RoadVitals

2009 BMW F 650 Gs

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
11
Latest Aug 29, 2015
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Jul 28, 2017
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 11 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 BMW F 650 Gs, most frequently naming the fuel system, engine and exterior lighting categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 16 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Fuel system753.8%
  • Engine323.1%
  • Exterior lighting215.4%
  • Electrical17.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
17V481000

EQUIPMENT

Jul 28, 2017
47,775 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2017 F800R and F800GT motorcycles, 2014-2018 R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure motorcycles, 2016-2017 S1000XR motorcycles and 2015-2017 R1200R and R1200RS, 2008-2012 F650GS, 2008-2018 F800GS, and 2014-2017 F800GS Adventure motorcycles. When equipped with the optional aluminum luggage cases, the rear reflex reflectors may be partially blocked. The aluminum case mounts for the R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure may also partially block the reflectors. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk: If the rear reflex reflectors are obscured from view, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install reflectors on the cases or for the case mounts, an additional bracket with rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
10V496000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC

Oct 18, 2010
1,780 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2008 THROUGH 2010 F 650 GS MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 11, 2008, THROUGH DECEMBER 8, 2009. A WASHER MAY INTERFERE WITH THE FRONT DISC BRAKE FASTENERS' TORQUE. AS A RESULT, OVER TIME, A FASTENER OR MUTIPLE FASTENERS COULD BECOME LOOSE, ALLOWING THE BRAKE DISC TO BECOME LOOSE.
The risk: A LOOSE BRAKE DISC MAY INTERFERE WITH PROPER BRAKING PERFORMANCE AND MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 13, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
10V274000

POWER TRAIN

Jun 16, 2010
1,916 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 F650 GS AND F 800 GS MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 27, 2007 THROUGH MARCH 30, 2009. THE DRIVE CHAINS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PRODUCED TO SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, OVER TIME THE DRIVE CHAIN COULD BREAK.
The risk: IF THE BROKEN CHAIN BECOMES TRAPPED BETWEEN THE REAR WHEEL AND THE FRAME, THE REAR WHEEL COULD LOCK UP, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
The remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVE CHAIN AND SPROCKETS ON THE AFFECTED MOTORCYCLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE09051ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

MOTORCYCLE STALLING

Opened Nov 5, 2009
Closed Jan 4, 2010

SUBJECT MOTORCYCLES MAY STALL WHEN WATER IS DRAWN INTO THE AIR INTAKE SYSTEM THROUGH THE CHARCOAL CANISTER VENTILATION HOSE WITHIN THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM.BMW IS RECALLING THE SUBJECT MOTORCYCLES TO ADD A HOSE THAT WILL BE ROUTED DIFFERENTLY THAN THE EXISTING HOSE.IN ADDITION TO THE SUBJECT MOTORCYCLES ((BMW F650, MODEL YEAR 2009), ALSO INCLUDED IN THE RECALL WILL BE MODEL YEARS 2008 AND 2010.ADDITIONALLY THE F800 MODEL ISBEING INCLUDEDFOR MODEL YEARS 2008-2010.WITH BMW'S SAFETY RECALL, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLLed to recall 09V499000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 11
Fuel system
Filed Aug 29, 2015

THE GAS TANK ON THESE F-SERIES (F650GS, F800GS) BMW MOTORCYCLES IS A KNOWN (NATIONWIDE, AND WORLDWIDE) PROBLEM. THE GAS TANK DEVELOPS CRACKS ALONG A PARTICULAR AREA ON THE SIDE. THIS HAPPENED TWICE TO THE VEHICLE I OWN, IN APRIL OF 2015, AND NOW IN AUGUST, 2015. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED ON MY MOTORCYCLE, FUEL WAS ACTUALLY LEAKING OUT OF THE TANK. NOW IT IS A DEEP CRACK THAT A PERSON CAN FIT A FINGERNAIL INTO, IT IS THAT WIDE. I EXPECT FUEL TO LEAK OUT OF IT AGAIN SOON. THE LOCAL DEALER WARRANTEES THE TANK, BUT THE ISSUE CONTINUES. THE ISSUE IS WITH THE LACK OF QUALITY IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. BMW MOTORRAD CONTINUES TO WARRANTY THESE TANKS INSTEAD OF ADDRESSING THE DESIGN FLAW AND/OR MANUFACTURING PROCESS THAT CAUSES IT.

NHTSA ID
10760162
Incident
May 1, 2015
Mileage
3,667 mi
Fuel system
Filed Aug 2, 2015

MY MOTORCYCLE WAS PUT INTO THE SHOP BEFORE A TRIP AND WE WERE TOLD THAT THERE WERE CRACKS ON THE OUTSIDE WALL OF THE FUEL TANK IN THE SEAM AREAS. VICTORY BMW TOLD US THAT IT HAPPENS TO A LOT OF BIKES AND THEY WOULD TRY TO PUT IT IN UNDER WARRANTY AND WE WERE LATER TOLD THAT THE COMPANY WOULD NOT COVER IT. THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB UNDER THE BMW 600 - 800 FORUMS. ANY PROBLEM WITH FUEL TANKS IS A SERIOUS DANGEROUS SITUATION. BMW SHOULD BE FORCED TO RECALL AND REPLACE THE TANKS.

