BMW F650GS: technical specifications, operating instructions and reviews

The BMW F650GS, the photo of which is presented on the page, is a touring enduro motorcycle that is experiencing a rebirth. Since the market conditions for cars and motorcycles are quite unpredictable, all sorts of surprises are possible in its vastness. The German company, frightened by the decline in sales of the once popular model, curtailed production of the BMW F650GS to a minimum. All motorcycles then began to be sent to Brazil, which is considered the most attractive country in terms of selling two-wheeled sports, road-tourist and racing cars.

Loss of previous positions

However, the vacated niche was instantly occupied by Japanese motorcycles of the Yamaha XT660Z Tenere brand. The model from the Land of the Rising Sun is an absolute twin of the BMW F650GS, and its sales, although not too high, have always remained at a quite acceptable level. BMW realized their mistake, and currently the production of the F650 is gaining momentum. However, time is lost, the positions gained over the years are lost, and we have to start all over again.

There was only one way to correct the situation - to present the model’s return to the market as radically updated. In this case, a long period of absence from the motorcycle was justified. But, on the other hand, the manufacturer was responsible for a deep modernization of the car, and especially for radically improved external data.

It was necessary to present the motorcycle in a new design, different contours and outlines were needed. The bike had to become unrecognizable, of course, to a certain extent. After a number of design modifications, the model was put into production. The expectation for an update was justified - consumers believed that this was a long-familiar model, but one that had gone through a deep restyling, with a modernized chassis and an improved power plant. A slight reduction in cost was the final touch in the return of the motorcycle to the market.

Brief history of the model

Brief production history of the BMW F650:

1993 – start of production and sales of BMW F650 (Funduro).
1996 – appearance of the BMW F650ST (Strada) modification.
2000 - the BMW F650 and BMW F650ST models are discontinued, giving way to the new F650GS and F650CS. Sales of older versions continued until 2001.
2004 - F650GS and F650CS models receive 2 spark plugs instead of 1 (Twin Spark marking on the cylinder).
2007 is the last year of production of BMW F650 series motorcycles.
2008 - The BMW F650GS was replaced by an updated model with an in-line 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of about 800 cc. see and a completely different appearance (asymmetrical headlight, alloy wheels, new dashboard). It was produced until 2012 and was subsequently replaced by the BMW F700GS.
2009 - the appearance of the BMW G650GS model, built on the basis of the F650GS (2000-2007) and aimed at the markets of the USA, South America, Greece and Australia.

Exterior

The single-cylinder BMW F650GS motorcycle, although somewhat “thin” in appearance, still looks quite presentable. The front shield with a powerful shaped headlight ends at the top with a stylish windshield, at the bottom with a developed, pointed fender hanging over the front wheel, and the rear sides are smoothly integrated into the front of the gas tank. The compact engine almost does not protrude beyond the frame, the muffler is sort of built under the passenger seat, it is practically invisible.

The contours of the motorcycle have become more rapid, therefore, the aerodynamic parameters have also improved. However, the model does not need high speeds; the motorcycle has other tasks; it was not designed for ultra-fast riding, but is intended for off-road travel, in the forest, among the hills and in natural terrain. For such a ride, the bike tires are equipped with a special tread with a spike-like pattern. The high relief of the tires allows the motorcycle to travel through sand, clay soils, and plowed land.

New name and improved parameters

Sertao – this is the name the motorcycle received in addition to the abbreviation BMW F650GS. The new modification is significantly different from the previous version of Dakar, which represented the family of SUVs in full. Sertao is more modest, he prefers an asphalt surface, but if necessary, he can fit into the narrowest crack. The latest BMW F650GS features spoked wheels, increased suspension travel, higher ground clearance and a raised saddle, which improves the rider's riding position.

It is characteristic that, despite the increased growth of the car, its center of gravity remained at the same level, quite low, from the point of view of entering turns and sharp turns. In principle, BMW models have long proven themselves to be stable and easy to drive, which allows them to confidently maneuver between trees and jump along the very edge of the curb. Although the saddle is raised, the rider can reach the ground with his feet, and this is an additional advantage when riding in the “enduro” style.

Advantages

When it comes to the advantages of the BMW F650GS, we would like to focus on the braking system, which demonstrates excellent feedback and good deceleration. The front brake is activated very rarely, thanks to the correct dosage of the applied force. The presence of ABS means that in the event of wheel locking, the system will help avoid a dangerous situation.

