BMW F650 GS

BMW F650GS Dakar

The BMW F650GS, introduced in 2001, is a dual-purpose BMW motorcycle, one of the the GS on-road / off-road family. It is available in a standard model, and a taller, off-road oriented "Dakar" model, named after the famous Dakar Rally which BMW rider Richard Sainct won on the F650RR in 1999 and 2000. BMW's marketing people refer to this bike as an enduro, but some may feel it is too big and heavy to compete in a sanctioned enduro competition if left in street legal trim; most people would refer to it as a dual-sport or adventure-touring bike.

Its specifications put it in the 650-cc dual-sport class, competing against bikes such as the Kawasaki KLR650, Suzuki DR650, Honda XR650L, KTM LC4 640, Yamaha XT660 and perhaps the Honda Transalp. The standard model is more road-oriented than anything except the Transalp; however, the taller Dakar model can successfully tackle very challenging terrain.

BMW announced in December 2006 that the F650GS Dakar model is scheduled to be discontinued as of January 2007.

Distinctive Features

The F650GS has several advanced technology features, with computer-controlled fuel injection, catalytic converter, a Nikasil-lined cylinder, optional ABS and an airbox cleverly designed to exploit the airflow pattern of the bike when in motion. All this together with the bike's high compression ratio allow it to produce more power than its rivals while still maintaining excellent fuel economy and reduced emissions. The engine is manufactured for BMW by Austrian company Rotax.

Most riders find it much more comfortable and less stressed than its competitors at freeway speeds. The standard model's relatively low seat height make it one of the few 650-cc dual-sports that can be comfortably ridden by persons under six feet (182 cm) tall. The F650GS has an active aftermarket, with many add-ons and upgrades available. It is slightly more expensive than any of its competitors except the LC4, but that is partially explained by the higher level of standard equipment delivered on the bike. Only the F650GS, LC4 and Transalp have hard-luggage available from the manufacturer.

Specifications

Specifications for 2006 U.S. Model [1] [2]

Engine Type	Single Cylinder, Water Cooled, Four-Stroke, DOHC, 4 valves
Displacement	652 cc
Carburetion	Computer managed fuel injection
Bore × Stroke	100 mm × 83 mm
Peak Power	50 bhp (37 kW) @ 6500 rpm
Peak torque	44 lbf·ft (60 N·m) @ 5000 rpm
Compression ratio	11.5 : 1
Fuel capacity	4.0 U.S. gallons / 15 L
Oil capacity	2.4 U.S. quarts / 2.3 L
Charging system output	400 W @ 14 V
Misc. (engine)	Dual-Spark system; requires premium fuel
Seat height	30.9 in. (78.5 cm) (Dakar: 34.3 in. (87.1 cm))
Dry weight (excluding options & accessories)	387 lb (176 kg) (Dakar: 391 lb (177 kg))
Wet weight (excluding options & accessories)	423 lb (192 kg) (Dakar: 425 lb (193 kg))
GVWR	837 lb (380 kg)
Tires	Front: 19 in. Rear: 17 in. (Dakar Front: 21 in.)
Brakes	Front: 1 disc, 2 piston caliper; Rear: 1 disc, 1 piston caliper; partially integrated ABS optional
Final drive	520 O-Ring Chain

External links

• "The Chain Gang" — BMW F650 Owners club