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 storage facility in the central fairing has been conceived for versatility and convenience called a Stuffbay.

Designed for the city - and the open road At 780 mm (30.7 inches) the seat height is already low, but an even lower version of 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. A power socket comes as standard, allowing F650 CS riders to use heated clothing, operate sat nav guidance systems or charge mobile phones.

The CS has a dual ignition single-cylinder engine and five-speed gearbox and are the same proven units used in the popular F650 GS. Maximum output of 37 kW (50 bhp) occurs at 6,500 rpm while maximum torque is 62 Nm (46 lb ft) at 5,500 rpm. 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 CS's 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 aluminum. This provides a high level of torsional stiffness to enhance ride quality. The toothed drive-belt is clean and quiet, requires no lubrication, and on average lasts twice as long as a conventional chain.

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. Silver-painted, 17-inch three-spoke cast aluminum wheels feature 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. No other motorcycle manufacturer offers ABS as an option on as many models as BMW Motorrad. ABS is the safest way of braking on the road, under all conditions. It is a leveller for braking for riders of all experience. ABS is an anti-lock braking system, which gives riders greater braking capacity. ABS is available as an option on the F650 CS.

The F650 CS is available in four colour schemes: Titanium Silver metallic, Ginster Yellow metallic, Night Blue metallic and Stone Grey non-metallic The seat colours are dark blue or sepia, and the exchangeable side covers on the central fairing can be either grey or silver.