Prudent designers made it possible to completely disable ABS. With the system deactivated, it is easier to climb a mountain or overcome sections of the road without asphalt. One thing to consider is that with ABS turned on, your braking distance will be much shorter. European organizations have long proposed a ban on the installation of ABS with the possibility of turning it off. So the owners of this BMW received a nice bonus.

The design of the remotes deserves a positive assessment, which is incredibly simple and has nothing superfluous, allowing the biker to quickly understand the device. The remote control has only three buttons, like other motorcycles of this German brand. However, there have been cases when an inexperienced biker got confused even with this simple device and instead of pressing the button to turn off the turn indicators, he pressed the horn button. The motorcycle automatically turns on the horn, which can not only confuse you, but also greatly frighten you.

A pleasant and useful additional feature is the heated steering wheel grips. This will make your trip as comfortable as possible, especially in spring or autumn, as well as in mountainous areas where the air does not warm up even in the summer.

The seat is wide and comfortable. Many owners note that even after traveling long distances they did not experience fatigue or pain in the buttocks. The seating position is as low as possible, which makes the motorcycle attractive for short people. The position of the footrests is extremely good; even a tall biker will not have to bend his knees. The steering wheel is wide, allowing excellent maneuvering and keeping your hands in a comfortable position, which is important from the point of view of comfort. The windshield is high and wide. It will reliably protect the motorcyclist from oncoming air currents and midges.

Is ABS really necessary?

In a peak situation, you can create additional support by placing your foot on the ground and drive out of the dangerous area. The motorcycle is equipped with an ABS system, although it is not customary to equip SUVs with anti-lock brakes (it is believed that it is not needed in off-road conditions). However, the option is installed. However, the ABS system can be turned off; there is a special button located on the steering wheel for this. It all depends on the riding style of each individual motorcyclist. Some people are used to skidding and sliding tangentially, while others, on the contrary, prefer to drive in a straight line. In the latter case, ABS can be useful.

Design

The developers of the BMW G 650 GS motorcycle paid the most serious attention to the design of the model. The design clearly shows the features of “Enduro” - a slender, lightweight silhouette is distinguished by daring sportiness and a strong personality. High quality materials, convenience and careful attention to detail make the motorcycle stand out among other cars in its class. At the same time, due to its light weight and low seat height, the owner of the G 650 GS is provided with a pass into the world of motorsports!

The new model is available in Aura White and Orange Red color options. The basic equipment includes comfortable hand protection, aluminum engine protection, and a high windshield. Serious attention is paid to safety. In addition to using the integral ABS system that is already mandatory for all BMWs, the motorcycle can be equipped with a center stand and equipped with the option of heated grips. This improves hand position on the steering wheel and increases driving comfort, which directly enhances driving safety.

New opportunities

Overall, the BMW F650GS Sertao turned out to be a versatile motorcycle, capable of both long journeys and short bursts off-road. He can turn into a cross-country sprinter or ride several hundred kilometers without stopping. The disadvantages of the BMW F650GS include the lack of a trunk and any brackets for securing things.

However, this problem can be solved on its own, since both sides of the rear of the motorcycle are free - there is practically no muffler, it is hidden under the seat.

What changed

The motorcycle is equipped with new spoked wheels and also has a different body color. It is thanks to the black and gray color in which the Sertao is painted that the bike has a more aggressive appearance. The suspension has received more travel, as well as stiffer settings, which significantly improves off-road maneuverability and maneuverability. Especially for extreme sports enthusiasts, it became possible to install auxiliary (additional) equipment.

As a rule, the engine installed is the same as on the classic F650GS, but for some countries a less powerful modification will be produced, the engine of which can produce only 34 hp. With. The braking system also remains the same, ABS can be turned off.

BMW F650GS: technical specifications

Dimensional and weight parameters:

motorcycle length – 2165 mm;
total height – 1390 mm;
width along the steering wheel – 920 mm;
height along the saddle line – 780 mm;
height along the saddle line of the latest model – 820 mm;
wheelbase, distance between axles – 1710 mm;
curb weight of the fueled motorcycle – 192 kg;
dry weight – 175 kg;
weight in standard configuration – 188 kg;
fuel tank capacity – 14 liters;
reserve volume – 4.0 liters.

