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The 'BMW F 650 GS', introduced in 2000, is a dual-purpose BMW motorcycle, 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 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 F 650 GS Dakar model is due to be discontinued in 2007 and has already been discontinued in some markets. It will be replaced by the new G Series.

Contents

Distinctive Features

Specifications

See also

External links

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. All this together with the bike's high compression ratio allow it to produce more power than its rivals while still maintaining excellent fuel economy and reduced emissions. 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.

Specifications

Specifications for 2006 U.S. Model [1] [2]

Engine Type	Single Cylinder, Water Cooled, Four-Stroke, DOHC, 4 valves
Displacement	652 cc
Carburetion	Computer managed fuel injection
Bore × Stroke	100 mm × 83 mm
Peak Power	50 bhp (37 kW) @ 6500 rpm
Peak torque	44 lbf·ft (60 N·m) @ 5000 rpm
Compression ratio	11.5 : 1
Fuel capacity	4.0 U.S. gallons / 17.3 L
Oil capacity	2.4 U.S. quarts / 2.3 L
Charging system output	400 W @ 14 V
Misc. (engine)	Dual-Spark system
Seat height	30.9 in. (78.5 cm) (Dakar: 34.3 in. (87.1 cm))
Dry weight (excluding options & accessories)	387 lb (176 kg) (Dakar: 391 lb (177 kg))
Wet weight (excluding options & accessories)	423 lb (192 kg) (Dakar: 425 lb (193 kg))
Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)	837 lb (380 kg)
Tires	Front: 19 in. Rear: 17 in. (Dakar Front: 21 in.)
Brakes	Front: 1 disc, 2 piston caliper; Rear: 1 disc, 1 piston caliper; ABS optional
Final drive	520 O-Ring Chain

See also

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

External links

★ Details of emergency services version of F 650 GS

★ "The Chain Gang" — BMW F650 Owners club and forum