When is a 650 not a 650? When it’s an 800! And that’s the case with the 2011 BMW F650 GS seen here—for some reason, BMW decided to give its 800 twin-cylinder model basically the same name as its 650 single-cylinder model, which confused customers then and now, and might help you save a bit of money.

The middle child

Over the past few years, BMW’s adventure bike lineup has become considerably crowded, if you count the made-in-India 310 as part of that lineup, as well as the (currently discontinued) Urban G/S model, and so on. But this wasn’t the case in the late 2000s. For years, BMW’s GS lineup had centered around an affordable 650 single-cylinder model and the larger 1100/1150/1200 models, and that was it. Then, in 2007, BMW dropped the F-series singles from its lineup and brought in the G-series thumpers instead… and they also introduced their new F-series twins, with the same name as the old thumper models. This is how we got the 2008 BMW F650 GS which wasn’t a 650 at all, but a parallel twin 800.

Oh yes, and there was also an F800 GS in the lineup at the same time, using the same engine but tuned to higher spec.

“Come buy our 650! Except it isn’t really a 650!” BMW’s marketing plan continues today, where the F-series twins all have basically the same engine with different names. Photo: Motoworks Chicago

It was one of the oddest marketing decisions I’ve ever seen in the world of motorcycling; most OEMs like to exaggerate their engine displacement. Honda’s 300 and 500 models, for instance, are actually 286cc and 471cc respectively. But BMW’s weird tactic went the other way. It was confusing then, and now. They still do it today with the F-series twins, but I’ve never seen this decision explained sensibly.

However, the bikes themselves were sensible. Like the older 650 singles, the F650 twin-cylinders were designed in conjunction with Aprilia, and built around Rotax engines. the same as the F800 but detuned to 71 hp. The F800 GS came with a 21-inch front wheel for off-road utility, but the F650 came with a 19-inch front. No, it wasn’t as good at bashing over logs in the trail, but it worked better for the street. Buyers could save a few bucks and get a machine that was more accessible physically and financially, with both a lower seat height and a lower price tag.

With that 19-17 wheelset, using cast rims, you probably won’t ride this bike on anything more serious than fire roads. That’s OK. Cast rims mean easy tire repairs, and you can always buy a set of wire wheels to swap out if you want to. Photo: Motoworks Chicago

As Dustin Woods’ review of the 2009 model said:

Although the 650 is the entry-level version of the family, it by no means feels cheap or inadequate. The digital display, rear-mounted locking gas cap, controls and the Twin powerplant all exude quality in the fit and finish.

and later:

The F650GS is a fabulous little bike that exceeded my expectations. My hope is that it doesn’t become overshadowed by the hullabaloo surrounding the launch of the new 800. While the term “little” may be accurate regarding the name and relation in size to the rest of its family, it certainly doesn’t describe the value it offers.

You can find his full review, including his observations on the power and handling, in his review at Motorcycle.com here.

This may be a 15-year-old design, but you still have many of the useful add-ons and features that you’d get on a modern bike. They’re just slightly less advanced. Photo: Motoworks Chicago

The F650 GS in 2024

These middleweight twins are shaping up to become one of the sleeper bargains of the adventure bike world. Some shoppers will turn up their nose because these machines are admittedly slower and less-impressive than the F800 models. And yet, the 70 hp is still plenty for a backroad or gravel road ride, and the scaled-down suspension is actually a benefit for many motorcyclists with shorter inseams (myself included). And the affordable price from its introduction has carried through 15-plus years later. These bikes are some of the best bang-for-buck in the used adventure bike market, especially since many of them saw far less abuse than their more capable counterparts in the F800, G650 or R1200 series. A lot of F650 twins saw less use, period. That means there are bargains to be had here!

Buying a pre-farkled bike can save you a lot of time and money. Photo: Motoworks Chicago

With that in mind, check out this 2011-edition bike at Motorworks Chicago. Here’s their description of the machine:

2011 BMW F650GS ABS. BMW Vario expandable hard bags, Touratech luggage rack, skid plate, engine protection bars, Clearwater auxiliary lights, headlight protector, windshield extender, hand guards, heated grips, adjustable levers, GPS mount. It’s in great shape, it has brand new tires, and it runs and rides great with only 26,823 miles.

That all sounds really, really good; you could jump on this thing and ride to Alaska, or Labrador, or Argentina. And the asking price is only $4,500—adding a similar farkle loadout to a bought-new GS would cost you at least a couple grand, not to mention installation time. So if you’re looking for a middleweight ADV with long legs, suited for riders with short legs, and at a price you can swing—check out the ad here, or give ’em a call at 312-738-4269. Maybe it’ll be the bike for you, and maybe not, but it’s worth checking out if you’re in the market.