2006 BMW f650 GS twin spark
The BMW F650GS, particularly the twin-spark model from the mid-2000s, holds a special place in the hearts of many riders. This motorcycle isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s an experience, an entry point into the thrilling world of adventure biking. For those looking at a reliable and approachable Bmw Adventure Bike, the F650GS offers a compelling blend of capability and user-friendliness.
Diving Deep into the F650GS Experience: Ergonomics, Suspension, and Balance
As a dedicated rider of my own 2006 F650GS, affectionately nicknamed ‘Bigby’, I’ve spent years understanding its nuances and appreciating its strengths. Initially hesitant to write a review due to my relatively shorter riding experience compared to seasoned journalists, I’ve come to realize that long-term ownership offers a unique perspective. Unlike fleeting test rides, years of riding reveal the true character of a bike. Having spent three years with Bigby, exploring various terrains and riding conditions, my insights come from genuine experience, something often missing in brief, manufacturer-sponsored reviews.
My first impressions of the F650GS were overwhelmingly positive, particularly in three key areas: ergonomics, suspension, and balance. These aspects became immediately apparent within the first few minutes of riding and continue to define my appreciation for this bmw adventure bike.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Control On and Off-Road
Coming from training bikes like Suzuki Boulevards and Honda Shadows, the ergonomic design of the F650GS was a revelation. As a dual-sport machine, it’s engineered for both paved roads and challenging off-road trails. The footpeg placement is crucial, positioned directly beneath the rider, enabling comfortable standing while riding on uneven surfaces. This design philosophy translates beautifully to on-road comfort as well. The riding posture is remarkably neutral, distributing weight evenly between the seat and footpegs, with a natural 90-degree bend in the knees. This upright position is not only ideal for off-road control but also surprisingly comfortable for long-distance touring, making the GS a versatile bmw adventure bike for various riding styles.
Another significant ergonomic advantage is the manageable seat height. The standard 30.9-inch seat height allows most riders to confidently plant both feet on the ground, a boon especially when navigating tricky off-road situations or stop-and-go traffic. While the standard seat height was initially perfect for building confidence, my longer legs eventually craved more space. Upgrading to the high seat option provided the extra legroom needed for extended rides, highlighting the adjustability and rider-centric design of this bmw adventure bike. For taller riders, the Dakar version with its taller 34.3-inch seat or an aftermarket high seat are excellent options to consider. Despite the seat height adjustments, the handlebar position remains comfortable, eliminating the need for risers and ensuring a natural reach whether sitting or standing.
Suspension: Smoothness Across Diverse Terrains
The suspension of the F650GS immediately impressed me with its smoothness, a stark contrast to the cruisers I had previously ridden. Montreal’s notoriously bumpy roads became an unexpected testing ground, and the GS handled them with remarkable composure. This robust suspension is a hallmark of dual-sport bikes, designed to absorb impacts from varied terrains. Interestingly, even a seasoned motorcycle instructor, observing my riding from behind, was particularly struck by the rear suspension’s performance. His unsolicited praise underscored the quality and effectiveness of the GS suspension system, even for experienced riders.
While the suspension is plush and comfortable, I initially questioned if it might be too soft. However, bottoming out has been rare, even during moderate off-road excursions. The front-end dive under hard braking is noticeable but manageable. Considering my lighter weight of 140 lbs, I realized I am actually on the lighter side for this bike’s stock suspension setup. The F650GS boasts a generous 170mm of front suspension travel and 165mm at the rear. Ideal suspension ‘sag’ is around 30% of total travel, which for the GS translates to approximately 49.5mm. Even with the preload fully reduced, my weight induces a sag of just over 45mm, indicating a well-matched system for a wide range of rider weights. The inclusion of a preload adjuster, while not electronic like on modern bmw adventure bike models, is a valuable feature. It allows for quick and easy adjustments when riding with a passenger or carrying luggage, enhancing the bike’s practicality for touring.
Balance: Confidence-Inspiring Handling
Perhaps the most defining characteristic of the F650GS is its exceptional balance. This is largely attributed to the ingenious placement of the fuel tank beneath the seat, a departure from the conventional location atop the bike. This lower center of gravity dramatically impacts handling, particularly in corners. Unlike heavier cruisers that require deliberate counter-steering and throttle input to navigate turns, the GS responds intuitively to leaning. Sweeping curves become fluid and effortless, the bike almost self-correcting with subtle shifts in body weight.
