1. Concept, claim and characteristics.

With the completely new F650GS, BMW Motorrad continues an unbroken line of adventure motorcycles that appeal to so many Australian riders.

The new F 650 GS is a worthy successor to the single cylinder model of the same name that completed its production life late in 2007. The new F 650 GS is powered by a twin cylinder engine of 800cc, but which embodies the same spirit of escape and discovery of its predecessor.

The new BMW F 650 GS is aimed at riders who want a convenient mix of on and off-road riding experiences. With a similar level of suspension travel as the previous F 650 GS, the new model comes standard with alloy road wheels, a low seat height and a distinctly agile riding feel.

It is an outstanding all-rounder: easy to control, blessed with plenty of power combined with economy, made from high-quality materials; the new BMW F 650 GS is ideal for everyday use.

The parallel twin engine comes from the much-admired F800 model series, but beyond this, the F 650 GS is completely new.

A new frame and new suspension join a light chain drive, which, in combination with a very strong aluminium double-strut swing arm offers advantages in off-road riding.

The new F650GS is light and nimble, and accessible to a vast range of riders of all ages thanks to its low seat height.

Compared with the single-cylinder predecessor, the F 650 GS now produces 71 bhp (52 kW) an increase of 20 bhp on the single-cylinder model. Another rider benefit is high torque at lower engine speeds and the concomitant excellent fuel economy.

"BMW GS series are a fundamental part of BMW Motorrad in Australia and the single cylinder F 650 GS models were firm favourites in our model range," says Miles Davis, Marketing Manager for BMW Motorrad Australia and New Zealand.

"The new F 650 GS will appeal to those very same customers for exactly the same reasons, while the additional performance and feature benefits will entrench the new machine in the hearts of an even wider range of customers.

"The feedback we have received already on the F 650 GS gives us plenty of confidence that these bikes will very quickly become a familiar sight in the town and country, delivering enjoyable adventure and lifestyle riding. They are ideally designed to suit our rugged and demanding Australian conditions.

"The F 650 GS will also be the ideal jumping in point to the BMW brand for a wide variety of riders, from the young and adventurous to the more seasoned and experienced," he says.

"BMW Motorrad now has a broad selection of bikes that are sure-fire draw-cards to lure riders to the brand.

"From the single-cylinder G 650 models to the parallel twin F 650 GS and forthcoming F 800 GS, all the way to the HP2 Enduro and Megamoto, via the new R 1200 GS and Adventure, and not forgetting the G 450 X competition enduro, BMW is the brand to choose when purchasing a bike for fun on and off-road," Miles says.

The 2008 BMW F 650 GS is priced from $13,650 plus dealer delivery and on-road costs.

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2. Vehicle characteristics and technology.

The BMW Motorrad "GS" badge is no empty promise.

The F 650 GS is light, and low, with sculpted side fairings, a low windscreen and a suspension tuned for the ideal compromise between bitumen and dirt.

Delivering 52kW at 7,000rpm and a maximum torque of 75 Nm as low as 4,500rpm, there's plenty of power for a wide range of entertaining riding.

Seat comfort is excellent for both rider and passenger, while switchable two-channel ABS is available as an option.

In addition, the extensive range of BMW accessories meets the further individual wishes of our demanding customers, as always.

Overview of the main features of the new F 650 GS:

• F650GS has all-round appeal for riders of all abilities and levels of experience.
  
• Liquid-cooled parallel twin with 798cc capacity, four-valve technology and unique mass balance.
  
• Rev-proof DOHC valve drive via cam followers.
  
• Manifold injection with electronic engine management BMS-KP, lambda probe and regulated three-way catalytic converter.
  
• Closely ratio six-speed transmission for excellent riding performance.
  
• Dirt-resistant secondary drive via O-ring chain.
  
• Torsion-resistant tubular steel frame with unusual gusset plate reinforcement of steering head.
  
• Easy handling and extremely tight turning circle.
  
• Stable yet plush 43 mm telescopic fork.
  
• 180mm of front suspension travel and 170 mm of rear suspension travel.
  
