Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Fuel & Propulsion
531.3%
Median failure at 44,261 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
318.8%
Suspension
318.8%
3 crashes, 0 fires · median 14,000 mi
Body & Structure
212.5%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 27,000 mi
Acceleration & Cruise Control
16.3%
Electrical System
16.3%
Median failure at 14,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
16.3%
Median failure at 500 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
112.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
112.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
337.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
337.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2001peak 2Oct 2009
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 BMW F650GS
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE09026Opened 18 May 2009Closed 18 Sep 2009SUSPENSION:FRONT
MOTORCYCLE FRONT WHEEL SEPARATION
THIS PE WAS OPENED AFTER NHTSA RECEIVED 3 VOQS CONCERNING ALLEGED FRONT AXLE SEPARATIONS ON CERTAIN BMW F650 GS MODEL MOTORCYCLES SOLD FOR USE IN THE UNITED STATES (THE SUBJECT VEHICLES).COMPLAINTS INVOLVING MOTORCYCLES IN NON-US MARKETS ARE NOT COUNTED IN THIS TOTAL.AFTER GATHERING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS SUBJECT, WE ARE NOW AWARE OF FOUR CONFIRMED INCIDENTS INVOLVING MODEL YEAR 2001-2003 SUBJECT VEHICLES.ALL FOUR BIKES WERE BUILT BEFORE SEPTEMBER, 2002.OF THESE, TWO INVOLVE MY 2001 BIKES AND THE OTHER TWO, MY'S 2002 AND 2003, RESPECTIVELY.THE INCIDENTS OCCURRED IN 2002, 2003, AND T...
Recalls on the 2001 BMW F650GS
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2001113192 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles used under extreme off-road riding conditions, when the rear brake and the throttle are applied simultaneously in low gears, the rear brake caliper support may bend, leading to contact between the brake hose connecting piece on the rear caliper and the swing arm. As a consequence, brake fluid leakage from the caliper could occur, which could ultimately result in loss of rear braking capability. Correction: If the rear caliper support is not bent, it will be reinforced by means of a specially designed plastic block. If the support is found to be bent, the rear swing arm will be replaced by one with a reinforced support. The caliper and brake hose will be replaced if damaged.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 14,000 milesLeduc, Alberta Canada, 00Crash
SUSPENSION:FRONT
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 AXLE. REPAIRS COMPLETED - REPLACE BOTH UPPER FORK TUBES / RIGHT SIDE LOWER AND REBUILD COST $800 CDN OLD LOWER - FAILURE IS AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10285955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,000 milesLeduc, Alberta Canada, 00Crash
STRUCTURE
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 AXLE. REPAIRS COMPLETED - REPLACE BOTH UPPER FORK TUBES / RIGHT SIDE LOWER AND REBUILD COST $800 CDN OLD LOWER - FAILURE IS AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10285955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesUtica, ILCrash1 injured
SUSPENSION:FRONT
