Thinking of Buying an F650 GS

gypsyangel · 02-06-2010, 11:00 AM

It's a favorite bike, I know. But check your vin# for possible recalls:

http://www.arfc.org/motorcycles/bmw/...s/recalls.aspx

2010 BMW F650 GS- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Problem: 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. Recall Details

2009 BMW F650 GS- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Problem: 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. Recall Details

2008 BMW F650 GS- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Problem: BMW IS RECALLING 509 MY 2008 F650 GS AND F800 GS MOTORCYCLES. THE TIGHTENING OF THE CHAIN SPROCKET FASTENERS MAY HAVE RESULTED IN VARIOUS LEVELS OF TORQUE BEING APPLIED. Recall Details

2008 BMW F650 GS- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
Problem: BMW IS RECALLING 373 MY 2008 F650 GS MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO PRODUCTION AND ASSEMBLY TOLERANCES, THE LENGTH OF ONE OR MORE OF THE FRONT BRAKE DISC FASTENERS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT. IF THE LENGTH OF A FASTENER WAS INSUFFICIENT, THIS COULD RESULT IN THE FASTENER NOT BEING TIGHTENED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS. Recall Details

2008 BMW F650 GS- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Problem: 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. Recall Details

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
BMW / F650 GS 2008

BMW / F800 GS 2008

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 08V692000
Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING 509 MY 2008 F650 GS AND F800 GS MOTORCYCLES. THE TIGHTENING OF THE CHAIN SPROCKET FASTENERS MAY HAVE RESULTED IN VARIOUS LEVELS OF TORQUE BEING APPLIED.
Consequence:
IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FASTENERS TO WORK LOOSE FROM THE SPROCKET, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL LOOSEN AND INSPECT THE CHAIN SPROCKET FASTENERS. THOSE THAT HAVE BEEN DAMAGED WILL BE REPLACED. IN ALL CASES, THE FASTENERS WILL BE RETIGHTENED. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

BMW / F800 GS 2009

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V088000
Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING 754 MY 2009 F800 GS VEHICLES. THE AXLE SHAFT WALL THICKNESS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS.
Consequence:
IF THE WALL THICKNESS WAS NOT SUFFICIENT, THE AXLE SHAFT COULD DEFORM AND COULD BREAK INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT WHEEL QUICK-RELEASE AXLE AND REPLACE IT WITH AN IMPROVED AXLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

And here's what this recall looks like:

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkesp

That'll leave a mark. Guess what happens when it breaks on a gravel road at 60 mph.

Older Models:

2007 BMW F650 GS- STRUCTURE:MOTORCYCLE KICKSTAND/CENTER STAND
Problem: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE WELD BETWEEN THE SIDE STAND AND THE FRAME BOTTOM SECTION WAS NOT POSITIONED PROPERLY. THE LOAD-BEARING CAPABILITY OF THE SIDE STAND IS AFFECTED. AS A RESULT, THE SIDE STAND COULD FAIL. Recall Details

2007 BMW F650 GS- STEERING:WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR
Problem: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE CLAMPING BLOCKS AND THE TOP FORK BRIDGE WERE NOT MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS. CONSEQUENTLY, THE HANDLEBARS MIGHT NOT BE HELD SECURELY IN POSITION. Recall Details

2006 BMW F650 GS- STRUCTURE:MOTORCYCLE KICKSTAND/CENTER STAND
Problem: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE WELD BETWEEN THE SIDE STAND AND THE FRAME BOTTOM SECTION WAS NOT POSITIONED PROPERLY. THE LOAD-BEARING CAPABILITY OF THE SIDE STAND IS AFFECTED. AS A RESULT, THE SIDE STAND COULD FAIL. Recall Details

2001 BMW F650 GS
ECALL ID# 50359 - FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Recall Date: September 12, 2000
Model Affected: F650GS
Component Affected: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Recall Summary: 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.
Consequence: THE FUEL TANK COULD LEAK DURING REFUELING, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK.
Potential Motorcycles Affected: 417

