WHEN it comes to naming motorcycles, manufacturers like to "hype up" their latest creations, with sexy letter combinations like ZXR or DRZ or fancy names like Katana or Rocket.

They’re not generally in the habit of doing their product down, which is what BMW are strangely guilty of with this bike, the F650 GS. Where the confusion lies is that their entry-level enduro model in fact boasts a rather larger than expected 798cc twin motor, but still takes its name from the model it replaces -- the single-cylinder F650 Funduro. The last manufacturer to create such an illusion was Triumph in 1997 with their T595, which was in no way the 600cc sports bike it seemed. Sales turned out slower than expected for their big Lotus-engineered triple, and just two years later their top sports bike was more aptly renamed the 955i. It will be interesting to see how the German manufacturer plays its cards 12 months down the line.

But enough of the name, let’s talk about the bike itself, because it’s a little cracker. For 2008, BMW have upgraded their entire Enduro range, including the now legendary R1200 GS which Messrs McGregor and Boorman took across, down and around the world. And while that model might be too much for your Average Joe to handle, the new F800 and F650 models offer something for everyone. They share the same engine, albeit slightly detuned in the F650. The F800 follows the big traillie style with a tall screen, higher ride height and off-road knobbly tyres as an option. The F650 on the other hand shares similar styling but has a lower screen, road-biased tyres and a less flexible front end for improved day-to-day use. A different rear shock also keeps the seat height down, making it a better proposition for those a little shorter in the leg.

I took the new Beemer for a spin around the Wye Valley and up to Monmouth, spurning the main road option and heading instead for some of the narrowest, steepest, grass-up-the-middle lanes I could find. The F650 coped enormously well on roads I wouldn't consider taking a sports bike on and I ended up having one of the most pleasurable day’s riding I’ve had this year. Using mostly first to third gears, the torquey new twin proved a remarkably smooth affair with very little in the way of lash at low revs. It’s a big step up from the big single it replaces with a broad spread of usable power. With 71bhp on tap, it’s not high-octane, yet it’s relatively light and just keeps on delivering the goods mile after mile.

But the F650’s true versatility comes from the fact that it’s equally at home on fast flowing roads. The motor really is a peach and will sit sweetly at top-end motorway speeds, while the high centre of gravity, balanced chassis and 140-section rear tyre help it pour into tight corners with aplomb. Nothing is too much trouble for this delightful middleweight. In fact, it’s a rather better bike than BMW probably wanted. They’d rather point customers towards the dearer F800. The F650GS is frugal too, returning an average of just under 60mpg even with some throttle-happy antics.

From the saddle it actually feels remarkably similar to its predecessor. It's very comfy with virtually the same ergonomics, sitting slightly higher on the road than a lot of bikes, which affords excellent all-round visibility. The bars are in easy reach and the piggy-back clocks are wonderfully clear, which all adds up to a bike that’s comforting and a pleasure to ride. It’s not challenging and it’s not a showy bike, but it's responsive, eager, and offers genuine Scotland-and-back comfort.

So, does the F650 really make the perfect all-rounder? It's quite suitable for beginners yet with more than enough grunt to keep up with the pace; it's rock steady on the motorway; it’s perfect for diving through Bristol's gridlocked streets, and it comes with BMW build quality as standard. It may look a little bland up against the more aggressive F800, but if you have few intentions of going off road then the sure-footed, lightweight F650 has to be the bike of choice.

Article written: April 17, 2008

The BMW F650 GS was kindly loaned through BMW Motorrad, of Bath Road, Arnos Vale, Bristol.

OUR STEER ON THE F650 GS

Price: £6,002 OTR (@ April 2008)

Engine: 798cc water-cooled twin

Top speed: 115 mph

Power: 71 bhp @ 7,000 rpm

Torque: 55 lb ft @ 4,500 rpm

Seat height: 790mm

Fuel capacity: 16 litres

Weight: 179 kg

by Jon Bennett