BMW F 650 GS 2012 — Specifications

This version of BMW’s small trail bike is even less unassuming than it appears. With a style reminiscent of the 1200 GS, a trellis frame, and an inline twin replacing the Rotax single, the 650 GS undergoes a complete generational change without altering its philosophy...

Although... The GS no longer really plays in the same league when it comes to the engine. Abandoning the single-cylinder (the traditional trail engine) is an affront to its defenders – however, most users will be more sensitive to the significant increase in power of the F 650 GS: it goes from 50 to 71 horsepower. Quite a significant evolution... and the 1.5 mkg of extra torque will quickly make you forget the 6 kg of added weight registered by the new 650 GS. This may not be enough to console those devoted to the character of a single-cylinder engine; for them, BMW reserves the G 650 X series.

How did the F 650 GS manage to gain 21 horsepower between 2007 and 2008? Not complicated: it’s the engine from the F 800 GS that replaces the Rotax. With 798 cm3 and 2 cylinders, it’s much easier to find power. However, to stick to its 650 designation and not encroach on the territory of the 800, the little GS’s engine is technically distinct: modified valve timing reducing valve overlap and camshafts with different cams reducing the stroke. The 650 produces fewer polluting emissions than the 800, so it is not equipped with a secondary air injection system like the latter. A specific feature of the 650 is that it can be restricted to 34 hp. Young riders with learner’s permits considering the GS will not have to hesitate.

New GS: new engine, new look, new chassis. The simple cradle frame is replaced by a robust trellis of manganese steel tubes. The fine and robust headstock, integrated into the frame structure, allows the handlebars to be steered through 40° (even 42 on the 800). The little GS aims to be very accessible, better than the 800, which is more geared towards off-road riding. To this end, in addition to the narrow seat height, the seat height can be 820 or 790 mm, and it is also possible to lower it to 765 mm with the upswept kit. The equipment of the 650 demonstrates that it leaves the joys of off-road riding to its 800 sister. The youngest of the BMW range is more suited to urban environments. It incorporates a classic 43 mm fork with 180 mm of travel, a classic swingarm damped by a mono-shock with 170 mm of travel, and cast aluminum wheels of 19" at the front and 17" at the rear, which lend themselves better to road riding. Precision: like the 800, the 650 comes standard with enduro tires suitable for road use. A single 300 mm brake disc provides braking at the front. It is backed up by a 265 mm disc on the rear wheel. BMW MotorradABS, which can be mounted as an option, can be deactivated when venturing off-road.

Options

• BMW MotorradABS (disconnectable). • Heated grips. • On-board computer. • Center stand. • Low seat (/790 mm, at no extra cost). • White lens indicators. • Anti-theft alarm (DWA). • Power reduction kit to 25 kW/34 hp (at no extra cost). • Tire pressure monitoring system RDC. • Upswept kit.

Accessories

• Luggage carrier, small format. • Luggage carrier, large format for Vario topcase. • Vario topcase, black. • Carrier for Vario cases. • Vario cases, black. • Inner bags for Vario cases and Vario topcase. • Topcase backrest. • Tank bag, waterproof. • Sport bag, small model. • Sport bag, large model. • Heated grips. • Low seat. • White lens indicators. • Center stand. • BMW Motorrad Navigator II. • Holder, cables and mounting kit for navigation system. • Function bag for navigation system. • Anti-theft alarm (DWA). • Tire pressure monitoring system RDC. • Hand protectors. • Reinforcement (small and large format) for hand protectors. • Spoiler for large format reinforcement. • Engine guard. • Crash bar. • Rear fender extender. • Tall windscreen. • Tall windscreen, tinted. • Akrapovic sport silencer. • Deflector set. • On-board tool kit with maintenance set. • Enduro rear bag. • Power reduction kit to 25 kW/34 hp.