BMW F 650 GS

Infobox Motorcycle
name = BMW F650 GS


aka =
manufacturer = BMW Motorrad
parent_company = BMW
production = 2000–2007
predecessor = F650
successor = F650GS (twin) & F800GS
class = city/sport
engine = 652 cc, Single Cylinder, Water Cooled, Four-Stroke, DOHC, 4 valves
power = Convert|50|hp|kW|0|abbr=on @ 6,500 rpm
torque = auto ft.lbf|44 @ 5,000 rpm
transmission = 5-speed, O-Ring Chain
suspension =
brakes = Front: 1 disc, 2 piston caliper; Rear: 1 disc, 1 piston caliper; ABS optional
tires = 19" front (21" Dakar), 17" rear
rake_trail =
wheelbase =
length=
width=
height=
seat_height = auto in|30.9
dry_weight = auto lb|387|1
wet_weight = auto lb|423
fuel_capacity = auto litres|17.3|1
related = F 650 CS
similar = KTM 640 Adventure & LC640, Aprilia Pegaso, Yamaha XT660, Kawasaki KLR650The BMW F 650 GS, is a dual-purpose BMW motorcycle, that was produced from 2000 to 2007. It is one of the GS on-road/off-road family. It is available in a standard model, and a taller, off-road oriented "Dakar" model, named after the famous Dakar Rally which BMW rider Richard Sainct won on the F650RR in 1999 and 2000. BMW's marketing people refer to this bike as an enduro, but some may feel it is too big and heavy to compete in a sanctioned enduro competition if left in street legal trim; most people would refer to it as a dual-sport or adventure-touring bike.

Its specifications put it in the 650 cc dual-sport class, competing against bikes such as the Kawasaki KLR650, Suzuki DR650, Honda XR650L, KTM LC4 640, Yamaha XT660 and perhaps the Honda Transalp. The standard model is more road-oriented than anything except the Transalp; however, the taller Dakar model can successfully tackle very challenging terrain.

An emergency services specific version of the F 650 GS, fitted with blue lights and sirens, is available from BMW Motorrad's Official and special duty vehicles division.

A specially prepared rally-raid version of the bike was used by Charley Boorman and his team during the 2006 Dakar Rally while filming their documentary Race To Dakar. The F650GS and Dakar models were discontinued in 2007. In 2008 a completely new F 650 GS model was launched using a 798 cc parallel twin engine. A taller and more powerful F 800 GS was launched using the same engine (with different controller setting).

Distinctive Features

The F 650 GS has several advanced technology features, with computer-controlled fuel injection, catalytic converter, a Nikasil-lined cylinder, optional ABS and an airbox cleverly designed to exploit the airflow pattern of the bike when in motion. Combined with the bike's high compression ratio and twin spark (from 2004 onwards), fuel economy and reduced emissions exist alongside high power output. The engine is manufactured for BMW by Austrian company Rotax.

Most riders find the F 650 GS more comfortable and less stressed than its competitors at freeway/motorway speeds. The standard model's relatively low seat height make it one of the few 650 cc dual-sports that can be comfortably ridden by riders under 6 ft (182 cm) tall. The F 650 GS has an active aftermarket, with many add-ons and upgrades available. It is slightly more expensive than any of its competitors except the LC4, but that is partially explained by the higher level of standard equipment delivered on the bike. Only the F 650 GS, LC4 and Transalp have hard-luggage available from the manufacturer.

ee also

*Simon and Monika Newbound - GS riders who hold the world record for motorcycle endurance.

External links

* Specifications for 2006 U.S. Model [http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/pdfs/f650gs.pdf] [http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/pdfs/f650gsdakar.pdf]
* [http://www.bmw-motorrad-authorities.com/authorities/en/products/f650gs/f650gs_main.html Details of emergency services version of F 650 GS]
* [http://www.f650.com "The Chain Gang" — BMW F650 Owners club]
* [http://www.bmw-dakar.co.za "BMW Dakar specifications and accessories]
* [http://www.f650.co.uk F650 UK & Ireland]