Test: 650 BMW F 1998
Test Drive MOTO

Test: 650 BMW F 1998

26.05.2022 /

Old and new F

First, stop wondering why we are comparing a 652cc single cylinder to a motorcycle. Cm and 798cc twin-cylinder motorcycle It's just that there were no 800cc BMWs in the last decade of the second millennium. It was made before, but from the R series, that is, with a boxer engine. In short: 15 years ago, the F 650 meant what the F 800 GS stands for today.

Nejc, who owns the black man in the photo with his aspiring motorcyclist dad, joined the BMW F800GS versus Triumph Tiger 800 benchmark this summer. You can probably imagine Nejc was thrilled to drive the 800cc GS for a few miles. , but what is more important in this article is how I felt on the old rattle.

A significant difference is in the sitting position.

In the old Fu, the seat is a mix of enduro and home toilet, which has a light and dark side: the wide and comfortable seat is set low enough for those with a big heart (and less than inches in height), but that's why this position struggles with riding. off-road. When the driver wants to stand, too much body movement, too low a handlebar and too wide a seat between the legs are required. Here the difference with the newer sibling is huge.

The single-cylinder loves to spin and drink oil after 40.000.

The reliable Rotax single-cylinder engine requires some flair for throttle and idle control. It works great, does not shake at all, does not resist spinning at higher rpms (read: it needs to be rotated to accelerate!) And everything pulls. up to 170 kilometers per hour... When traveling, a speed of 120 to 130 kilometers per hour will be the most comfortable, safe and economical choice. Despite the carburetor, Aprilia's cousin Pegaso is not greedy, since after three flow measurements, the calculation always stopped at the five-liter mark. After 40 thousand kilometers, as the meter shows, it was necessary to check the valve clearance, replace the oil seals on the cooling system and perform basic maintenance. And it works. Well, the engine oil needs to be topped up a little, but that amount is supposedly not critical, Neitz says.

When we compare it to a new BMW product, we might criticize the brakes and oscillating suspension (that would also require maintenance), but listen - he and his father paid 1.700 euros for it last year. That's about five times what I would pay for a new GS!

So? If you're looking for a good beginner bike to travel the world, and if your budget doesn't allow you to "swallow" a new one, the old F 650 might be the right choice. In the words of the owner: “The bike is downright 'clunky', but it still grows on the soul. He doesn't need anything for this money."

text and photo: Matevž Gribar

  • Basic data

    Sales: Flea, Announcements of Solomon

    Test model cost: from 1.000 to 2.000 €

  • Technical information

    engine: single-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 4 valves, 652 cm3, carburetor, manual choke, electric starter.

    Power: 35 kW (48 km) at 6.500 rpm

    Torque: 57 Nm at 5.200 rpm

    Energy transfer: 5-speed gearbox, chain

    Frame: steel pipe

    brakes: front spool 300mm, rear spool 240mm

    Suspension: classic telescopic fork front, 170 mm travel, rear single shock, 165 mm travel

    Tires: 100/90-19, 130/80-18

    Growth: 785 mm

    Fuel tank: 17,5

    Wheelbase: 1.480 mm

    Weight: 173 kg

We praise and reproach

fuel consumption

price

comfort

reliability

powerful enough engine

ease of maintenance

ergonomics when driving in the field

boring form

brakes

podcast

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