2001 Bmw F650 Recall
RECALL ID# 50168 - SUSPENSION:REAR
Recall Date: February 23, 2001
Model Affected: F650
Component Affected: SUSPENSION:REAR
Recall Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. UNDER CERTAIN RIDING CONDITIONS WHEN THE REAR BRAKE AND THE THROTTLE ARE APPLIED SIMULTANEOUSLY, THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER SUPPORT COULD BEND, LEADING TO CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE HOSE CONNECTING PIECE ON THE REAR CALIPER AND THE SWING ARM.
Consequence: BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE FROM THE CALIPER COULD OCCUR, RESULTING IN LOSS OF REAR BRAKING CAPABILITY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER SUPPORT AND, IF IT IS BENT, WILL REPLACE THE SWING ARM, TOGETHER WITH THE CALIPER AND BRAKE HOSE, IF NECESSARY. IF THE SUPPORT IS NOT BENT, IT WILL BE REINFORCED WITH A PLASTIC BLOCK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 10, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117, OPTION #4.
Potential Motorcycles Affected: 1183

Other websites to check:

http://faq.f650.com/main.html

http://faq.f650.com/FAQs/ServiceBulletinsFAQ.htm

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=490550

BTW just a public service announcement. If you have an 01' - 07' f650gs, they are well known for needing the water pump replaced between 15,000 and 30,000 miles. No biggie there.

However, if you have an 01' - 02' model, keep your eyes on your forks. There have been a few (ONLY a few) instances of catastrophic fork failure. BMW upgraded the forks in 03' to address this problem.

Quote:

snippet from the final report...

IN EACH INSTANCE, THE LUG FRACTURES ARE FORCED FRACTURES RATHER THAN FATIGUE-RELATED. BETWEEN OCTOBER 1999 AND SEPTEMBER, 2002, BMW BUILT APPROXIMATELY 4,300 SUBJECT VEHICLES. AFTER SEPTEMBER 12, 2002, ALL F650GS'S WERE BUILT WITH REINFORCED LOWER FORK TUBES TO REDUCE, ACCORDING TO BMW, "THE POSSIBILITY OF ANY SIGNIFICANT FRACTURE THAT COULD OCCUR AT THE FORK LEG AXLE LUG AREA" DURING A CRASH. BMW TOOK THIS ACTION BECAUSE THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE DESIGNED FOR OFF-ROAD USE WHERE CRASHES (MANY MINOR) ARE COMMON AND DID NOT WANT RIDERS TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH A BROKEN FORK AS A RESULT. CURRENTLY, THERE IS NO DATA CONCLUSIVELY ESTABLISHING THAT THE SUBJECT FORK LUGS ARE SEPARATING BEFORE AN ALLEGED CRASH OCCURS. ADDITIONALLY, THE INFREQUENT, SPORADIC, AND RANDOM NATURE OF THE FAILURES FAILS TO ESTABLISH A DEFECT TREND CURRENTLY EXISTS. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

In summary, BMW didn't change the casting because there was a weak spot. They changed it because they didn't want to inconvenience off-road riders. There you go. Derr Korporration is looking out for us, as always.

Essentially they're saying that NO it's not a life-risking defect but YES, there is a good chance your front wheel could fall off sometime during or after an even MINOR crash...

more info here:
http://www.f650.com/phpbb3/viewtopic...st=0&sk=t&sd=a

and what it looks like

monstergirl · 02-06-2010, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gypsyangel

and what it looks like

I was worried when I started reading this thread, but was happy to see that my bike isn't listed here! But this is a great reminder to look up this kind of information. I've never bothered to look for recalls for my bikes. Guess it's time to do some research! It would also be a good thing to do before buying another bike.

Thanks for the info!!

Gitana · 02-06-2010, 07:00 PM

There's a woman who lives in Seattle who posts on ADVRider, forget her name, and her forks broke mid-ride. She suffered some pretty horrific arm injuries as a result, and BMW was initially less than helpful with information and fixes.

monstergirl · 02-07-2010, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gitana

There's a woman who lives in Seattle who posts on ADVRider, forget her name, and her forks broke mid-ride. She suffered some pretty horrific arm injuries as a result, and BMW was initially less than helpful with information and fixes.

I was just thinking about something like that happening today. It kinda ads a bit of a bummer to what was otherwise a nice ride. I hope that woman has recovered fully!

I always thought that was a silly way to attach forks. I'm no engineer, but it looks like the fork mounts get WAY more stressed than having the forks sit directly over the axle. But it must be ok cause I see lots of bikes like that.

Queen · 02-08-2010, 09:04 AM

This kind of shit bugs the hell out of me...we have enough issues on the road trying not to get killed, but to have to be scared our bikes are going to kill us is just a bit too much.