BMW F650GS
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The BMW F650GS, introduced in 2000, 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 Motorrad USA announced in December 2006 that the F650GS Dakar model is scheduled to be discontinued in USA as of January 2007.
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[edit] 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.
[edit] Specifications
| 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 |
[edit] See also
Simon and Monika Newbound - GS riders who hold the world record for motorcycle endurance.
