Alright, so I’ve been messing around with bikes for a while now, and I recently got my hands on a 1997 BMW F 650. Let me tell you, it’s been a bit of a journey. I found this thing listed online – not gonna say where, but let’s just say it’s a popular site for used stuff. The price was decent, pretty low actually, which made me a bit nervous, but I figured, why not? It’s a BMW, right?
First thing I did was to check out a bunch of listings for the same bike, you know, just to get a feel for the market. Some were in better shape, some were worse, but mine was somewhere in the middle. The seller seemed like a straight-up guy, didn’t try to hide anything, which I appreciated.
When I finally got the bike, I started digging in. It’s solid, that’s for sure. I mean, it’s an older model, so you expect some wear and tear, but this thing felt reliable. I took it for a spin around town, and it handled pretty well. I even tried some longer rides on the main roads, and it was a blast.
- Getting it Home: That was an adventure in itself. Had to figure out the best way to transport it, but we managed.
- First Look: Gave it a good once-over. Checked the engine, the tires, all the usual stuff. It was a bit dirty, but nothing major.
- Test Ride: Took it around the block a few times. Felt good, engine sounded decent, but the brakes were a little soft.
- Maintenance: Did some basic maintenance. Changed the oil, checked the fluids, cleaned it up a bit.
I did some reading up on these bikes. Apparently, they’re known for being pretty reliable, which is good news for me. The engine isn’t the most powerful, but it’s got enough juice for what I need. I heard the newer models got some upgrades, like more horsepower and a better alternator, but honestly, this one’s got enough power for me.
Now, the seat, that’s another story. After a couple of hours, it starts to feel like you’re sitting on a rock. I might have to look into getting a more comfortable one. And the brakes, yeah, they’re not the best. I might need to upgrade those at some point, too. But I mean, for a bike this age, it’s to be expected, right?
Overall, I’m pretty happy with it. It’s a good bike for getting around, and it’s been fun working on it. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine, and I’m looking forward to many more rides. If you’re thinking about getting one of these, I’d say go for it, just be prepared to put in a little work. They’re good machines, and they’ve got a lot of character.
So, yeah, that’s my story with the 1997 BMW F 650 so far. It’s been a bit of a learning experience, but that’s half the fun, right? I’ll keep you guys posted on how it goes.
