2012 BMW G Review

Intro

The 2012 BMW G 650 GS is a enduro style motorcycle, developed and very popular in Europe, which means that it is made to take on both off road trails and city streets. This machine is more than capable of handling any terrain and has the specifications to prove it. The BMW G 650 GS is part of the single cylinder line of motorcycles in BMW’s line up. The new G 650 GS provides many different advantages and performance features that make it a great entry-level adventure bike. This bike is one of the less expensive big bikes that you can purchase from BMW. It is very competent on trails and should prove very tempting to those looking for a multi-functional bike.

The 2012 G 650 GS uses BMW’s signature single cylinder engine that puts out 47 horsepower at 6500 revolutions per minute (rpm) an 44 lb-ft of torque at 5000 rpm. It offers large amounts of torque at very low rpm and with the twist of the throttle, it can take you up any hill. On the road, it offers great linear power and a slight fade in mid-range rpms. The engine puts out 3 horsepower less than its predecessor but this is due to a more powerful alternator and an anti-locking braking system (ABS). In addition to the adequate amount of power that this engine puts out, it also is able to offer an amazing fuel consumption rate of a staggering 74 miles per gallon (mpg) .

The G 650 GS has a tall Sachs suspension with more than enough ground clearance, making way in the off-road arena. To help the novice rider become accustomed to the enduro experience, the upright seating position and 6.7 inches of spring travel in the front and 5.5 inches of travel in the rear lets anyone ride this bike with confidence from the start. Whether on city streets or on the trail, the reliable chassis and central spring strut on the telescopic fork guarantee sharp handling. The large front wheel helps take on the rocks and ruts while off-road yet helps make the bike feel deceptively lightweight when riding on streets. The braking system is powered by two-piston calipers with dual hydraulic discs in the front and a single-piston caliper with a hydraulic disc in the rear. This braking mechanism is ideal for a bike that may be riding on the streets just as often that it is riding on the trails.

This is a great entry-level bike with a big enough engine to take on the biggest of mountain trails or simply cruise city streets.

New For 2012

  • A four-stroke, single-cylinder engine producing 47 horsepower and 44 lb-ft of torque.
  • A five-speed, manual transmission that is capable of producing enough torque for off-road mountain climbing and city street cruising.
  • A Sachs suspension system in the front and rear to absorb the rough off-road conditions while still offering city street comfort.
  • A redesigned chassis and suspension to give the rider upright seating with 6.7 inches of spring travel in the front and 5.5 inches of travel in the rear.
  • A mind boggling fuel economy of nearly 74 miles per gallon.
  • Premium hydraulic braking system with two-piston calipers in the front and single-piston calipers in the rear

2012 BMW G Specs

  • Model: G 650 GS
  • Engine Type: Four-stroke, single-cylinder, 652cc
  • Bore and Stroke: 3.94 inches and 3.27 inches
  • Compression ratio: 11.5:1
  • Valve Train: Dual overhead camshafts (DOHC)
  • Induction: Electronic intake pipe injection/BMW engine management, twin spark ignition
  • Ignition: Electric
  • Transmission: Five-speed manual
  • Final Drive: Chain
  • Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gallons
  • Estimated Fuel Economy: 73.51 miles per gallon
  • Brakes (Front): Single hydraulic caliper with a 11.8 inch disc
  • Brakes (Rear): Single hydraulic caliper with 9.5 inch disc
  • Suspension (Front): Telescopic fork with 6.7 inches of travel
  • Suspension (Rear): Twin sided swing arm with adjustable rebound dampening, one adjustable shock absorber and a preloaded spring
  • Wheelbase: 58.2 inches
  • Rake: 61.9 degrees (steering head angle)
  • Trail: 4.5 inches
  • Seat Height: 31.5 inches
  • Curb Weight: 423 pounds
  • Tires (Front): 110/80 R19 59V
  • Tires (Rear): 140/80 R17 69V

Accessories

  • Tank bag that is mounted on the fuel tank for added storage.
  • Top box that mounts behind the rider and can be fitted with a variable insert for organization of your possessions.
  • A single seat with a luggage compartment can replace the stock seat for more storage or a high seat can be fitted instead for added control while riding.
  • An engine guard can be placed under the bike to act as a skid plate for protection while off-road riding.
  • High, high-tinted, or low-tinted windshields can be fitted to the front for protection from city street debris or hazards from off-road trails

Key Competitors For The 2012 BMW G

  • Honda XR650R
  • KTM 690
  • Kawasaki Enduro 650
  • Yamaha WR450F