BMW F650 Forums http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/ A useful website if you want to know about the BMW F650 range of motorcycles, including the Funduro, Strada, F650GS, Dakar, and F650CS Scarver models. en Fri, 18 May 2012 18:16:50 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/images/misc/rss.png BMW F650 Forums http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/ <![CDATA[So long, it's been good to know you.]]> http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11198-So-long-it-s-been-good-to-know-you.&goto=newpost Fri, 18 May 2012 16:51:25 GMT It really has been good to know you all, thanks for your company.

Now I'm an ER6-N owner. As you all well know the vibes of the single bugged me.

First thought was the 650 V-Strom. But I went to a dealer's sat on one and it felt like sitting in a barge, so much bulk of plastic in front. Not only that he would not even give me price on the Scarver.

Next. Kawasaki Versys. Similar bike to V-Strom, narrower but higher, 'er indoors could hardly get on it. Next to it was an ER6. Positively tiny, 'er indoors could nearly jump over it.

So today, in fear of being to to go away I tried a local dealer, got a sensible price offered for the BMW, took a used ER6-N out and fell in love with it instantly ( Marry in haste..... ). Lower and much lighter than BM. But a mooth revvy motor, makes the BM feel very slow. After a test ride and paperwork done I rode home on the BM, it felt like a barge, I didn't expect that.

So it looks to me the ER6-N can lay claim to the title Street Carver, tiny, light agile.

So I don't qualify any more but after a few hundred miles on the ER6 I'll post a report that might help anyone needing a less vibrating bike but not wanting the size/price of the BMW twins. ]]> Chatter hilldweller http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11198-So-long-it-s-been-good-to-know-you. Hi, new one here! http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11196-Hi-new-one-here!&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 22:35:21 GMT Hi everyone! Greets from Portugal to all! Just traded my fj1200 with one 96 Funduro with 55000km in good condition. Still getting aquainted with... Hi everyone!

Greets from Portugal to all!
Just traded my fj1200 with one 96 Funduro with 55000km in good condition.
Still getting aquainted with this nice bike. Loving it. Very different from previous one.
Needs some maintenace, pads, chain, tyres and a few tweeks...
Will ask for your help... thanks in advance.:bowdown:

Regards ]]> las650 http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11196-Hi-new-one-here! Scottoiler fitted! http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11195-Scottoiler-fitted!&goto=newpost Thu, 17 May 2012 17:33:09 GMT Hurrah! Fitted my Scottoiler last night and this morning. Bit of a faff, but logical enough and reassuring now it's on. Just need to test and adjust the flow rate but so far so good.
Thanks to joderest for the sale.:thumb:
Only fly in the proverbial ointment was the utterly dire Haynes manual with it's factually incorrect instructions for removing the airbox and throttle body.....
Only mentions one hose on the air box (there are two), doesn't mention at all the three Allen bolts under the battery, and also only states one electrical connection to the throttle body when there are three. How are these cruddy books so popular? ]]> F650 Single Discussion Tunnel Rat http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11195-Scottoiler-fitted! My beloved Dobby got stolen! :( http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11194-My-beloved-Dobby-got-stolen!-(&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 23:22:03 GMT 2 day's countdown to a big Scotland weekend away and my only holiday this year, luggage bought, full service, new tyres, electric mods, discs, pads, you name it. Got nicked this morning.
I'm absolutely heartbroken guys.

Was a GS girl through and through, now don't know what to do with myself over it, looks like Bennetts/axa are playing funny buggers, and I can't get any credit for a new one.

Lost without him, my job's hardly one I can walk to or do without transport.

Anyway, wanted to thank you all for being so helpful in terms of the things I could do to make my bike truly mine, you've all been a great bunch,and when I'm riding round on the only bag of **** I can afford in a few weeks' time, I'll be thinking of all ya on your shiny nice GSs.

Just on the off chance that any of you are from the Sheffield area, it's a 2001 plate Dakar blue with white and red reg Y376 JGX, and I'm offering a reward for any information leading to retrieval.

