THE 2000 BMW F 650 : THE LONG-TERM ALTERNATIVE TO A SHORT-TERM QUANDARY

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey...Typically, entry-level motorcycles suffer the same
fate as children's shoes: They fit perfectly at first, but it's only a matter
of time before they're outgrown. Similarly, the typical lightweight is small
enough to keep a new rider comfortable, but as his or her talents grow, it
lacks the performance, handling and features to grow with those talents.

For those who would prefer something to outlast a pair of kid's sneakers, BMW
offers a superlative alternative: the F 650. Rather than serving as a mere
stepping-stone to larger, more-powerful offerings, this "entry-level" single
provides all the advantages you'd expect from the world's premier motorcycle
builder, plus a few that are unique to the F 650. As a result, BMW's 650
appeals not only to appreciative beginners but to discerning experts as well.
Extending that appeal for the year 2000, BMW adds new colors, plus a special
model that includes several of the most popular options as standard equipment,
then wraps it in striking Silver Metallic livery.

Working with engine-builder Bombardier-Rotax GmbH and Italy's Aprilia S.p.A,
BMW created an outstanding lightweight that completely utilizes the talents of
both its partners, yet remains uniquely BMW. Drawing on the single-cylinder
expertise of Austria's Rotax enabled BMW to quickly develop a 652cc dohc
four-valve engine that spins out a rousing 48- horsepower, yet retains the
long-standing BMW hallmarks of smoothness, low-maintenance and dependability.
At the same time, Italy's Aprilia contributed its extensive experience in
manufacturing lightweight motorcycles.

The result is a motorcycle that combines the expected advantages of a modern
single--light weight, nimble handling, excellent power and superb around-town
maneuverability--with the quality, styling and dependability of BMW. Simply
put, the F 650 represents the best of European design. It's also the
most-sophisticated motorcycle ever to wear the moniker "entry-level," and the
first single in more than 30 years deserving of the BMW name.

A SINGULAR ENGINE, IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE

When BMW engineers teamed with Rotax to build the powerplant for the F 650,
they chose the most-respected independent motorcycle engine builder in the
world. As a supplier of sophisticated, four-stroke mono-cylinder engines, Rotax
has proven its products through the varying demands of street and racetrack.

At the time BMW approached Bombardier/Rotax about building a single-cylinder
BMW engine, the Austrians had a large-displacement engine already in the works.
Combining such features as liquid-cooling, five valves per cylinder and dual
overhead cams, the five-speed Rotax single offered BMW engineers an
exceptionally modern design. In addition to the engine's dohc, multivalve
design, its oversquare bore and stroke (100mm x 83mm) promised good rpm
potential and excellent breathing. BMW considered this engine a likely
candidate as the basis for their proposed new model. As the project progressed,
however, BMW initiated numerous changes to improve power delivery, emissions,
smoothness and longevity.

Drawing on their long-term experience with the K Series 16-valve fours, BMW
designers switched to a pent-roof, four-valve combustion chamber with dual
overhead camshafts and bucket tappets. Shim-type valve adjusters, also a la the
K Series, provide exceptionally accurate valve control and long service
intervals. Further testing proved that a pair of spark plugs, rather than a
single plug, not only provided a modest boost in horsepower but allowed the
engine to run with less ignition advance. More importantly, dual sparkplugs
lowered exhaust emissions significantly, a major benefit since BMW intended to
offer a catalytic converter as standard equipment.

Rotax's experience using dry-sump lubrication, a built-up crankshaft and
single-piece connecting rod convinced BMW to retain this design in the F 650 .
At the same time, the German designers made major changes to the bearings in
the engine, switching from Rotax's usual roller-element type to low-friction
plain bearings as used in both the K Series and the R Series Boxer engines.
These usually not only provide higher durability and longer engine life, but
typically reduce mechanical noise within an engine. Since affordability is a
critical factor in the F 650 's entry-level market, BMW also retained the
Rotax's chain final drive to keep costs low.

Further reducing noise and vibration, a BMW-designed decoupled cam cover
features two-piece lip seals and two-piece locating bolts, much like the covers
on the R Series Boxers. For increased durability and simplicity, the F 650
engine spins its dual overhead camshafts via a bushed roller chain driven
directly off the crank, which eliminates the need for an additional
power-draining layshaft. A pair of polyamide guide rails and a hydraulic
tensioner maintain chain tension.

The 652cc engine breathes through a pair of constant-vacuum Mikuni carburetors,
each with its own intake port. Similarly, the exhaust exits via a pair of
ports, each with its own stainless-steel header. These mate to a large-volume
(7.5-liter), low-restriction muffler containing a two-stage catalytic
converter. The result of the combined BMW/Rotax effort is a low-emissions
engine that spins out an exceptional 48-horsepower @ 6500 rpm, and an
outstanding 41 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5200 rpm, with a redline of 7500 rpm. For
comparison, the F 650 almost exactly matches its 80-horsepower R 1100 R
stablemate in specific output, with just under 74 horsepower per liter.

A CHASSIS THAT COMPLEMENTS ITS ENGINE: SIMPLE, YET STATE OF THE ART

Wrapped around this outstanding powerplant, the F 650 sports a first-rate,
modern chassis without the use of expensive materials or trendy componentry.
The frame itself consists of square-section steel tubes welded to steel
stampings at the steering head and swingarm pivot. The frame's top tube also
serves as the oil tank for the dry-sump engine, with a screw-type filler just
behind the steering head. Like the current Boxers, the BMW/Rotax engine serves
as a stressed member, which boosts frame strength significantly without
increasing overall weight.

