BMW F650GS review

The BMW F650 GS is the newest addition to BMW`s dual-sport line up. It follows in the footsteps of the highly acclaimed R1200GS- which traces its roots back to the early 1980s when BMW won the grueling Paris-Dakar rally four times with its trailblazing dual-purpose R 80 GS. The new BMW F650GS is not just an easy motorcycle to ride; it is serious equipment for off-road experts. The GS is as comfortable on tarmac as it is on dirt and is used on BMWs award-winning Off-Road Skills courses. Ideal for on or off-road riding, urban commuting and any rider looking for a fun, efficient and reliable motorcycle, the middleweight twin tackles anything the ambitious motorcyclist could throw at it.

Entering their fifth model year, the extremely successful F650 GS and BMW F650GS Dakar machines have been updated on a number of technical points and features. The objectives being to optimise rider protection from wind and weather and to improve ergonomics for even better control and handling. In the past, many motorcycles with single-cylinder engines vibrated, leaked oil and were extremely unsophisticated. BMW changed all that and exploded many myths in the process. Introduction of dual ignition comes together with a new system of engine management: BMW Motor System-C II. The results of this improved technology is a significant decrease in exhaust missions, improvements in riding comfort and engine response, as well as a reduction of fuel consumption to an even lower level than before.

Peak output 50hp and torque figures 60Nm remain the same, but with maximum torque occurring at a lower engine speed. The second spark plug for dual ignition is on the right side of the combustion chamber, igniting at exactly the same time as the main plug in the middle. As on BMW`s flat-twin power units, this ensures smooth and stable flame formation - even under unfavourable operating conditions. The legendary engine, which also powers BMW F650CS street bike, is not the sole reason for the GS`s smooth and relaxed riding characteristics. The new, improved windscreens on both models, provide better rider protection from wind and weather. When riding off-road, the rider may of course remove them completely. As before, the screen on the F 650 Dakar is larger and darker in colour and is now also available on the GS as a transparent version, offered as special equipment. Morespecs and user manual of BMW F 650 you can see in next overview.

BMW F650GS Specifications

Engine Type: Water-cooled 1-cylinder 4-stroke engine, four valves,two overhead camshafts.
Bore x stroke: 100 mm x 83 mm
Capacity: 652cc
Rated output: 50hp @6500rpm
Max. torque: 60Nm @4800rpm
Compression ratio: 11.5 : 1
Carburetion/engine management: Electronic intake pipe injection/BMW engine management
Emission control: Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter
Performance/fuel consumption;
Maximum speed: 170 km/h
Fuel consumption over 100 km at steady 90 km/h: 3.2 L
Fuel consumption over 100 km at steady 120 km/h: 4.3 L
Generator: 400 W 3-phase generator
Battery: 12 V/12 Ah
Clutch: Multi-disc oil-bath clutch, mechanically operated
Gearbox: 5-speed gearbox with dog-type shift
Frame: Steel bridge tubular frame.
Front wheel suspension: Telescopic fork
Wheelbase (in normal position): 1479 mm - Dakar 1,489
Caster (in normal position): 113.3 mm - Dakar 123.3
Wheels: Spoke wheels
Rim, front: 2.50 x 19 - Dakar 1.6 x 21
Rim, rear: 3.00 x 17
Tyres, front: 100/90-19 57 S - Dakar 90/90-21 54 S
Tyres, rear: 130/80-17 65 S
Brake, front: Single disc, 300 mm diameter
Brake, rear: Single disc, 240 mm diameter
Dry weight: 177.2 kg