Today I received the May issue of Rider magazine in which they test, starting on page 58, the new 2009 G650GS. I'll do a quick summary of the full test: The base price is $7,670, which includes ABS, heated grips, a rear rack and a remote preload adjusting shock. A center stand is $150 extra. They think the bike is a good value, as it costs $320 less than a Suzuki V-Strom 650 with ABS and weighs 50 pounds less than that bike. It has a seat height that is 1.6 inches lower than the Suzuki and 4.3 inches lower than the $2,100 less expensive Kawasaki KLR650. As you may know, the engine is made in China by Loncin, which also builds the G650 X-Country. They say that the bike seems to be constructed of high-quality components and they have no issues about where the engine is manufactured.
The bike was run on their Jett Tuning Dynojet dyno and produced 43 hp at 7300 rpm and 37.7 lb. ft. of torque at 5000 rpm. (BMW rates the engine at 53 hp at 7000 rpm and 44 lb. ft. of torque at 5,250 rpm.) They averaged over 50 mpg on the required premium fuel, giving a range of about 200 miles out of the 4 gallon tank. Vibration was minimal until the bike is run at high revs. They felt that the bike seemed a little strained at freeway speeds. They also didn't like the location of the fuel filler if you carry soft luggage on the rear seat as it makes accessing the filler cap difficult. Stability is good and handling in the corners was quick and effortless, however the 200+ test rider wished for stiffer springs in the suspension. Braking was strong and the ABS did not pulse at the lever, but instead gave a mild clicking feel. Their 5' 7" art director, with a 31" inseam could flat foot the bike at stops with the standard seat. They liked the locking and expandable BMW side cases, which add 22 pounds to the weight of the bike. With the center stand and the BMW hard bags, the list price for the bike came to $8,697 (those bags are not cheap). Valve adjustment intervals are listed as 6000 miles. The bike is said to have a wet sump that holds 2.4 quarts of oil (I thought it had a dry sump). Charging output is 400 watts and the battery is 12AH. Wheelbase is 58.2 inches and there is an optional low suspension kit, which costs an additional $175, and drops the seat height to 29.5 inches. The front fork has a travel of 6.7 inches and the rear suspension has a travel of 6.5 inches. Wet weight is 442 pounds and load capacity is 394 pounds. The rpm at an indicated 60 mph is 4000 rpm. The bike is only being sold in the USA, Latin America and Greece - not Europe.
The article says that you can view the editor, Mark's, "Rider 360 video report" from the G650GS introduction under the week of February 23 at the website:
www.ridermagazine.com
03-27-09
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