First Real Drive On My New (to me) 650GT

[GSMetal]

Well, here in Wisconsin, the weather turned 58 degrees and that was enough for me to take my new (to me) 650GT out for its first real ride.

A few observations:

- It’s easy to get used to not clutching or shifting. I’ve had motorcycles for 40 years.

- I had it up to 60 mph and it was just as happy as could be (I was just cruising the local roads so no freeway speeds yet)

-When driving, and looking down the road, you’d never know you were on a ‘scooter’.

-The engine has a nice growl to it.

- It’s VERY nimble.

- Oncoming motorcyclists believe you’re a motorcycle and wave to you. Of course, this doesn’t apply to Harley riders who only wave to each other.

- The overall wind protection is phenomenal and the AeroFlow windshield is particularly good.

Overall it was a fun few hours of bonding with the little guy.

GSMetal

 

[Delray]

Good report. I lived in Milwaukee for ten years after grad school up in Menomonie. Love Wisconsin. My two oldest kids were born there.

I never called this bike a "scooter" and heaven and earth will pass away before I ever say I was out "scootin'." It's a mid-size motorcycle that's automatic.

You didn't say which year GT you have. The "growl" you mention was enhanced in 2016+ models to make it sound more like a BMW.

Maintenance is simple and not frequent, so if you wrench a little, pick up a Service Manual on DVD. Dealer work is mega-money with any BMW.

Enjoy!

 

[GSMetal]

Good report. I lived in Milwaukee for ten years after grad school up in Menomonie. Love Wisconsin. My two oldest kids were born there.

I never called this bike a "scooter" and heaven and earth will pass away before I ever say I was out "scootin'." It's a mid-size motorcycle that's automatic.

You didn't say which year GT you have. The "growl" you mention was enhanced in 2016+ models to make it sound more like a BMW.

Maintenance is simple and not frequent, so if you wrench a little, pick up a Service Manual on DVD. Dealer work is mega-money with any BMW.

Enjoy!

I have a 2014.

 

[Ceesie76]

Welcome, and just keep an eye (better: an ear) on the timing chain tensioner. These bikes are super.

 

[Greg goes wild]

Welcome, and just keep an eye (better: an ear) on the timing chain tensioner. These bikes are super.

YES that's one of the issues BIG TIME. But for now since i had mine replaced
with the OEM tensioner it's good so far. 8K i had it in the dealer for
that now i have 17K on it NO NOISE rattling

 

[PaulyB]

I just bought a new to me 2020 GT, 1450 miles. you think by now they fixed these tensioners?? I had a 2013 unit no issues, finally got my Harley, would have kept it, bad knees told me NO!