At the front, BMW chose a conventional telescopic fork, not merely for
affordability but to avoid the high stiction that often afflicts male-slider or
"upside-down" forks. In this class, a conventional telescopic fork not only
provides an excellent compromise between strength, weight and overall cost, but
its spring and damping rates are easily tuned for a smooth ride with accurate,
responsive wheel control. A pair of robust, 41mm stanchion tubes resist flex
and the fork itself provides a generous 6.69 inches of wheel travel.

The rear suspension uses a tapered, aluminum-alloy swingarm, with a single
shock operating through a lever-type linkage at the bottom. A hydraulic
screw-type adjuster provides infinite preload adjustment, and the rear shock
features 40-position adjustable rebound damping.

Like its larger brethren, the F 650 features Brembo calipers, front and rear.
At the front, a four-piston caliper grips an 11.8-inch diameter fixed rotor. A
twin-piston caliper provides stopping at the rear, squeezing a fixed, 9.4-inch
diameter disc. A low 421-pound wet weight means a single front disc maintains
BMW's usual, exceptional stopping power. These brakes bolt to traditional,
lightweight spoked wheels with alloy rims. A 19-inch front wheel provides
slightly improved off-road bump compliance and ground clearance, while its
enduro-oriented knobby tires impart extraordinary off-road grip. The rear
17-inch rear tire also gives superb on- and off-road grip, with excellent wear
characteristics.

UNIQUELY DIFFERENT, YET UNIQUELY BMW

Although the F 650 shares little mechanically with its R- and K-bike
stablemates, it still remains pure BMW. During its development, the company
worked with freelance stylist Martin Longmore, who designed the "three-wheeler"
concept vehicle displayed at the BMW museum. While his sketches played a role
in the initial styling of the 650, some of his most effective work was in tying
it into the current R and K Series family via its distinctively BMW look.

Longmore began by giving the original F 650 a beautifully sculpted, modern look
with an unmistakable BMW flair. Combined with the bike's low seat height, the
high-mounted gas tank, steering head and instrument pod give the distinct
impression of sitting "in" rather than on, the motorcycle, and draws a definite
familial connection with the R Series Boxers. Stylish yet functional touches
such as the curving heat shields surrounding the head, the rear luggage rack
and the swingarm-mounted fender extension give the bike a purely modern,
integrated appearance, and the aerodynamically shaped front cowling and tall
windshield produce a comfortable freeway ride. At the same time, the F 650's
wide, braced handlebar provides excellent leverage off-road, while its front
fender combines additional tire clearance. Axle-length fender extensions
protect the fork tubes from stone chips, and the front engine plate does the
same for the engine cases.

Similar functional details reflect BMW's overall thoughtfulness in designing a
bike for both long-term enthusiasts and entry-level riders. Handlebars, for
instance, are pre-drilled for heated handgrips. Complementing the rear parcel
rack, the F 650 offers generous underseat storage, and plenty of room for a
passenger. In addition to the usual tachometer, speedometer and warning lights,
it also sports an analog clock. And like its stablemates, the smallest BMW
features single-key locking for the ignition/fork lock and seat.

Also like its larger stablemates, the F 650 offers a attractive range of
colors. For 2000, the standard F 650 comes in Flame Red, Deep Black or Blue
Metallic. The F 650 Special Edition adds heated handgrips, saddlebag mounts and
a luggage grid as standard equipment, then sets itself apart via its stunning
Metallic Silver paint.

MAKING IT YOUR OWN: ACCESSORIES ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUAL PREFERENCES

As with any BMW, the 2000 F 650 provides numerous options to suit individual
tastes. As you'd expect, saddlebags, tankbag and a 22-liter top case outfit the
bike for the long haul. Heated handgrips-standard on the F 650 SE-are a welcome
addition for riders in colder climes.

One specific option directed toward entry-level riders is the lowered
suspension kit. In stock form, the F 650 offers a reasonable, 31.5-inch seat
height. Those riders who would prefer something closer to the pavement,
however, can opt for a lowering kit, which consists of a modified shock stop
and suspension linkage, with correspondingly shortened center and sidestands.
With the kit, the F 650 offers a 29.5 inch seat height. Unlike the lower seat
heights available by the adjustable seats on the larger BMWs, the kit also
lowers the 650's center of gravity, making it even easier to maneuver,
especially at parking-lot speeds-a welcome benefit for an entry-level rider.

THE BMW WARRANTY: THREE YEARS DOWN THE ROAD YOU'RE COVERED, NO MATTER WHERE OR
WHEN

BMW riders have a well-deserved reputation as long-distance travelers, and BMW
of North America rewards their purchase decision with an appropriate warranty.
All new BMW motorcycles are covered by a 3 year/36,000 mile limited warranty.
Included during the warranty period is enrollment in the BMW Motorcycle
Roadside Assistance Plan. For 24-hours a day, 365 days per year, assistance is
just an 800 number away. Coverage in the BMW Roadside Assistance plan can be
continued after the warranty expires for a fee of $35.00 per year.

BMW IN AMERICA

BMW entered the U.S. market in 1975. Since then, the company has grown to
include marketing, sales and financial service organizations in the United
States; a South Carolina manufacturing operation; a design firm in California;
a technology office in Palo Alto and various other operations throughout the
country. BMW is represented in the U.S. through a network of more than 340
automobile and 160 motorcycle retailers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the Group's
headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff
Lake, New Jersey.
Information about BMW products is available to consumers via the World Wide Web
on the BMW homepage. The address is: http://www.bmwusa.com.

Information about BMW motorcycles is available to consumers via the World Wide
Web on the BMW homepage. The address is: http://www.bmwusacycles.com. The full
range of BMW rider wear and equipment can be seen at http://www.bmwonline.com.