Segment:
Mid-weight adventure touring motorcycle.
Target Audience:
Riders seeking versatility for commuting, touring, and light off-road use.
Competitors Early 2000S:
Honda Transalp, Kawasaki KLR650, Suzuki V-Strom 650 (introduced later in the range's coverage).
Versatility:
Combines comfortable ergonomics for longer rides with capable suspension for varied terrain.
Engine Character:
Known for its torquey, user-friendly single-cylinder engine.
Durability:
Generally regarded as a robust and reliable motorcycle, especially the Rotax-powered models.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, inspection, overhaul, valve adjustments, timing, piston/ring replacement, cylinder head service.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system (EFI), throttle body, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel tank, injectors, emissions control systems.
Ignition System:
Ignition coils, spark plugs, ECU (Engine Control Unit), sensors (crankshaft position, camshaft position, etc.).
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant, water pump, thermostat, hoses, cooling fan.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter (if applicable), muffler, lambda sensor.
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Clutch operation, gearbox components, shifting mechanism, final drive (chain and sprockets), maintenance of drivetrain.
Suspension System:
Front telescopic forks (including oil change, seal replacement, spring inspection), rear shock absorber, linkage systems, adjustment procedures.
Braking System:
Front and rear brake calipers, brake discs, master cylinders, brake lines, brake fluid replacement, bleeding procedures, ABS system (if equipped).
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), starter motor, lighting system, fuses, relays, instrument cluster, fault finding.
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, steering head bearings, wheel bearings, general chassis component maintenance.
Bodywork And Fairings:
Removal and installation of body panels, fairings, seat, luggage systems (if applicable).
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, lubrication, bolt tightening specifications.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault codes, systematic problem-solving for electrical and mechanical problems.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step guides for component removal, installation, and rebuilding.
Overhaul Guides:
Detailed instructions for major component overhauls (e.g., engine, gearbox, forks).
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and detailed electrical diagnostics.
Configuration:
Single-cylinder, four-stroke
Bore X Stroke:
100 mm x 83 mm
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Horsepower Approx:
Approx. 48-50 hp @ 6500 rpm (depending on market and specific version)
Torque Approx:
Approx. 60-62 Nm (44-46 lb-ft) @ 5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Bosch Motronic
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (95 RON recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
17.3 liters (4.57 US gal)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually.
Major Service Interval:
Significant inspection and potential component replacement at 20,000 km (12,000 miles) and 40,000 km (24,000 miles), including valve clearance checks.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, JASO MA certified synthetic or semi-synthetic motorcycle oil, SAE 15W-50 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for exact viscosity based on temperature).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.7 liters (2.9 US qt) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW Motorrad Coolant - blue (ethylene glycol based) or equivalent quality coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid.
Fork Oil Type And Viscosity:
Typically SAE 7.5W or 10W suspension fluid (specific quantity per fork leg provided in manual).
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, wheel bearings, steering head bearings, fork seals, chain and sprockets.
Electrical Gremlins:
Occasional issues with the side stand switch, immobilizer system, or rectifier/regulator on older models.
Engine Specific:
Rotax-built engines are generally robust, but proper maintenance is key. Some instances of oil consumption may require monitoring.
Bmw Motorrad History:
BMW Motorrad has a long and esteemed history dating back to 1923, known for engineering excellence and innovation in motorcycles.
F Series Heritage:
The F 650 GS is part of BMW's successful 'F' series, initially developed in partnership with Rotax and later transitioning to BMW's own engine designs for subsequent generations.
Predecessors Successors:
Evolved from earlier F 650 models and paved the way for the parallel-twin F 650 GS (twin) and later F 700/800 GS models.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Germany (Berlin) and later also in South Africa.
Sales Success:
The F 650 GS was a very popular model, making adventure touring more accessible to a wider range of riders.
