Best Beginner Bike for under $5,000 and its a BMW

[@ThePlatonius]

After watching this video and reading the comments, I bought a F650 CS as a first bike for myself. I have not taken it on long rides yet as its winter here where I live, but loving it so far.

[@davidmcleod5133]

I bought a 2003 model as my first bike, “graduated” to bigger, more powerful bikes a couple years later... then found myself buying a 2005 model years later, because it was damn near a perfect all around bike! Tours comfortably, handles the twisters well, isn’t a pain to lug around in parking lots or traffic, low maintenance due to the belt drive.

[@davesy6969]

This is the best bike ever made imho. Had 3 of them. The one you're riding has optional abs which adds value.

[@ollilehtonen6764]

I was expecting a parts-bikes -joke, haha.

[@chitza3270]

I rode my 650cs from Birmingham, Alabama to Alaska, July 2016. These bikes are so much fun.

[@randomyoutubeaccount6906]

I know a guy that's in Alaska from Birmingham but he went by plane like us normal life people. Sounds epic

[@butt5810]

that is one hell of a long ride. cool to hear

[@guy-vp5fo]

I’m assuming it’s a comfortable ride?

[@chitza3270]

@@guy-vp5fo I’m 5’1” and 110# pounds. I was loaded pretty heavy also. It was very comfortable after a little while. I had to get my riding muscles conditioned for a ride that long 😁

[@guy-vp5fo]

@@chitza3270 thanks for the reply. I’m about 5’9 160, had many different bikes looking for something for a commuter for 70 mile round trip.

[@WilliamFrick]

Bought one for my daughter as her first bike .... almost kept it for myself it was so much fun !

[@Srkcycles]

Well this one is for sale too

[@WilliamFrick]

@@Srkcycles Thanks but no....... The Scarver may find its way back when she is done with it and I'm happy with my R100RT and K100 cafe !

[@davidboydarnott417]

There's some plastic handrails missing off that one. They did come with braided lines as standard. It has a 15ltr Tank which gives 180miles range, which I think is really cool coz you don't have to visit the Gas Station everyday doing local commutes or dont need to stop every 2 hours for gas on Weekend Trips.👍 I always enjoy your channel, God Bless!

[@nfi2nfi2]

It’s a great bike owned my 04 for 6 years now it’s a lovely bike to ride. Haven’t bothered looking for an upgrade because it does everything I want from a bike.

[@retrofeathers9474]

So, it's like a precursor to Honda's NC line with the front storage and filler cap under the seat. Similar top speed too!

[@arviragus]

I ride a 2002 version and it's amazing. You're right about off road as well...or at least "unpaved". Feels very comfortable there.

[@1990-t1j]

These are great bikes. I had one overnight as a service bike in the early 2000s when I'd taken my R1100GS in. Better than the Funduro of that era. I like the belt drive. It had a smoother gear change. With the underseat petrol tank, the weight was carried low. A bike I wish I'd owned. I understand your enthusiasm.

[@peterullinger2814]

To be fair, the rough carb Funduro (I started on one) had basically the same engine, but the 650GS and GS were the next gen bikes. That shows in the handling, the center of gravity, the fuel consumption and the smoothness of the engine.

[@solonwoodall1330]

Most dependable motorcycle ever made. I own one and wouldn’t trade it for anything. Always start and run. If it sits for the battery may go dead because of digital clock

[@jps8941]

The storage space where the gas tank should be is also used for a helmet I seen a video when I looked into his bike years ago he put a helmet down there and locked in place

[@DerAndereMann]

I had more than 25 bikes in my lifetime but the cs is nearly perfect. Id could me a bid bigger for me but otherwise 👍👍👍 Why? Beltdrive, light, ABS, low fuel consumption, great commuter and tourer, low maintenance…. No Japan Bike… German bike with an Austrian Motor I want your Cobin Seat Please 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@granthaynes2213]

I had one of these as my first bike, it was a good bike, but I'm a bigger guy and after a few years I got tired of the cramped seating position and all the problems associated with being a naked bike and I sold it to my brother who still has it.