RIP DOBBY! :(

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]]> F650 Single Discussion plantpot http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11194-My-beloved-Dobby-got-stolen!-( Tyre Prices http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11193-Tyre-Prices&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 22:36:53 GMT I am after replacing both tyres on my F650ST. I have been quoted £186 fitted for Bridgestones and £215 fitted for Bridgestone Trail Wings. This... I am after replacing both tyres on my F650ST. I have been quoted £186 fitted for Bridgestones and £215 fitted for Bridgestone Trail Wings.
This seems a bit pricey to me, does the forum have any opinions on this. I would rather have a different make but all say that the Bridgestones would be the best for the bike. I previuosly used Avons on my Triumph Trophy and found them great.
Gareth. ]]> Chatter wildtinsey http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11193-Tyre-Prices <![CDATA[Dead Dual-Spark after water pump and oil & filter change]]> http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11192-Dead-Dual-Spark-after-water-pump-and-oil-amp-filter-change&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 20:21:40 GMT Hello all,

Am new here and thought I'd make a wee post about my problems ever since I bought a 2005 dual-spark, and get your thoughts. 40k on the clock with only some early service history. When purchased it was working fine and took it out for some short spins. Unfortunately some scrotes tried to nick it by shoving a screwdriver into the key barrel, ruining it. Oh well, I learnt how to remove the whole front end in order to get the top yoke off and access the blasted steering lock housing! New (used) one in, replace forks, start it up and notice the classic water pump drip. Replaced the waterpump, fitting a GS650GS oil return pipe in the process (it doesn't fit well and needs changing, will post a thread about it later), changed the oil & filter and took it out for a blat. Which is when I got a problem.

Rode it two miles revving it up a bit and everything seemed fine. Pulled into my local petrol station and as I stopped I felt the clutch drag. Weird, but maybe I didn't adjust it properly. After filling up it refused to start. Turned over ok though. I don't remember any warning lights coming up prior to stopping. Got home and tried jump starting it with a strong battery but still nothing. Left it overnight with the battery charging to full and tried again today and still nothing.

I am worried about the clutch drag and reading the manual properly it appears that I overfilled the oil by about a litre. Drained it and checked the airbox - only a couple of tablespoons of oil in there and the air flow sensor looks clean. Will be looking at the sidestand (and clutch?) switches but I did try different permutations of the start procedure with no joy.

Next step will be to check for a spark and the fuel, but here are some questions:

1. What caused that clutch drag? I didn't quite tighten the clutch actuation arm bolt properly but even so... could overfilling the oil cause this? Could I have messed up the plates during the water pump change? I don't think so as everything was hunky dory firing it up several times afterwards and during the test ride.

2. Should I start looking at the ignition sensor? There was significant swarf on the drain plug.

3. What else should I be thinking of?

Edit: Fuses are ok. ]]> F650 Single Discussion diazepine117 http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11192-Dead-Dual-Spark-after-water-pump-and-oil-amp-filter-change Wanted: pair front indicators 2001 funduro http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11191-pair-front-indicators-2001-funduro&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 17:56:53 GMT my funduro has after market mini dpear indicators that look awful and one has packed up so now is the time to replace with original parts and return... my funduro has after market mini dpear indicators that look awful and one has packed up so now is the time to replace with original parts and return wiring to original spec

if anybody has a pair or knows a breaker it would be appreciated

motorworks currently has a pair for £16 just thought i'd try the forum:riding: ]]> Sale - Wanted - Swap (UK Only) Nickchefchef http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11191-pair-front-indicators-2001-funduro Handlebar End Weights? http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11190-Handlebar-End-Weights&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 17:37:03 GMT Managed to loose one on the road the other day. Has anyone got any that they would like to sell or know anywhere I could buy them? Cant seem to see... Managed to loose one on the road the other day. Has anyone got any that they would like to sell or know anywhere I could buy them? Cant seem to see any on ebay at the moment. And all endweights I have seen in the shops seem to be a lot lighter than my 1997 F650's.

Thanks! ]]> F650 Single Discussion siralexofengland http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11190-Handlebar-End-Weights For Sale: 02 Scarver http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11189-02-Scarver&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 16:30:37 GMT I've had 18 months of vibration, time for an extra cylinder. Great pity, I just love the way this bike handles.