• Double-strut swing arm in die-cast aluminium.
  
• Spring strut with adjustable spring pre-tension and adjustable rebound damping.
  
• Excellent seat comfort for rider and pillion passenger.
  
• Tank underneath seat, for best centre of gravity, with easily accessible fill opening.
  
• Powerful braking system, with optional switchable ABS.
  
• Air filter and battery positioned behind steering head for easy maintenance.
  
• Wide range of accessories for off-road and touring use.

BMW F650GS.

52kW/71HP
Power-reducing valve timings
Narrow F800S cooler
Street-look fairings
Low windscreen
Conventional telescopic gas pressure spring strut
Cast metal wheels
19-inch front wheel
Single-disc brake, front
Steel handlebar
Optional Lowered suspension (765 mm/factory fit only)
820/790mm seat height
Ready-to-ride weight 199kg

BMW F 650 GS factory options.

Modified twin-cylinder.

The parallel twin familiar from the F800S/ST models forms the basis for the GS drive.

For the new application, the cylinders are now only angled forward by 8.3 degrees instead of the 30 degrees with the F800S/ST. This solution has been made possible by a new design for the lower engine housing section made from die-cast aluminium. It contains application points for the engine protection plate and provides the ideal working conditions for the semi-dry sump lubrication. In addition, the cylinder head has been reinforced in the area of the frame connection at the front on the right.

The GS engine has a modified clutch cover which creates more space in the footrest area and more room for a new oil dipstick and a revised clutch release shaft. The water pump housing and cooling hose connections have been adapted to the new position of the engine.

A useful side-effect of these changes is that the engine is 1 kg lighter than the unit used in the S/ST model series.

Like the famous F800 engine, the transverse parallel twin works with an even firing order (360°ignition offset) without crank offset on the crankshaft.

Because there is one firing cycle for each crankshaft rotation, the sound is deliberately like that of boxer engines which work with an identical firing offset. Most importantly, however, the even firing sequences creates the best conditions for a balance load change with high torque yield.

Unique mass balance.

The mass forces are offset by a balancing mechanism that is unique in series engine design. Instead of having conventional counterweight shafts, the oscillating mass forces are balanced by a joint system on the centre of the crankshaft with deliberately positioned counterweight masses: an eccentric on the crankshaft offset against the crank pins by 180° carries what is known as a balancing correcting rod. This connecting rod is hinged to an approximately horizontal balancing rocker. The kinematics are designed in such a way that the balancing connecting rod moves contrary to the two engine connecting rods. Because of being guided through the relatively long rocker, an almost linear swivel movement of the connecting rod head is achieved - to put it precisely, the small connecting rod eye describes a slightly curving path. The mass distribution at the connecting rod head and rocker is chosen in such a way that the mass forces resulting from the swinging movement combat, in every crankshaft position, the oscillating mass forces from the crank drive (piston and con-rod proportion). This means that first and second order mass forces are almost completely eliminated, resulting in low-vibration engine running.

Lubrication system.

The oil circulation system also includes a number of sophisticated details.

In order to prevent punch losses, a semi-dry sump lubrication system has been designed which works without any separate engine oil tank. Lubricant coming from the main bearings collects in a tray which also holds the balancing system and which is sealed off from the actual oil tray. Engine oil in this area is constantly vacuumed up by an oil pump and transported to the transmission housing, before running from there, under no pressure, via openings in the crank housing into the oil tray. The oil pressure pump supplies the lubricating oil system from this reservoir.

Camshafts matched to adventure requirements.

The cylinders in the GS engines are fitted with a high-tech cylinder head.

As in the new engines in the K model range, here too, two upper camshafts driven by a toothed chain rotate and control four valves per cylinder via cam followers.

The F650GS has unique camshafts with and cams which restrict lift (compared with the F 800 GS) and revised valve timing results in a shorter valve overlap.
The valve drive via cam followers is low-wear, only produces minimal friction losses and is particularly rev-proof. The valve play therefore only needs to be checked after 20,000 km at the earliest.

Mixture preparation.

