BMW G650GS Review

BMW G 650 GS By, Trevor Hedge BMW occupy a large slice of the adventure-touring market with the big boxer twin R 1200 GS, parallel twin F800 and F650 GS and the more recently re-introduced single cylinder variant to the line-up, the G 650 GS. At $11,990 the G 650 GS represents the cheapest way to get on a BMW and is the most road biased model in the fairly eclectic BMW range to qualify as learner legal under the L.A.M.S. scheme operated in some states. The Chinese built 652cc G 650 GS engine is very deceptive. Very soft off the bottom, perhaps a little fluffy even, the engine feels very meek and mild in comparison to the single cylinder mill in Yamaha’s XT660R. But once wound up into upper reaches of the 8000rpm tachometer the BMW actually pulls very well. Ridden back to back I would have said the Yamaha had at least 10 horsepower on the BMW. And down low I still think that is probably the case. But side by side acceleration tests actually showed that once up and rolling the BMW is a match for the Yamaha in the acceleration stakes. Something that frankly, I would have bet good money against, even after 500km across the bikes. Such is the deceptive pull of the BMW. Now those chaps at BMW are pretty smart, thus I think that the very soft bottom end has actually been engineered into the power delivery to make the machine much more tractable in slippery conditions. And it works. The BMW hooks up and finds drive in slippery conditions, where really, it has no right to. Combine that tractability with a low seat height of 780mm, or the even lower optional 750mm seat, and it becomes clear that for inexperienced off-road riders the G 650 GS is the pick of the big adventure-touring chook chasers. Riders more confident in the dirt will find Kawasaki’s KLR650 or Yamaha’s XT660R much more to their liking. But for road riders that will never have the confidence to push hard in the dirt and plan to spend the vast majority of their time on tarmac roads and well formed trails, the BMW is the better choice. Particularly over the Yamaha, the XT660R’s aggressiveness will not suit those that approach dirt tentatively, and is much more suited to big blokes with plenty of experience under their belts. The Kawasaki is as easy to ride as the BMW but benefits further in the dirt from a larger front rim than the BMW which gives the KLR650 much more confidence in the dirt. Still, for riders that have no need for speed in the dirt, the low seat height points to the BMW as the best mount for new riders. On the road the BMW is the clear winner. More road sized rims, a sit in, rather than on, riding position and a willing motor make for a very capable road touring mount. Heated grips and reasonable weather protection add more comfort to the recipe. The G 650 GS is also reasonably comfortable two-up. Tall riders however may have trouble with leg cramp after long days in the saddle as the G 650 GS does not offer a lot of legroom. Despite riding the G 650 GS very aggressively the BMW still retuned admirable economy. Six litres per 100km under such conditions easily bested the economy achieved on the Yamaha XT660R and was 40% better than the Kawasaki KLR650 managed on the same ride. Thus a 300km range is at the lower extreme and close to 400km could probably be squeezed from the 17.3 litre tank if riding conservatively. The suspension is also more suited to the road with 170mm of travel. The front forks are not adjustable and struggle to deal with off-road irregularities but work well enough on the tar. The rear shock is adjustable for preload via an easy to turn knob and rebound damping is also variable. The five speed gearbox is quite smooth and the clutch pull nice and light while still providing good feel at the adjustable lever. Drive is delivered to the 17" rear wheel by conventional chain. ABS is fitted to the G 650 GS and can be switched off in the dirt for confident riders. It doesn’t feel as sophisticated as the system found on the latest BMW roadbikes but is certainly a welcome safety aid for inexperienced riders, as well as a nice back-up in wet road conditions for all riders. Braking power is good and no fade could be induced. As you would expect, BMW offer a wide range of accessories for the G 650 GS and while the prices are also wide compared to the opposition they are actually quite reasonably priced by BMW standards. Panniers and their assorted hardware will rip $1222 from your wallet plus an additional $523 for a top-box to fit out the G 650 GS with luggage. A tank-bag costs $268 while the engine protection kit is a reasonable $243, and handguards an equally amenable $140 ask. When fully equipped the BMW ends up priced the wrong side of $14,000, which is a big ask for a single lung dual-sport. It is cheaper however than Yamaha's new XT660Z Tenere, which is around $2000 more when fitted out with luggage. For those short of leg and after an unintimidating but versatile machine BMW's G650GS does have a lot to offer. And for learners that are lucky enough to live in a State that has adopted the LAMS scheme, the G650GS is learner legal. There is certainly no argument that the BMW is capable of taking you anywhere you desire to go in relative comfort, and is certainly far more appealing than a lot of the budget crap in the learner legal marketplace and something that a buyer can take pride in owning for many years to come. There's not many LAMS bikes that fit in to that category. -- Pictorial - Image Gallery featuring BMW's G650GS

Specs – BMW G 650 GS Engine – 652cc, single cylinder Transmission – Five speed manual, chain drive Seat Height – 780mm (Optional low seat 750mm) Dry Weight – 175kg Fuel Capacity – 17.3 litres Average Consumption on test – 6 litres per 100km Range – 300km at worst, up to 400km at best Warranty – Two years Price - $11,990 Positives + Comfortable + Deceptively powerful engine + Very fuel efficient + Switchable ABS + Heated Grips + Very low seat height + Decent luggage rack standard fitment + LAMS Legal (some States) Negatives - Does not inspire confidence in the dirt when having a go - A little pricey - Wider footpegs would be nice - Taller riders may find legs a little cramped - Forks offer no adjustment -- Pictorial - Image Gallery featuring BMW's G650GS

 Pictorial - Image Gallery featuring BMW's G650GS

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