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BMW G650GS (2011 - on) Review

MCN rating 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Owners' rating 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Specs Owners' reviews Bikes for saleFor sale
5

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 3.2 out of 5 (3.2/5)
Annual servicing cost: £200
Power: 47 bhp
Seat height: Low (30.7 in / 780 mm)
Weight: Medium (423 lbs / 192 kg)

Prices

New £6,290
Used N/A

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The GS650GS is BMW’s entry-level adventure bike and successor to the old G650 and F650GS single. Because it’s essentially a tweaked version of those, development costs have been low, making it not just the cheapest BMW you can buy but one of the cheapest big bikes. It’s competent on trails, but with a low seat height and exactly 47bhp on tap, it’s also ideal as a first big bike for novices. From 2013, 47bhp is set to replace 33bhp as the power limit for newly qualified riders, so the G650GS should prove tempting to many. New bodywork similar to its bigger brother, the R1200GS, should add appeal. 

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Despite the tall suspension and ample ground clearance, the G650GS has a remarkably low seat-height, further positioning it as novice-friendly. There are three options: 750mm, 780mm or 820mm. To put that in perspective, a Kawasaki Ninja 250R’s seat height is 790mm. But don’t let the G650GS’ novice credentials put you off – it’s also a more than capable middle-weight adventure bike. Off-road the new Sachs suspension and 19-inch front wheel soak up rocks. On road it feels deceptively light and balanced, and almost as comfortable as its bigger brother, the R1200GS.   

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The G650GS’s single-cylinder lump pulls from virtually no rpm. Off-road, in a low gear, it can be barely turning faster than tick-over and a snap of the throttle will still pull you up hills. On road it offers a good, linear power curve with the slightest of fade in mid-range. It’s a tweaked version of the engine that powered the old G650 and the F650GS before that, and as such is a well-proven. At 47bhp, it makes 3bhp less than its predecessor. BMW says this is down to a bigger alternator needed for optional ABS and heated grips but it’s almost certainly no coincidence that 47bhp is to replace 33bhp as the limit for newly qualified riders from 2013.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
3 out of 5 (3/5)

Despite a few well-publicised quality control concerns, BMW has retained its reputation for reliability and there’s nothing to indicate the G650GS won’t live up to it. It’s worth noting that six-time Paris Dakar legend Simon Pavey used a single F650 engine – the predecessor to the G650GS’ - in two of the gruelling rallies. Production has switched from Austria’s Rotax to a factory in China to save cost, but BMW is adamant that quality and tolerances have not been compromised.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
5 out of 5 (5/5)

This is where the G650GS really comes into its own. At £4920, it’s not just the cheapest BMW you can buy – it’s one of the cheapest big bikes you can buy, undercutting even Suzuki’s budget SV650 at £4975. For less you can have a Honda CBR250R, Kawasaki Ninja 250R or KLX250, a Yamaha YBR250 and, unless you want a 125, not much else. None of those makes close to the GS650GS’s power – and try doing the Paris Dakar on one.

Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

You don’t get much as standard – there’s no fuel gauge, for example – but there’s plenty on offer if you don’t mind paying for it. Optional extras include heated grips, ABS, a power socket, centre stand and top box and panniers.

Specs
Engine size 652cc
Engine type 4 valve, single-cylinder, liquid cooled, 5 gears
Frame type Steel cradle
Fuel capacity 14 litres
Seat height 780mm
Bike weight 192kg
Front suspension 41mm telescopic forks/none
Rear suspension Monoshock/none
Front brake 300mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Rear brake 240mm disc, 1-piston caliper
Front tyre size 190/90m R19
Rear tyre size 140/80 R17

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption 59 mpg
Annual road tax £101
Annual service cost £200
New price £6,290
Used price -
Insurance group 8 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance
Max power 47 bhp
Max torque 44 ft-lb
Top speed 105 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range 184 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

2011: Model introduced

Other versions

G650GS Sertao

Read more about the full BMW GS range

Owners' reviews for the BMW G650GS (2011 - on)

6 owners have reviewed their BMW G650GS (2011 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your BMW G650GS (2011 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Engine: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Reliability & build quality: 3.2 out of 5 (3.2/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Equipment: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Annual servicing cost: £200
5 out of 5 Good single for lots of fun
10 April 2020 by Diz

Year: 2014

Annual servicing cost: £200

A cracking bike that does a bit of everything. Excellent fuel economy also. I had wire wheels on mine and it was fine for gentle green landing but could do motorway speeds if required.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Ride is good with adjustable back end but the front brake laxkss both feel and power.

Engine 5 out of 5

Snappy when you want it.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Had seized chain adjusters but otherwise no real issues.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Hand warmers excellent if you ride in Britain.

Buying experience: Vines of Guildford IMO did a good deal for my ex-off road skills bike.

4 out of 5 G650GS
25 February 2019 by Derek

Year: 2014

This is a good bike for town and country, including green landing. The economy is good and the motor has a snap to it if you want to use the power. It's great for really small country roads where it handles the twists and turns on uneven surfaces easily. The front brake could be stronger and have more feel.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

The front brake could be more powerful and have better feel.

Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

The only problem I've had turned out to be a loose earth lead on the battery. A few bits of rust on the frame but this one came from the Off-road skills course so would have been dropped a lot.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Buying experience: Ex Off Road Skills bike bought from Vines of Guilford. As described and at a good price. Bike was delivered 200 miles.

2 out of 5 Warning
15 March 2012 by tenekes

This is a great bike, with a serious flaw - you are more likely than you think to face starting issues, even with a 2012 model. Just have a look at the relevant fora, the cases with the hot start problem are increasing every day. It seems that BMW keep selling a model, knowing it is flawed, hoping they will figure out the solution at some point and maybe issue a recall.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 2 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 1 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 3 out of 5
5 out of 5 Nickmclean please contact
10 November 2011 by bumpy48

Hi Nick Hopefully you are reading this. If so can you contact me chris.valder 'at' tiscali.co.uk. I also have a problem with my camshaft and would like help. Thanks

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
5 out of 5 Perfect for my needs
22 July 2011 by Dr Mengle

All day comfort, good to work on, reliable and best of all is 76 mpg

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 Camshafted
20 June 2011 by nickmclean

Seat is a bit hard but then I have come from a blackbird. mmmm comfy. Lots of equipment available - don't want any of it - find the abs lethal if there is a bump in the road while braking. I'd like falling off to be my own fault, please. Actually, I'd rather not fall off... Quality and reliability, I really want to say excellent but I can only say X. Had it six weeks, three weeks in the garage waiting for a new camshaft. Long story which I wrote in the comments section. Really good value, cheap bike, getting 68mpg for motorway riding. Got a loaner for the duration of repairs and I can now compare the G650GS with the old f650GS. G650 has lighter clutch but gearbox is clunkier and has no stop at top or bottom of gear change. Indicators - don't get me started - give me my g650 normal indicator switch back please! Same engines? G650 sounds much harsher and has more vibration. I definately prefer the old F650 to the G650 in engine terms. And the F650 has a camshaft that works. But, the engine is good in general, nice and frugal. Pulls nicely when you want it, not quite in the teritory of my old blackbird though :) All in all, a damn fine everyday bike for normal people who just want to get here and there without a lot of cost or hassle. Please MR BMW, bring me a camshaft before Christmas...

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 4 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 1 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
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