[@leehartung2549]

Not a beginner bike. Can tour easy, will do 100 plus, great MPG. Torque monster. Comfortable etc. Why do people think they need 130 plus horse power to hit the high way?

[@davesy6969]

That 3 pronged thing is a tank spider to lock your helmet in the tank recess and the hardcase with speakers doesn't run the battery down and is awesome as it gets louder as you rev the engine. It is the road version of the f650GS, they didn't sell many as they cost the same as a gpz900. Any questions about it just ask.

[@guy-vp5fo]

What’s a good price for an 2003 f650 cs 9,000 miles?

[@davesy6969]

@@guy-vp5fo That's low mileage, i paid between £800- £1,200 for mine (all single spark and one had abs). Mine were all in good condition, except the £800 one, on the test ride it kept cutting out but i took a chance on it anyway and it turned out a) the battery had never been topped up and only had 1" of acid and b) the battery terminal bolts were loose. They have their little quirks (security torx bolts and 55mm socket for back wheel nut). You get an unusual bike that will do 100mph safely, is fuel injected and generally fairly economical with classic bike insurance. Things like plastics are hard to source but a lot of components are the same as the more popular f650gs.

[@georgemulligan8958]

How do you not know where Austria is. Glocks are made in Austria and it is an absolutely beautiful place you need to go on vacation to Europe

[@tylerdexter4323]

THIS IS NONSENSE Never in the history of my feed has there been a day as active as this. Adam Neely Nahre Sol Vsauce Sideways PBS Spacetime Fortnine Mr. SuicideSheep Honest Trailers HISHE AND NOW SRKCycles. I'm dead, this is amazing P.s. Thank you for the words of wisdom.

[@Srkcycles]

Wow that’s some feed

[@ulabula7469]

I had a 650CS before I moved up to a 1200GS. I have days that I wished I had kept both. Great bike and people would comment to me how much they liked the look. That brake light is not stock. The perfect commuter bike.

[@741fate]

You know where I can find that brake light ?

[@Supadupa335]

Did u ever put a bigger windscreen on the cs? I kind of want one for mine, I ride on the highway alot

[@nocensorship8092]

This was my first motorcycle and its really great. Sadly the previous owner screwed me over, all the seals had been fiddled with, some were missing and replaced by a type silicone not remotely suited for engines and other seals 'improved" by silicone.. Made it into a death trap. Im lucky to be alive but the bikes a total damage.

[@sunnyvale4088]

I just picked one up for $500! I'm stoked. 17k miles . Needed 1800 in parts coming from Germany next week. The previous owner had the nut on the rear wheel back out and it stripped the threads and the sprocket hub chewed up the axel. The belt alone is $500

[@GIGABACHI]

$500.00 drive belt ? ! WOW !

[@ababbit7461]

That space on top of the faux tank is for your fast food lunch when you take your passenger out to the top of some mountain.... You could also put a 70s "Boom Box" in that space and since they ran on batteries (not included), you would not drain down your motorcycle battery.. Lots of solutions come with that space on top of the faux tank.

[@davesy6969]

The boom box actually plugged into the wiring harness (using a bmw fitting kit) and was a really cool bit of kit, ran off the bike's electrical system and got louder when you revved the engine.

[@ababbit7461]

@@davesy6969 Now alls you need is a tape that goes, "potato, potato, potato." Instant less expensive Harley...

[@SP-bu9uz]

I own this bike since 2 years and I love it. My lloks same like your here in video

[@TheGronk78]

That storage spot on the tank with the lock looks like a place to put your helmet

[@GIGABACHI]

You're on the money. The attachment he showed it's EXACTLY for that and NOT for holding anything else.

[@SlingingLead]

"Cue the intro." I now say that every time I strut into my job site.

[@rumporridge1]

Interesting bike. Always love what BMW conjures up on the R&D room.

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

Always love BMW R&D but never trust its reliability enough to risk trying one.

[@rumporridge1]

lessdeth69 I agree as I’ve had some serious problems with a K1300S. And some gremlins with a 14’ R1200RT but they were sorted out eventually. I must say that the riding experience outweighs any repair problem. They are that good on the road and the safety features alone made me a believer years ago.

