BMW G 650 GS 2014 — Specifications

Recycling a motorcycle is an art that manufacturers have always practiced, but Munich has taken this exercise quite far. The BMW G 650 GS version 2014 descends directly from the F 650 GS born in 2000, and the brushstroke applied between the two deceives only the distracted. New spoke wheels, revised fork headlamp shield, new colors: the cosmetic operation is well done, but the foundation remains that of a platform that has celebrated its fourteen years. Steel tube frame, 652 cc four-valve single-cylinder engine, five-speed gearbox, dual exhaust, fuel tank located under the seat, the 14 liters which will constrain you to anticipate stops in rural areas.

This single-cylinder engine, indeed, deserves attention. With its 100 mm bore for 83 mm stroke and a compression ratio of 11.5:1, it develops 48 horsepower at 6500 rpm and especially 60 Nm at 5000 rpm, a readily available torque that makes the machine supple in everyday use. The BMW G 650 GS A2 ticks all the boxes for restricted licenses, and it is probably there that lies the essential part of its current market. At 192 kg in running order, it is not a featherweight, but it remains manageable. The 780 mm seat suits an average height without wearing heeled boots.

On the road, we find this lively character that the veterans of the F 650 GS have always appreciated. The 41 mm telescopic fork with stabilizer and the hydraulically adjustable spring preload shock absorber do the job honestly. However, the tires fitted in 110/80-19 at the front and 140/80-17 at the rear betray a resolutely road-oriented orientation. The Sertão, a more off-road oriented variant with more aggressive rolling components, remained more consistent on trails. Here, it is better not to stray too far from the tarmac. Outside of that, the announced consumption of 3.2 liters per hundred is frankly reasonable for those looking for an economical companion in everyday life.

The price positioning, displayed at 7376 euros, is in line with Bavarian tradition. It is more than what a Royal Enfield Himalayan or a Kawasaki Versys-X 300 ask, but the standard ABS, the possibility of adding heated grips and the perceived serious finish speak in favor of BMW. Looking for a used BMW G 650 GS from the 2010, 2011, 2012 or 2013 vintages may represent a more rational option, the recent versions sharing the same proven mechanical base.

Ultimately, the BMW G 650 GS 2014 is aimed at a specific audience: the A2 license holder, the urban dweller who dreams of small trails without too much risk, or the light tourist who appreciates the robustness reputation of Munich without wanting to attack a GS 1200. For this profile, it fulfills its contract. For those looking for a real all-round tool capable of getting off the beaten path, the competition now offers more technically advanced machines, without BMW having to spend a lot in the engineering department for this model. It is assumed, it is pragmatic, it is ultimately quite Bavarian.