F Series

The BMW F800GS and F650GS are members of the GS family of dual-sport motorcycles manufactured in Germany by BMW Motorrad. Both bikes were launched in 2008, and use the same 798 cc parallel-twin engine with chain drive, but with different power outputs and equipment levels. The F650GS name can cause confusion as it was also used for a 652 cc BMW bike fitted with a single cylinder Rotax engine, produced from 2000–2007; a bike which has now been relaunched as the G650GS fitted with a Chinese engine of the same 652 cc capacity. The parallel-twin engine was first used in the F800S, and is also used in the F800ST and F800R, although these bikes are tuned to deliver peak power at a different RPM from the GS models. On the GS models the engine is angled further backwards than the other bikes to provide longer suspension travel, needed for offroad use. Although both bikes use the same basic engine, there are a number of differences.The F800 produces 15 bhp (11 kW) more power than the F650, which can be reduced to deliver just 25 kW (34 hp) for European riders on restricted Category A licences.[3][4] The F800 is fitted with twin brake discs on the front while the F650 is fitted with just one disc.[2] Both bikes feature optional anti-lock brakes (ABS). The F800 features spoked wheels with a 21 inch front and 17 rear, while the F650 has cast aluminium alloy wheels with a 19 inch front and 17 rear. The standard seat height on the F800 is 880 mm (34.6 in), compared with 820 mm (32.3 in) for the F650, which can be further reduced with lowered seat and suspension to 820 mm (32.3 in) making it suitable for much shorter riders.