F 650 ST

1997 BMW F 650 ST Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Positioned in BMW's enduro - offroad motorcycle lineup, the 1997 BMW F 650 ST relies on a 652 cc (39.8 cu in) liquid-cooled single cylinder, four-stroke powerplant. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 48 HP (35 kW) while maximum torque reaches 57 Nm (42 lb-ft), transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 73.6 HP per liter, the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.

On the scales, the F 650 ST measures 173 kg (381 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.28 HP/kg (3.6 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 785 mm (30.9 in) seat height — offering a neutral standover height that accommodates most average-inseam riders without sacrificing cornering clearance.

Within MotoLibrary's BMW archive, this model family spans 2 indexed model years from 1997 to 1998, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.