Other features that are typical of BMW include the mixture preparation, which is via a manifold injection with BMS-KP engine control and two 46mm throttle valves. The injection quantity is determined by the specially tuned engine control, not only via the injection period but also via the pressure that the petrol pump provides, depending on the power requirement. The fuel system operates without return and only carries the quantity that the engine actually needs. Because of this economical, patented regulation system,
the fuel pressure can be modified within a wide range so that the mixture is always ideal. To measure the fuel quantity supplied, not only the familiar
parameters such as load, engine speed and temperature are used, but also the residual oxygen content in the exhaust gas. The corresponding information is provided by a lambda probe positioned at the point where the manifolds join. This is followed immediately by the three-way catalytic converter, as standard, which quickly warms up after the cold start and can thus start its conversion work quickly.

The air necessary to form the mixture reaches the new suction silencers via suction snorkels positioned in the cool air stream. The positioning well above the engine, which is good for both on-road and off-road riding, and the large volume, which supports torque were made possible by the positioning of the tank under the seat. On the F 650 GS these snorkels are concealed behind the front fairing.

Exhaust system.

The completely new, weight-optimised exhaust gas system is made completely from high-grade steel and weighs in at just 8.5 kg. The single-wall manifold system is connected with the silencer via a plug connection with tension spring. The attachment of a slip-on silencer is therefore easy and inexpensive, especially since the catalytic converter is integrated into the manifold. The end silencer provided as standard is constructed as a two-chamber silencer in a combined absorption/reflection design, offers a gas flow volume of 8 litres and is mounted on the left side of the machine, half way up. Because of the revised valve timings and the associated lower raw emissions, there is no need for a secondary air system for the F650GS.

High-revving with great torque.

It is not only the modern injection system that ensures a prompt response from the F650GS twin; its low centrifugal mass also contributes to its agile power development. Even at the bottom of its rev range, the four-valver, which, with a bore-stroke ratio of 82 to 75.6 mm, is not short-stroked, and revs freely to release 90 percent of maximum torque in a broad range between 3,000 rpm and 7,000rpm.

The 798cc twin puts out a solid 52kW at 7,000rpm and 75Nm at 4,500rpm.

In combination with the low total weight and closely stepped six-gear transmission, the engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds, and the top speed is around 185 km/h (where legal).

But it is not only the acceleration of the new GS models that is impressive; their traction is also remarkable. The BMW development engineers have focussed quite deliberately on the smooth, confident development of power in the mid engine speed range rather than on absolute peak performance.

Sporting riders will be impressed by the engine's acceleration, whilst tourers will enjoy the twin's strong traction with minimal shifting.

The parallel twin, which has been optimised for adventure riding, not only manages to straddle the divide between powerful torque and dynamic acceleration, it also proves that good riding performance does not necessarily involve high fuel consumption.

Riding over country roads, a consumption of well below 5 litres of Premium ULP per 100 km is perfectly possible, and of course the F650GS is designed to run perfectly on regular ULP.

The sophisticated engine concept shows additional technical finesse in its peripherals. The water pump, for example, is on the right of the cylinder head and is driven by a cog wheel unit on the camshaft. The advantageous positioning of the pump - directly behind the cooler with integrated thermostat - means that only short hose connections are needed. The engine therefore looks compact and tidy. An oil-water heat exchanger next to the easily accessible oil filter ensures that the engine warms up quickly after a cold start. In addition, the heat exchange also limits the engine oil temperatures.

Rear wheel drive via O-ring chain.

For enhanced durability, especially off-road, the secondary drive has been designed to cope with dusty, dirty conditions. The O-ring chain is sized 5/8 x 5/16, while a chain guide rail protects the aluminium rocker from damage. Four asymmetrical drive dampers provide shock absorption for the chain wheel bearer which is taken exactly over the full-floating axle via a grooved ball bearing.

The six-gear transmission is taken from the F800S/ST models and only the transmission output shaft has had to be modified to the chain drive. The final drive transmission ratio has been modified for the F 650 GS, with a ratio of 1:2.412 (17/41 Z).

A sturdy tubular steel frame.

