2009 BMW G 650GS

Make Model	BMW G 650GS
Year	2009
Engine	Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Capacity	652 cc / 39.8 cub. in.
Bore x Stroke	100 x 83 mm
Compression Ratio	11.5:1
Cooling	Liquid cooled
Induction	Fuel induction
Ignition	Capacitor Discharge Ignition system
Alternator	Three-phase alternator 400W
Battery	12 V / 12 Ah
Starting	Electric
Max Power	37 kW / 48 hp @ 6500 rpm
Max Torque	60 Nm / 6.1 kgf-m / 44.25 lb-ft. @ 5200 rpm
Clutch	Multiple-disc clutch in oil bath, mechanically operated
Transmission	5 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Frame	Bridge-type steel section frame with bolted-on rear section
Front Suspension	∅41mm telescopic fork with stabilizer bridge
Front Wheel Travel	170 mm / 6.7 in.
Rear Suspension	Spring setting and rebound stage damping continuously adjustable.
Rear Wheel Travel	165 mm / 6.5 in.
Front Brakes	Single ∅300mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Rear Brakes	Single ∅240mm disc, 1 piston caliper
Front Tyre	100/90-19
Rear Tyre	130/80-17
Castor	123 mm / 4.8 in.
Steering Head Angle	61.9°
Dimensions	Length: 2185 mm / 86 in. Width: 920 mm / 36.2 in. (incl. mirrors) Height: 1440 mm / 56.7 in.(excl. mirrors)
Wheelbase	1484 mm / 58.4 in.
Seat Height	860 mm to 900 mm / 33.9 in. to 35.4 in.
Dry Weight	176 kg / 388 lbs.
Wet-Weight	191 kg / 421 lbs
Fuel Capacity	17.3 Litres / 4.6 US gal.
Reserve	Approx 4 litres / 1.1 US gal.
Consumption Average	4.7 l/100 km / 21.4 km/l / 50.3 US mpg.
Standing ¼ Mile	14.4 sec
Top Speed	169.5 km/h / 105.3 mph

The most popular dual purpose single in the 250+ cubic centimeters category, the G 650 GS has become the standard upon which single-cylinder dual purpose motorcycles are judged. Aggressively engineered for unrelenting performance in harsh environments, the G 650 GS was designed to take riders off-road and on to new frontiers. The 2009 model features a 2 SPARK ignition system, a three-position clutch lever, newly designed windscreen, accessory power socket, and improved on-board electronics.

I must admit that the BMW G 650 GS was not my first choice of bikes to ride. Usually there is more than one test bike in the garage, and the single-cylinder 650 GS was consistently getting overlooked in favor of faster and sexier machines, such as the Triumph Street Triple R and Buell Lightning XB12Scg. Like the best friend who is sometimes taken for granted when a fast-paced personality shows up, steals the limelight, and is more fun to hang out with-such was the 650's initial fate.