by MSW » Tue Dec 19, 2006 5:23 pm
I saw the new 650s at the Int'l Moto Show in San Mateo (CA) this weekend, and I have to say that I was pretty disappointed. I was really looking forward to these models ever since I saw the HP2 in supermoto trim last year at MotoGP. "Wow" I thought. "Too bad I can't afford one until the kids are out of college (15+ years). If only they would do the same thing with a 650."
The G650 Xmoto (which I was most interested in) just looks cheap. The silly-looking brake lines with the double banjo bolts sticking straight up out of the master cylinder are either a last minute fix of an enexpected problem, or the worst German styling decision since the Birkenstock. Although that looks like it could be fixed (along with the turn signals and taillight that are right out of the Dennis Kirk catalogue), why would I pay almost twice as much as I did for my Baggy, only to get roughly the same performance?
And don't get me started on the alloy wheels...
I do like the exhaust cannister, and what they did with the rear cowl (other than the brake light and turn signals), but that's about it. Maybe I'd be impressed if I trusted for one second BMW's claimed weight numbers.
I guess if you just have to have a Beemer, or can't be bothered to talk to the dozens of people who come up to ask you about your MZ, one of the new G650s would be the way to go.
I know I sound like a BMW hater, but really I'm just disappointed. I was really looking forward to a few new bikes worthy of the brand.
MSW
2005 Black Panther
I like my beer like I like my women: cold, dark, and bitter.
