The BMW G650GS is not an entirely new member of BMW’s GS bike family. In many ways it is a rebirth of the previous generation of the F650GS, the model that outsold just about everything else on the SA market for many years. Thankfully, BMW has brought back the 650cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine as an entry into dual-purpose biking.
Classed as an Enduro bike, the G650GS is intended to be equally at home on tar as it is on dirt. Aesthetically pleasing, it has an understated appearance, a little lower than many models in this category, but although somewhat lean and wiry, this is an adventurous and cheeky machine. Its low seat and light weight easily recommend it as an entry-level option. It is easy to ride, and easy to handle, yet it can get its mojo on and propel you to speeds in excess of 160km/h. In short, it has enough power to get you out of trouble when you need it.
The G650GS is powered by the tried and tested 652cc liquid-cooled double overhead camshaft single-cylinder engine which develops 35kW at 6,500rpm. With electronic fuel injection, a high-geometrical compression ratio and a closed-loop catalytic converter this is one efficient baby. At a constant speed of 90km/h, BMW claims fuel consumption of 3.2 litres/100km. However, even with some slightly more aggressive riding, I managed just over 4.7 litres/100km. This would translate to a range of about 300km per tank of fuel.
The bike has a very slick 5-speed gearbox and a really huge torque range. It pulls off gently and can be ridden at quite low revs through the gears, however, when the need for acceleration arises, a simple twist of the throttle delivers, and from about 2,500rpm, the bike really has a long useable torque curve.
It has a comfortable seating position and the small screen deflects most of the wind away, however, a larger screen is available as an option and I would go for this. The adjustable suspension was primarily developed for off-road usage, but with the steel-tubing chassis and bolt-on framework tail, the G650GS is really agile and handles fantastically on-road too.
On twisty roads the G650GS shows its personality. I was always on the lookout for tight turns to see the bike’s road-holding ability and it never stepped out of line. The bike builds confidence and this augurs well for the beginner.
Bringing the G650GS to a halt was never a hassle, and the test bike that I was riding had the optional ABS system fitted. A single-disc brake on the front and one on the rear do their jobs effectively. For off-road riding, a push of a switch de-activates the ABS braking. I would like to see a 21-inch front-wheel version in the future. The magnesium alloy wheels look great and were quite adequate in the dirt, but I would prefer spoke wheels for serious dirt-road adventure.
The optional heated grips were a godsend, particularly on really cold snaps. Hand-guards are available as an optional add-ons. I liked the centre- as well as side-stand on the bike.
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