Background

The F Series began with the Funduro manufactured in Italy in 1993. The F Series was designed to be a light easy handling machine to suit learner, commuter, touring and dirt road touring markets. The funduro generated higher than expected sales.

The F650 GS was rushed into production in Germany to capitalise on the success of the Funduro and the F650GS Dakar variant with revised suspension and bodywork for more rugged bush track usage was added to the range.

F650GS Sales

Total deliveries 2000 to Oct 2002 (old forks) 47000 - Source: BMW Annual Reports.

Markets in order 2001 - Germany, USA, Italy, France, UK, Spain, rest of world
Markets in order 2002 - Germany, Italy, USA, France, Spain, UK, rest of world - Source: BMW Annual Reports.

Sth Africa FY 2003 - 224 - So est total delivered SA 2000 to 2003 - Max - 500 odd

Source; Association of Motorcycle Importers & Distributors (AMID) SA.

Australia 2004 - 200 - So total delivered Oz 2000 to 2003 - Max - 600 odd

Source: BMW Australia email

USA (Estimate from recall) Mar2000 to Dec2000 1183 - So USA 2000 to 2003 - 4000

The statistics above indicate the vast majority of F650GS were sold into the Euro Market and used in low stress environments.

eg commuters, road touring, & hence the low failure rate.

ie Less than 5,000 to 10,000 (allowing for UK & Euro enthusiasts) in dirt environments