question about BMW's new models - F700 & F800 GS

[T.Wesley]

and new switchgear for both.

I suspect this is the REAL reason for the new models ... BMW is going Japanese on all its switchgear

[stevebmw]

and new switchgear for both.

I suspect this is the REAL reason for the new models ... BMW is going Japanese on all its switchgear

Soon, every BMW but the G 650 series will have the new ones. With all the features (ESA, ASC, onboard computer, etc.) being designed into BMWs, and all the switches needed to manage those features, it's the only way they can integrate all the functions into the housings. The interiors of the new switchgear are integrated circuit boards, so they're more compact and should be more reliable in the long run. I prefer the paddle turn signals, but such is life.

[shelion]

And I disagree that the F 650s are underpowered. The current 71 hp is enough to cruise at over 100 mph with full saddlebags. When I had my F 650 Funduro, with its 50 hp, I would ride all day at 70-80 mph with full saddlebags, duffel bag on the back, and a tankbag on top. More power can be fun, of course, but you don't really NEED all that much.

Mr Pig is just stirring the pot. Mrs Pig (me) rides a 650 and he's good friends with our esteemed club president, another 650 rider. Of course, if you get your bike information from the testosterone fest that is ADVRider, all the 800 riders there will tell you it's underpowered and the 800 is better.

[Maria V]

What she said. I heard all the criticisms about the twin 650, took one for a weekend test ride, hit 80 in third gear and wondered how much more power I really needed.

[ERC Scott]

hit 80 in third gear and wondered how much more power I really needed.

Found the engine's sweet spot, did'ja

[henwin]

What she said. I heard all the criticisms about the twin 650, took one for a weekend test ride, hit 80 in third gear and wondered how much more power I really needed.

So. How much more power do you really need?

[bdimon]

And I disagree that the F 650s are underpowered. The current 71 hp is enough to cruise at over 100 mph with full saddlebags. When I had my F 650 Funduro, with its 50 hp, I would ride all day at 70-80 mph with full saddlebags, duffel bag on the back, and a tankbag on top. More power can be fun, of course, but you don't really NEED all that much.

So true. I had tons of fun on my CB400F in the seventies and it probably made a lot less than 50 HP. More power is not needed, it's just intoxicating.

[bdimon]

and new switchgear for both.

I suspect this is the REAL reason for the new models ... BMW is going Japanese on all its switchgear

Thank heavens for that! Last week I needed to beep the horn and, for the first time in 6,000 miles, I actually beeped it instead of cancelling the turn signals.

[drewalex]

BTW I have suggested the F650 to people as a first/beginner's bike, but I would never refer to it as a "girl's" bike.

Now a Sportster 883 ... THAT is a girl's bike

I thought girls bikes didn't have the bar in the middle!

[Ron P]

What she said. I heard all the criticisms about the twin 650, took one for a weekend test ride, hit 80 in third gear and wondered how much more power I really needed.

So. How much more power do you really need?

In DC area traffic, as much as I can get. It's bailed me out of many a tricky situation.

[BMWGirl]

and new switchgear for both.

I suspect this is the REAL reason for the new models ... BMW is going Japanese on all its switchgear

Thank heavens for that! Last week I needed to beep the horn and, for the first time in 6,000 miles, I actually beeped it instead of cancelling the turn signals.

Okay that's funny! Good for you for finally finding the horn!

[ChaseH]

and new switchgear for both.

I suspect this is the REAL reason for the new models ... BMW is going Japanese on all its switchgear

Thank heavens for that! Last week I needed to beep the horn and, for the first time in 6,000 miles, I actually beeped it instead of cancelling the turn signals.

Okay that's funny! Good for you for finally finding the horn!

That's what she said.

[Luna]

What she said. I heard all the criticisms about the twin 650, took one for a weekend test ride, hit 80 in third gear and wondered how much more power I really needed.

Seriously! I just had mine out west and was cruising for hours at 70-80mph with full bags/duffle/tankbag, as well as ~40mps crosswinds. NEVER felt underpowered and even had enough oomph to pass a few cattle trucks - without even downshifting to 5th!!!!!

[ERC Scott]

and new switchgear for both.

I suspect this is the REAL reason for the new models ... BMW is going Japanese on all its switchgear

Thank heavens for that! Last week I needed to beep the horn and, for the first time in 6,000 miles, I actually beeped it instead of cancelling the turn signals.

Okay that's funny! Good for you for finally finding the horn!

Then there's the classic noob mistake of hitting "starter button" only to hear the horn sound. Scott

[Georgeinva]

and new switchgear for both.

I suspect this is the REAL reason for the new models ... BMW is going Japanese on all its switchgear

They are not "turning Japanese". The first BMW motorcycle with factory installed turn signals had a single control. They went Harley with the flappy paddle switches.