BMW's All-New Entry
Level Model Makes its Debut with a Twin-Cylinder
Engine
August 19, 2008 - BMW today announced the 2009 F 650
GS, a revised version of the venerable but
relatively slow-selling F 650 GS. This is an
important release in BMW's recent fast-track
strategy, and for their goal of attracting more new
and younger riders to the BMW fold.
BMW has been selling tons of
Adventure Touring motorcycles; indeed, the R 1200 GS has
been a worldwide hit, and is credited with both starting
and continuing the Adventure Touring craze.
Dual purpose motorcycles in
general have been one of the bright points in an
otherwise somnambulant motorcycle market over the past
year or so, and if BMW gets this right -- and if the F
800 GS also meets expectations, BMW may be able to pull
into double-digit percentages of market share.
We hope to have more details
and specifications soon, and we're working on editing
many more photos of the 2009 F 650 GS, so stay tuned.
Meanwhile, here's the enthusiastic 2009 F650 GS press
release, edited by webBikeWorld staff:
Tame the
urban jungle or take the road less traveled! After
much anticipation, BMW's sophisticated new addition
to its entry level model lineup -- the 2009 BMW F
650 GS -- has arrived at U.S. BMW Motorcycle dealers.
With its 71 hp, torquey
twin-cylinder engine, the all-new 2009 F 650 GS
offers more power and sophistication than its
single-cylinder predecessor.
Ideal for on- or
off-road riding, urban commuting and any rider
looking for a fun, efficient and reliable
motorcycle, the middleweight twin tackles anything
the ambitious motorcyclist could throw at it. Its
rigid steel tube trellis frame, double-sided swing
arm and chain drive offer reliability.
A low seat
height and narrow design make navigation through the
worst traffic a breeze. Cast aluminum wheels and
telescopic forks keep the ride smooth and precise at
all times.
The 2009 F 650 GS has a
manufacturer's suggested retail price of $8,255
(excluding freight). The Standard Package, offered
at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of
$9,760, (excluding freight) includes heated hand
grips, Anti-Lock Brakes, an on-board computer, and
white turn signals.
The 2009 F 650 GS is available
in three colors -- Flame Red, Iceberg Silver
Metallic, and Azure Blue Metallic.
The F 650 GS is the
newest addition to BMW's dual-sport line up. It
follows in the footsteps of the highly acclaimed R
1200 GS - which traces its roots back to the early
1980s when BMW won the grueling Paris-Dakar rally
four times with its trailblazing dual-purpose R 80
GS.
Since their debut in 2004, the versatile R 1200
GS and its rugged companion, the R 1200 GS
Adventure, have earned praise from motorcycle
enthusiasts and the press for their exceptional
performance both on and off the road.
The R 1200 GS has earned
award after award, including Cycle World's Best Open
Class Street Bike and the International Journalist's
Panel "Best Bike in the World." The R 1200 GS
Adventure was named "Best Adventure Bike" three
years in a row by editors of Motorcyclist Magazine.
2009 BMW F 650 GS
Photos - wBWLightbox - Click photo to view.
NOTE: Photos are 800x600 pixels and open in
a JavaScript window.
2009 BMW F 650 GS in the classic BMW Color, Iceberg
Silver Metallic
2009 BMW F 650 GS in Azure Blue Metallic
2009 BMW F 650 GS in Flame Red
2009 BMW F 650 GS - Specifications
Colors
Flame Red, Iceberg Silver Metallic or
Azure Blue Metallic
Engine
2-cylinder 4-stroke, 4-valves
per cylinder
Horsepower
71 HP @ 7,000 rpm (54kW)
Displacement
798 cc (why it's called a 650 is unknown)
Bore/Stroke
82 x 75 mm
Torque
55 ft. lbs. @ 4,500 rpm (75Nm)
Compression Ratio
12:1
Clutch
Wet multi-plate
Cooling
Water cooled
Length
89.7 in.
Width
33.2 in.
Weight
377 lbs. less options.
Maximum Weight 952 lbs. GVWR
Frame
Tubular steel trellis
Wheelbase
62 in.
Fuel Capacity
4.2 gal.
Seat Height
32.2 in.
Final Drive
Chain;
Final Drive Ratio 2.411
Suspension
Front: 43 mm telescopic fork
with
7.1 in. spring travel
Rear: Double-sided aluminum swingarm with 6.7 in. spring travel
Brakes
Front and rear disc (ABS
optional)
Front: One double-piston floating caliper with 11.8 in. single rotor
Rear: One single-piston floating caliper with 10.4 in. 2-piston floating caliper
rear rotor. Brakes are Hydraulic with DOT 4 fluid
Tires
Front 110/80 x 19 tubeless;
2.50 x 19 cast aluminum
Rear 140/80 x 17 tubeless; 3.50 x 17 cast aluminum