[@RatKingMoto]

Wait... Oil in frame, Single cylinder, 5 speed, Belt drive, odd styling... I woulda though I was describing a Buell Blast. Wild!

[@timhays4290]

I read years ago the BMW F650 was so popular in Europe because of high gas millage. The GS model was popular as well. Its BMW so you know quality is high. Great for lane spliting or as they say in Europe filtering in states that allow lane spliting.

[@EasyRiderGreg]

Only 1 state allows lane splitting, California. Which is kind of odd since they like to regulate everything and are less free than many other states.

[@davesy6969]

It wasn't very popular in Europe, which is why they're so rare. The f650GS adventure bike sold a lot more. I think they cost the same as a gpz900 new so they were too expensive. It's great on fuel average 65 uk mpg and 75 on motorway.

[@davidboydarnott417]

That space where the tank should be is for your helmet and that's the helmet lock Sean has. My Scarver came with a Hard Plastic Lockable Tank Bag that fits in that gap and Givi hard Panniers and Top Box all for $2,612 USD.

[@sierrafoxtrotgolf3638]

The strap device is for locking your helmet down. The Euro version is called the Scarver.

[@recklessglitch]

Austrian? Imagine ze germans having some italian southenerness (as in humour) and a bit of hungarian spice (as in emotions) and cheap good beer from check republic and living in alpine regions (alpine as in the Alps as in that's where austria is) You wouldnt take them all to serious but they dont do themselves, which makes them fun to hang out with. All the few famous germans that you guys ever heard of in the US, like Mozart, Einstein, Schwarzenegger, Waltz ... and that other guy with the Charly Chaplin mustage ... they are most probably Austrian.

[@OzTwanger]

XR650 has the oil in the frame too

[@louisianahiker]

I would like to see you do a ride and review on a Suzuki Savage 650. That was my first street bike back in 1987. Loved that bike! Single cylinder 650 and belt drive.

[@94SexyStang]

already did it

[@louisianahiker]

I’ll have to look for it

[@hacksaw4966]

I love watching your videos and your upbeat review style, looking for all the positives from all the different bikes! Great job. BTW, my wife was from Landisville, and would go near my MC, but she would have really liked watching you ride around the area.

[@hacksaw4966]

correction. "wouldn't go near"...

[@johnpetermann6544]

Thanks for your informative and entertaining reviews…as a newbie, it’s a big, big help.

[@john.f]

Beginner bike? I've been riding for 37 years and looking for a CS. You can't have more fun than on a light 50hp thumper. At least not with your clothes on. Might choose the GS though,because I'm 6'3"

[@tombeckett4340]

Rotex engines have been used in skidoo’s from Canada for years.

[@jacqueslalonde]

rotax

[@lankybeer]

"a shrimp on the barbie"?? No one says that in Australia mate!

[@TheRosycruxian]

It’s a reference to ‘Dumb n Dumber’ 🎦

[@mattwelch2470]

This bike has very unique and very futuristic styling.

[@TheBasementChannel]

I had one of these, off roaded it pretty hard. It went ok, but too cramped in the leg, and a bit underpowered. Could do with a 6th gear as well.

[@Supadupa335]

I like those bar end mirrors. Is there a specific brand that I need for this?

[@aeror115]

This thing looks cool! Great video as usual 🤙 Enjoy the bike life and ride safe ✌️

[@dustydirect1]

Man! I LOVE THE verses before your vids and the ending message!!! So COOL!

[@stevemaines4038]

That strap is to secure your helmet, not normally used to secure your bag or knapsack.

[@Masterstreami]

A real beautiful Bike. I friend of mine ( He has a lot of Sport Bikes) said this Bike is ugly and looks like Starship Enterprise. That was the reason for me, to bought this Bike, because I love the old TV Series of Starship Enterprise :). And very Mile I do drive, This Bike let me smile.

[@ilBarbonauta]

Awesome Bike, probabily my next one! Greetings from Italy dude

[@rajgill7576]

Sounds like a single... power comes like a single. Idk what tangent you were going off about complimenting Austria, but it is hard to mimic more cylinders lol

[@seaninness334]

Intriguing bike. Thanks for the video on it. I don't see it in inventory on the website.

