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BMW F650 on Tour

by Bob Lawes lawes@whidbey.net

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After nearly 12 years riding a K100RS, the switch to an F650 requires some degree of relearning. Where the big K-bike requires a certain amount of effort to change direction, the little single reacts immediately with only a small percentage of the K-bikes requirement.

I was on my way to the '49er Rally. With only 900 miles on the clock, I remained unfamiliar with the thumper's idiosyncrasy. The weather was ideal, blue skies and temperatures in the high sixties, so I decided to take the ferry from the island over to Port Townsend and then down the coast. Crossed the bridge into Oregon and found many little towns with their 25 mph limits and processions of RVs and tourists clogging the two lane road. It soon became obvious that I was getting nowhere fast and to add to my misery the wind howled off of the great Pacific blowing puffs of cold fog across the road. After a quick lunch break I headed east on the first country winding road that I could find.

While the F650 took to the stop and go traffic of the Oregon coast hiway, it's rider did not, and cruising at 60-65 on the twisty back road was a pure pleasure. Since the 650 was about 150 pounds lighter than the K100RS it also contains a geometry much more conducive to rapid response. In short, I tended to dive into corners with too much enthusiasm with the resulting tendency to stuff myself into the ditch on the inside of the turn. Fortunately, the little bike presents no problem when asked to change lines in the middle of the turn, and a quick flick and a little added throttle always brought about the next straight in good shape.

Upon reaching the dreaded Interstate, we rolled along at a comfortable 75 to 80 (indicated) until reaching a Motel 6 about supper time. Refueled and ready to go, we joined the Interstate next morning until a suitable two lane was headed in the proper direction. This was the first two lane hiway that I've seen marked 65 mph since the early 70's. An indicated 75 was comfortable and the light traffic posed no problems. On a beautifully paved back road, used primarily by logging trucks, the 650 easily took the marked 45 mph sweepers at 75 and cruised the straights at a relaxed 85. I have no idea how fast a more proficient rider could have taken those sweepers, but I am sure that the bike was capable of much more than I was able to ask of it.

On the way home, it was a matter of getting to Vancouver for the free bed and breakfast, and I had the pleasure of cruising with an R1100RS most of the way. Again, with 75 to 80 indicated, we both gassed up requiring the same number of gallons, approximately 46 mpg.

Next day, I teamed up with an R100RT, and headed north in a pouring rain. Again, the speed was kept in the 75 to 80 bracket and once I had to go on reserve at 185 miles. The tank accepted 4.1 gallons when filled indicating the tank capacity of 4.6 with a reserve of .5 to be quite accurate.

Upon reaching home a few things were noted. Now at 2600 miles, the chain has required no adjustments since new and remains within spec. The chain was oiled at 900 miles and not again until reaching home and did not appear to be unusually dry, particularly considering the amount of rain we had to ride in. Gas mileage remained in the mid to high 40s while cruising at 75 or 80 indicated. Mileage checks at steady 55 to 60 yielded high 50 mpg on previous runs. The F650 consumed no oil at all during the 1700 mile run. The Aerostitch gave in to the rain after a couple of hours and my waterproof boots will take another week to dry out. The Givi saddle bags proved completely waterproof, being the only thing on this trip that was. All other bags and clothes were soaked during the five hours of rain riding.

Conclusion, the F650 makes a reasonable touring mount. It carried my 200 pound body and my tent, pots and pans, food, chair, stove, mattress, cooler, and other camping paraphernalia necessary for a 9 day camping tour and never complained. It rode well with the R11RS and R100RT just like my old K100RS did. After this trip, I would not hesitate to take my F650 on any journey anywhere.

One of the problems with the F650 is to find a tank bag that will fit. I purchased a Chase Harper 750 tank bag that "almost" fits. The distance from the front of the gas tank to the rear is about 10 inches, and that is the length of the 750. Installed, the bag seems to work fine with one exception. There are two straps that hold the rear of the bag that hook to a piece of metal under the rear of the gas tank and then come up under the front of the saddle to snap to the rear of the bag. Due to the angle of the gas tank, the straps tend to slip from the buckles and the tank bag then tends to flop around some. Doubling the straps in the buckles seems to counter the bad angle and tends to hold the bag more firmly. I'm still working on the best installation procedure. I can't travel without a tank bag as everything I need on the road is contained in one. The only other bag I have seen on an F650 was much too long for the length of the gas tank and was distorting the front of the saddle to keep it in place. Kari (Cal BMW) tells me that Bagster (French) has a tank cover with tank bag zippered to the cover that works well, but we are talking several hundred dollars for the system.

Also, if any one wants a neat set of saddle bags for less than 50 cents on the dollar as compared to the BMW bags, let me know. I have gone round and round with Givi and have the perfect solution. The bags are 100% waterproof, hold a bunch of gear, easy on and easy off, and at half the price of the BMW bags, provide a superior product.

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Bob Lawes lawes@whidbey.net
Whidbey Island - F650 - IBMWR - Golden Idiot - BOOF #9
AMA, RA, MOA, WSBMWR, BMW Club of Northern California