Bmw F650 Urban Enduro
BMW F650 URBAN ENDURO
CW RIDING IMPRESSION
BMW'S NEW R1100GS CERTAINLY
deserves high praise, what with
its innovative Telelever front
end, responsive twin-cylinder
engine and solid all-around capabilities.
Even so, the GS’s considerable mass can be intimidating to shorter and less-experienced riders. For them, BMW offers a less-weighty, single-cylinder option.
Aimed at younger and re-entry riders, the F650 was developed as a cost-effec-
tive way to round out the company’s existing two, three and four-cylinder model line. It is based on Aprilia’s Rotax-powered Pegaso 650, and built by the Italian motorcycle and scooter manufacturer in its Noale, Italy, production facility. On a recent trip to Germany, we had a chance to sample the new bike, which, as of presstime, is not available in the United States.
Initial talks between BMW and Aprilia began in mid1989, with the decision to build coming 18 months later. Although it doesn’t manufacture the F650, BMW is responsible for the bike’s styling and technical credits. Great importance was placed on a smooth-running, reliable engine, optimum protection from the elements, and ergonomics that catered to both rider and passenger. To keep costs down, BMW’s traditional shaft final drive was passed over in favor of an O-ring chain, and carburetors and suspension components were sourced from Japan.
For increased durability, the twin-plug, dohc, liquidcooled, 652cc Rotax engine underwent a series of changes, the most notable being the use of a four-valve cylinder head instead of the Pegaso’s five-valve design. Other alterations included redesigned connecting rod, crankand camshaft bearings, nickel-silicon cylinder liner and the addition of a balance shaft. New case covers were cast with the BMW logo, and environmental concerns were addressed via intake and exhaust modifications and an optional catalytic converter. Two 33mm Mikuni carburetors feed the dry-sump engine, and spent gases exit through a stainless-steel exhaust pipe and large-volume muffler. Claimed output for the F650 is 48 horsepower at 6500 rpm with
power rpm 42 foot-pounds of torque at 5200 rpm.
The frame is steel and consists of a pressed upper section welded to square-section tubing. The top portion houses the engine’s oil reservoir, and the engine serves as a stressed member. Removable downtubes provide additional reinforcement. A non-adjustable, conventional 41mm Showa fork is fitted, and at the rear, a Deltabox-style swingarm is linked to a Showa shock absorber that features an easily accessible 40-position hydraulic spring preload adjustment wheel. Brakes are made by Brembo, with a single 11.8-inch rotor and twin-piston caliper up front and a 9.4-inch disc and single-piston caliper at the rear. Spoked wheels wear semi-knobbed 100/90-19 front and 130/80-18 rear Pirelli tires.
An automotive-style speedometer, tachometer and watertemperature gauge greet the rider, along with a comfortable seat, a rubber-mounted, motocross-style handlebar and slightly rearset, rubber-covered footpegs. The Austrianmade Rotax engine warms completely within a couple of minutes and will pull from as low as 2000 rpm. Best response, however, is available 1500 rpm higher. Gearchanges are light and positive, although our testbike suffered from a bit of driveline snatch. Steering is light and neutral, and high-speed stability is very good. The suspension is softly sprung, especially the fork, and swallows everything from speed bumps to potholes. Stopping power is equally impressive, although the front brake is very sensitive; a two-finger pull will easily lock the front wheel.
As a weekday commuter and occasional tourer, the F650 serves well, due in part to its responsive engine, compliant suspension and light, agile handling. Unfortunately, the
F650 is expensive for a single-cylinder, street-oriented dual-purpose bike (currently the equivalent of $7000 in Germany). For that reason alone, the F650 probably won’t come to the United States. That’s too bad, because based on its ability to slice through congested traffic, consume snaking backroads and double as an off-road explorer, BMW’s F650-a true world bike-is a rousing success. Matthew Miles
