Motorcycle Segment:
Lightweight adventure touring motorcycle, known for its versatility on and off-road. Often referred to as a 'dual-sport' or 'adventure bike'.
Key Competitors:
Honda Transalp, Suzuki DR650, Kawasaki KLR650, Yamaha Tenere XT660R.
Versatility:
Designed for both comfortable on-road touring and capable off-road riding, a hallmark of the GS series. Single-cylinder engine provides good low-end torque.
Engine Configuration:
Utilizes a robust and reliable single-cylinder engine, a departure from BMW's boxer twin tradition for this displacement class.
Ideal User:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs. Professional motorcycle mechanics working on this model.
Vehicle Systems:
Engine, Drivetrain, Chassis, Electrical System, Bodywork, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Suspension, Brakes, Wheels and Tires, Instrumentation, Controls, Accessories
Maintenance Scope:
Routine maintenance, scheduled servicing, troubleshooting, diagnostics, component repair, component replacement, disassembly, reassembly
Estimated Page Count:
300-400
Manual Type:
Factory Repair Manual / Workshop Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed procedures for top-end (cylinder head, valves, camshafts) and bottom-end (crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons) overhaul. Includes torque specifications, timing chain adjustment, and component tolerances.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Mikuni BSR32) adjustment, cleaning, and overhaul. Fuel pump inspection and replacement. Fuel filter replacement. Fuel tank maintenance.
Ignition System:
Spark plug selection and gap setting. Ignition coil testing. CDI unit diagnostics. Wiring diagrams for ignition components.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams. Battery charging and maintenance. Alternator and starter motor testing. Fuses and relays identification and testing. Lighting system repair. Instrument cluster troubleshooting.
Drivetrain:
Clutch operation and adjustment. Gearbox disassembly and reassembly. Chain and sprocket maintenance. Rear wheel hub and bearing service.
Suspension And Steering:
Front fork oil change and seal replacement. Rear shock absorber inspection and replacement. Steering head bearing adjustment and replacement. Swingarm bearing service.
Brakes:
Brake fluid change. Caliper inspection, cleaning, and overhaul. Brake pad replacement. Master cylinder inspection. Disc inspection and replacement. Bleeding procedure.
Wheels And Tires:
Tire pressure checks. Wheel balancing. Spoke tension adjustment. Tire removal and installation.
Bodywork And Fairings:
Installation and removal of body panels, windshield, mirrors, handlebars, and luggage rack. Fastener identification.
Pre Delivery Inspection:
Detailed checklist for new motorcycle preparation, including checks for transport damage, assembly of components (windshield, mirrors, handlebar weights), battery filling and charging, fluid checks, tire pressure, and final functional tests.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common issues. Fault code reading using BMW MoDiTeC (mention of specific diagnostic tool). Troubleshooting symptoms related to engine performance, electrical faults, and starting problems.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Utilizing BMW MoDiTeC for reading and clearing fault memory. Basic electrical system testing using multimeter.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Covers all scheduled service intervals, including oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, valve clearance adjustments, and lubrication points.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step guides for replacing wear items and common failure points such as batteries, tires, brake pads, bulbs, and fluid filters.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic checks to full engine rebuilds.
Engine Type:
Single-cylinder, four-stroke, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement:
652 cc (39.8 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
100 mm x 83 mm (3.94 in x 3.27 in)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower:
48 hp (36 kW) @ 6500 rpm (approximate, varies slightly by market and year)
Torque:
56.7 Nm (41.9 lb-ft) @ 5000 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Delivery:
Carburetor (Mikuni BSR32 twin-choke)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 liters (3.2 US qt) with filter change
Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 API SG or higher (refer to manual for specific BMW recommendations)
Cooling Method:
Liquid-cooled
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors (BMW recommends specific coolant or equivalent)
Ignition System Type:
Electronic ignition (CDI)
Spark Plug Type:
NGK DPR8EA-9 or equivalent
Length:
2,180 mm (85.8 in)
Width:
890 mm (35.0 in) at handlebars
Height:
1,320 mm (52.0 in) at windshield
Dry Weight:
187 kg (412 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
365 kg (805 lbs)
Payload Capacity:
178 kg (392 lbs)
Seat Height:
820 mm (32.3 in) (standard seat)
Ground Clearance:
170 mm (6.7 in)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
17 liters (4.5 US gal) including 3-liter reserve
Dimensions Specifications
Wheelbase:
1,477 mm (58.1 in)
Front Wheel Size:
2.50 x 19
Rear Wheel Size:
4.00 x 17
Front Tire Size:
100/90-19 57S
Rear Tire Size:
130/80-17 65S
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycle specific ratings often not comparable to automotive)
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on some models.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, taillight, and turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel trellis frame designed for rigidity and rider control.
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer and tachometer, odometer, trip meter, coolant temperature gauge, indicator lights (neutral, turn signals, oil pressure, high beam).
ABS:
Optional ABS system available on select models, providing enhanced braking safety.
Diagnostic Interface:
Provision for BMW MoDiTeC diagnostic tool for electronic systems (as indicated by the manual's contents).
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Inspection:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles). Replacement as needed.
Spark Plug Inspection And Replacement:
Inspect every 20,000 km (12,000 miles). Replace as needed.
Valve Clearance Adjustment:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles).
Chain And Sprocket Inspection:
Check tension and lubrication every 5,000 km (3,000 miles). Replace as a set when worn.
Engine Oil:
SAE 10W-40 or 15W-40 API SG or higher (check manual for exact BMW spec)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific BMW specification)
Coolant:
BMW Motorrad Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Fork Oil:
SAE 7.5W or 10W (refer to manual for precise specification and quantity)
Clutch Cable Wear:
The clutch cable can wear and stretch over time, requiring adjustment or replacement.
Water Pump Seal Leakage:
Occasionally, the water pump seal can develop leaks, requiring replacement.
Carburetor Sync And Cleaning:
Mikuni carburetors may require periodic cleaning and synchronisation for optimal performance.
Regulator Rectifier Failure:
As with many motorcycles of this era, the regulator rectifier can be a failure point, leading to charging system issues.
Chain And Sprocket Wear:
Regular lubrication and adjustment are crucial to prevent premature wear of the drive chain and sprockets.
Bmw Motorrad Legacy:
BMW Motorrad has a long history of producing reliable and innovative motorcycles, particularly known for their boxer-twin adventure and touring bikes (R-series GS models). The F650GS represented BMW's entry into the middleweight adventure segment, utilizing a single-cylinder engine often sourced from Rotax (Austria).
F650Gs Development:
The F650, often called 'Funduro' in its early iterations, was launched in 1993. It was developed to offer a more accessible and lighter-weight alternative to BMW's larger R-series GS models. It quickly gained popularity for its practicality and off-road capability, establishing the single-cylinder GS line. The manual covers the initial generation of this successful model.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (primarily, some components may be sourced internationally)
Market Reputation:
Widely regarded as a reliable and capable entry-level adventure motorcycle. Praised for its durability and low running costs.
Motorcycle Journalist Reviews:
Consistently received positive reviews for its user-friendliness, off-road manners, and suitability for touring.