Having recently returned to the fold of bikers and being a relatively new owner of a 2006 BMW F650GS I thought I’d commit my early thoughts on the bike to paper (or to bytes at least). Before purchasing the F650 I was torn between starting with the 650 or going straight to a R1150/1200GS. The fact that this would be my first bike after passing my test and the bulk of the 1150/1200 swung it in the smaller bikes favour. Yesterday I completed by second 300+ miles day trip and today I did a 90 mile circuit around Worcestershire and Herefordshire. My long day trips were a mix of A road and motorways and my circuit today was mainly country B roads. On the down side I would have to say that the F650 is no motorway cruiser. Doing >80 on the motorway is something to be endured rather than enjoyed. The vibration is noticeable and at the end of the day my wrists were aching. My first long day trip had the benefit of using a tall Cee Bailey touring screen which significantly cuts down on the wind buffeting and makes motorway riding just about tolerable over any distance. Unfortunately soon after this run my bike was dropped and the screen broken so had to fit the original stubby screen for the second run and this gives no protection whatsoever. My other gripe is with the standard BMW seat, it is appalling. I managed just 65 miles before the numbness set in. I’m awaiting delivery of a deluxe comfort seat from the French company Top Sellerie which I hope will ease the strain on the posterior. I’m coming to terms with the little wiggle that the back end gives when you hit rough graded roads (even in a straight line). The gearbox seems a little agricultural (not that I have much to compare it with). Now for the good stuff. On B roads and country A roads this bike is FUN! Even after doing 90 miles today, ten minutes after putting the bike away on my return I found myself looking for excuses to get it out again. Providing you haven’t spent too many miles on a motorway you really do get off this bike with a smile on your face. The balance feels good. I’ve helped this a bit by replacing the standard battery with a lithium one that weighs 1/5 of the original. She’s easily managed on the open road and in town traffic. I’m averaging 74mpg which seems pretty good. And I still think this bike is one of the best looking bikes on the road (certainly in the adventure bike class). I’m planning to ride the bike down to Spain and back next April and I will wait until after that trip to decide whether I keep the F650 long term or trade it up for a R1150/1200GS.