The tubular steel frame designed specially for the new GS models, built in as a tubular space frame, offers a whole range of interesting details which improve the extraordinary off-road qualities of the GS models. The slim steering head, for example, which is firmly integrated into the frame structure allows a steering lock stop of 40-degrees on the F 650 GS. The steering head is fixed using a completely new lay-out of gusset plates which have considerably reduced the design width without affecting the stability of the frame. The steering lock is also improved by the fact that the ignition lock is positioned in front of the handlebar.

Off-road, the small turning circle of the GS models is advantageous when the bike has to drive through trial sections at walking speed.

The tubular space frame in manganese-alloy steel integrates the engine as a bearing element into the framework. The frame tubes are brought together in the area of the rocker bearings in forged steel parts. The frame tail made from rectangular steel pipe is taken up by the main frame via four screw connections and carries the new 16-litre fuel tank, positioned under the seat.

The new design was not only required because of the modified engine. In the front part of the bench seat, not only is the main frame and frame end very narrow - the seat itself and the covering of the suction silencer are very streamlined. This means that, in relation to the seat height, an incredibly short arc has been realised, making it easy for riders to put both feet down when the machine is stationary.

The F650GS seat height can be reduced to 790mm or 765 mm with the optional seat lowering kit.

Made-to-measure telescopic forks.

The F650GS uses a conventional telescopic fork with 43mm fixed tubes with 180 mm of spring travel.

Aluminium double-strut swing arm at rear.

The rear wheel suspension of the F 650 GS is similarly robust. It is based on an aluminium double-strut swing arm, die-cast in a single piece. The F650GS is fitted with a conventional gas pressure spring strut with a spring travel of 170 mm. The spring pre-tensioning can be adjusted on both spring strut elements using a hand wheel, so that the rear wheel suspension can easily be adjusted for one- and two-person use.

The tension stroke of the suspension can also easily be adjusted to individual requirements in both models.

Wheels and tyres fit for purpose.

Reflecting its dual purpose bitumen/dirt role, the F650GS features cast aluminium wheels measuring 19 x 2.5 at the front and 17 x 3.5 at the rear. The smaller front wheel is an advantage on bitumen, especially since the cast wheels are slightly lighter than the spoked wheels.

The F 650 GS comes with road-capable adventure tyres as standard, measuring 110/80-19 at the front and 140/80-17 at the rear.

Braking power ideally matched to performance.

The F 650 GS's 300 mm single-disc brake is backed by steel-reinforced brake lines, laid so that they do not push through the cockpit fairing when the telescopic fork is compressed.

At the rear wheel, a 265 mm disc brake with single-piston sliding callipers does sterling work stopping the machine.

Switchable two-channel ABS with improved rear wheel anti-hop detection.

BMW's latest Anti-Lock Brake system is optionally available on the F 650 GS. The two-channel ABS boasts compact design and low weight, and reduces braking distances. The pressure modulator controls the optimum braking pressure in the regulating range via intake valves that are adjusted on a linear basis and is characterised by its very fast, fine regulating intervals. The valves with infinitely variable cross-section openings also ensure that the rider only perceives a slight pulsing in the brake levers. In addition the BMW Motorrad ABS offers expanded diagnosis functions: the wheel rev sensors monitor their distance from the sensor wheel automatically and thus contribute to the vehicle's outstanding safety. Riders who routinely venture off-road can deactivate the ABS system before leaving the bitumen.

On-board electrics with CAN bus and immobiliser.

The electrical systems in the new F 650 GS are also at the top of the range, and work with an innovative CAN bus system. As in the other F 800 models, the single-wire system (SWS) has many advantages: it reduces the amount of cable required, allows all control devices to be networked and thus simplifies the preparation of comprehensive diagnoses. In addition, there is no need for conventional fuse cut-outs, since the system automatically switches off the component in question in the event of a malfunction.

Since the introduction of CAN bus technology, an electronic immobiliser has been part of the standard equipment on BMW motorcycles. More than the right key bit is needed to start the engine - in addition, the chip integrated into the BMW key must report the right code to the ring antenna of the combined steering and ignition lock. Only then does the engine control allow the vehicle to be started. This technology offers the safest, most reliable protection against vehicle theft available today.

