F650

[2wheelover51]

I thought about buying one of these a while back. Glad I didn't now..

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2008 ... -see-this/

[Ralph]

Hell thats nasty, I've seen a few sets of forks bent all over the place
but never seen the like of that, looks like the slider wall has failed
rather than the clamp.

[kayz1]

That is years old that problem...never had a moments trouble that was not coursed by me with my F650 Funduro 1994 still going with over 200,000 miles on it now...

[2wheelover51]

Hi Lyn, the post I got the link from was recent, so it fooled me into thinking it was a fairly recent problem. I think it was actually 2006..
I take it you'd recommend the F650? I've never owned a BMW but this one appeals as simple, rugged daily transport.
I'll have to have a look at the price of parts on ebay etc.

[kayz1]

I loved mine, 650 Rotax motor..water pump IS the only thing that ever gave on-going trouble. I had two and bought a spare kit to carry on my Euro trips. A bit lumpy the motor but big singles always are, as said great bike but getting on in years now. If you could find a low miler from some old guy
would make a cracking commuter, no one would nic it cos too old.. got about 60mpg. I used to change the chain and sprockets together also cush rubbers or the gear change got a bit hard..Even the OE battery lasted 8 years. OW! head bearings were made of cheese when they were in production so they were changed to SKF and no more trouble. Oil in the frame was a pain to fill up.

[Scootypuff snr]

I take it you'd recommend the F650? I've never owned a BMW but this one appeals as simple, rugged daily transport.
I'll have to have a look at the price of parts on ebay etc.

If your looking for an old school 650 try to find a Suzuki freewind.
The odd one comes up on eBay but there are a few low milers about

[Ralph]

Dont forget the Aprilia Pegaso the later one with the Yamaha engine
some nice ones about at good prices.

[kayz1]

Freewind is a very good bike, bit weighty..Pegaso with Yammy motor also good, i look after one for Tonys mate.
I have had to put two rear master cylinder on it in three years, the last one i bought a cylinder from an off roader
can't remember what now, not had another problem..The off road cylinder had a lot more meet on it and i could
machine the mount to sit correctly as the OE was sat out of true and the push rod was pushing of center.

[2wheelover51]

Strangely, I've always fancied the Freewind after reading a road test in the old "Used Bike Guide" must be 10 or more years ago, it came across as a decent bike, and for the same reasons the Pegaso (Strada?) with the Yamaha motor. Both simple reliable big singles which sound like great fun to ride.
I was out and about a few days ago and a big single accelerated past (I didn't see it just heard it) with a quickshifter on and it sounded awesome. Reminded me of my old SV1000...