THE F650 CS is a fresh concept in motorcycling, designed to appeal to a new type of customer. For the first time in BMW's history, low maintenance belt-drive transmission is used that is longer lasting and easier to service. A new storage facility in the central fairing has been conceived for versatility and convenience, to accommodate the usual items a rider needs in everyday life.

Designed for the city - and the open road At 780 mm (30.7 inches) the seat height is low, but an even lower 750 mm (29.5 inches) is available as an option. This makes the F650 CS perfect for smaller riders. Because of superior handling and a quick-revving power unit, the F650 CS offers true sporting capability on country roads and tractability in city traffic. In fact, the F650 CS is excellent for all kinds of road riding.

Engine simplicity and catalytic converter The single-cylinder engine and five-speed gearbox are the same proven units already used in the popular F650 GS. Maximum output of 37 kW (50 bhp) occurs at 6,800 rpm (6,500 rpm on the F650 GS) while maximum torque has increased from 60 Nm to 62 Nm (46 lb ft) at 5,500 rpm (5,000 rpm on the F650 GS). Torque of more than 50 Nm (37 lb ft) is available between 3,500 and 7,000 rpm. Like all BMW motorcycles (with the exception of the R850 R Classic) the F650 CS comes with Digital Motor Electronics and a fully controlled catalytic converter.

Engine oil reservoir in the frame BMW designers and engineers developed the principal (introduced on the F650) of using the frame of the motorcycle as an engine oil reservoir. Accordingly, the two upper arms of the bridge-type frame house 2.5 litres of engine oil. Relocating the fuel tank under the seat allowed the free space in front of the rider to be redesigned as a storage compartment.

The exhaust system is entirely new. The three-way catalytic converter and oxygen sensor are integrated into a high quality, polished steel silencer. A pre-silencer is not needed and the designers have continued the lines of the manifold back to the final silencer. The two-piece, exhaust pipe covers are matt-blasted. Unique in its market sector, the single swinging arm on the F650 CS is made of aluminium. This aids stability of the running gear while providing a high level of torsional stiffness to enhance ride quality. The toothed drive-belt is clean and quiet, requires no lubrication, and lasts twice as long as a conventional chain.

Like its GS derivative, the F650 CS features a bridge-frame backbone made of rectangular steel that has a larger than usual cross-section to ensure maximum stiffness. The CS uses telescopic forks with shorter spring travel than the off-road GS model (125 mm). These are specially set for road use. Cast aluminium wheels

Silver-painted, 17-inch three-spoke cast aluminium wheels feature (on the rear) a curved design from hub to rim. This is the result of combining the brake and toothed belt sprocket on the right-hand side of the wheel. The F650 CS employs a 300mm single-disc front brake with a two-piston floating caliper and sintered-metal brake pads. A 240mm single-disc is fitted to the rear wheel and features a single-piston, floating caliper. ABS brakes are a £345 optional extra. BMW is the only motorcycle manufacturer to offer ABS across its entire range.

A wide range of colours The F650 CS is available in three colour schemes: azur blue metallic, golden orange metallic and belugia blue. The seat colours are dark blue or sepia, and the exchangeable side covers on the central fairing can be either white aluminium or golden orange.

New ellipsoidal dual headlights With a tinted, clear-view screen, translucent screen support and low dual headlights, the F650 CS has an entirely new "face". Featuring ellipsoid technology, the low-beam headlights emit a bright light beam. On high beam, free-form technology guarantees broad illumination of the road ahead. A small parking light is fitted in the centre, beneath the two headlights.