The electrical plug connections are waterproof and thus immune to typical water-sourced faults. A 14 ampere-hour battery and a 400 W generator ensure a reliable power supply.

The cockpit boasts analogue instruments arranged above each other along with a digital readout. Australian standard equipment also includes an on-board computer that displays gear in mesh, stop-watch, fuel range, ambient temperature and more.

The asymmetrical double headlight with a clear plastic cover gives the F 650 GS the characteristic face of the youngest BMW generation.

The reflectors, familiar from the BMW R1200GS and loved by night-time riders because of their superb spread of light, are enclosed in a new plastic housing and are fitted with two H7 headlight bulbs. On switching to full beam, the dipped beam remains active. The headlights are fixed using an unbreakable, lightweight plastic support.

Optimum seat design for touring and off-road use.

The seat is offered in two heights of 820 mm or 790 mm (765 mm with the lowering kit).

The low arc length is also due to the streamline profile of the frame. The seat is locked at the front in a vibration-absorbing holder. This layout means that there is an uninterrupted transition between the fairing, the frame and the seat.

For relaxed riding the new F 650 GS has a vibration-absorbent handle-bar - made from aluminium tubing and folding, wide steel footrests with hollow-chamber rubber surfaces. To be able to stand securely in the footrests off-road, the rubber surfaces can also be removed.

The wide, upswept handlebars are fitted with easy-to-reach fittings; the grip width of the levers can be adjusted. The combined ignition/steering lock is also conveniently positioned in front of the handlebars.

As with all BMW adventure motorcycles, the F 650 GS also provides excellent comfort for the passenger. The seat length and footrest position allow the passenger to relax, whilst the long side grab rail at the rear provides a secure grip. Last but not least, the fairing offers moderate wind protection, thus helping the passenger to travel in comfort. The taller windscreen from the F800GS can also be mounted on the F650GS if required. Both windscreens with their M-shaped design have been wind-tunnel optimised.

The 16-litre fuel tank under the seat is ideal for long trips, stretched even further thanks to the frugal engine. In addition, the tank bag does not need to be removed to refuel. The lockable filler nozzle is easily accessed on the right-hand side of the machine, level with the pillion seat.

Three choices on the colour palate.

The colour variants chosen underline the character of the new off-road bike. At launch, the F 650 GS is available in Azure Blue Metallic, plain Flame Red or Iceberg Silver Metallic.

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3. Range of equipment.

Special equipment and special accessories.

BMW meets the need for personalisation not only through its special equipment, mounted at the factory in Berlin, but also subsequently through the special accessories that the local dealer or the customer himself adds later. The special equipment and very extensive range of special accessories have been tailored to suit the new F650GS adventure machine, so that the customer can buy high-quality, perfectly matching products that are in line with the character of his motorcycle.

Standard equipment.

• Heated grips.
  
• Centre stand.
  
• On-board computer.
  
• White indicators.

Special equipment.

• BMW Motorrad ABS (can be switched off).
  
• Low rider's seat (790mm seat for F 650 GS, no extra cost).\*
  
• Theft alarm.\*
  
• RDC.
  
• Lower positioning unit.

Products marked with \* are also available as special accessories from BMW motorcycle dealers.

On-board computer completes the range of information available.

The on-board computer expands the range of information that can be displayed on the clear display in the combined instrument panel, adding the following details: tank display, gear display, coolant temperature, average fuel consumption, range, outside temperature and stop watch time. A button on the left handlebar fitting allows the rider to switch through the displays and to select the information required. It is also used to operate the stop watch.

Low seat and lowering kit.

In order to offer shorter riders optimum ergonomics and the ability to reach the ground, BMW Motorrad is able to provide a lower seat. It reduces the seat height to 790 mm for the F650GS. If it is ordered ex factory, the customer is not charged any extra. The lowering kit for the F 650 GS consists of the lower seat and a shortened spring strut.

Playing it safe with a theft alarm.