[@jdc3636]

Th8nking to get one as my first bike

[@sierrafoxtrotgolf3638]

This CS is missing grab handles that should be on the tank.

[@texaskenny2]

I was actually just looking at an '07 BMW F650GS with switchable ABS for under $4k, as a beginner bike.

[@lectorj]

You dont wanna ride it at less than 3k rpm. Hes reving it to low. I can only get mine to a little under 8 sec 0-60. Perfect beginner and city bike. Would prefer a sixth gear for the freeway. Whatcha thinks a good price for one with 20k on it with 1 crash?

[@unknowncaller6945]

$2600 cash I'll take it

[@MrDposter]

And 10 years later Honda started making the NC700X......same bike features, different look.

[@Mpowerurmind777]

Wow. This bike is so damn cool. I love it.

[@Thomasside299]

would this bike be to small for me? i'm 6'1. i really fell in love with this bike and can buy one for 2999Euros

[@johnmartin8990]

I really like these beginner advanced scale

[@captlarry-3525]

This is one guy who would be well advised to make videos with no audio.

[@Staalkabelstunter]

You're a hero, just a word of wisdom. That's just vitamins.

[@chris5k132]

I just hate it when you say 'Q the intro' lol But I subscribed not only because of the contents, but the words of wisdom before every ride. I bet some people find that offensive lol. God bless you. #JesusIsMySavior

[@stilldking]

Cue - anything said or done, on or off stage, that is followed by a specific line or action

[@jeromejerome3656]

Hello ... Nice bike and good video , good presentation ... I have 4 bikes but i like the Scarver for his particular look . How tall are you please ??? ( Me , about 187 cm , 92 kg) . Grettings from France

[@marceuheinzmann2156]

So, if you have to change the belt of this bike, how do you find to buy this belt? Thanks

[@josephikrakowski6214]

Officer: do you know how fast you were going? Rider: yeah, I was going (pause) highway speeds

[@stuart_oneill]

Ok. 1st time I've seen this. Been on horses, four legged, for years but time to run down the road again. How much list$$? Not deal price but 'asking'?

[@popanrares4]

have one like this but black :D wich i love so much .. i have it for 5 years and ride it regularly ! :D

[@brandonhodge4778]

What the price tag??

[@mighto7638]

Hi, I have the same bike and plan on making some mods to it. May I ask what handlebars and exhaust you put on? sorry for my bad english, I'm from Austria :-)

[@aGentleUser]

I've ridden that one some hours in driving school, didn't like anything on it. Maybe the one I got was in bad shape. Neutral? Where are you? Accelerating and decelerating made this bike swing. The vibrations made my hands deaf and me afraid sth will break soon...

[@hipstercrab5886]

well, about all this "hard to find part", they may be hard to find in states, but here, in Europe they're pretty easy to find

[@vickleinkenyanmusic]

I love the verse made me subscribe... I also want to be a biker

[@matthewmead2374]

"Why are these people driving 45mph?" Lol

[@kethvelo]

So. Add Taylor Swift (insert musician of choice here) as your 6th gear compensator ?

[@LenTheFrisian]

Austrian. You know, where KTM bikes come from. And Chocolates.

[@itzstorm347]

Where did you got those indicators?

[@jasonwells7246]

I don’t ride. I want to. I was really looking hard at one of those Korea 250 sport bike. He had done videos on. Just don’t know where to start looking.

[@davesy6969]

Korean or Taiwanese are the same as Japanese quality wise, just don't touch chinese.

[@charliesparta7947]

Gt250

[@jeeves6490]

Suzuki GS500, get one that's been looked after and you'll be sorted. Older owner, and check out the stuff they own, if everything has been cared for and shows some pride, go for it. Don't buy the Korean 250, any Japanese bike around 500cc that's been cared for is a better choice even if it's 10 years old with 50k miles.

[@thealanford1965]

I’m 190cm, maybe to big for this bike?

