BMW’s G650GS machines are among only a handful of bigger bikes available as an option to holders of the new A2 licence, a product of licensing regulations due to begin on January 19 next year.
The new system is explained more fully in the panel below, but the rules allow A2 licence holders to ride bikes producing up to 35kW (47bhp) – therefore many will be learning on a GS because there’s also a minimum power requirement for training bikes of 20kW (27bhp), and few motorcycles meet this definition.
Certain riders might have little choice, then, although the G650GS is a fine option even for holders of a full motorcycle licence.
The Sertão version has a stronger off-road bias than the stock GS, translating as longer travel suspension at 210mm front and rear, wire-spoked wheels including a large, 21in diameter front. It also comes with handguards, a screen and larger front mudguard.
A consequence of the changes is an increase in seat height of 2.4 inches to 33.9 inches, so this is not for shorter riders, but the lofty saddle and upright riding position are very good for seeing ahead over cars, and it’s a comfortable place to be. Although this is a trail bike the seat is large and soft and the screen helps fend off some wind pressure, making the Sertão very good at covering long distances.
Although it has a big, single-cylinder engine, the vibration reaching the rider is evident but unobtrusive, and it’s very impressive at low revs. Usually engines of this configuration are almost unusable below 3,000rpm, but the GS motor dips well below that without showing signs of distress, expanding the bike’s performance around town in particular. It also revs past its 6,500rpm power maximum willingly enough.
The new system is explained more fully in the panel below, but the rules allow A2 licence holders to ride bikes producing up to 35kW (47bhp) – therefore many will be learning on a GS because there’s also a minimum power requirement for training bikes of 20kW (27bhp), and few motorcycles meet this definition.
Certain riders might have little choice, then, although the G650GS is a fine option even for holders of a full motorcycle licence.
The Sertão version has a stronger off-road bias than the stock GS, translating as longer travel suspension at 210mm front and rear, wire-spoked wheels including a large, 21in diameter front. It also comes with handguards, a screen and larger front mudguard.
A consequence of the changes is an increase in seat height of 2.4 inches to 33.9 inches, so this is not for shorter riders, but the lofty saddle and upright riding position are very good for seeing ahead over cars, and it’s a comfortable place to be. Although this is a trail bike the seat is large and soft and the screen helps fend off some wind pressure, making the Sertão very good at covering long distances.
Although it has a big, single-cylinder engine, the vibration reaching the rider is evident but unobtrusive, and it’s very impressive at low revs. Usually engines of this configuration are almost unusable below 3,000rpm, but the GS motor dips well below that without showing signs of distress, expanding the bike’s performance around town in particular. It also revs past its 6,500rpm power maximum willingly enough.
