Used BMW 650

What to know before buying: BMW 650

From 3 forum threads and 2 press tests · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• An owner rated a 2006 F 650 4.4/5 at 20,000 km, including 5/5 for handling and reliability; reported fuel use was 4 L/100 km.[4]one source
• The son of a 2001 F650GS owner covered almost 3,000 km in 20 days without mechanical trouble; the only issue was a puncture.[1]one source
• An owner of an older F650GS reported never having a problem and described the F 650 as a sound design.[5]one source
• Another owner sold his 650 at 27,000 km without a minor fault; once, after heavy rain, it stopped but ran again after drying out.[5]one source

Typical faults

• A 2001 F650GS required 5–10 minutes of cranking when cold, sometimes draining the battery, but restarted immediately when warm.[1]one source

  2001–2001 · F 650 GS

• F 650 ST owners reported voltage-regulator failure around 70,000–71,000 km, with power loss, surging and readings as high as 17 V.[3]one source

  70 000–71 000 km · F 650 ST

• A 1997 F 650 ST used about 10 L/100 km, surged and stalled; the discussion attributed the fault to worn carburettor needle-valve seals.[3]one source

  1997–1997 · F 650 ST

• One post-2000 F650GS suffered three hydraulic chain-tensioner failures: initially, then 6,000 km and 4,000 km after replacements.[5]one source

  F 650 GS

• One F 650 reportedly stalled suddenly at idle while moving and would not restart; the source does not establish the cause.[2]one source

  F 650

• An F650GS owner cited reports of clutch-plate replacement at 40,000–50,000 km, while stressing that wear depends heavily on use.[5]one source

  40 000–50 000 km · F 650 GS

Which engine and version to take

• The strongest positive example supplied is the 2006 F 650: at 20,000 km its owner rated reliability 5/5 and reported 4 L/100 km.[4]one source

What to check at the inspection

• Test a 2001 F650GS from fully cold: the reported bike needed 5–10 minutes at 7–8°C but restarted immediately when warm.[1]one source
• With an F 650 ST warm, measure battery voltage at 4,000 rpm; the source recommends confirming it stays below 14.5 V and inspecting regulator connectors.[3]one source
• Inspect the air filter and airbox drain: fuel there can indicate carburettor needle valves that are not closing.[3]one source
• Compare the odometer reading with actual distance travelled and inspect for oil drips; both faults were reported on a 1997 F 650 ST.[3]one source
• On an F650GS, check oil-service history and the chain tensioner; one bike with an incompletely stamped service book suffered repeated tensioner failures.[5]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]forum.bjbikers.com — BMW f650GS 2001 - Predstavljanje Članova · forum
2. [2]pro-bike.ro — Probleme Bmw F650.... - PRO-BIKE.RO · forum
3. [3]bmist.forumpro.fr — BMW F 650 ST Multiples Problèmes ! · press
4. [4]auto.ria.com — Отзыв BMW F 650 2006 года от Tola 2019-04-19 · press
5. [5]forum.index.hu — BMW Motorok · forum

Spotted an error? Tell us