Segment:
Entry-level to mid-range adventure touring motorcycle
Target Audience:
Riders seeking a versatile, reliable, and relatively affordable motorcycle for commuting, touring, and light off-road use.
Key Competitors:
KTM 640 Adventure, Yamaha XT660R, Kawasaki KLR650, Honda Transalp (depending on year and specific F650GS variant)
Versatility:
Capable on-road and capable for moderate off-road exploration, often praised for its approachable nature.
Reliability:
Generally considered a robust and reliable motorcycle, particularly the Rotax-built engines.
Cost Savings:
Enables owners to perform a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks, saving significant labor costs from dealerships or independent shops.
Empowerment:
Provides the knowledge and confidence for riders to understand and maintain their motorcycle effectively.
Primary Coverage:
Maintenance, Repair, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics
Additional Coverage:
Pre-delivery checks, routine maintenance schedules, technical specifications
Estimated Pages:
300-500 (typical for comprehensive service manuals)
Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, Clutch, Gearbox, Drive Chain, Rear Wheel Drive
Chassis And Suspension:
Steering, Frame, Wheels and Tires, Brakes
Electrical And Electronics:
Engine Electrics, General Electrical Equipment, Instruments, Lights
Fuel And Exhaust:
Fuel preparation and control, Fuel tank and lines, Radiator, Exhaust system
Body And Accessories:
Equipment
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, brake fluid service, coolant checks, spark plug replacement, air filter service
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, clutch replacement, gearbox servicing, brake caliper overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical system diagnosis and repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common starting, running, and electrical issues
Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, fault code interpretation (if applicable to the specific F650GS generation covered), component testing
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to major component overhauls. Includes detailed step-by-step instructions and diagrams.
Type:
Single-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled (Rotax-built for many models)
Displacement:
652 cc (approximate)
Bore X Stroke:
100 mm x 83 mm (typical)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1 or 11.5:1 (varies by model year/variant)
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approx. 48-50 hp @ 6500-7000 rpm (varies by model year)
Torque:
Approx. 44-46 lb-ft @ 5000-5500 rpm (varies by model year)
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2 / 87 AKI
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 15W-50 or 10W-40, API SG/SH/SJ or higher, JASO MA certified (check specific manual for precise grade)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.5 - 2.8 liters (with filter change, check manual)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant, mix ratio 50/50 with distilled water
Length:
Approx. 2180 mm (85.8 in) (varies by model year)
Width:
Approx. 890 mm (35.0 in) (over handlebars, varies)
Height:
Approx. 1290 mm (50.8 in) (over windscreen, varies)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 172 kg (379 lbs) (varies by model year and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 360 kg (794 lbs) (check manual for specific rating)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approx. 17 liters (4.5 US gal) (including reserve)
ABS:
Optional ABS system available on many models.
Braking System:
Dual disc front, single disc rear, hydraulic actuation. Specific caliper and master cylinder details in manual.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, turn signals (bulb type varies by year).
Display Type:
Analog speedometer and tachometer, with LCD display for odometer, trip meter, fuel level, and warning lights.
ABS Availability:
Optional ABS, often switchable.
Charging Port:
Some models may have an auxiliary power outlet for charging devices.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (consult specific manual).
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20,000 km (12,000 miles) (consult specific manual).
Chain Maintenance:
Regular cleaning, lubrication, and tension adjustment is critical, with intervals dependent on usage and environment (daily/weekly checks recommended).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (check specific manual for exact specification and change interval)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 1.5 - 1.7 liters (check manual)
Stator Output:
Some earlier models can experience stator output degradation, affecting battery charging.
Fuel Pump:
Occasional reports of fuel pump issues, particularly with ethanol-containing fuels.
Wiring Harness:
Abrasion or corrosion in specific areas of the wiring harness can lead to electrical gremlins.
Air Filter Part Number Example:
BMW part numbers vary, but aftermarket equivalents like K&N or HIFLOFILTRO are common (e.g., HA7103 for some models).
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
BMW part numbers vary, but common aftermarket equivalents like BMW 11 42 7 673 541 or equivalents from Mann-Filter, K&N, or HIFLOFILTRO (e.g., HF160) are used.
Bmw Motorcycle Division:
BMW Motorrad has a long history dating back to 1923, known for engineering excellence and durability.
F Series Introduction:
The F650GS, launched in 1993 (as the F650), was BMW's first single-cylinder, non-boxer engined motorcycle in decades, aimed at a broader market.
Generation Changes:
Significant updates occurred around 2000 with the introduction of fuel injection, revised suspension, and the E169 chassis becoming R13. Later models (e.g., from 2008 onwards, the F650GS Twin) are distinct, but this manual covers the single-cylinder lineage.
Manufacturing Location:
Initially produced by Aprilia in Italy under contract for BMW, later models might have different origins.
