20 Things You Should Know About: BMW’s 650 Singles

This entry is part 22 of 26 in the series Adventure Rider Issue #4

BMW’s Sertão/650 GS

In 1993 BMW launched the first 650 single and called it the F 650 Funduro. Then for many years the F 650 GS Dakar was a popular choice of adventure bike riders, and in 2011 the Sertão GS was launched. A great many laps of the globe have been completed and a fearsome reputation for reliability and longevity has grown around all of the many variations of BMW’s 650cc single. We asked Craig Bennett, BMW Motorrad’s Technical Specialist, for some quick facts about this ground-breaking group of adventure bikes, and particularly the newest incarnation.

The current G 650 GS is the Sertão, the 650cc single has been in the BMW range for quite a while.

1. In 1999 and 2000 Richard Sainct won Dakar on the modified F 650 RR.

2. Heated grips and ABS are standard on the Sertão.

3. The ABS can be easily deactivated, but you must be stationary to do this.

4. Since the first BMW 650 single in 2003, F models were always singles. Then in 2007 the singles ceased production. In 2006 BMW released the parallel-twin F models, the F 800 and F 650, but the F 650 was actually 798cc. Then in 2008 BMW launched the G 450 X, and G became the prefix for singles, and F for parallel twins. In 2011, a new version of the trusty Dakar was released: the G 650 GS Sertão. Don’t worry, you weren’t the only one who was confused.

5. With longer travel and a 21-inch front wheel, the Sertão has a seat height that challenges many shorter riders. The G 650
GS has a 19-inch front wheel and reduced travel, but the same basic platform and features, and is a great option for shorter adventure riders.

6. Touratech offers a huge range of accessories for the Dakar and Sertão.

7. UniFilter offers an ideal air-filter system for the G 650 GS Sertão. It’s perfect for harsh/dusty Australian conditions, and consists of an oiled foam filter and a prefilter sock. If the pre-filter sock is changed you can expect anywhere between 3000km to 5000km before you have to clean the main filter.

8. A tankbag is essential adventure-bike equipment, and the 12-volt accessory plug under the left-front trim panel of the bike can be used to charge electronic items like a phone, GPS or music player in the bag.

9. A GPS is another essential adventure-riding item, and can be mounted to the ’bars using a RAM mount and be powered from the auxiliary socket or tankbag.

10. Various pannier options are available for the G 650 GS Sertão. We’ve found in more technical terrain it is best to use a tankbag and the BMW silver luggage roll bag on the rear of the bike. It’s waterproof and has lots of room.

11. Continental TKC80s have been BMW’s preference on the G 650 GS Sertão. They wear well with grip on all surfaces, including bitumen. For longer mileage the Metzeler Tourance or Pirelli Scorpion Trail are also good options. Fit heavy-duty tubes if you are going off-road a lot.

12. There’s no magical pressure for the Sertão tyres off-road. We run around 28psi to 30psi and only drop more than this in the sand.

13. Rim locks don’t come standard. Although this doesn’t cause problems, if you’re going big, maybe consider slotting in a pair to avoid any hassles. At low pressures a torn valve stem in the Simpson wouldn’t be fun.

14. Rear suspension preload adjustment is with an adjuster on the rear shock. Rear damping can also be adjusted. Preload should be increased when luggage is put on the bike and/or if it’s used in rough terrain.

15. The standard silencer, although heavy, works well. Some aftermarket silencers are just too loud to be comfortable on longer rides. If you’re going to change it, make sure you don’t go too loud.

16. The BMW 650 singles are probably ideal for learners and experienced campaigners alike, and one of the best learner bikes full stop. They’re easy to ride and have switchable ABS, so confidence grows incredibly quickly without silly crashes on wet bitumen from novice brake feel. More people should learn on G 650 GS bikes.

17. Less is more. The peak power won’t freak you out, but the torque is amazing. This bike will get up steep, loose hills when similar riders on more powerful bikes can fail. The torque will find traction where other bikes may get sketchy. It’s forgiving and brings out the best in a rider.

18. Engine vibes won’t make your feet and fingers go numb or loosen your teeth. This 650 single can sit on the highway at 110kph to 130kph all day long.

19. ’Bar risers are a good idea for taller riders who like to stand up a bit.

20. The standard ’pegs are quite narrow. For off-road riding a pair of Pivot Pegz are ideal for riders who spend a bit of time standing up.