BMW F650 single
From BMW Tech
The BMW F650 is a family of single-cylinder motorcycles produced by BMW motorcycles beginning in 1993 and introduced to the United States in 1997[1]. They were the first single-cylinder motorcycles from BMW since the R27, as well as the first chain-drive motorcycles from BMW[1].
Contents |
1993: F650 Funduro/Strada
| | |
| Manufacturer | BMW Motorrad |
|---|---|
| Holding company | BMW |
| Production | 1993–2000 |
| Successor | F650GS / F650CS |
| Class | Dual-sport |
| Engine | 652 cc Rotax Single cylinder engine |
| Seat height | 30.9 in (784.9 mm) (F650S) |
| Related | Aprilia Pegaso |
The BMW F650 Funduro was introduced in 1993, powered by an Austrian 652 cc single cylinder Rotax engine and built in Italy by Aprilia to BMW's specifications. It was the first BMW motorcycle with chain drive. Initially there were two variants. The Funduro was Dual-sport, and the Strada, or F650ST, had a smaller front wheel and was intended for street use. The F650 used two 33mm Carburetors[1].
The F650S and F650ST were introduced to the United States market in 1997[1].
In 2000[1], BMW introduced the F650GS to replace the Funduro, and the F650CS Scarver to replace the Strada. In 2001, the original F650 was discontinued.
2000: F650 GS
| | |
| Manufacturer | BMW Motorrad |
|---|---|
| Production | 2000–2007 |
| Predecessor | F650 Funduro |
| Successor | F650GS (twin) & F800GS G650GS |
| Class | city/sport |
| Engine | 652 Cubic centimetre, Single Cylinder, Water Cooled, Four-Stroke, DOHC, 4 valves |
| Power (physics) | 50 hp (37 kW) @ 6,500 Rpm |
| Torque | 44 lb·ft (60 N·m) @ 5,000 rpm |
| Transmission (mechanics) | 5-speed, O-Ring Chain |
| Brakes | Front: 1 disc, 2 piston caliper; Rear: 1 disc, 1 piston caliper; Anti-lock braking system optional |
| Tires | 19" front (21" Dakar), 17" rear |
| Seat height | 30.9 in (784.9 mm) |
| Weight | 387 lb (175.5 kg) (Dry weight (motorcycle)), 423 lb (192 kg) (Wet weight (motorcycle)) |
| Fuel capacity | Auto litres |
| Related | F 650 CS |
The BMW F 650 GS, is a Dual-sport BMW motorcycle. It was produced with a single cylinder engine from 2000 to 2007. 105,000 F650GS models were sold between 2000 and 2007.[1][2]
The F650GS is one of 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 XT 660 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.
An emergency services specific version of the F650GS, fitted with blue lights and sirens, is available from BMW Motorrad's Official and special duty vehicles division.
A specially prepared Rally-raid version of the bike was used by Charley Boorman and his team during the 2006 Dakar Rally while filming their documentary Race To Dakar.
Technology
The F 650 GS has several advanced technology features, with computer-controlled Fuel injection, Catalytic converter, a Nikasil-lined cylinder, optional Anti-lock braking system and an Airbox cleverly designed to exploit the airflow pattern of the bike when in motion. Combined with the bike's high Compression ratio and Twin spark (from 2004 onwards), fuel economy and reduced emissions exist alongside high power output. The original F650 single engine was manufactured for BMW by Austrian company Rotax while the bike was assembled by Aprilia. When the F650GS was launched, the full process was brought back in-house.
The Rotax engine was upgraded to a 43mm EFI throttle body with an airbox on top of the motor, which meant the gas tank was relocated to underneath the seat.[1] The bodywork was redesigned by head BMW designer David Robb.[1]
The F 650 GS has an active Aftermarket (automotive), 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 F 650 GS, LC4 and Transalp have hard-luggage available from the manufacturer.
2008: F650GS Parallel Twin
In 2008, the single cylinder F650GS was replaced by an all-new design featuring an F 800GS-derived 798 cc, parallel twin engine. For marketing purposes the 2008 motorcycle uses the same name, F650GS, despite the fact that it has a 798 cc engine. For the 2009 model year, the former single cylinder F650GS was renamed the G650GS.
2009: G650GS
In the United States, South America, and Greece[1], the original single-cylinder F650GS has been relaunched as the G650GS and continues to be sold,[3][2] but fitted with an engine manufactured by Kymco in China.[1][4]
The G650GS received several upgrades for 2009: the Kymco engine now produces 3 additional horsepower (now 53 hp), and received a stronger 400 watt alternator.[1]. In the United States, ABS and heated grips are standard[1]
See also
- Simon and Monika Newbound - GS riders who hold the world record for motorcycle endurance.
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 Motorcycle News, February 2009, p29
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Brisette, Pete (15 December 2008). "2009 BMW G650GS Review". Motorcycle.com. http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/bmw/2009-bmw-g650gs-review-87721.html.
- ↑ "G650GS 2009". BMW Motorrad USA. http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/bikes/bike.jsp?b=2009g650gs&bikeSection=enduro. Retrieved on 2008-12-17.
- ↑ "BMW's radical 3-wheeler on its way". Visordown. http://www.visordown.com/articles/view/bmws_radical_3wheeler_on_its_way_/5267.html. Retrieved on 2009-01-09.
External links
- Specifications for 2006 single-cylinder U.S. Model
- Details of emergency services version of single-cylinder F 650 GS
- Official BMW Motorrad page for twin-cylinder F650GS
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