Easing Maintenance
There are a few items which cause some frustration when working on the 650GS.
The small modifications below will simplify maintenance and eliminate a couple of frustrations
As we find solutions for items which are difficult to work with we will add more here
The upper mounting bolt for the left hand foot peg mount is difficult to access due to the bracket shape.
Cut off the upper front edge of the bracket as per the picture to enable the mounting bolt
to be accessed far more easily.
Removing the stainless steel guard on the exhaust system requires removing the main rear sub frame bolt and the top foot peg mounting bolt.
Cutting the cover to open the ends of the bolt holes as per the picture enables the guard to slide on and off by only loosening the bolts without removing them
Removing the regulator bracket requires removing the front engine bolts.
Cutting the bracket to open the ends of the bolt holes as per the picture enables
the bracket to slide on and off by only loosening the bolts without removing them
Dont over tighten inlet fixing screws.
They are self tapping screws threading into plastic.
If you strip the inner mount the outer can be drilled out to extend the screws into the plastic a further 10-15mm.
The mounting of the Tail Lamp assembly means it has to be removed when working around the rear of the bike, connection of the wiring is also difficult. The modification on Tail Lamp Brace page allows it to remain in place, simplifies maintenance plus the wiring access hole makes connection far simpler, it also overcomes broken upper mounts.
The rigid oil return line on the F Series makes removal of the left engine covers difficult. The G Series have a relocated oil return line against the side of the cylinder. The G Series line may fit the F Series.
In general terms, keep it simple, document what is done. Where an accessory needs to be used with ignition off, tap into the parking lamp circuit, use a relay triggered by the ignition switch covering all accessories to minimise load through the switch and use either a single fuse for all devices or individual fuses for each device. Insulate wire bundles. Accessory wire gauge size required depends on the accessory power requirements and the wiring length.
Earth is best run from the main earth point which is on the RHS of the engine behind the curved plastic cover. A single earth fanning out to each accessory is best to enable fast disconnection of earth in emergencies
See About/650GS-Electrics page for BMW wire sizes and ratings.
The helmet lock from R850/1100/1150 R Series models is secure & can be easily mounted on the 650GS. The key is the same as the 650GS & can be keyed to match ignition etc. The BMW Part No is 51 25 2 313 472