I WAS INVOLVED IN A LOW SPEED <=45 MPH MOTORCYCLE CRASH WITH A MEDIUM SIZED DOG (APPROX 50 LBS) BACK IN THE FALL OF 2005. I WAS RIDING A 2001 BMW F650 WHEN THE DOG RAN OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND I COULDN'T AVOID HITTING IT. I APPROXIMATE THE SPEED OF IMPACT AROUND 45 MPH. I SUBSEQUENTLY LOST CONTROL OF THE BIKE AND SLIDE ALONG THE PAVEMENT FOR APPROX 300 FT. THE DAMAGE TO THE BIKE CONSISTED OF A BROKEN FRONT FORK AND BENT FRONT WHEEL RIM. I HAD THE BIKE REPAIRED AND INSURANCE COVERED MOST OF THE DAMAGES TO THE BIKE. I DID SUFFER A KNEE INJURY IN THE CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #10280426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesUtica, ILCrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
I WAS INVOLVED IN A LOW SPEED <=45 MPH MOTORCYCLE CRASH WITH A MEDIUM SIZED DOG (APPROX 50 LBS) BACK IN THE FALL OF 2005. I WAS RIDING A 2001 BMW F650 WHEN THE DOG RAN OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND I COULDN'T AVOID HITTING IT. I APPROXIMATE THE SPEED OF IMPACT AROUND 45 MPH. I SUBSEQUENTLY LOST CONTROL OF THE BIKE AND SLIDE ALONG THE PAVEMENT FOR APPROX 300 FT. THE DAMAGE TO THE BIKE CONSISTED OF A BROKEN FRONT FORK AND BENT FRONT WHEEL RIM. I HAD THE BIKE REPAIRED AND INSURANCE COVERED MOST OF THE DAMAGES TO THE BIKE. I DID SUFFER A KNEE INJURY IN THE CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #10280426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,400 milesCaro, MICrash1 injured
SUSPENSION:FRONT
-MOTORCYCLE -BMW 2001 F650GS -SUNNY DAY -STRAIGHT, RURAL CITY STREET -35MPH -CROSSED RAILROAD TRACKS -60FT LATER FELT BRAKING FROM FRONT TIRE, THEN BIKE SLID OVER TO LEFT, ME TO RIGHT -PERSONAL INJURY: BROKEN COLLAR BONE, BRUISES, MEDIUM ROAD RASH, 10 HOURS AT HOSPITAL -FRONT FORK AXLE FLANGE WAS BROKEN, INTACT, FROM MAIN CYLINDRICAL SHOCK HOUSE, AS IF SOMEONE CUT THE FLANGE OUT OF THE CYLINDRICAL SHOCK. -NEW FRONT SHOCK WAS PURCHASED, AND NEW SHOCK HAS DESIGN CHANGE THAT INCLUDES A STRESS RELIEVING GUSSET.
NHTSA complaint #10252808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 14,000 milesLeduc, Alberta Canada, 00Crash
SUSPENSION:FRONT
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 AXLE. REPAIRS COMPLETED - REPLACE BOTH UPPER FORK TUBES / RIGHT SIDE LOWER AND REBUILD COST $800 CDN OLD LOWER - FAILURE IS AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10285955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,000 milesLeduc, Alberta Canada, 00Crash
STRUCTURE
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 AXLE. REPAIRS COMPLETED - REPLACE BOTH UPPER FORK TUBES / RIGHT SIDE LOWER AND REBUILD COST $800 CDN OLD LOWER - FAILURE IS AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10285955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesUtica, ILCrash1 injured
SUSPENSION:FRONT
I WAS INVOLVED IN A LOW SPEED <=45 MPH MOTORCYCLE CRASH WITH A MEDIUM SIZED DOG (APPROX 50 LBS) BACK IN THE FALL OF 2005. I WAS RIDING A 2001 BMW F650 WHEN THE DOG RAN OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND I COULDN'T AVOID HITTING IT. I APPROXIMATE THE SPEED OF IMPACT AROUND 45 MPH. I SUBSEQUENTLY LOST CONTROL OF THE BIKE AND SLIDE ALONG THE PAVEMENT FOR APPROX 300 FT. THE DAMAGE TO THE BIKE CONSISTED OF A BROKEN FRONT FORK AND BENT FRONT WHEEL RIM. I HAD THE BIKE REPAIRED AND INSURANCE COVERED MOST OF THE DAMAGES TO THE BIKE. I DID SUFFER A KNEE INJURY IN THE CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #10280426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesUtica, ILCrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
