VehicleVerdict

2001 BMW F 650 GS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 16 complaints on file for the 2001 BMW F 650 GS — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

16

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other F 650 GS years?

F 650 GS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted16 complaints2001: 16 complaints2002: 9 complaints2003: 5 complaints2005: 2 complaints2006: 1 complaints2007: 2 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 13 complaints2010: 5 complaints2011: 5 complaints2012: 2 complaints
F 650 GS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F 650 GS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 BMW F 650 GS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System531%
Suspension319%
Visibility & Wipers319%
Body & Structure213%
Speed Control16%
Engine16%
Electrical System16%

Does the 2001 BMW F 650 GS have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

00V267000Fuel SystemSeptember 12, 2000 · 417 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 23, 2001

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 30, 2003 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · July 1, 2001

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 30, 2003 · crash

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 29, 2003

2001 BMW F 650 GS — common questions

Is the 2001 BMW F 650 GS reliable?

The record is thin — 16 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2001 F 650 GS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (5 complaints), visibility & wipers (3 complaints), suspension (3 complaints).

Does the 2001 BMW F 650 GS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 BMW F 650 GS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2001 BMW F 650 GS under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.