Once it has been activated, the theft alarm reacts to any change in position of the parked motorcycle with very clear visual and audible signals. The extremely effective system can be deactivated via a remote control or using the ignition key.

Practical main stand allows easy propping up.

The main stand means that the motorcycle can be propped up with very little effort. Thanks to the wide standing surface, the GS models will stand safely if, for example, the rear wheel has to be removed or the chain lubricated.

Special accessories.

• Luggage bridge, small.
  
• Luggage rest, large, for Vario topcase.
  
• Vario topcase, black.
  
• Case holder for Vario case.
  
• Vario case, black.
  
• Inside pockets for Vario case and Vario topcase.
  
• Back cushion for Vario topcase.
  
• Tank rucksack, waterproof.
  
• Softbag Sport, small.
  
• Softbag Sport, large.
  
• Low seat.\*
  
• BMW Motorrad Navigator II.
  
• Navigator holder, cable and attachment kit.
  
• Navigator Function bag.
  
• Theft alarm.\*
  
• Tyre pressure check RDC.
  
• Hand protection bars.
  
• Protectors (small and large) for hand protection bars.
  
• Add-on spoiler for Protector, large.
  
• Underbody protection
  
• Engine protection bars.
  
• Splash protection extension, rear.
  
• High windscreen.
  
• High windscreen, tinted.
  
• Akrapovic sports silencer.
  
• Wind deflector kit.
  
• Service tool kit.
  
• Enduro tail bag.

Products marked with \* are also available ex factory.

Flexible storage space with Vario cases and Vario topcase.

The well-known, variable-volume cases (on left: 19-29litre/on right:
28-38 litre) have been modified to the new F 650 GS. Thanks to the carefully conceived carrier system, the cases can be attached and removed in a moment. Those who want to take even more luggage with them can also add the 25-35 litre topcase, which has plenty of room for a helmet, for example. If required, the comfort of the pillion rider can be improved by attaching a back cushion to the topcase. The inside pockets for the cases reliably protect luggage from dirt and damage.

Tank bag for small items of luggage.

The tank bag is a truly practical travelling companion. Because the tank is positioned underneath the seat, it does not need to be removed in filling stations. The tank bag has a variable capacity of 14 to 26 litres and has a waterproof inside pocket so that no extra covering is required when travelling in the rain. The equipment also includes a waterproof map compartment and a store for small tools which can be accessed via the main compartment from the inside.

BMW Motorrad NavigatorII.

With this navigation system, the rider selects an address, a city, a tourist destination or a way point. The BMW Motorrad NavigatorII guides him, with detailed instructions, safely and effortlessly to his destination - by the fastest or shortest route, as he requires, or directly ("as the crow flies"). The display can be varied too: the rider can choose a map display, a combination of map and instructions, a roadbook or a compass function that displays the distance and direction to the next way point. A zoom function makes rapid orientation easier, at intersections, for example.

Hand protector with spoiler.

The three-part hand protector made from impact-resistant, continuously dyed plastic can take on a variety of protective functions, since individual modification is possible with the modular system. The hand protection bar deflects damage to the handlebar and handlebar fittings. The protector attachment is available in two sizes and protects hands from stones, whilst the spoiler provides additional protection against the cold and wet.

Underbody protection and engine protection bars.

The underbody protection can be retrofitted to the F650GS. A sturdy engine protection bar provides additional protection against damage in everyday use or during off-road travel.

Akrapovic sports silencer.

The sports silencer in titanium and carbon made by Akrapovic fits without problems onto the original manifold system, which is fitted as standard with a regulated catalytic converter.

It is a slip-on silencer fixed in place with springs. Using this silencer can save around 2 kg in weight compared with the standard system.

Enduro tail bag.

This special tail bag attached behind the seat resists even the tough loads off-road. It contains several compartments and its outer fabric is not sensitive to dirt.

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4. Engine output and torque.

BMW F 650 GS

For further press/media information contact:
Alexander Corne
Communications and Specialist Media Manager
BMW Group Australia
Phone: 03 9264 4150
Fax: 03 9562 2799
Mobile: 0439 568 819
Email: alexander.corne@bmw.com.au

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