BMW F 650 GS review, test ride and video

BMW's 798cc baby GS is here and prices start at approximately Rs 11.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai). We hop on for first impressions.

Published on May 22, 2013 04:35:00 PM

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BMW F 650 GS review, test ride and video

To keep the F 650 GS’s pricing affordable relative to the more premium F 700 GS, also shortly to come to India, there’s slightly less premium body cowls, including a different front fender, apart from standard suspension instead of BMW’s more high tech kit. All said and done however, you won’t miss anything, and the F 650 GS offers exceptional fit-finish and fine attention-to-detail.

The F 650 GS’s four-stroke, parallel twin puts out the most intoxicating, gruff and loud exhaust tone, from its massive single exhaust canister, located unconventionally to the rear left of the bike. This BMW makes 71bhp at 7000rpm, pleasingly delivered with a gentle, easy-to-learn power curve, and supported by healthy low-end grunt that’s always handy when cruising along in crowded city riding conditions. Clutch feel is just right, well weighted and gears shift seamlessly whether going up or down the six-speed transmission box. The F 650 GS comes with slightly tall gearing that helps make this a really relaxed motorcycle to pilot when cruising at high speeds around 140kph. Acceleration is brisk and first gear good for an indicated 100kph. The F 650 GS makes for a very novice-friendly and forgiving big bike experience, yet with enough high speed performance to be versatile enough as a good touring motorcycle.