Between 1995 and 2003, BMW has sold more than 110,000 F 650s, with 32 percent of the latest versions going to female riders worldwide). What's more, some 21 percent of F 650 buyers were new riders. And now, for the 2005 model year, BMW's entry in the amazing category returns refined, refreshed and ready to do business. Crossing continents, crossing boundaries
No motorcycle can do everything, but the BMW F 650 GS and the F 650 GS Dakar come close. Based on the fundamentally flexible "enduro" concept, the F 650 line has been carefully developed to meet a broad range of requirements, to enable cross-country travel in comfort as well as jaunts across town with consummate ease.
For example, the Dakar, with dirt-spec tire sizes and long-travel suspension, can truly be taken off road (unlike many similarly concepted but differently equipped enduros on the market) and yet sacrifices nothing in terms of on-road civility.
Central to this multi-role versatility is the F 650's relaxed, upright riding position that is the ideal compromise between on-road comfort and off-road control. For the new F 650 GS and F 650 GS Dakar, BMW has focused on improving the bike's ergonomic profile and making it even kinder to beginning and returning riders.
To this end, a new clutch lever featuring incremental span adjustments that provide riders with smaller hands improved control and comfort (an adjustable brake lever continues as standard.)
New this year are myriad seating options for both the F 650 GS and the F 650 GS Dakar.
The GS comes with a standard low seat, and yet there is the option for an even lower seat height - as a no-cost option, the GS can be modified by the dealer with a different rear suspension link that, working in concert with repositioned fork tubes, reduces seat height to 29.5 in. (750mm).
In addition, a taller seat is available for the GS that provides taller riders with extra legroom. A lower dual seat is available for the Dakar that reduces seat height 0.8 in. (20mm).
The GS's overall compact dimensions are made possible by a slender engine and a fuel tank located under the seat. Not only does this placement improve chassis packaging, it dramatically reduces the bike's overall center of gravity, making the GS feel smaller and lighter - considerations critical to the beginning rider.