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

Austrian is Arnold Schwarzenegger. Just do an A'nold voice ;)

[@markdrinkard4150]

Wish I could afford one bike

[@lexkantoor6514]

What cost the Nice bike lex kantoor holand info pleize

[@johnhungate25]

I own two. THey are great.

[@eshraq17]

not really enjoying the new back and forth cut paste style of videography. the previous continuous videos felt natural and flowed better

[@johnsalvi9073]

What bike do you own for your own personal bike?

[@Srkcycles]

I have many

[@ScottyBennitone]

@@Srkcycles well tell us , please ? I know youve said in the past you had a valkyrie

[@allwheeldrive]

A bit late to the party, but I would HIGHLY recommend to stop recommending ANY BMW to a new rider unless they are content spending more time and money than riding. One part on an older BMW could sideline a rider for months. Seasoned riders with experience-based expectations - and enough cash to feed the poor thing - can jump in with both feet. Specially if they have another bike.

[@remembertotakeshowerspleas355]

What's a better beginner motorcycle than this?

[@casualemt]

Bought my with 18k miles for $1000, needed the starter sprague clutch replaced, $65 for parts, $31 for flywheel puller, I have put 4K miles in less than one year, where is this huge expense? Where is all this down time? This is a great bike, ABS, heated grips, plenty of power, and super comfortable to ride!! Any beginner would be very lucky to have this bike…I have 60 years of motorcycle riding experience and I couldn’t be happier than this!

[@danwustrack]

Dont like the style of the last couplenof vids. I like the way it was b4. Quit jumpin around. Do the intro and walk around of the bike and info then a test ride, dont bounce around. Just my 2 cents

[@khakimzhanmiras]

it's got that bosozoku look going for it

[@ndautomotive]

Basically BMW made a Duke 390 even before KTM did.

[@Truth_Spoken]

Man I hate the sound of a singe on a road bike... from someone who has a single in their road bike. Can’t wait to get a sport touring bike to replace it.

[@courtneymanley8696]

Its bmw Rotax re badged the engine my 2000 ds 650 has the same engine

[@elevated001]

Nice job changing the title of this vid for the 3rd time?! Yeah we noticed... lol

[@sbing6917]

LOL! "I don't know why these people are only going 45 mph. That's ridiculous. That's not even safe!" As I glance at the spedo and see that its been blacked out. 45 mph my ass Sean.

[@Srkcycles]

Prove it ! Lol

[@EasyRiderGreg]

My thoughts exactly. The tach is not blacked out though, it looks to be 1500-2000 rpm higher than when he makes the speedometer visible at 65 mph. Sean you sly dog!

[@bertlbarm4374]

Austria is the state that is located in the middle of Europe and looks like a chicken leg from KFC on the map. You may have seen the Kitzbuel downhill ski races in the austrian alps

[@741fate]

What’s the name of the brake lights

[@davidslapp3400]

Do a check for led afterburner tail lights (motorcycle) ebay. Turn singles built in.

[@roblena7977]

I wonder if he added one second more to his 0-60 prediction on every episode would he be right or he still be a second off.

[@davidleoncampbell]

not in your inventory yet....the taillight assembly is not stock...

[@Srkcycles]

Feel free to contact us and make us an offer the title is getting shipped to me so it’s not online yet

[@nocensorship8092]

The taillight isn't stock, the rear isnt stock because the luggage holder is removed and its upholstered and the passenger/luggage handles aren't on the bike either. But that's a question of what you want to do with it, i think it looks good that way but not practical at all

[@741fate]

davidleoncampbell what’s the name of it ?

[@TheRosycruxian]

@@741fateGraeme.

[@TheNostorian]

I went from pfff it's not a harley. To hmm interesting bike.

[@tacjam1]

That lock is so you can lock your helmet to the bike.

[@faustin289]

A radio on a bike is stupid idea. The engine noise is music enough

[@BAJaney]

Great bike. But dude....Taylor Swift?...Really? You're gonna hear about that in the afterlife.

[@dirtyversa3165]

If you could score this bike for a couple grand it would be perfect.

[@ms5158]

Austria - where Amadeus Mozart was born, composed and died.

[@ANTONIODUQUE-w4q]

Fantastic