Scarver first registered 03/05/2002 Edinburgh.
19000 miles which I believe is accurate.
I've fully detailed how I bought this as a damaged bike, see links. So there are marks on the fairing but does not stop it going like stink.
MOT 'till December.
Tax to end of month.

http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthr...hlight=scarver
http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthr...hlight=scarver
http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthr...highlight=foam


The sun is shining, I want to move on so priced to sell £1500.00Attachment 2513Attachment 2514

[ if I've got the price wrong will someone let me know - there's on on ebay for £3K ]
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]]> Sale - Wanted - Swap (UK Only) hilldweller http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11189-02-Scarver Help! Parking space needed http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11188-Help!-Parking-space-needed&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 14:14:44 GMT Hi all, I will be working as a volunteer (Games Maker) at the Olympics this summer but as I live quite a way away from the Copper Box venue I... Hi all,

I will be working as a volunteer (Games Maker) at the Olympics this summer but as I live quite a way away from the Copper Box venue I would like to bike it there rather than joining the masses and spending 3 hours each way on trains and tubes. Only problem is where to park my bike?

If any of you fellow members live near the Olympic Park and have some space for me to park my bike and are willing to allow me to do so please let me know. I shall be most grateful.

Many thanks. ]]> G650GS Discussion injunonabike http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11188-Help!-Parking-space-needed Puncture/tyre warranty and gap insurance http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11187-Puncture-tyre-warranty-and-gap-insurance&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 14:00:55 GMT Hi all, Picked up my G at the weekend and am loving it :) I was offered two products and wanted to know what others thought of them 1.... Hi all,

Picked up my G at the weekend and am loving it :)

I was offered two products and wanted to know what others thought of them
  1. Puncture/tyre insurance - basically for £199 you are insured against punctures for 3 years provided the tyres are within the legal limit. If you get a puncture you call them up and agree where you are taking your bike to have it fixed - be it a repair or replacement tyre. You pay for it and claim it back off the insurance. I think there is no limit on how many claims you can make however it does not cover you for normal wear and tear.
  2. Gap insurance - if your bike is stolen or written off your insurance will only pay you the book price for your bike as it stands at the time of the claim. The gap insurance makes up the deficit so you don't lose out. Costs £200 for 2 years, £300 for 3 and £400 for 4 years.
I use my bike to commute into London mainly. Touch wood I've not had a single puncture on my four different bikes in the last four years but I did have quite a few on my previous F650. Makes me wonder if is a GS trait? :think: ]]> G650GS Discussion injunonabike http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11187-Puncture-tyre-warranty-and-gap-insurance MOT in Brighton area http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11186-MOT-in-Brighton-area&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 10:12:28 GMT Just wondered if anyone can recommend a good place in Brighton area for my upcoming MOT? Also any needed fixes. I live within a mile of Chandlers... Just wondered if anyone can recommend a good place in Brighton area for my upcoming MOT? Also any needed fixes.

I live within a mile of Chandlers the very upmarket BMW agent but wondered what peoples experience of them is.

Many thanks. Bob ]]> F650 Single Discussion bob01273 http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11186-MOT-in-Brighton-area Pros and Cons of an upgrade to F800GS http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11185-Pros-and-Cons-of-an-upgrade-to-F800GS&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 10:12:22 GMT The reasons for my upgrade are covered in other posts and I don't want to rehearse well vented issues about the warm start problem on the G650GS. A fix seems to be available so let's move on. Actually that is the question. Would you trade in your G650 and move on to an F800GS? I am assuming here that you bought a G650 with all the trimmings and would do likewise for the F800GS.
Attachment 2509
There are some obvious differences. It is a taller bike which, even before I started shrinking, would have been a challenge to put both feet flat on the floor. It is a two cylinder engine and being larger packs nearly twice the bhp and consequently has a much higher top speed (120+ compared to 100+). So lets make a list and then look at some details.

