BMW F 650 GS gets reintroduction to the U.S.

Click above for more high-res images of the 2009 BMW F 650 GS

BMW Motorrad has had a 650cc off-road-ready adventure bike in its line since 2000, but the new one for model year '09 is vastly different than its predecessor. The bike is completely new and highlighted by a new parallel-twin engine that now displaces almost 800cc -- the same as the more powerful but more expensive F 800 GS. The two models differ in their specific engine tuning with the 650 producing 71-horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 55 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm and the F 800 GS offering up 85 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 62 lb-ft at 5,750 rpm. Unlike most BMW motorcycles that use a shaft drive, the F-Series GS uses a more rational chain for its off-road durability and interchangeability. A steel trellis frame mates with a double-sided swingarm to offer a stiff chassis and the fuel is mounted below the seat for a low center of gravity. Pricing begins at $8,255, though adding the Standard Package quickly raises the asking price to $9,760. You'll want that package as it includes heated hand grips, anti-lock brakes, an on-board computer, and (who cares?) white turn signals.


[Source: BMW]

Press Release:

BMW's All-New Entry Level Model Makes its Debut with a Twin-Cylinder Engine

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - August 19, 2008... Tame the urban jungle or take the road less traveled! After much anticipation, BMW's sophisticated new addition to its entry level model lineup -- the 2009 BMW F 650 GS -- has arrived at U.S. BMW Motorrad dealers.

With its 71 hp, torquey twin-cylinder engine, the all-new 2009 F 650 GS offers more power and sophistication than its single-cylinder predecessor. Ideal for on- or off-road riding, urban commuting and any rider looking for a fun, efficient and reliable motorcycle, the middleweight twin tackles anything the ambitious motorcyclist could throw at it. Its rigid steel tube trellis frame, double-sided swing arm and chain drive offer reliability. A low seat height and narrow design make navigation through the worst traffic a breeze. Cast aluminum wheels and telescopic forks keep the ride smooth and precise at all times.

The 2009 F 650 GS has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $8,255 (excluding freight). The Standard Package, offered at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $9,760, (excluding freight) includes heated hand grips, Anti-Lock Brakes, an on-board computer, and white turn signals. The 2009 F 650 GS is available in three colors -- Flame Red, Iceberg Silver Metallic, and Azur Blue Metallic.

The F 650 GS is the newest addition to BMW's dual-sport line up. It follows in the footsteps of the highly acclaimed R 1200 GS - which traces its roots back to the early 1980s when BMW won the grueling Paris-Dakar rally four times with its trailblazing dual-purpose R 80 GS. Since their debut in 2004, the versatile R 1200 GS and its rugged companion, the R 1200 GS Adventure, have earned praise from motorcycle enthusiasts and the press for their exceptional performance both on and off the road.

The R 1200 GS has earned award after award, including Cycle World's Best Open Class Street Bike and the International Journalist's Panel "Best Bike in the World." The R 1200 GS Adventure was named "Best Adventure Bike" three years in a row by editors of Motorcyclist Magazine.

BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models, X5 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sport Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 82 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

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