BMW G650GS (2011-2012) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2011, the German motorcycle manufacturer launched the BMW G650GS, a motorcycle in its third year of production that followed the same recipe as previous models without any significant modifications.

The bike had standard features, including a small detachable windscreen, a one-piece dual seat with passenger grab handles, a small luggage rack, an under-seat-mounted exhaust system, and lightweight wire-spoke wheels.

When it was first released in 2009, the BMW G650GS received some minor improvements, such as a power increase and a more powerful alternator. In addition, the United States and Australian models received Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and heated grips as standard features.

The bike was built on a steel frame with a 41 mm Showa conventional telescopic fork on the front with 170 mm wheel travel and an adjustable shock absorber on the rear with 165 mm wheel travel, offering optimum suspension performance and handling.

In the braking department, the bike's wheels were fitted with a 300 mm brake disc with a dual-piston caliper on the front and a 240 mm brake disc with a single-piston caliper on the rear wheel, providing excellent stopping power.

In the performance department, the 2011 BMW G650GS had installed a 652cc four-stroke liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that boasted 48 hp with a peak at 6,500 rpm and 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) torque at 5,000 rpm.