The BMW F650 Funduro will probably never reach the same classic status as some of its stable mates. But despite its unfortunate name, it’s surprisingly worthy of consideration.
Released in 1993, it was the first BMW not made by BMW (it was made by Aprilia). It was the first BMW not powered by a BMW motor (Rotax), and the first BMW with a chain drive. And it launched the Bavarian marque’s stunningly successful entry-level adventure bike segment.

Sure, the 90s ADV styling isn’t for everyone, and the Funduro is a bit porky and anemic by today’s standards. But a second-hand Funduro won’t cost you much?as little as $1,500 in the US?and should be pretty reliable.
This one is the work of Andrew Rovenko?a Ukrainian-born photographer living in Melbourne. We featured Andrew’s last bike on Instagram a couple of years ago. It was a 1955 BMW R50, taken from rust bucket to glorious resto-job, in his apartment’s spare bedroom.
Andrew still rides the R50, but wanted to spare it the abuse. ?Every time I went on a group ride I had to make it work hard to keep up with the modern bikes, and it just didn?t feel fair to this veteran.?
?I kept an eye on the bike ads without having anything particular in mind, and when a well priced 1998 Funduro came up, it seemed like a pretty good match.?

?But it’s not 80s cool, and not modern cool, which makes for an interesting challenge,? he explains. ?I could only find one or two decent examples of F650...