BMW F 650 GS: specifications, pros and cons, compatible accessories
Two different bikes with the same name, and every accessory belongs to only one of them
Up to 2007, the F 650 GS was single-cylinder: Funduro, Dakar, CS, then G 650 GS. From 2008, it kept the same name but became twin-cylinder, essentially a detuned F 800 GS. They are two completely unrelated designs, and the catalog reflects this: each code here applies to one generation or the other, never both.
- AttentionTwin-cylinder from 2008 onward, single-cylinder through 2007: different accessories.
- Do this immediatelyHandguard kit, and for longer trips, the mechanical cruise control.
- If you have the single-cylinder modelThe BHG-010 kit and the two Kaoko products are for the Funduro, Dakar, and G 650 GS.
- If you have the twin-cylinder modelThe handguard kit is shared with the F 800 GS.
- BrandsBarkbusters, Kaoko, LOBOO.
Who it's recommended for
It's the right bike if
- You are looking for the lowest possible cost to enter the world of BMW touring
- You are of shorter stature: the low version reaches 765 mm
- You want a lightweight bike for its category, 199 kg ready to ride
- You are interested in simple mechanics, without electronics to diagnose
- You ride on paved roads and gravel roads, alone or two-up on short trips
Look elsewhere if
- You ride challenging dirt roads: a 19-inch wheel and short-travel suspension
- You often travel two-up with luggage: 71 hp is the bare minimum
- You find the fuel cap under the seat inconvenient
- You are looking for engine guards, a skid plate, or crankcase protection: they are not in the catalog
- You have no way to check whether it is the single-cylinder or twin-cylinder model before buying
In a nutshell: in both generations, it is the most affordable gateway to traveling on a BMW. If you are looking for a 21-inch wheel and genuine off-road capability, the classic F 800 GS is the right sibling; if you want something newer with the same ease of handling, the F 750 GS is the next generation.
Technical specifications
The data refers to the twin-cylinder model from 2008 onward.
| Engine | 798 cc parallel twin, 360-degree crankshaft |
|---|---|
| Power | 71 hp at 7,000 rpm |
| Torque | 75 Nm at 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain final drive |
| Chassis | Steel trellis frame, telescopic fork |
| Wheels | 19-inch front, 17-inch rear |
| Weight | 199 kg ready to ride |
| Tank | 16 liters, under the seat |
| Seat height | 820 mm standard, down to 765 mm in the low version |
| Previous generation | 652 cc single-cylinder up to 2007: Funduro, Dakar, CS, then G 650 GS |
Pros and cons
Pros
- The lightest and most accessible of the twin-cylinder F family
- Very low used prices
- Simple mechanics, with no electronics to diagnose
- Low fuel consumption and widely available components
- The twin-cylinder handguard kit is shared with the F 800 GS and R 1200 GS
Cons
- Confusion with the single-cylinder model of the same name
- Tank under the seat, inconvenient to refuel
- 71 hp that you can feel when riding two-up with luggage
- Basic suspension with little adjustability
- Accessory catalog reduced to a few targeted items
What to fit, in order of priority
Before ordering: check the registration year. It is the dividing line for the entire catalog.
- 1
Barkbusters BHG-032 handguard kit, twin-cylinderListed for the F 800 GS, R 1200 GS, and Triumph Tiger 1050 Sport, so it fits the twin-cylinder F 650 GS, which shares their handlebar. Bars and shells are selected separately. - 2
Barkbusters BHG-010 handguard kit, single-cylinderFor the Funduro, Dakar, and G 650 GS. On these bikes, often used off-road, handguards are the accessory that saves the most levers. - 3
Mechanical cruise control, without heated gripsFor the F 650 GS and Dakar up to 2007 and the G 650 GS. Locks the throttle without electronics: on long stretches, it relieves the cramp in your right wrist. - 4
Mechanical cruise control, with heated gripsSame function, different part number: the terminal changes if the bike has factory-heated grips. Also fits the CS and G 650 GS up to 2010. - 5
Wanderer soft-shell luggageLightweight and waterproof, with strap fastening: the most sensible solution on a 199 kg, 71 hp motorcycle, and the only one that works for both generations.
Compatibility table
The real dividing line is not between the models, but between the single-cylinder and twin-cylinder versions.
| Accessory | Twin-cylinder F 650 GS | Single-cylinder F 650 GS | Classic F 800 GS |
|---|---|---|---|
| BHG-032 handguard kit | yes | no | yes |
| BHG-010 handguard kit | no | yes, with G 650 GS | no |
| Mechanical cruise control | no, codes up to 2007 | yes, two versions | no |
| Soft and semi-rigid luggage | yes | yes | yes |
| Tank bags with ring mounts | yes | yes | yes |
Brands with dedicated accessories
BarkbustersHandguardsTwo separate kits: BHG-010 for the single-cylinder model and G 650 GS, BHG-032 for the twin-cylinder model and the F 800 family.
KaokoCruise controlMechanical throttle stabilizer for the single-cylinder model up to 2007, available with or without heated grips.
LOBOOLuggageSemi-rigid panniers, tank bags with ring mounts, and waterproof tail bags, all without dedicated frames.
Frequently asked questions
Is my F 650 GS single-cylinder or twin-cylinder?
If it was registered up to 2007, it is the 652 cc single-cylinder model, in the Funduro, Dakar, and CS variants. From 2008 onward, it is the 798 cc twin-cylinder model, essentially a detuned F 800 GS. The accessories for the two models are not interchangeable: it is the most common purchasing mistake with this model.
Which handguard kit do I need?
The BHG-010 if you have the single-cylinder model or the G 650 GS, and the BHG-032 if you have the twin-cylinder model. The latter is the same one used for the F 800 GS and R 1200 GS because they share the same handlebar.
Which Kaoko cruise control do I need?
The two catalog codes are for the single-cylinder model up to 2007 and for the G 650 GS, and they differ depending on whether the motorcycle has factory-fitted heated grips. Check both things before ordering.
Is the tank under the seat a problem?
Not during use, but somewhat when refueling: the cap is under the passenger seat, which is inconvenient at some stations. It is a characteristic of the twin-cylinder F family, not a defect in the specific bike.
Do you have an engine guard or skid plate for this motorcycle?
No, they are no longer in the catalog. For the F 650 GS, you can find handguards, mechanical cruise control, and soft and semi-rigid luggage.