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Manufacturer: BMW………..TOP Model: F650 (Variants: F650 GS PD, F650 Funduro, F650 CS, F650ST, F650GSA, F650GS Dakar, F650 GS Dakar ABS) Years Made: 1995-03+, 1997-03+ (NA) Style: Dirt-Dual-Sport (GS), Road-Dual-Sport (CS) Engine Type:
652cc SingleSeat: 780 mm Weight: 410lb HP: 50 Top Speed: 105mph MPG: 55 New Cost: $10,500 (1995) – $11,200 (1997) – $11,200(Fun)/ $11,330(GS)(2000) – $12,350(GS)/ 13,635 (CS) (2002)
Average Used Costs: Low $3,498 Medium $5,162 High $6,800
Description:
F650CS: The home of the F 650 CS is the road. Serving as an ideal city bike, the F 650 CS is simply ideal for riding in the middle of town , going to work, riding to university, or for a spree down the boulevards. The new storage space concepts within the central fairing offers lots of opportunities for accomadating all the odds and ends the rider needs in everyday life. Low seat height of just 780 mm/30.7″ – or an even lower 750 mm/29.5″ as an option – makes the F 650 CS ideal also for the somewhat smaller rider. And through its superior handling combined with the fast-revving, high torque but economical power unit, the F 650 CS offers sporting talents on country roads – it is a genuine performer even in tight bends, offering superior riding pleasure wherever you go. – BMW
The F 650 GS is a superb dual purpose on/off road fun bike that arrives fresh from its sweeping victory in the 2000 Paris-Dakar-Cairo Rally. The F 650 GS provides a level of standard specification which will be hard for any competitor to match, with features such as heated hand grips, three different seat height options, BMW’s 12 month Roadside Assistance Programme and the option of the lightweight switchable ABS system. The single cylinder 650cc engine features technology transferred from BMW’s road cars in its cylinder head construction, with fuel Injection, Digital Motor Electronics and a catalytic converter. The new F 650 GS also differs from its predecessor through a total redesign of its body work, cockpit and handlebar controls. Handling is aided by the lower centre of gravity facilitated by the repositioned fuel tank and the twin exhausts are now sportingly positioned under the rear seat. -BMW
Notes:
MBG Says: (Rating 6.5/10) By grafting all kinds of trick innovations to its F650GS, like ABS, fuel injection, and by giving it such distinctive styling, the manufacturer is quietly turning it into a “real BMW,” technically advanced and different looking, which should make its price easier to justify than in the past. It’ll probably also result in a higher loyalty rate with owners when the time comes for them to graduate to something bigger.
MR says: In a surprising break with tradition, BMW announced in 1992 that it had made an agreement with Aprilia to produce a single cylinder BMW. The resultant F650 model utilized a four valve rotax engine and chain drive, and was produced by the Aprilia factory in Italy. The machine was designed with the beginning rider in mind, and was capable of very light off-road duties. Despite it’s European introduction in 1994, it did not appear Stateside until 1997. There were two versions in 1997… the standard F650, and the more street oriented F650ST. The engine is mounted in a single loop steel frame, and the suspension made by Showa. Although it was a docile machine aimed at re-entry, and beginning riders, BMW built and raced versions of the F650, very successfully, in the Paris Dakar Rally. An F650GS was built to capitalize on its success.
Power in 1997 was 42.2bhp, with torque of 38ft/lbs. Wet weight was 427lb’s.
IGM Says (Best first bike): This is one of the finest single-cylinder motorcycles ever made, but also one of the most expensive. The Funduro, as it is called in Europe, is a great beginner’s bike, but if money is an issue, you can get more for your dollars elsewhere.
“General Purpose” Dual-Sport F650 Funduro became the more dual-sport specific F650GS “Dirt Purpose” Dual-Sport in 2000, and F650CS “Road Purpose” Dual-Sport in 2002 to better serve those markets. The F650 Funduro model was then discontinued in 2000.
