2001 BMW F650GS: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern fuel system, gasoline.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2000
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My wife's motorcycle, a bmw f650gs seemed to be smelling of gasoline while running it. The leak was not evident in drips or a puddle so I began to investigate the bike while consequently doing other maintenance. I found a puddle of fuel under the seat, on top of the fuel sending unit area. Upon closer investigation I found a pin hole sized leak in the fuel tank itself, from which fuel was spraying in a stream. Investigating closer I found that there are minute cracks on the top of the same area, and fuel was coming up through them. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2008
“I was involved in a low speed <=45 mph motorcycle crash with a medium sized dog (approx 50 lbs) back in the fall of 2005. I was riding a 2001 bmw f650 when the dog ran out in front of me and I couldn't avoid hitting it. I approximate the speed of impact around 45 mph. I subsequently lost control of the bike and slide along the pavement for approx 300 ft. The damage to the bike consisted of a broken front fork and bent front wheel rim. I had the bike repaired and insurance covered most of the damages to the bike. I did suffer a knee injury in the crash. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2005
“While coming to a complete stop the vehicle stalled intermittently. Once the vehicle was restarted it would perform properly. The dealer could not duplicate or correct the problem. *nm when the vehicle stalled a strong smell of gas was present. *sc *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“Year 2001 bmw f650gs motorcycle. For no identifiable reason, the engine idle drops to zero and the engine stalls. If you know to turn the ignition switch off then on again, the idle will be restored when the motorcycle is started.”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2003
“2001 bmw f650gs front fork failure - while riding on smooth asphalt my motorcycle suffered a catastrophic fork failure during deceleration - braking causing the axle to separate from the fork and causing a one vehicle collision riding it into the esplanade - where the axle retainer bolt secures the axle. Repairs completed - replace both upper fork tubes / right side lower and rebuild cost $800 cdn old lower - failure is available. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2003
“Bmw f650gsa surges and stalls. You can never tell when it's going to do either. One time I was in the redwood forest out by bogeda bay california and before I knew it I was a surging so hard I thougth I was going to be bucked off. The dealer is aware of this problem and says there's nothing wrong. If you keep after them they will say to ride the motorcycle in very high rpm's. I don't think they know what it feels like or sounds like when I'm doing 25mph at 6000 rpms which is just below the redline limit.*ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jun 2003
“-motorcycle -bmw 2001 f650gs -sunny day -straight, rural city street -35mph -crossed railroad tracks -60ft later felt braking from front tire, then bike slid over to left, me to right -personal injury: broken collar bone, bruises, medium road rash, 10 hours at hospital -front fork axle flange was broken, intact, from main cylindrical shock house, as if someone cut the flange out of the cylindrical shock. -new front shock was purchased, and new shock has design change that includes a stress relieving gusset. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2002
“The two rearview mirrors continually moved and turned inward rendering them useless after reaching highway speeds. Appears to be a common problem with no indication of manufacturer correction. I have been told to return for a new pair if the problem re-occurs at my own loss of time and in-convenience. Condition presented a dangerous situation one day while riding in heavy wind and I had to constantly watch over my shoulder where traffic was during this difficult condition.*ak”Owner report · Visibility · Jan 2002
“Motorcycle stalls out when at intersections or when motor comes to an idle. When riding it backfires allot when accelerating or slowing down. Front rim buckeled where the rim is welded together front the welding process .heating and cooling of the rim caused this”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2001
“Both mirrors move at ball joint at highway speeds. The hotter the weather the more they move. This brings for dangerous riding when travelling with other cars because the mirrors move out of adjustment fast and you have to constantlly reajust them. I have had them replace under warranty and the replacement mirrors have the same problem. I have heard from numerouse other bikers with the same model bike that have had the same complaint.*ak”Owner report · Visibility · Jul 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE FUEL TANK IS EQUIPPED WITH A CARBON CANISTER WHICH HELPS CONTROL EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS FROM THE FUEL SYSTEM. THIS CANISTER IS MOUNTED TO A METAL INSERT THAT IS INTEGRATED INTO THE TANK. DURING THE PRODUCTION PROCESS, THE THICKNESS OF THE FUEL TANK MATERIAL IN THE AREA OF THE INSERT MAY BE LESS THAN INTENDED. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS SUCH AS VIBRATION, HIGH TEMPERATURE, ETC., COULD RESULT IN THE FUEL TANK DEVELOPING A CRACK IN THE AREA OF THE INSERT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK.
Check your exact F650GS 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 2001 BMW F650GS reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2001 BMW F650GS. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline.
Does the 2001 BMW F650GS have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly. 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.