2009 BMW F 650 GS: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 9 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel system, gasoline; the 2008 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2010
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Reflective coating on reflector of headlight assembly is peeling/flaking off exposing the black plastic underneath. This dramatically reduces the headlight's ability to illuminate the road ahead and results in a very unsafe riding situation after dark. *js”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2014
“The motorcycle has extensive hairline cracks on the left & right side of the fuel tank. A highly reported issue on bmw forums. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2013
“Engine stopped (but did not seize) and vehicle started rapid deceleration. The loss of power was instantaneous, but approximately 1 minute earlier the instrument display had gone blank. There were no prior indications of trouble. When power loss occurred, I pulled in the clutch and coasted to a stop at the side of the road. Subsequently testing showed that battery was discharged and loss of power was due to failure of charging system, specifically, failure of generator stator (generator in this vehicle uses permanent magnet rotor and wound stator). *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2013
Show 4 more owner reports
“The motorcycle stalled several times sometimes at a standstill other times while moving. Then engine shuts down and then can be restarted a short time later. The most dangerous situation was a stall while moving at 35 miles a hour in heavy traffic. I was very concerned about being hit from behind. The engine appears to be gas starved. Temperature outside at time of incident was 80 degrees. After several stalls I have the vehicle towed. *js”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2012
“Smelling gas behind me when I ride. I have a bmw f650gs with under seat tank - I noticed both ride and left side of the sides of the tank are cracking. Tank seems to be plastic and there is a u shaped cut that runs down both sides. There seems to be a split or crack that is over seven inches on both sides. I am hoping there is nothing dangerous about these cracks? *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2010
“Bmw f650gs gas tank cracking on gas fill side. Wife and I each have f650gs 2009, both are splitting in the same spot, wife's is much worse. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 2010
“Reflective coating on reflector of headlight assembly first looses its sheen then becomes very dark (burned). This dramatically reduces the headlight's ability to illuminate the road ahead and results in a very unsafe riding situation after dark. Note: motorcycle has been maintained in its oem lighting profile, using the standard / recommended h7 type bulb. *js”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2010
Recalls - 3 campaigns
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2008 THROUGH 2010 F 650 GS MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 11, 2008, THROUGH DECEMBER 8, 2009. A WASHER MAY INTERFERE WITH THE FRONT DISC BRAKE FASTENERS' TORQUE. AS A RESULT, OVER TIME, A FASTENER OR MUTIPLE FASTENERS COULD BECOME LOOSE, ALLOWING THE BRAKE DISC TO BECOME LOOSE.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 13, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 F650 GS AND F 800 GS MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 27, 2007 THROUGH MARCH 30, 2009. THE DRIVE CHAINS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PRODUCED TO SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, OVER TIME THE DRIVE CHAIN COULD BREAK.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVE CHAIN AND SPROCKETS ON THE AFFECTED MOTORCYCLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 F650 GS AND F800 GS MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN JANUARY 2008 AND DECEMBER 2009. DURING ENGINE OPERATION, A VACUUM IS CREATED IN ORDER TO DRAW FRESH AIR INTO THE CANISTER. THIS AIR THEN MIXES WITH THE FUEL VAPORS CAPTURED BY THE CANISTER, AND IS SUBSEQUENTLY COMBUSTED. DUE TO THE ROUTING OF THE VENTILATION HOSE, WATER NEAR THE END OF THE HOSE COULD BE DRAWN INTO THE CHARCOAL CANISTER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ADD AN ADDITIONAL HOSE AND ROUTE IT SUCH THAT THE PRESENT DEFECT IS PREVENTED. THIS REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 13, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2009 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact F 650 GS by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2009 BMW F 650 GS reliable?
NHTSA has 9 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2009 BMW F 650 GS. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline.
Does the 2009 BMW F 650 GS have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.