User:Yooden/BMW F 650 GS

The BMW F 650 GS, introduced in 2000, is a BMW motorcycle and a member of BMW's dual-sport GS family, marketed by BMW as an enduro. It is available in a standard model, and a taller, off-road oriented model called BMW F 650 GS Dakar.

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 XT660 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 F 650 GS, fitted with blue lights and sirens, is available from BMW Motorrad's Official and special duty vehicles division. The single cylinder F 650 GS Dakar model was discontinued in 2007.

Distinctive Features
The F 650 GS has several advanced technology features, with computer-controlled fuel injection, catalytic converter, a Nikasil-lined cylinder, optional ABS 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 engine is manufactured for BMW by Austrian company Rotax.

Most riders find the F 650 GS more comfortable and less stressed than its competitors at freeway/motorway speeds. The standard model's relatively low seat height make it one of the few 650 cc dual-sports that can be comfortably ridden by riders under 6 ft (182 cm) tall. The F 650 GS has an active aftermarket, 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.

Dakar
The F 650 GS Dakar was named after the famous Dakar Rally which BMW rider Richard Sainct won on the F650RR in 1999 and 2000.

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.

2008 Update
In 2008 BMW launched a completely new F 650 GS model using a 798 cm³ parallel twin engine. This model is a variant of the BMW F 800 GS with several changes, mostly to the suspension:
 * Different engine controller settings reducing power to 52 kW on 91 RON gas (from 63 kW on 95 RON)
 * Single-disc front brakes
 * Traditional front fork (instead of upside-down fork)
 * Non-progressive rear damper
 * 180 mm/170 mm spring travel (front/rear; from 230 mm/215 mm)
 * 19"/17" cast aluminum wheels (front/rear; instead of 21"/17" spoked wheels)
 * Standard center stand
 * Lower windshield
 * Different color schemes