Page 3 of 88

1
Introduction
i
Welcome to BMWWe are delighted that you have
chosen a BMW F 650 GS and
would like to welcome you to
the community of BMW riders.
Familiarise yourself with your
new motorcycle, so that you
can ride it safely and confidently
in all traffic situations.
To make sure of this, please
read this Rider’s Manual care-
fully before starting to use your
new motorcycle. It contains im-
portant information on how to
operate the controls and how to
make the best possible use of
all the motorcycle’s technical
features.In addition, it contains useful
hints and information on the
correct equipment for machine
and rider, to ensure maximum
reliability and safety, and advice
on how to maintain the value of
your motorcycle.
If you have any questions con-
cerning your motorcycle, your
BMW motorcycle dealer will
gladly provide advice and as-
sistance.
We hope you enjoy reading this
Rider’s Manual and wish you
many a pleasant, safe journey
on your BMW motorcycle.
Best wishes,
BMW Motorrad
Welcome to BMW
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Page 4 of 88

2
Introduction
12
i
General information and
controls
General view, left side ........... 4
General view, right side ......... 5
Cockpit ................................. 6
Telltale and warning lights ..... 7
Ignition switch and
steering lock ...................... 8-9
Odometer/clock .................. 10
Hazard warning flashers ...... 11
Handlebar fitting ............ 12-13
Seat .................................... 14
Topcase .........................15-16
System case .................. 17-21 Safety check
Checklist ........................ 22-23
Engine oil ....................... 24-25
Fuel ................................ 26-27
Handlebar levers ............ 28-29
Brakes ........................... 30-34
Shock-absorbers ................ 35
Spring preload .................... 36
Drive chain ......................... 37
Loads............................. 38-39
Wheels ........................... 40-42
Coolant .............................. 43
Lights ............................. 44-45
Contents
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Page 5 of 88
i
3
Introduction
34
Starting – Riding – Parking
First time out ................. 46-47
Important notes ............. 48-49
Side stand ..................... 50-51
Main (centre) stand ........ 52-53
Running in ..................... 54-55
Before you start ................... 56
Starting ............................... 57
Telltale and
warning lights ................ 58-59
Riding, gear shifts.......... 60-61
Braking .......................... 62-63
Anti-lock braking system
(ABS) ............................. 64-69Arrive safely
Arrive safely....................70-71
Service worldwide ............... 72
Environmental protection .... 73
BMW rider’s equipment ....... 74
BMW motorcycle
accessories ......................... 75
Training means
extra safety ......................... 76
Concluding thoughts ........... 77
Contents
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11
6
General information and controls
1Speedometer
2 Odometer/trip meter
3 Reset knob for trip meter
4 Telltale and warning lights
5 Clock
6 Rev. counter (
b54)
7 Button for setting clock,
minutes 8
Button for setting clock,
hours
9 Ignition switch and steering
lock (
b8)
10 ABS buttonOE
11Rocker switch, hazard
warning flashersOE
OEOptional extra
( ) Figure in brackets
bpage number for
description
Cockpit
163542
8791011
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111
7
General information and controls
1Repeater,
flashing turn indicators left/
right green
J
2Warning light, ABS checkOE
red
D (b65)
3 Telltale light, high-beam
headlight, blue
q
4Warning light, engine oil
pressure, red
p (b59)
5 Warning light, coolant
temperature red
j (b58) 6
Telltale light,
neutral green
k
7Warning light, fuel
level down to approx.
4 litres (0.9 Imp. gal)
reserve, yellow
m
OEOptional extra
( ) Figure in brackets
bpage number for
description
Telltale and warning lights
13542
76
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111
9
General information and controls
Ignition switch and steering lock
Key positions
d Warning:
Never turn the key to OFF or
I while riding the motorcy-
cle
ON Operating position,
ignition, lights and all
electrical circuits
switched on
R * Ignition and lights off,
steering not locked
(handlebars can be turned
freely to left or right)
* The key can be removed in these
positions
Turn the handlebars to full left lock.
e Attention:
Engage the steering lock with
the handlebars in this position
only.
OFF* Ignition and lights off,
steering locked
I * Parking light on,
steering locked
L Note:
Switch the parking light on
for limited periods only. Note
state of battery charge.
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111
11
General information and controls
Hazard warning flashersOE
Hazard warning flashers
L Note:
You cannot activate the hazard
warning flashers if the ignition is
switched off.
Do not use the hazard warning
flashers for longer than abso-
lutely necessary.
Note state of battery charge.
To switch on the hazard
warning flashers:
Switch on the ignition
Operate hazard warning flasher switch 1
– Hazard warning flashers in
operation
– The telltale light in the switch
flashes Switch off the ignition
– The hazard warning flashers
continue to operate
To switch off the hazard
warning flashers:
Operate hazard warning flasher switch 1
– Hazard warning flashers
cease to operate
– The telltale light in the switch
is off
OEOptional extra
1
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11
12
General information and controls
1Headlight flasher button H
2High-beam/low-beam
headlight switch
FHigh-beam headlight
GLow-beam headlight
3 Horn push
z
4Turn indicator switch
YPush to the left:
left flashing turn indi-
cators operate
WPush to the right:
right flashing turn indi-
cators operate
▲Push to centre posi-
tion:
Left/right turn indica-
tors off
Left handlebar fitting
1
2
3
4
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