This document is the Rider's Manual for the BMW F 650 CS motorcycle (US Model), providing comprehensive information for its operation, maintenance, and safety.
Function Description:
The BMW F 650 CS is a motorcycle designed for riding in various traffic situations, offering a balance of safety, reliability, and technical features. The manual covers general information and controls, safety checks, starting, riding, and parking procedures, as well as details on accessories and environmental protection.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Engine Oil: The manual emphasizes regular checking of the engine oil level, ideally every time the motorcycle stops for fuel or every second time at the latest. The oil level varies with temperature, and it's advisable to check it after the motorcycle has been ridden. The difference between the MAX and MIN marks on the dipstick corresponds to approximately 0.42 quarts (0.4 liters). BMW recommends Castrol oil.
- Fuel: The motorcycle uses regular unleaded fuel to DIN 51607 or equivalent standard, with a minimum octane number of 91 (RON) or 81 (MON). The usable tank capacity is 15 liters (approximately 4 gallons). A yellow warning light illuminates when approximately 1 gallon (4 liters) of fuel is left.
- Coolant: The coolant level should always be kept above the minimum mark and checked when the engine is cold.
- Tire Pressures (cold):
- Front: 31.9 psi (2.2 bar)
- Rear: 36.3 psi (2.5 bar)
- Two-up and luggage: Front 31.9 psi (2.2 bar), Rear 36.3 psi (2.5 bar)
- Tire Tread Depth (BMW's minimum recommendation):
- Front: 0.08 in (2 mm)
- Rear: 0.12 in (3 mm)
- Clutch-lever play: Specified value B = 0.04 to 0.08 in (1 to 2 mm).
- Spring Preload (Basic setting, one-up, rider up to 187 lbs / 85 kg): Turn knob 1 counter-clockwise to the "LOW" arrow direction. For two-up and luggage, turn clockwise to the "HIGH" arrow direction.
- Shock-absorber setting:
- Firm setting "H": Fully tighten adjusting screw 1.
- Basic setting: Back off adjusting screw 1 through 3/4 of a turn.
- Soft setting "S": Fully back off adjusting screw 1.
- Maximum Load:
- Stowage compartment and softbag: 11 lbs (5 kg) each.
- Gross weight limit: 816 lbs (370 kg).
- Wheel load limits: Front 441 lbs (200 kg), Rear 595 lbs (270 kg).
- Engine Speed: The governor cuts in at 7,400 rpm. It is advisable not to exceed a maximum of 7,000 rpm in any gear during normal gear changes.
- Running-in speeds (0 to 600 miles / 1,000 km): Engine speed max. 5,000 rpm and no full-load acceleration.
- Running-in speeds (600 to 1,200 miles / 1,000 to 2,000 km): Engine speeds can be gradually increased. Avoid lengthy periods at full load until 1,200 miles (2,000 km) have been covered.
- ABS (Anti-lock braking system): Operational above 3.7 mph (6 km/h) or 7.45 mph (12 km/h if brake lever/pedal was operated beforehand). The system shuts down automatically if ridden for approximately 10 seconds with only one wheel in contact with the ground.
Usage Features:
- Ignition Key and Steering Lock: The same key operates the ignition, steering lock, fuel filler cap, stowage compartment (optional accessory), and seat lock. Key positions include ON (operating), R (ignition/lights off, steering not locked), OFF (ignition/lights off, steering locked), and P (parking light on, steering locked).
- Odometer/Clock: The odometer/tripmeter reading can be toggled and reset. The clock can be set for hours and minutes separately.
- Hazard Warning Flashers (Optional Equipment): Can be activated with the ignition on, and continue to operate if the ignition is switched off.
- Left Handlebar Fitting: Includes headlight-flasher button, high-beam/low-beam headlight switch, horn push, and flashing turn indicator switch.
- Right Handlebar Fitting: Features emergency off (kill) switch for ignition, switch for heated handlebar grips (optional equipment), and starter button.
- Seat: Removable via a seat lock.
- Softbag (Optional Accessory): Can be inserted into the stowage compartment or secured to the rear seat/luggage carrier. Max load 11 lbs (5 kg).
- Topcase (Optional Accessory): Max load 11 lbs (5 kg). Features a key-operated lock and retaining hook for securing.
- Side Stand: The engine should be stopped before using the side stand, and the ground should be level and firm. The motorcycle should be propped uphill in 1st gear. The side stand must be fully retracted before riding.
- Gear Shifts: The manual provides instructions for moving away/upshifts and downshifts, emphasizing smooth clutch engagement and avoiding abrupt throttle changes, especially on wet or slippery roads.
- Braking: Highlights the importance of dry, clean brake disks and pads. Warns against riding with spongy brake levers or pedals, indicating a fault in the hydraulic system.
- ABS: Provides anti-lock braking at both wheels, reducing accident risk and shortening braking distance. It performs a self-diagnosis when the engine is started and the motorcycle pulls away. A pulsating sensation through the brake lever or pedal indicates ABS operation.
Maintenance Features:
- Safety Checklist: A comprehensive checklist is provided for before every journey, including fuel level, clutch-lever play, brake pressure, brake fluid levels, drive belt, warning lights, wheel/tire condition, tread depth, tire pressures, load, coolant level, lights, engine oil level (regularly, every second fuel stop), and brake pads.
- Brake System: All work on brake systems should be performed by a BMW-certified workshop. Brake fluid must be changed regularly due to thermal loads and moisture absorption. Brake pads should be replaced before reaching minimum permissible thickness.
- Drive Belt: Tension must be checked every 6,000 miles (10,000 km) by a BMW-certified workshop. The drive belt should also be checked for damage after riding on unsurfaced tracks or in bad road conditions.
- Headlight Adjustment: Basic setting should be adjusted by a BMW-certified workshop. The beam height can be lowered by turning adjusting screw 2 if the load is very high, but adjusting screw 1 is only for lateral adjustment.
- Environmental Protection: BMW emphasizes environmentally acceptable materials and proper disposal of hazardous waste. Authorized BMW motorcycle workshops are equipped for environmentally sound repairs and recycling.
- Service and Reliability: Regular visits to an authorized BMW motorcycle retailer for routine servicing are strongly recommended to ensure the motorcycle remains in perfect working order and to maintain warranty claims. BMW-certified workshops have trained staff, technical information, and specialized tools for quick and effective problem-solving.
- Accessories: Only genuine BMW accessories should be used, as unapproved accessories can pose safety risks and invalidate the motorcycle's operating permit or insurance. Technical modifications should be entrusted to trained specialists at an authorized BMW motorcycle retailer.