Road Test: 2008 BMW F 650 GS launch – The softer option
Written: 25/02/2008 : 11:00. Read 48119 times (98/day).
The old F 650 GS have been successful for BMW. In 2008 it has been replaced by an 800cc parallel twin, but the name is still the same. We went all the way to South Africa to try it. 201 votes
BMW’s intention with the F 650 GS is for it to be the introduction model into the bigger BMW motorcycles. It’s the budget F 800 GS, but also the choice if a tall bike is not your thing. In a nutshell these are the differences from the F 800 GS: lower output of horsepower and torque enabled by a different camshaft, narrow F 800 S radiator, lower seat height (820-790mm-765mm with lowering kit), low wind-screen, conventional telescope fork, cast wheels, 19inch front wheel, single front disc brake and lower spec mono shock.
The F 650 GS is hence more of a street bike than the F 800 GS.
Let’s talk about the new engine first. The old one was a 50 horsepower single cylinder four stroke. The new F 650 GS is a 798cc parallel twin with 71 horsepower. I have already noted that the F 650 GS is only about 500 Euro more expensive than a G 650 in Germany. That’s a full 20 horsepower, 1 extra cylinder and 150cc more for only a slight premium extra! This is really where the F 650 GS will be a success finding its place in the market. We believe there are some serious price politics going on with this model which benefits the consumers compared to the G 650 range and the F 800 GS.
Along a sun drenched road along South Africa’s east coast is where I find myself in the seat of the F 650 GS.
The seat is really low, but for some reason I don’t feel big on the bike. The F 650 GS is still a proper motorcycle with the same chassis as the F 800 GS and even the same engine in detuned state. First impressions are of a dulled down version of the F 800 GS though. The seat is fine and the GS is the easiest thing in the world to ride. Just release the clutch in first and roll on the early surge of torque.
The F 650 GS does produce less torque than the F 800 GS, but max torque (75Nm) is reached already at 4.500rpm. I could feel that the torque came in a little bit earlier and the 650 is also 6 kilos lighter than the other 800 GS.
Despite of having lesser quality suspension the F 650 felt good through the corners. Over various speed bumps etc on the road the F 650 GS was not as plush and refined as the F 800 GS. The 650 are also fitted with Bridgestone Battle Wing tyres, but on different wheels and in different dimensions (a wider 110/80-19 at the front and a narrower 140/80-17 at the rear.)
I rode more with the ABS turned on with the F 650 GS than the F 800 GS.
As more potential buyers of the 650 might not be as confident on the front brake ABS could be a life saver. I’d still ride some miles with the ABS turned off though and it was possible to do some stoppies even with only one brake disc at the front. The single brake disc at the front was sufficient to stop the F 650 GS. The dry weight is 179 kilos and the top speed around 190km/h so there is less speed and weight to bring to a halt than the F 800 GS.
The shorter wind screen didn’t bother me at all on the few motorway miles that we did, but it was a very warm day. Cornering more on the F 650 GS I found that the lean angle is not that grand as the rubber on the foot pegs scraped early. I guess that is the price you have to pay for a low seat height and less suspension travel on this type of motorcycle.
The whole look of the F 650 GS is down toned to something more understated than the F 800 GS.
The lesser F is only available in single colours and the cool air inlets on the F 800 GS are hidden within the front fairing on the 650.
Conclusion The F 650 GS is a motorcycle full of various compromises. There are compromises in the engine department, suspension, styling and ergonomics. Enough compromises for me to never want one over the F 800 GS. But the compromises are there to offer an alternative that is cheaper and easier for a lot of people to accept. Whilst the F 800 GS is more of a purist machine, the F 650 GS really is the soft option.
I do believe that there is some good value for money and plenty of motorcycle. The 800cc engine is there, but if you are waiting for the F 800 GS the 650 just will not cut it. The fact that there is a possible his and hers thing going on here as well might make me want to vomit but that’s not the bikes fault. The F 650 GS is better than a single as long as the price stays right.
+ Great understated commuter if that’s your thing Low seat height for short people 800 cc parallel twin enables the all important touring aspect
- You’ll spend your life telling people that it’s an 800 and not a 650 None of the parts on the F 650 GS are poor quality, but it will always have a budget stamp on it.
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