Dashboard

The dashboard is classic. Only important information is displayed on it, which is perfectly readable even in direct sunlight, allowing the biker to better concentrate on the road. On the instrument panel we will find:

Speedometer.
Odometer.
Distance meter.
Indicators for gasoline, engine temperature, turns, etc.
Tachometer.
Watch.

A distinctive feature is the non-standard location of the fuel tank, which is located on the right side of the passenger seat.

Power point

Engine type: single-cylinder, four-stroke.
Number of valves – 4.
The number of camshafts is two, with an overhead arrangement.
The lubrication system is crankcase.
Cylinder diameter – 100 mm.
The piston stroke is 83 mm.
Number of spark plugs – 2.
Working cylinder volume – 652 cubic meters. cm.
Power – 48 l. With. (35 kW) at 6,500 rpm.
Power supply – injection injection of a combustible mixture with electronic dosage.
Exhaust gas purification - three-level neutralization, catalyst according to Euro-3 standard.
Cruising range – 450 kilometers at a speed of 90 km/h.
Fuel type – unleaded gasoline AI 95.
Gasoline consumption is 3.2 liters at a speed of 90 km/h and 4.3 liters at 120 km/h.

Chassis

The frame is tubular, made of drawn steel, of complex profile with shockproof protective elements.
Front suspension: reverse telescopic fork with damper. Stays with a diameter of 41 mm with built-in hydraulic shock absorbers.
The rear suspension is of an articulated pendulum design, a fork cast from an aluminum alloy with adjustable spring support and hydraulic shock absorbers.
The travel amplitude of the front suspension is 180 mm.
The swing of the rear suspension pendulum is within 170 mm.
The wheels are spoked, the rim is made of light aluminum alloy.
The dimensions of the front wheel are 2.50x19″.
Rear wheel size – 3.50x17″.
Front tire – 110/80-19 59N.
Rear tire – 140/80-17 69N.
The front brake is disc, diameter 300 mm, two-piston caliper.
rear brake – disc, diameter 265 mm, single caliper, monopiston.

Transmission

Gearbox – five-speed with cam clutches, synchronized, integrated.
Switching - foot, lever.
The gear ratios are selected in such a way that the motorcycle moves confidently in first, second and third gears at low speed on any road or off-road surface. And only when you turn on fourth speed, the possibility of dynamic driving becomes possible.
The clutch is multi-disc in an oil bath, the drive is mechanical, designed on the basis of a flexible cable. The clutch lever is located on the left side of the steering rod.
The rear wheel drive is chain.

User manual

After returning to large-scale production of the motorcycle, an instruction manual for the BMW F650GS was published, which outlined the basic rules for using the machine, all adjustments and settings that do not require special tools. The manual outlined in detail the step-by-step steps for self-service of the motorcycle. The BMW F650GS model, reviews of which were previously general in nature, has now, thanks to the instructions, become more understandable and accessible. Along with the manual, the machine was supplied with a small set of tools with which it was possible to make simple adjustments to the mechanisms, as well as preventive tightening of threaded connections.

Note for beginners

However, do not write off the BMW F650GS, as it has all the necessary characteristics for beginners, which many of its analogues cannot boast of. By choosing this “Bavarian horse” for yourself, you will learn to control the motorcycle, plan and overtake competently, and develop a reaction. Let's take a closer look at the characteristics of the BMW F650GS and its features so that we can get a proper idea of the motorcycle.

Owners' opinion

You can learn about the technical advantages and disadvantages of the F650GS series motorcycle by reading the numerous responses from its owners. The model is considered largely controversial. Some owners believe that the engine is not powerful enough, and therefore the biker feels insecure in urban conditions when he gets into traffic. Others, on the contrary, are dissatisfied with the excessive “gluttony” of the motorcycle - when driving at speeds exceeding 160 kilometers per hour, fuel consumption is about six liters per hundred kilometers.

Both are right, since each owner assesses the situation in his own way. Therefore, the BMW F650GS motorcycle, reviews of which vary, is liked by some and not by others. But in general, the characteristics of the German two-wheeled car suit most owners. And if bikers are asked to choose a motorcycle again, many will name the BMW F650GS model. Owner reviews are a subjective concept, since there are no ideal technical means of transportation. But still, there are main, indisputable advantages that should guide you when choosing a bike.

There are no differences in motorcycle configurations. Only one standard is used, which provides a minimum of tools, a pump, a few spare bulbs and a removable fuel filter.