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View Full Version : First (Off-Road) Ride On The F650GS


Bailey Guns
10-02-2011, 19:53
I traded a KLR650 for this 2001 BMW F650GS a few months ago. I've never had it off road so, today and buddy and I took a little ride up Guanella Pass and Geneva Creek Rd. It was lots of fun with some beautiful scenery. Pretty much at the limit of my off-highway riding abilities, though, once we got up near the base of Silver Mountain.

We only made it to about 11,300' and the road got a little steep for me to handle with all the loose rocks.

We stopped by an old cabin and scouted out some camping spots for a trip next summer.

Just past Geneva Creek campground:
http://i625.photobucket.com/albums/tt337/baileyguns/Motorcycle%20Photos/Guanella%20Pass%20Oct%202%202011/d8cf6cee.jpg

Brilliant blue Colorado sky:
http://i625.photobucket.com/albums/tt337/baileyguns/Motorcycle%20Photos/Guanella%20Pass%20Oct%202%202011/fc38d45f.jpg

Near the base of Silver Mountain looking towards the west (not sure which peak that is):
http://i625.photobucket.com/albums/tt337/baileyguns/Motorcycle%20Photos/Guanella%20Pass%20Oct%202%202011/25f82f12.jpg

Remnants of an old cabin:
http://i625.photobucket.com/albums/tt337/baileyguns/Motorcycle%20Photos/Guanella%20Pass%20Oct%202%202011/46fb1cb3.jpg

Another old cabin looking towards the north:
http://i625.photobucket.com/albums/tt337/baileyguns/Motorcycle%20Photos/Guanella%20Pass%20Oct%202%202011/6aab23d0.jpg

The old cabin remnants are just below the rectangular-shaped lake (dried up now) and across the road in the center of this photo:
http://i625.photobucket.com/albums/tt337/baileyguns/Motorcycle%20Photos/Guanella%20Pass%20Oct%202%202011/3e451799.jpg
ray1970
10-02-2011, 19:58
Sweet. Looks like a great time. [Beer]
7idl
10-02-2011, 20:10
[Coffee]

vvvvvvvv
DD977GM2
10-02-2011, 22:14
Looks like a great day. Thanks for sharing!!!!!!!!
sniper7
10-02-2011, 22:23
very awesome! I almost pulled the trigger on a 09 KLR today. I want one bad.
Bailey Guns
10-02-2011, 22:28
I've had 2 KLRs. Great bikes but just too tall for my height-challenged body. The BMW is pretty much the same bike with about the same performance...but about 2" shorter so it's perfect for me.

And it gets 75 MPG!
sniper7
10-02-2011, 23:06
I've had 2 KLRs. Great bikes but just too tall for my height-challenged body. The BMW is pretty much the same bike with about the same performance...but about 2" shorter so it's perfect for me.

And it gets 75 MPG!

wow, that is awesome. I have heard the KLR with get about 50-55. I'm 6'1'' so the height issue isn't a problem. i have seen them with 2" lowering links as well.
I really like the new body style. It would be a blast to get out and go. I would take my little tent, sleeping bag, and backpack full of supplies and just go!

Sooner or later I will get one. right now seems like a great time to buy. only issue is the guilt in spending the money when I feel like I should be saving it for the newborn or doing some more productive with it.
Robby30-06
10-02-2011, 23:47
Glad you got out to enjoy your bike. Good scenery too. The time i've spent on 2 wheels has been irreplaceable. Nice Beemer too. The "Adventure Class" bikes have always intrigued me.

"Everytime i start thinking that the world is all bad then i see some people out there having a good time on motorcycles it makes me take another look" -Steve McQueen-
Bailey Guns
10-03-2011, 05:41
Inseam matters, height doesn't.

29"...it matters! [Coffee]

Never tried one of the lowering kits but I did have a custom seat on the first one I had that lowered it a bit. Problem with that one was I sat in a little "pocket" right on the bottom of the gas tank. Very uncomfortable on a bumpy ride.

But the price is really right on the KLRs, that's for sure. The first one I bought was an 08 with less than 3k miles on the odo and it came with the custom seat, a full set of Kawasaki luggage, heated grips and a nice tank bag.

Didn't really care for it too much but I broke down and bought another one about a year after selling the first one. This one was an 03 with 1200 miles on it. Showroom condition. Actually, picked up 2 of them in virtually the same condition with about the same miles. They were identical twins. 2nd one had about 2200 miles on it and I gave that one to my son.

There are some great deals on the KLRs if you look. Especially on a 2 or 3 year old bike.

http://i625.photobucket.com/albums/tt337/baileyguns/Motorcycle%20Photos/03%20KLR650/d03fcfc8.jpg

You just can't have too many motorcycles.
BPTactical
10-03-2011, 06:00
Like that country up by Geneva. Was my favorite place to ski as a kid with my Dad. Hell, skiing anyplace with my Dad was great.
Looks like a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon Carl.
Thanks for sharing and great pics.
Bailey Guns
10-03-2011, 06:45
I remember when my wife and I first moved to Park County in 1990 the re-opening of Geneva Basin ski area was in the news for a couple of years. Nothing ever came of it and there was a big falling out with the USFS because they burned down the old lodge after a couple of deals fell through. People were really pissed about that.

I found THIS LINK (http://coloradoskihistory.com/lost/genevabasin.html) to some history of the ski area you might find interesting, BPT.
Hoser
10-03-2011, 07:05
Very cool bike. I have a 1200 GSA and its a bit too big/heavy for any real offroad. Fire roads and dual track is about it. Kinda makes me wish I had a 650 or an 800 every once in a while.

Thanks for posting the pics.
wctriumph
10-03-2011, 10:01
Your choice of the F650GS was correct for the size and your needs.

I have spent some time (600 miles off road in three days) on the R1200 GS and it will go anywhere that you have the balls and skill set to go. So will the 650. These BMW Adventure bikes are built to ride around the world whether there is a road to ride or not. There is world wide support from BMW so no worries in most places if you need parts or repairs.

Highly recommended if you have the cash to buy and they hold their resale value better than any other bike in the adventure class.
colorider
10-03-2011, 14:51
Thats a great ride!!! I have a vstrom and go riding every friday. Do you ever visit advrider.com? Outstanding bunch of guys and gals in the rockies section.
Mtn.man
10-03-2011, 15:02
Cool Carl.
Bailey Guns
10-03-2011, 15:17
I'll check out advrider.com, colorider. Never been there before.
Irving
10-03-2011, 20:57
Well, at least the bike is good looking. ;)
Bailey Guns
10-03-2011, 21:29
I was thinking of submitting that photo for the cover of the next GQ.
Irving
10-03-2011, 22:36
The Most Interesting Man in the World.
Geology Rocks
10-03-2011, 22:43
Your choice of the F650GS was correct for the size and your needs.

I have spent some time (600 miles off road in three days) on the R1200 GS and it will go anywhere that you have the balls and skill set to go. So will the 650. These BMW Adventure bikes are built to ride around the world whether there is a road to ride or not. There is world wide support from BMW so no worries in most places if you need parts or repairs.

Highly recommended if you have the cash to buy and they hold their resale value better than any other bike in the adventure class.

not as friendly as you might think.

Nice bike. either the 800xc of the 800gs is the next bike in the garage. The multistrada needs a dirty friend.

joe