BMW F650 (1993-2007) Review
Published: 22 November 2006
"Off-road pretentions but, in the real world, a sturdy and sensible road motorcycle"
- At a glance
- 652cc - 50 bhp
- 62 mpg - 230 miles range
- Insurance group: 9 of 17
Compare insurance quotes now - Low seat height (780mm)
Overall Rating
Born as the baby to the BMW R1150GS (now 1200cc), the BMW F650GS has a long and credible pedigree, including a string of varients. The BMW F650 has off-road pretentions but, in the real world, is a sturdy and sensible road motorcycle (the BMW F650 Dakar’s the one for the green lanes), it deals with most situations with predictable power and confidence.
Ride Quality & Brakes
Competent and confidence-inspiring but the F650 GS lacks passion. The suspension’s slightly wallowy and you can feel the weight when you’re tipping it into corners but it’s nothing dreadful and the motorcycle holds the road well. The gears clunk and there’s a bit of play on the throttle but otherwise it’s a very stable ride. Excellent in town.
Engine
The BMW F650 is a work horse and power house in one, neat package. With loads of torque, there’s power right through the rev range, taking you from town, to country to motorways with relative ease. The BMW F650's smooth delivery makes for easy riding and it’s tried and tested, providing effortless welly. A very reliable if perhaps a little uninspiring motorcycle
Build Quality & Reliability
Top notch, basically. With a sturdy body, great finish and excellent aftersales service, there’s not a lot to complain about on this motorcycle. Consistent and reliable, the BMW F650 probably has more mileage in it than the average rider. These motorcycles are built to last… and they do.
Insurance, Running Costs & Value
It’s not a budget motorcycle, especially if you want to add any extras, but you’re paying for quality and, to some extent, peace of mind. Furthermore, the BMW F650 GS motorcycle provides a lot of miles to the gallon and sits in insurance group 9, which won’t break the bank. A safe, robust choice, they hold their price well. Find a BMW F650 for sale.
Insurance group: 9 of 17 – compare motorcycle insurance quotes now.
Equipment
Typically with BMW, there’s no shortage of bits and pieces available for the BMW F650 to tart your motorcycle up but most of them are extras. Standard equipment on the BMW F650 includes clear clocks, an adjustable clutch lever and a centre stand. But the BMW F650's screen is not effective, there’s precious little storage and the motorcycle has no fuel gauge. Pay more for ABS, heated grips etc on this motorcycle. Compare and buy parts for the BMW F650 in the MCN Shop.
Owners' Reviews
23 owners have reviewed their BMW F650 (1993-2007) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
| Summary of Owners' Reviews | |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | |
| Ride Quality & Brakes | |
| Engine | |
| Build Quality & Reliability | |
| Value & Running Costs | |
| Equipment | |
Facts & Figures
| Model info | |
|---|---|
| Year introduced | 1993 |
| Year discontinued | 2007 |
| Original price | - |
| Used price | - |
| Warranty term (when new) | Two year unlimited mileage |
| Running costs | |
|---|---|
| Insurance group | 9 of 17 |
| Annual road tax | £88 |
| Annual service cost | £290 |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Max power | 50 bhp |
| Max torque | 44 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 106 mph |
| 1/4-mile acceleration | 13.8 secs |
| Average fuel consumption | 62 mpg |
| Tank range | 230 miles |
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Engine size | 652cc |
| Engine type | 4v single cylinder, 5 gears |
| Frame type | Box-section steel trellis |
| Fuel capacity | 17 litres |
| Seat height | 780mm |
| Bike weight | 175kg |
| Front suspension | None |
| Rear suspension | Preload and rebound |
| Front brake | 300mm disc |
| Rear brake | 240mm disc |
| Front tyre size | 100/90 x 19 |
| Rear tyre size | 130/80 x 17 |
History & Versions
Model history
1993: BMW F650 Funduro dual purpose motorcycle launched, originally manufactured by Aprilia for BMW.
1995: BMW F650 Funduro gets centre stand as standard, otherwise colour changes only.
1997: BMW F650 Strada launched as a more road-biased motorcycle.
1999: BMW F650 Funduro discontinued / BMW F650 Strada SE version launched (virtually same as standard Strada but with heated grips, taller screen etc).
2000: BMW F650GS launched: styled as a mini BMW R1150GS.
2001: BMW F650CS launched.
2003: Both BMW F650 Strada and BMW F650 Strada SE versions discontinued. BMW F650 GS Dakar version launched with taller suspension and higher screen.
2005: BMW F650CS discontinued.
2006: BMW F650GS and BMW F650GS Dakar versions remain.
Other versions
BMW F650: The original, entry-level, dual purpose Funduro: a key machine for BMW.
BMW F650 Strada: More dedicated street motorcycle than the basic, earlier BMW F650s. Shorter wheelbase, lower seat etc…
BMW F650CS: Street motorcycle with funkier styling and belt drive: competent but ultimately a bit gutless in the power department.
BMW F650GS Dakar: Off-road biased motorcycle with nifty, racy paint job, higher screen, taller seat, different wheels and longer travel.