I WAS INVOLVED IN A LOW SPEED <=45 MPH MOTORCYCLE CRASH WITH A MEDIUM SIZED DOG (APPROX 50 LBS) BACK IN THE FALL OF 2005. I WAS RIDING A 2001 BMW F650 WHEN THE DOG RAN OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND I COULDN'T AVOID HITTING IT. I APPROXIMATE THE SPEED OF IMPACT AROUND 45 MPH. I SUBSEQUENTLY LOST CONTROL OF THE BIKE AND SLIDE ALONG THE PAVEMENT FOR APPROX 300 FT. THE DAMAGE TO THE BIKE CONSISTED OF A BROKEN FRONT FORK AND BENT FRONT WHEEL RIM. I HAD THE BIKE REPAIRED AND INSURANCE COVERED MOST OF THE DAMAGES TO THE BIKE. I DID SUFFER A KNEE INJURY IN THE CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #10280426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,400 milesCaro, MICrash1 injured
SUSPENSION:FRONT
-MOTORCYCLE -BMW 2001 F650GS -SUNNY DAY -STRAIGHT, RURAL CITY STREET -35MPH -CROSSED RAILROAD TRACKS -60FT LATER FELT BRAKING FROM FRONT TIRE, THEN BIKE SLID OVER TO LEFT, ME TO RIGHT -PERSONAL INJURY: BROKEN COLLAR BONE, BRUISES, MEDIUM ROAD RASH, 10 HOURS AT HOSPITAL -FRONT FORK AXLE FLANGE WAS BROKEN, INTACT, FROM MAIN CYLINDRICAL SHOCK HOUSE, AS IF SOMEONE CUT THE FLANGE OUT OF THE CYLINDRICAL SHOCK. -NEW FRONT SHOCK WAS PURCHASED, AND NEW SHOCK HAS DESIGN CHANGE THAT INCLUDES A STRESS RELIEVING GUSSET.
NHTSA complaint #10252808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,261 milesJanesville, WI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
MY WIFE'S MOTORCYCLE, A BMW F650GS SEEMED TO BE SMELLING OF GASOLINE WHILE RUNNING IT. THE LEAK WAS NOT EVIDENT IN DRIPS OR A PUDDLE SO I BEGAN TO INVESTIGATE THE BIKE WHILE CONSEQUENTLY DOING OTHER MAINTENANCE. I FOUND A PUDDLE OF FUEL UNDER THE SEAT, ON TOP OF THE FUEL SENDING UNIT AREA. UPON CLOSER INVESTIGATION I FOUND A PIN HOLE SIZED LEAK IN THE FUEL TANK ITSELF, FROM WHICH FUEL WAS SPRAYING IN A STREAM. INVESTIGATING CLOSER I FOUND THAT THERE ARE MINUTE CRACKS ON THE TOP OF THE SAME AREA, AND FUEL WAS COMING UP THROUGH THEM.
NHTSA complaint #10236289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cupertino, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
I BOUGHT A BMW MOTORCYCLE ABOUT 3 1/2 YEARS AGO. IT HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT TROUBLE. IT WAS RECALLED FOR FAULTY REAR BRAKE, SEVERAL FUEL INJECTION SOFTWARE UPGRAGES DUE TO HORRIBLE STALLING PROBLEMS, AND ON THE MESSAGE BOARD DEVOTED TO THE BMW 650 GS, I HEAR OF A NUMBER OF ADDITIONAL FAILINGS. MINE STALLED SINCE NEW, I'VE BEEN THROUGH THEIR SOFTWAR UPGRADES THAT SOMETIMES MADE THINGS BETTER AND SOMETIMES NOT. NOW IT STALLS VERY BADLY AGAIN, BUT IS OUT OF WARRANTY SO I WOULD BE FORCED TO PAY BMW'S OUTRAGEIOUS SHOP RATES TO HAVE THE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED AND FIXED. BY THE WAY, EVEN WHEN BMW WAS COMING OUT WITH SEVERAL SOFTWARE UPGRADES, THEY CONTINTUALLY DENIED THE PROBLEM. MY BIKE STALLS SO BADLY THAT I AM AFRAID TO RIDE IT FOR FEAR IT WILL STALL AT A TIME WHEN MY SAFETY WILL BE PUT IN JEOPARDY. SO, AT 3 1/2 YEARS OLD, IT HAS ONLY 4,000 MILES ON IT. THE WORST THING I HAVE HEARD OF LATE IS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE '01 MODELS (WHICH I HAVE) LEAKING GAS! WHAT'S NEXT?! ALL THE BIKES SHOULD BE RECALLED TO BOTH FIX THE DANGEROUS GAS LEAKS AND THE DANGEROUS STALLING PROBLEM. THE WAY MOST OWNERS ARE DEALING WITH THE STALLING IS TO DISCONNECT EMISSION CONTROL DEVICES, WHICH GREATLY IMPROVES DRIVEABILITY, BUT OF COURES THEN IT PRODUCES A LOT MORE, PROBABLY VIOLATING ALL THE POLLUTION STANDARDS. I HAVE REFUSED TO DO THAT, SO I AM STILL STUCK WITH A VIRTUALLY UNDRIVABLE MOTORCYCLE BECAUSE I WILL NOT DISCONNECT THE 02 SENSOR OR THE CHARCOAL CANNISTER JUST TO MAKE IT RUN. YET THESE ARE ABOUT THE ONLY TYPES OF FIXES THAT SEEM TO WORK. PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. YOU CAN FIND MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT BMW'S DEFECTS, AND THEIR LACK OF RESPONSIVENESS IN DEALING WITH THEM BY VISITING A MESSAGE BOARD AT F650.COM. THESE BIKES ARE A HAZARD TO BOTH THE ENVIRONMENT AND TO THE SAFETY OF THEIR RIDERS.