This inherent balance is equally beneficial at slow speeds, such as maneuvering through parking lots or tackling technical off-road sections. The bike feels remarkably light and agile, making tight turns and slow-speed maneuvers surprisingly easy. Figure-eight exercises at full lock quickly became manageable with practice, a testament to the bike’s well-engineered balance. This fundamental design element is what sets the F650GS apart and contributes significantly to its reputation as a confidence-inspiring bmw adventure bike. It’s surprising that BMW shifted back to a traditional tank location on later models like the F750GS and F850GS, as the under-seat tank is a key differentiator and handling advantage of the earlier 650GS.
The Rotax Engine: Reliable Power for Adventure
At the heart of the F650GS lies a robust 652cc single-cylinder Rotax engine. This water-cooled, DOHC engine with twin spark plugs and four valves produces a respectable 50 HP at 6,500 rpm and 44 lb/ft of torque at 5,000 rpm. While these figures might not win any drag races, they translate into ample power for real-world adventure riding. The engine’s character is more about usable torque than outright horsepower, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced riders seeking a manageable bmw adventure bike.
The F650GS is often recommended as a great beginner bike, and for good reason. The power delivery is smooth and predictable, reducing the risk of unintended wheelies or losing control when applying the throttle aggressively. However, don’t mistake “beginner-friendly” for “underpowered.” The engine provides plenty of low-end torque in the first two gears, ideal for tackling steep off-road inclines. It also has enough mid-range and top-end power for comfortable highway cruising, with sufficient roll-on power even at 120 km/hr in 5th gear. While I haven’t pushed it to its absolute maximum, reaching 140 km/hr has been effortless, more than adequate for my riding needs. The gearing is well-spaced, with 3rd and 4th gears offering enough flexibility to handle twisty roads, requiring minimal gear changes.
Single-Cylinder Advantages: Traction and Simplicity
The single-cylinder configuration of the Rotax engine offers distinct advantages, particularly for adventure riding. One key benefit is the wide gear spacing, reminiscent of classic single-cylinder bikes. This characteristic makes the F650GS incredibly forgiving in stop-and-go traffic. You can often stay in second gear and smoothly modulate the clutch as traffic flow changes, avoiding constant gear shifting. This flexibility also extends to twisty roads, allowing you to maintain a gear through varying corner speeds with just throttle adjustments.
Furthermore, single-cylinder engines offer a unique form of “mechanical traction control,” as highlighted in Cycle World. The intermittent power delivery inherent in large single-cylinder engines, due to the longer duration of the exhaust stroke, allows the tire brief moments to regain traction if it starts to slip. This natural characteristic provides a more forgiving power delivery in low-traction conditions compared to the constant power flow of multi-cylinder engines, making the F650GS a surprisingly capable bmw adventure bike off-road.
Single-Cylinder Drawbacks: Vibration
The primary disadvantage of single-cylinder engines is vibration. While the Rotax engine is known for being relatively smooth for a single, vibration is still noticeable, especially at higher speeds. This can lead to hand numbness, particularly in colder weather. Investing in a throttle assist or throttle lock, like the Kaoko I use, can significantly alleviate this issue. While anti-vibration bar risers are an option, they may compromise steering feel, which is crucial for off-road riding. Interestingly, I’ve noticed a perceived reduction in vibration and smoother engine operation when using BMW-branded oil, suggesting it’s formulated to optimize engine performance and reduce noise and vibration in these specific engines. One undeniable advantage of the Rotax engine is its legendary oil consumption – or rather, lack thereof. These engines are renowned for not burning oil, a testament to their robust design and build quality, a common point echoed by owners on forums like The Chain Gang.
Oil Changes: A Necessary Chore
Despite the engine’s robustness, oil changes on the F650GS are notoriously complex due to its dry-sump lubrication system. The oil tank is located in the faux tank on the left side of the bike (with the airbox on the right), requiring draining both the tank and the engine sump. This involves removing the left body panel, draining the tank, and then accessing the sump plug at the very bottom of the engine. If you have a bash plate, as many bmw adventure bike owners do, it often needs to be removed for access, potentially adding further steps if it’s integrated with crash bars. While some owners resort to drilling a hole in the bash plate for easier access, oil spillage during filter removal (due to its recessed location) is still common, making shop towels essential during oil changes.
