The F 650 GS is the world's first single-cylinder motorcycle fitted with Digital Motor Electronics as well as a fully-controlled three-way catalytic converter as standard, and as an option it comes with ABS anti-lock brakes, just like all of BMW's two- and four-cylinder models so far. This makes BMW the world's first and only motorcycle manufacturer to offer these environmental and safety technologies for the entire model range.

The power unit of the F 650 GS is based on the proven engine of the F 650 designed by BMW and developed to an even higher standard in cooperation with Austrian engine supplier Bombardier-Rotax. The result is even more power, enhanced refinement, and superior environmental compatibility.

Liquid-cooled, this four-valve engine displaces 652 cc and develops maximum output of 37 kW (50 bhp) at 6,500 rpm. Maximum torque is 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) at 5,000 rpm, with more than 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) provided consistently between 3,000 and 6,500 rpm. The F 650 GS thus accelerates smoothly from just 2,000 rpm, the engine setting new standards thanks to its free-revving performance also in the upper speed range.

The "backbone" of the F 650 GS is formed by a bridge-tube frame made of rectangular steel tubes and featuring an additional crossbar in front of the cylinder head. Providing a direct connection from the centre handlebar point to the swinging arm mount, this configuration ensures maximum stiffness and stability under all conditions. The lower sub-frame is bolted to the mainframe, surrounding the engine with a multi-piece steel tube structure for optimum protection. The rear frame made of the same material is also bolted to the mainframe.

The 19-inch spoke wheel at the front is held in position by a Showa telescopic fork featuring a 41-mm (1.6-inch) fixed tube and providing 170 mm (6.7" ) spring travel. For extra stability over the previous model, an additional stabiliser reinforces the two fork elements, ensuring optimum smoothness also with the anti-lock brake system. The rear wheel measuring 17" in diameter runs on a two-arm box-type swinging bar made of steel. To provide the necessary progression in damping forces, the central spring strut is connected by a lever system on the lower fastening point with the rear wheel swinging arm. The spring strut itself may be adjusted infinitely for spring pretension and outward stroke damping. Spring pretension is set hydraulically by an easily accessible adjustment wheel, outward damping is adjusted by a slotted screw. Spring travel is 165 mm or 6.5".

The BMW F 650 GS comes with a single-disc brake (300 mm) at the front featuring a two-piston floating calliper and sintered metal brake pads, and with a single-disc 240-mm brake with a single-piston floating calliper at the rear.  ABS anti-lock brakes have been available as special equipment or even fitted as standard for many years on BMW's two and four-cylinder models. Now the F 650 GS is becoming the world's first single-cylinder motorcycle available with this safety technology as an optional extra.
This new ABS anti-lock brake system is a joint development by BMW and Bosch Braking Systems.

In its design, the BMW F 650 GS is clearly oriented towards its "big brother", the R 1150 GS, as well as the successful F 650 RR competition model.  Like on the R 1150 GS, all coloured fairing components from the high-rise, swivelling front-wheel mudguard through the seat and the plastic side covers. And as another feature typical of BMW, the fairing and seat are designed to give the rider's legs firm, positive contact on the motorcycle itself.

The F 650 GS also boasts a brand-new "face" at the front, its new headlight fitted right in the middle of the slender front silhouette. Depending on the load the motorcycle is carrying, the rider is able to set the headlight range by a wheel on the hydraulic spring pretension adjuster on the central spring strut. The headlight is surrounded by a black plastic housing serving at the same time to accommodate the cockpit. And as on the R 1150 GS, a distinctive colour contrast is provided by the silver wind deflector and the direction indicator supports in the same colour.
The rear end continues the slender line of the F 650 GS with some interesting details. The silencers fitted beneath the seat, for example, make the entire rear end 12 cm slimmer than on the former model, now allowing symmetric arrangement of the touring cases. And the two semi-circular silencer end units at the rear join the rear lights in forming a frame around the numberplate positioned high above the rear wheel.

Offering a capacity of 17.3 litres, the fuel tank now fits into a new position in the frame triangle beneath the seat.  The fuel tank filler pipe is located conveniently on the right-hand side of the seat. And last but not least, the airbox, oil tank, coolant reservoir, the electrical equipment box and the battery all come beneath the "tank cover" with its characteristic air scoops.  With seat height measuring 780 mm the F 650 GS is unusually low for a motorcycle of this kind.

The speedometer and rev counter are arranged asymmetrically in the redesigned, aluminium-silver cockpit. Between these two electronic instruments are the telltales for the direction indicators, high beam, idle speed, coolant temperature, oil pressure, fuel level once it drops to approximately 4 litres, and ABS. A digital display also tells the rider the time.

Integrated in the two handles, the various control units are colour-matched to the R and K Series. Compared with the previous model, a modified surface and larger switches facilitate operation of the controls also when wearing heavily padded winter gloves.

The F 650 GS comes as standard with a fully controlled three-way catalytic converter, a main and side-stand, a digital clock and aluminium engine protection hoops.

Optional extras - To cater also for the not-so-tall rider, the F 650 GS is optionally available with a seat lowering kit reducing seat height from 780 mm to 750 mm.  This reduction in height is achieved by modifying the suspension with the help of a different spring strut, a matching wheel fork, as well as a shorter main and side-stand.

A higher black seat is available as the "opposite" option for the tall rider, increasing seat height to 820 mm. This seat is also ideal for the dedicated long-distance rider, since it improves the standard of comfort to an even higher level than usual.
Heated handles and ABS anti-lock brakes with individual deactivation are also available as optional extras.

The new system of cases available as special equipment, together with suitable case holders, offers a standard of variability never seen before: The two touring cases equal in size can be adjusted for depth by means of a special mechanism, each case thus providing approximately 20 or 30 litres of capacity, depending on individual requirements. Should the rider not require that much capacity, therefore, he can reduce the overall width of the motorcycle accordingly. The watertight inner bags available together with the cases are also adjustable for size. A further option is the top case with a volume of 31 litres. And last but not least, both the motorcycle itself and the luggage system may be equipped with one standard key for all locks.
Further special equipment for the BMW F 650 GS available from the BMW dealer includes hand protectors, handlebar impact padding for the event of a collision, a high-rise windshield, engine protection hoops, an on-board computer and an on-board power take-off with 12 V power supply.

To commemorate the victory of the F 650 RR competition model in the 1999 Granada-Dakar Rally, the F 650 GS is available from the start also in F 650 GS Dakar trim. In its sporting looks, this version is reminiscent of the actual competition model, the F 650 RR. Technical modifications versus the "basic" model improve the riding characteristics of the F 650 GS Dakar in not-so-difficult off road terrain.

Spring travel of the 21-inch (otherwise19-inch) front wheel, for example, is increased by the modified telescopic fork to 210 mm, 40 mm more than with the motorcycle in standard trim. Spring travel on the rear wheel is also 210 mm, an increase in this case by 45 mm. The side-stand is naturally longer to match this higher running gear, and the front wheel mudguard has been redesigned for the larger front wheel. Other features provided as standard on this model are the high seat (870 mm), the hand protectors and the special F 650 RR windshield.

The motorcycle itself is finished in desert blue/aura white and highlighted by the name of the Dakar Rally in white. The range of options and special equipment is otherwise the same as on the F 650 GS and ABS is also available as an option as of the 2002 model year.