NHTSA complaint #10073256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesWestmont, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED IT WOULD PERFORM PROPERLY. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *NM WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED A STRONG SMELL OF GAS WAS PRESENT. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10052125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,000 milesDanbury, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10051378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Locust, NJ
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
MIRROR ON 2001 BMW F650 GS MOTORCYCLE FOLDS BACK. STARTED ON HOT DAY. NOW FOLDS BACK AT 20 MPH.
NHTSA complaint #10030496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roseville, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
BMW F650GSA SURGES AND STALLS. YOU CAN NEVER TELL WHEN IT'S GOING TO DO EITHER. ONE TIME I WAS IN THE REDWOOD FOREST OUT BY BOGEDA BAY CALIFORNIA AND BEFORE I KNEW IT I WAS A SURGING SO HARD I THOUGTH I WAS GOING TO BE BUCKED OFF. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND SAYS THERE'S NOTHING WRONG. IF YOU KEEP AFTER THEM THEY WILL SAY TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE IN VERY HIGH RPM'S. I DON'T THINK THEY KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE OR SOUNDS LIKE WHEN I'M DOING 25MPH AT 6000 RPMS WHICH IS JUST BELOW THE REDLINE LIMIT.
NHTSA complaint #10021172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morgan Hill, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
MOTORCYCLE STALLS AT STOPS AND THIS HAS PRESENTED SEVERAL DANGEROUS MOMENTS. MR
NHTSA complaint #768489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morgan Hill, CA
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
THE TWO REARVIEW MIRRORS CONTINUALLY MOVED AND TURNED INWARD RENDERING THEM USELESS AFTER REACHING HIGHWAY SPEEDS. APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH NO INDICATION OF MANUFACTURER CORRECTION. I HAVE BEEN TOLD TO RETURN FOR A NEW PAIR IF THE PROBLEM RE-OCCURS AT MY OWN LOSS OF TIME AND IN-CONVENIENCE. CONDITION PRESENTED A DANGEROUS SITUATION ONE DAY WHILE RIDING IN HEAVY WIND AND I HAD TO CONSTANTLY WATCH OVER MY SHOULDER WHERE TRAFFIC WAS DURING THIS DIFFICULT CONDITION.
NHTSA complaint #762573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Burke, VA
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
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 REPLACEMENT MIRRORS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE HEARD FROM NUMEROUSE OTHER BIKERS WITH THE SAME MODEL BIKE THAT HAVE HAD THE SAME COMPLAINT.
NHTSA complaint #761894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lima, OH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #750872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gilroy, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
INTERMITTENTLY MOTORCYCCLE WILL STALL OUT AND DIE WHEN ACCELERATING OR DECELERATING. BUT, PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #889885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.