BMW G 650 GS gets a styling update
The mechanical script hasn't changed, but it now cuts a "cheeky, light and adventurous figure” with its new styling and wheelsBMW’s popular adventure bike, the G 650 GS, now cuts a new figure with completely redesigned bodywork, an asymmetrical headlamp, and the widespread use of black on the engine, exhaust covers, frame, swinging arm and slide tubes.
There’s also the liberal use of white across the side panels and frontal area, and a smattering of red on the otherwise black seat.
With its lean and wiry off-road stature, according to BMW the new single-cylinder enduro “cuts a cheeky, light, and adventurous figure”.
As with previous model, ABS (switchable), heated grips and the centre stand will be standard equipment locally.
The G 650 GS’s torquey engine is tried and true: a 652cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, fuel injected single-cylinder design, producing 48 (35kW) at 6500rpm and 60Nm at 5000rpm. There’s a five-speed gearbox and 14-litre fuel tank, house under the seat.
As an optional accessory, the vehicle is also available in a power reduction version, delivering 34hp (25kW) at 6500rpm and 47Nm at 4500 rpm.
In full power mode, BMW claims fuel consumption of 3.2lt/100km at a constant 90km/h. Not really representative of what really happens on the open road, but a base figure nonetheless.
The suspension on the G 650 GS (formerly the F 650 GS) is a combination of telescopic fork and monoshock, with 170 and 160mm of spring travel respectively.
The new cast light-alloy 10-spoke wheels are 19-inch (front) and 17-inch in diameter, replacing the wire spokes. There are three different seat heights: standard 780mm, low slung 750mm (as optional factory-fitted equipment) and high (black) 820mm.
There’s yet no word on Australian availability and pricing.
The G 650 GS was reintroduced into Australia in April, 2009, replacing the previous "G" 650cc manifestations -- the G 650 Xcountry, Xchallenge and Xmoto machines. The 2010 model currently retails for $10,990.
However, the G 650 GS maintained the same Chinese-built engine as the “X” bike, which is identical in design to the Rotax unit previously supplied in the F 650 GS, which originally sold in Australia from 2000-2005 before the name was reintroduced in an 800cc parallel twin configuration.
Until the end of September this year, the G 650 GS was the fourth biggest selling adventure bike in Australia, a 26.3 increase on 2009. The G 650 GS is also a LAMS bike in all states and territories except WA, where the scheme is yet to be introduced.
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