Simplicity and Reliability: Electronics and Maintenance
My 2006 F650GS lacks modern rider aids like rider modes or even ABS. Initially, this absence was a concern, especially as a newer rider. However, experienced riders reassured me that learning fundamental riding skills, including traction control and emergency braking techniques, without relying on electronic aids, is ultimately more beneficial. This “purist” approach resonated with me. Developing the feel for controlling traction and executing emergency stops manually builds essential skills that are invaluable, particularly in off-road situations where ABS can sometimes be a hindrance. Furthermore, the lack of complex electronics contributes to the bike’s overall ease of maintenance and reliability, a significant advantage for a bmw adventure bike intended for remote adventures.
The F650GS is fuel-injected, managed by an ECU. While a 911 diagnostic code reader is available for troubleshooting, fuel injection eliminates the need for a choke and automatically adjusts the fuel-air mixture for altitude changes. This is a significant benefit for adventure riding, allowing you to ascend mountains without carburetor adjustments. The only minor downside of the fuel injection is a slightly abrupt throttle response, requiring a smooth and deliberate roll-off.
Addressing Common F650GS Shortcomings: Seat and Windscreen
Two frequently cited shortcomings of the F650GS are the stock seat and windscreen. The original seat is firm and slopes forward, which can become uncomfortable on longer rides. For touring, upgrading the seat is almost essential. Numerous aftermarket options are available, including BMW’s own comfort seat. I opted for a Seat Concepts kit, which provides replacement foam and cover for DIY reupholstering using the original seat pan, a cost-effective and customizable solution.
The windscreen is another well-documented issue. The stock screen is minimal, offering little wind protection. The aftermarket is flooded with windscreen options, but finding the “perfect” one is often a process of trial and error. The F650GS windscreen saga is a common and often humorous topic within the F650GS community. My bike came with a taller 19″ National Cycle touring screen, which caused helmet buffeting and was too tall for off-road riding. Switching to a 15″ screen improved things but buffeting persisted. Adding a deflector solved the buffeting but detracted from the bike’s aesthetics. Ultimately, a 12″ National Cycle sport screen provided a good balance, protecting my torso while keeping my helmet in clean air. The issue stems from the angle of the cowling, which directs airflow upwards towards the rider’s helmet. The Madstad screen, with its adjustable bracket and airflow gap, is considered the quietest option, but its acrylic construction is less durable for off-road use compared to polycarbonate screens like those from National Cycle.
Aesthetics: Raw and Real Motorcycle Appeal
Despite its age, the aesthetics of the F650GS remain appealing. While modern adventure bikes often conceal their mechanics beneath plastic fairings, the GS proudly displays its engine and components, giving it a raw, authentic motorcycle feel. The spoked wheels not only enhance its classic look but also offer superior strength for off-road riding. Its “old-fashioned” charm, as one observer noted, is part of its appeal. It embodies a blend of ruggedness and refinement, offering heated grips and BMW’s renowned build quality and reliability. The F650GS truly stands as a hybrid – a capable dirt bike with the comfort and features of a touring machine.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the BMW F650GS as an Adventure Bike
The BMW F650GS is more than just a beginner bike; it’s a versatile and confidence-inspiring machine that appeals to riders of all skill levels who appreciate a smaller, lighter bmw adventure bike. In an era of increasingly large and heavy adventure bikes, the F650GS offers a refreshing alternative. While larger bikes like the R1200GS are popular for covering vast distances and tackling varied terrain, the F650GS excels in tighter, more technical environments. Its size and weight allow it to venture into places where larger bikes struggle. The trade-off is increased vibration and higher engine RPMs at highway speeds compared to larger multi-cylinder bikes. However, for riders who prioritize exploration and venturing deep into remote areas, the F650GS remains an outstanding choice. It’s a bike that encourages you to take the less-traveled path, and one I intend to keep for many years to come.
Pros:
- Ergonomic design suitable for both off-road and touring
- Smooth and capable suspension system
- Excellent balance and handling, especially at low speeds
- Reliable and torquey Rotax engine
- Sufficient power for light to moderate off-road riding
- Fuel injection with automatic altitude and temperature adjustment
- Classic and appealing aesthetics
Cons:
- Higher initial and maintenance costs compared to some competitors
- Uncomfortable stock seat for long rides
- Ineffective stock windscreen and challenges in finding a perfect aftermarket replacement
- Engine vibration, particularly at higher speeds
- Only five gears
Modifications:
For those interested in exploring modifications, I’ve created walkaround videos showcasing the changes I’ve made to my F650GS for both dirt and street riding:
Walkaround Mods for Dirt
Walkaround Mods for Street
