When I got this bike I was looking for a Landrover on two wheels. That's just what I got! Living where I do allows me a great variety of riding and the GS has never let me down. Whether that involves freaking out weekend pocket rocketeers by always being in their mirror whenever they look (no matter how hard they try to lose me on the winding roads) or riding through water courses just lower than the air filter up in the Welsh mountains during ride outs with the ADV boys.

Don't get me wrong, it's got its problems and five minutes on the many bmw forums will enlighten you to those. But overall, it's solid. If I want to head up an old trail and find somewhere to camp for the night, then that's what I do. The bike (owing to the low centre of gravity due to the underseat fuel tank)handles superbly and the single cylinder engine (mines on an 02 plate) inspires confidence in all situations. I would, however say the gearing ratios are without doubt a compromise between tarmac and turf. First gear can be too low on steep rocky descents, whereas second gear runs away too quickly. This generally results in some tricky descents but that just adds to the fun....and if I drop it (which is not unknown) it lends itself to field repairs very well due to well made components that can be modified and fangled without crumbling.

Motorway cruising can be a bit blustery if you head towards the top end, but the engine is happy to sit at 90 as you make some progress (but not in the UK of course). Personally though, I'd rather have a bit more top end cruising potential as I have no fondness for gentle cruises on motorways (motorways sap all the spirit of riding out of me) and I always look forward to getting back on proper roads. That said, conservative riding results in 75-80mpg so shouldn't be sniffed at.

Comfort wise, I'm not a heavy lad and so can ride all day without feeling I've given myself a BMW suppository. The seating position is good and allows plenty of room to move around.

Plenty of toys are available if you've got the wonga! If not, a little initiative and some bolts does the job!

In conclusion, a great bike for all levels of competence and all varieties of adventure. However, don't think for one minute it'll satisfy the itch for its big brother 1200gs. So if that's the itch you've got...prepare to see the 650 as a stepping stone while the wallet fattens up.