600 vs 650 anyone have experience?

[Jem]

If anyone has owned both 600 and 650 I'd love to hear the difference between the two other than 50cc.
I went and sat on a 600 today (the dealer doesn't do test rides) and it fits my leg length better
How differently does it handle? Is it lighter? Is the tank bigger? What can I expect it to cruise comfortably at with luggage?
I'm wondering about taking it away on a bit of a long trip and would like to do some off road too (a gentle green lane with Barftone has made me realize what fun it is).

Sounds like I've just joined the forum
Cheers

[phil w]

Yup Ive had both and so far my findings are
The 600 is far better on fuel, my 650 ave 45/48 mpg my 600 is gettin 55/58
The seat on 600 is better but still needs to be made fully flat
The handling on my 600 is better than 650, less front end dive more stable in high winds also
The 600 is better off road than the 650 as it feels more nimble and easier to give it some welly, strictly on a novice basis
The 600 is less upsetting to drop, as it already has dings cost 3k less and has a good sh*tkicker look

[steveR]

Originally Posted by phil w

Yup Ive had both and so far my findings are
The 600 is far better on fuel, my 650 ave 45/48 mpg my 600 is gettin 55/58
The seat on 600 is better but still needs to be made fully flat
The handling on my 600 is better than 650, less front end dive more stable in high winds also
The 600 is better off road than the 650 as it feels more nimble and easier to give it some welly, strictly on a novice basis
The 600 is less upsetting to drop, as it already has dings cost 3k less and has a good sh*tkicker look

AOL on almost everything there!

Well, actually everything there....

The problem comes in finding a low milage 600!

[phil w]

Get a flight to Italy an ride one home have a look on ebay.it theres some mint ones come up there

[dr nick]

Jem,

I've no comparison not having ridden a 650 but I love my 600 'Alp.


If you're ever up Oxford/Aylesbury way (or if I'm down at family in Horsham) you're welcome to try mine out, if you're insured for it. Shame you'd not mentioned this/ thought of this last weekend - could have tried it then.

[Jem]

Originally Posted by phil w

Yup Ive had both and so far my findings are
The 600 is far better on fuel, my 650 ave 45/48 mpg my 600 is gettin 55/58
The seat on 600 is better but still needs to be made fully flat
The handling on my 600 is better than 650, less front end dive more stable in high winds also
The 600 is better off road than the 650 as it feels more nimble and easier to give it some welly, strictly on a novice basis
The 600 is less upsetting to drop, as it already has dings cost 3k less and has a good sh*tkicker look

Thanks Phil
that helps. I know what you mean about the looks, I love the way my bike rides but not how it looks from the front.

Originally Posted by dr nick

Jem,

I've no comparison not having ridden a 650 but I love my 600 'Alp.


If you're ever up Oxford/Aylesbury way (or if I'm down at family in Horsham) you're welcome to try mine out, if you're insured for it. Shame you'd not mentioned this/ thought of this last weekend - could have tried it then.

I know it's mad after being around so many for the whole weekend!!
I only thought of it after riding home and mulling over all the ideas I'd picked up about what bike to take for a long trip. And I also realized that I'd like to have a bike that I could fit my knees in against the fairing so I don't have to keep moving my feet forwards and backwards to reach the clutch and brake.
Thanks for the offer of a ride, I'd only be 3rd party insured, so don't know how you'd be with that...

If there's anyone else around the south east with a 600 I could have a go on then let me know...

[Jem]

Originally Posted by phil w

Get a flight to Italy an ride one home have a look on ebay.it theres some mint ones come up there

Will have a look.
There's one on bike trader which looks well looked after, the mileage is 46,000 but I get the impression that's not a lot for a transalp.
Does anyone know?

[trophydave]

Originally Posted by phil w

Get a flight to Italy an ride one home have a look on ebay.it theres some mint ones come up there

Mine came from Italy,although I didn't import it.For a 20 year old bike it is in really good condition.

[dr nick]

Jem,

3rd party's ok - just don't fall off it

Mine's a French import, although it was described as an Italian import by the seller when I bought it, but as all the stickers are in French I think that's a bit of a giveaway.

It's not quite what I'd call 'mint' though what with it living outdoors by the coast in Cornwall before I bought it... still one day it might end up more shiny....

[Jem]

Originally Posted by dr nick

Jem,

3rd party's ok - just don't fall off it

No don't like doing that, it hurts too much!!
Well if you're coming down my way let me know otherwise I'll try and pop up your way soon.

There's a very nice looking one on ebay at the moment but it's only got 1 & 1/2 days left and is in Worcestershire so I don't think I'll get to see it, but its only at £850 at the moment, looks a bargain....