NHTSA ID
10745672
Incident
Sep 19, 2014
Mileage
5,500 mi
Fuel system
Filed May 6, 2014

THE MOTORCYCLE HAS EXTENSIVE HAIRLINE CRACKS ON THE LEFT & RIGHT SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. A HIGHLY REPORTED ISSUE ON BMW FORUMS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10586893
Incident
Oct 10, 2013
Mileage
930 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Apr 29, 2014

REFLECTIVE COATING ON REFLECTOR OF HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY IS PEELING/FLAKING OFF EXPOSING THE BLACK PLASTIC UNDERNEATH. THIS DRAMATICALLY REDUCES THE HEADLIGHT'S ABILITY TO ILLUMINATE THE ROAD AHEAD AND RESULTS IN A VERY UNSAFE RIDING SITUATION AFTER DARK. *JS

NHTSA ID
10585500
Incident
Apr 29, 2014
Mileage
22,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Apr 29, 2014

REFLECTIVE COATING ON REFLECTOR OF HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY FIRST LOOSES ITS SHEEN THEN BECOMES VERY DARK (BURNED). THIS DRAMATICALLY REDUCES THE HEADLIGHT'S ABILITY TO ILLUMINATE THE ROAD AHEAD AND RESULTS IN A VERY UNSAFE RIDING SITUATION AFTER DARK. NOTE: MOTORCYCLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED IN ITS OEM LIGHTING PROFILE, USING THE STANDARD / RECOMMENDED H7 TYPE BULB. *JS

NHTSA ID
10585420
Incident
Apr 30, 2010
Mileage
25,051 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 31, 2013

ENGINE STOPPED (BUT DID NOT SEIZE) AND VEHICLE STARTED RAPID DECELERATION. THE LOSS OF POWER WAS INSTANTANEOUS, BUT APPROXIMATELY 1 MINUTE EARLIER THE INSTRUMENT DISPLAY HAD GONE BLANK. THERE WERE NO PRIOR INDICATIONS OF TROUBLE. WHEN POWER LOSS OCCURRED, I PULLED IN THE CLUTCH AND COASTED TO A STOP AT THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SUBSEQUENTLY TESTING SHOWED THAT BATTERY WAS DISCHARGED AND LOSS OF POWER WAS DUE TO FAILURE OF CHARGING SYSTEM, SPECIFICALLY, FAILURE OF GENERATOR STATOR (GENERATOR IN THIS VEHICLE USES PERMANENT MAGNET ROTOR AND WOUND STATOR). *TR

NHTSA ID
10505122
Incident
Mar 30, 2013
Mileage
20,320 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Jul 13, 2012

I WAS TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 95 SOUTH IN MARYLAND NEAR COLUMBIA DOING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH AND HAD TO SLOW FOR TRAFFIC AHEAD. I SLOWED TO 50 MPH AND DISENGAGED THE CLUTCH TO SHIFT GEARS AND THE ENGINE STALLED. I WAS NOT INITIALLY AWARE THAT IT HAD STALLED DUE TO THE GENERAL TRAFFIC NOISE. WHEN I ENGAGED THE CLUTCH IN THE LOWER GEAR MY REAR TIRE SKIDDED AND I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE BIKE. THEN I REALIZED THE ENGINE HAD STALLED. I WAS ABLE TO ROLL START THE BIKE BY SHIFTING TO YET A LOWER GEAR AND ENGAGING THE CLUTCH RAPIDLY BUT THE ENGINE STALLED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AGAIN. I ENDED UP HAVING TO DISMOUNT THE BIKE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY TRAFFIC AND (VERY QUICKLY) PUSH IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I WAS THEN ABLE TO RESTART IT BUT IT WOULD NOT IDLE AT ALL. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS INCIDENT THAT OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. I'M AWARE THAT THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS MODEL BIKE BUT WHEN I CHECKED WITH THE DEALER ABOUT 2MONTHS AGO THEY TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL SERVICE HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED ON THIS BIKE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10465604
Incident
Jul 13, 2012
Mileage
23,815 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 21, 2012

THE MOTORCYCLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES SOMETIMES AT A STANDSTILL OTHER TIMES WHILE MOVING. THEN ENGINE SHUTS DOWN AND THEN CAN BE RESTARTED A SHORT TIME LATER. THE MOST DANGEROUS SITUATION WAS A STALL WHILE MOVING AT 35 MILES A HOUR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. I WAS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT BEING HIT FROM BEHIND. THE ENGINE APPEARS TO BE GAS STARVED. TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE AT TIME OF INCIDENT WAS 80 DEGREES. AFTER SEVERAL STALLS I HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED. *JS

NHTSA ID
10452479
Incident
Mar 20, 2012
Mileage
7,300 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

MCAS2026

ENGINE

Hose Set Idle Actuator Return

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

MC610321

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

The motorcycle will not start. The vehicle battery is empty even though the battery charger was permanently connected to the 12V power socket.

MC460521

EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; STRUCTURE

Stress corrosion cracks may occur on the studs of certain milled footrests from the BMW Motorrad special accessories catalog for the GS models.

MC55297495

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle battery not charged despite the battery charger being connected to the on-board socket (manufactured before 2009)Headlights and rear lights light up intermittently despite the ignition being switched off and the battery charger being connected to the on-board socket.

MC210221

POWER TRAIN

The clutch plates do not tolerate frequent and prolonged operation at the clutch friction zone, causing a shorter service life in motorcycles that see intensive use

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW F 650 Gs by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2012210—
2011310—
2010330—
2009Viewing114145.7
2008060—
2007220—
2006110—
2005200—
2004000—
2003301—
2002401—
2001141149.4

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.