BMW's New Entry Level, Single-Cylinder GS Model Makes its Debut
In the old days parents and school teachers used to tell their kids to "mind their P and Qs." We don't know what it means and we're not sure that those little tikes ever knew what it meant either.*
Well nowadays, in our little BMW world, we find ourselves having to mind our Fs and Gs! We confess, it's hard to pretend that we're not just as confused as those poor kids of yore who wondered what the hell "Ps and Qs" were!
Anyway, here we bring you BMW's bulletin (reprinted verbatim) regarding the introduction of this new model which is a lot like the old model - but different. by the way, the picture to the left is the new GS - so enjoy!
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BMW Motorrad USA is pleased to announce the introduction of the G 650 GS. This bike is the reintroduction of the discontinued F 650 GS (Model Year 2007), due to popular demand. The naming convention was changed to maintain consistency between engine families. Since this bike is a single cylinder it now belongs to the G series.
Even though the previous model was wildly popular, several updates were still implemented. The new G 650 GS has been fitted with the updated ABS system found on the rest of the G series and is fully disengageable. The engine has also been updated. It now shares the same engine as found in the 2009 G 650 Xcountry. As a result the engine color is now black instead of silver.
The G 650 GS represents the most affordable way to join the GS family. To make this bike more appealing to entry level riders the base MSRP will be $7,670 (excluding freight) and only 2 options and 2 colors will be available: Deep Black and Red.
To add to the tremendous value of the G 650 GS, ABS, Heated Grips, and Hazard Flashers are standard!
To appeal to a wide variety of riders such as beginners, women, etc., the G 650 GS is available with Low Suspension. The seat heights are as follows: Standard -30.7"; Low Susp.- 29.5"
*Alert reader, friend and good customer, Fred Oppido, has just sent us this:
In the olde days when British sailors returned from sea, they would head off to the pubs and taverns to avail themselves of many libations. As the drinks were served in Pint and Quart size containers and the sailors became severely impaired (knackered, three sheets to the wind), the bar maids would remind them to "mind their Ps & Qs."
-- Now we know. Thanks, Fred!
Specifications:
Engine
Type: Water-cooled, single-cylinder 4-stroke engine, four valves, two overhead camshafts, dry sump lubrication
Bore / stroke: 100 mm x 83 mm
Capacity: 652 cc
Rated output: 53 hp at 7,000 rpm
Max. torque: 44lb/ft at 5,250 rpm
Compression ratio: 11.5 : 1
Mixture control / engine management: BMS C-II
Emission control: Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Electrical system
Alternator: three-phase alternator 400 W
Battery: 12 V / 12 Ah
Power transmission
Clutch: Multiple-disc clutch in oil bath, mechanically operated
Gearbox: Constant mesh 5-speed gearbox integrated into crankcase
Drive: Endless O-ring chain with shock damping in rear wheel hub
Chassis / brakes
Frame Bridge-type steel section frame with boltedon
rear section
Front wheel location / suspension: Telescopic fork, Ø 41 mm, fork stabiliser
Rear wheel location / suspension: Box-section steel dual swing arm, central spring strut operated by lever system,
spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable
Suspension travel front / rear: 170 mm / 165 mm
Wheelbase: 1,477 mm
Castor: 113 mm
Steering head angle: 61.9°
Wheels: Wire spoke
Rim, front: 2.50 x 19"
Rim, rear: 3.00 x 17"
Tyre, front: 100/90 S 19
Tyre, rear: 130/80 S 17
Brake, front: Single disc, diameter 300 mm, doublepiston floating caliper
Brake, rear: Single disc, diameter 240 mm, singlepiston floating caliper
ABS: BMW Motorrad ABS (can be switched off) (standard)
Dimensions / weights
Unladen weight, road ready, fully fuelled 1): 423 lbs
Dry weight 2): 387 lbs
Permitted total weight: 837 lbs
Payload (with standard equipment): 414 lbs
Usable tank volume: 4.0 US Gallons
Reserve: 1 Gallon Reserve
Technical data relate to the unladen weight (DIN)
1) According to guideline 93/93/EWG with all fluids, fuelled with at least
90 % of usable tank volume
2) Unladen weight without fluids
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