BMW F650ST Strada (1997-1998) Specs, Performance & Photos

The BMW F650 was a series of motorcycles manufactured by BMW from 1993, comprising the F650ST Strada and the F650 Funduro. The F650 ST was introduced in the European market in 1993 and in 1997 in the American market.

Both machines were jointly designed by BMW and Aprilia, assembled in Itali by Aprilia, and powered by an Austrian 652cc single-cylinder four-valve Rotax engine. The F650 was the first motorcycle driven by a final chain drive and the first single-cylinder powered motorcycle since the 1960s R27 model.

The Funduro model was a more multi-purpose motorcycle due to its more extended wheelbase, higher ground clearance, higher seat height, higher front fairing, and a larger 19-inch front wheel.

Compared to the Funduro model, the F650 ST Strada had small dimensions and a smaller 18-inch front wheel, but both models shared the same appearance and two 33 mm Mikuni carburetors.

In the visual department, the Strada model packed standard features, such as an upper fairing with a small windscreen, a rectangular headlight, a one-piece dual seat with passenger grab handles, a small luggage rack, wire-spoke wheels, and a center stand.

In the performance department, the 1997 BMW F650ST Strada had installed underneath its clothes a 652cc four-stroke single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 48 hp at 6,500 rpm and 57 Nm (42 lb-ft) torque at 5,200 rpm.