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[Presto]

I have a Sachs 650, one of the best machines I’ve owned. The Suzuki engine is a well-proven unit and, if needed, parts availability is good. The Fritz Egli designed cycle parts are very neat and well thought out. Most cycle parts, if needed, are available easily from Germany. Nothing unnecessary is fitted and this makes for a very light 650. The bike handles extremely well and the power is strong and progressive. My only complaint as a rider is that the shape of the seat slides you forward and doesn’t allow the option of sitting anywhere except near the nose of the seat; after about 250 miles that gets to be a pain. But most seats in my experience are no better. I’ve no idea why so few of these bikes were sold.

[Presto]

Just a couple of additional comments.
I've also had 650 singles with Rotax engines (Aprilia and BMW). I think the Suzukli is a better unit - it is smoother, doesn't grab at low engine speeds as much, vibrates less, delivers its power throughout the rev range (doesn't need to be revved hard) but is just as potent. It is also better in my view than the Honda 650 (as in the Vigor, etc.), for all the same reasons.

The Sachs is a better machine in my view than the XBR500 Honda, which I also owned. The Honda would quickly run out of breath when pushed in a way the Sachs doesn't. The Sachs is also more comfortable, with better positioned bars and footrests.

In terms of build quality, the Sachs is light-years ahead of the truly dreadful 500 Rotax Jawa and better too than the 500 Roatx MZs. All in all the Sachs is a fine machine. But there a few about - internet sites report only 50 currently registered in the UK! A real 'sleeper' (as the say!).

[Les H]

Hi Richard.maybe the lack of sales were due to the very ugly left side view: http://www.moto-net.com/essais-motos-51 ... tml....Yuk!