Click to read: BMW F650GS owners reviews, BMW F650GS specs and to see the BMW F650GS image gallery.
First of all let’s clear something up. BMW’s F650GS isn’t a 650, it has virtually the same 798cc engine as the F800GS. BMW is just very conscious about referring to it as an 800. Why? Well the marketing people in Bavaria reckon that 650 sounds a lot less intimidating than 800, and the last thing they want to happen is for this bike to scare anyone.
Much like the old single-cylinder F650GS the new F650GS is aimed at new riders, those returning to riding or those of the female variety. So, despite sharing the same engine as the F800GS BMW has managed to loose 14bhp somewhere between the two models by giving the F650GS a gentler throttle response thanks to a different fuel map and altered cam shaft. The styling is deliberately muted and less aggressive, the seat height almost sub-terranian and unlike the F800GS the 650 only comes with a single front brake disc, although it does get a much more road-orientated 19-inch front wheel. Doesn’t exactly sound a blast to ride, does it?
Well don’t be mislead, the F650GS is a very good bike, in fact it’s easily BMW’s best new-rider bike to date. Obviously if you are already caning around on a Blade then it’s not for you, but for the kind of riders that BMW are targeting this machine is a revolution.
Where the old single cylinder F650GS had more than its fair share of limitations due to its somewhat limp performance this new machine has nothing of the sought. Despite having a reduced amount of power the 650 kicks out a healthy 71bhp, which is enough to make cruising at 80mph on a motorway a possibility.
And this is the key to the new F650GS, because while it still does everything the old bike did to surround the rider in a blanket of user-friendliness, it has the potential for much more. The F650GS is no longer simply a bike for pottering around on, this new GS could take you to see the world.
Verdict
Much like the old machine BMW has done everything within its power to make this bike as un-intimidating as possible. Despite the seemingly powerful engine the delivery is gentle, smooth and totally linear. Open the throttle and you aren’t greeted by a rush of acceleration, more a polite queue as each bhp stops to hold the door open for the next one. The exhaust note doesn’t seem to change at any point through the rev range and neither does the speed of the power delivery. For a new rider it presents no surprises at all and combined with the light clutch, beautifully jerk-free initial throttle response and the precise gearbox makes for easy motoring.
And then there is the handling. Again, it’s not the best handling bike on the market, but for its target audience the F650GS is absolutely spot on. With its much more road-biased front wheel size the F650GS offers a far superior ride than the F800GS. Okay, really push on and its budget suspension can feel a little choppy, but this is only if you are going hard on it, for most of the time it’s solid and balanced. Again, no frills, but very reassuring and balanced for new riders.
And speaking of no frills, while the single front brake disc may not look the most powerful, it does the job perfectly well, and ABS an optional extra. Then there is the weight, despite the new engine the F650GS weighs almost exactly the same as the old single cylinder bike. So you get more power, better handling and increased comfort in a bike that weighs almost the same as the old one.
With the new F650GS BMW has managed to create a lightweight, interesting looking machine that handles well and has the potential to open a huge number of doorways for newer riders. Unlike the old single-cylinder it doesn’t matter if the people you ride with have bigger capacity machines, with the 800 engine you can cruise at speeds that won’t leave you a million miles behind in total comfort and without your eyeballs vibrating out.
But the key to the new F650GS is its accessibility. As well as the price tag of £5,495 owners have access to BMW’s competitive insurance policy, special rates for finance and a ‘buy back’ scheme called BMW Select, which guarantees the minimum price the dealer will give you in two or three year’s time. It’s touches like this that sets the BMW aside from the competition and makes the GS seem very tempting.
BMW is pulling out all the stops to encourage new riders into its brand, and I think with this new F650GS it has got the magic formula right.
BMW F650GS Specs
Price: £5,495
Power: 71bhp @ 7,000rpm
Torque: 55.1lb.ft @ 4,500rpm
Front suspension: 43mm RWU, non adjustable
Rear suspension: Monoshock, fully adjustable
Front brake: 300mm discs, two-piston calipers
Rear brake: 265mm disc, one-piston caliper
Dry weight: 179kg (claimed)
Seat height: 820/790mm
Fuel capacity: 16l
Top speed: 115mph (est)
Colours: Blue, silver, red