PROS
  • Great power weight ratio. I saw in another blog a comment about touring on the G650 that you needed to prepare thoroughly when overtaking. Even in top the F800 pulls away smoothly and quickly at 70mph.
  • Attachment 2510The instrumentation is enormously better. It has a real rev counter that is clear to read and the computer has a number of features that I find really useful which include an ambient temperature gauge ( I like to drive in winter), a fuel economy reading and a couple of other extras. Like the G650 it has a light that comes on and a mileage count when on reserve but it also has a fuel gauge.
  • The Wunderlich handlebar bag fits both bikes. The difference is that the F800 has an electrical socket by the ignition key. The one I had fitted to the G650 was placed nearer my left knee under the faring!? I am not a fan of trailing wires. My phone, connected to a scala rider headset (well worth the money) is charging in the bag.
  • Both bikes have ABS but I do approve of twin front discs rather than just the single on the G650
CONS
  • the F800 is not a bike for the less vertically enhanced person. Once upon a time I was 6' but in my dotage I shrink and this bike is towards the limit of what I would ride for height. I know both can be lowered but the basic issue remains that you would have to lower the F800 more.
  • The seat on the F800 is not ideal. I reckon that 100 miles and 'numb nuts' syndrome becomes unbearable. The G650 seat seemed better. I have a BMW 'comfy' seat over at the dealers to collect. They assure me this will be better.
  • Attachment 2511Attachment 2512 I am told that you either love or hate the indicator paddles on BMW bikes. The G650 has the more old fashion thumb switch on the left cluster. The F800 has a paddle on each cluster and a cancel paddle on the right hand cluster. Purely personal but I think the paddle arrangement is a bad idea. I believe there are safety issues involved in removing your thumb from a proper grip of the throttle to work, particularly, the cancel switch. Same comment for the heated grip switch. In fact I would seriously suggest that changing the heated grip setting should be done when stationary.
INBETWEEN
  • If you have a 70+mpg G650 as distinct from the 50+mpg version which I had then this is a bit of a disincentive to upgrade. The F800 clocked 62mpg on the journey from Newcastle to Guilford which is pretty good also.
  • The F800 has a nice popple to it and, thank goodness, does not sound like an angry hornet, when started but big singles have a distinctive sound all to their own.
  • Both bikes handle very well on the road. The G650 is lighter but its lower centre of gravity compensates.
SO SHOULD YOU?
Well, of course, there is no right answer to this. My reasons were driven by factors not written here. I do have a couple of thoughts though. If and when I go touring in Europe I think I will be glad I have the F800GS. The twin makes it a smoother ride though I want a different seat:). Around town being taller has its advantages but then so does a lighter, smaller more economical bike. But for the warm start issue I would still be on a G650.

One final thought. A small upgrade to the instrumentation, the same ignition switch power socket as the F800 and dual front discs would, in my mind, make the G650 and unbeatable intro bike.
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]]> G650GS Discussion Bellatori http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11185-Pros-and-Cons-of-an-upgrade-to-F800GS Have we all got this junk ? http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11184-Have-we-all-got-this-junk&goto=newpost Wed, 16 May 2012 09:18:52 GMT Image: http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/images/icons/icon1.png Its the time to say goodbye to your single life Ever... Its the time to say goodbye to your single life

Ever feeling alone when you just wanna share something with someone special while she/he is not your side?
Donot worry! Maybe this time you should take action to search other singles who share the same interest with you.If you are really interested in finding your love or serious relationship,then follow the website below to start your wonderful journey! ]]> Chatter hilldweller http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11184-Have-we-all-got-this-junk Left hand heated grip not working http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11182-Left-hand-heated-grip-not-working&goto=newpost Tue, 15 May 2012 20:21:10 GMT I have late 2010 BMW FS650GS anniversary edition - only 500 miles. The left hand heated grip does not work and it has been with the dealer for three... I have late 2010 BMW FS650GS anniversary edition - only 500 miles. The left hand heated grip does not work and it has been with the dealer for three days and they have been unable to fix the problem. They are still trying so I am hoeful they will fix it soon. Has anyone esle experienced this type of problem? ]]> F650 Single Discussion nookie http://www.f650.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?11182-Left-hand-heated-grip-not-working