if I rev the motor to 7k rpm with the clutch in it's just got that typical single cylinder thump - which I have no issue with. But once the revs get above 3500rpm in any gear it's far too uncomfortable to ride for anything more than a few mins. Any ideas how to fix it ? I've heard others with similar issues but never seen a solution anywhere.

What about fuel gauge? Still no gauge?

I wished it had a fuel display

Mine is 650 gs 2003 Dakar rotax engine

Can somebody share the L/100 fuel consumption in city commuting?

You occasionally make comparisons to the f650gs which is basically the same bike with different instruments and slight difference in plastics.

Being a BMW how about cost of ownership?

Remind me what bike you are talking about😮😮😅

Hahhhhhha Because of you more i feel like i am gonna buy this bike for Spring 2022 😡🤔😁😁😁😁😁😁👋

I wonder if you could tell me if someone with 190 cm can fit comfortably on it? Thank you.

Are you Brad Marchands brother?

Drinking game: Every time he says G650 GS take a shot

Or just buy a super reliable DR 650 or KLR 650 for all the reasons you mentioned.

Why bother ...v strom 650 far superior