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Bmw

2013 Bmw G650GS

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Bmw G650GS has 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 6. The most common issue is engine problems (40% of all complaints), specifically: engine control unit: when the clutch is engaged and the engine speed is near idle, the engine control unit turns off the engine. this happens anytime the motorcycle needs to come to a stop (traffic light, stop sign, etc.). when the engine speed is kept above 3000 rpms, the bike runs fine and idles f. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.

5

Total Complaints

1

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

0.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 4 of 4)

ENGINE

2 complaints
40%
  • ENGINE CONTROL UNIT: WHEN THE CLUTCH IS ENGAGED AND THE ENGINE SPEED IS NEAR IDLE, THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT TURNS OFF THE ENGINE. THIS HAPPENS ANYTIME THE MOTORCYCLE NEEDS TO COME TO A STOP (TRAFFIC LIGHT, STOP SIGN, ETC.). WHEN THE ENGINE SPEED IS KEPT ABOVE 3000 RPMS, THE BIKE RUNS FINE AND IDLES F
  • THE ENGINE CONTROL SOFTWARE REGULATES IDLE SPEED. WHEN THE CLUTCH LEVER IS EGAGAGED, AND THE ENGINE IS OPERATING AT IDLE, THE MOTORCYCLE ABRUPTLY STALLS REAGARDLESS OF SPEED. IT CAUSED A NEAR -REAR END CRASH AS ANY DOWNSHIFTING RESULTED IN STALLS INSTEAD OF IDLE.
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

ENGINE CONTROL UNIT: WHEN THE CLUTCH IS ENGAGED AND THE ENGINE SPEED IS NEAR IDLE, THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT TURNS OFF THE ENGINE. THIS HAPPENS ANYTIME THE MOTORCYCLE NEEDS TO COME TO A STOP (TRAFFIC LIGHT, STOP SIGN, ETC.). WHEN THE ENGINE SPEED IS KEPT ABOVE 3000 RPMS, THE BIKE RUNS FINE AND IDLES F

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (1)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE26/09/2016

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 BMW G650GS motorcycles manufactured March 8, 2013, to October 12, 2015, and 2013-2015 BMW G650GS Sertao motorcycles manufactured March 8, 2013, to May 23, 2014. The affected motorcycles may stall during operation due to an engine control unit (ECU) software issue.

Risk: If the engine stalls during operation, it increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 18, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 15V-537. Motorcycles that were repaired under that recall need to have their software updated again as part of this campaign.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Bmw G650GS

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,971
Full coverage / month
$164
Liability only / year
$710
vs US avg
+18%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age0.92x
= Full coverage estimate$1971

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Bmw G650GS Service Intervals

Oil change
10K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
10K mi
Brake fluid
24 months
Transmission fluid
60K mi
Engine coolant
100K mi
Spark plugs
60K mi
Cabin air filter
15K mi
Engine air filter
30K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
60K mi

Condition-Based Service (CBS) tells you exactly when service is due. Transmission fluid was labeled 'lifetime' but many owners service at 60K-100K.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Bmw New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
4 yr / 50K mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
12 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr / unlimited mi

Corrosion is unlimited miles for 12 years

These are the terms for a new Bmw. If you're buying a used 2013 G650GS, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Bmw dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500
SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 5 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • ENGINE: ENGINE CONTROL UNIT: WHEN THE CLUTCH IS ENGAGED AND THE ENGINE SPEED IS NEAR IDLE, THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT TURNS OFF THE ENGINE. THIS HAPPENS ANYTIME THE MOTORCYCLE NEEDS TO COME TO A STOP (TRAFFIC LIGHT, STOP SIGN, ETC.). WHEN THE ENGINE SPEED IS KEPT ABOVE 3000 RPMS, THE BIKE RUNS FINE AND IDLES F

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ELECTRICAL: ENGINE CONTROL UNIT: WHEN THE CLUTCH IS ENGAGED AND THE ENGINE SPEED IS NEAR IDLE, THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT TURNS OFF THE ENGINE. THIS HAPPENS ANYTIME THE MOTORCYCLE NEEDS TO COME TO A STOP (TRAFFIC LIGHT, STOP SIGN, ETC.). WHEN THE ENGINE SPEED IS KEPT ABOVE 3000 RPMS, THE BIKE RUNS FINE AND IDLES F

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • TRANSMISSION: THE ENGINE CONTROL SOFTWARE REGULATES IDLE SPEED. WHEN THE CLUTCH LEVER IS EGAGAGED, AND THE ENGINE IS OPERATING AT IDLE, THE MOTORCYCLE ABRUPTLY STALLS REAGARDLESS OF SPEED. IT CAUSED A NEAR -REAR END CRASH AS ANY DOWNSHIFTING RESULTED IN STALLS INSTEAD OF IDLE.

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • SPEED CONTROL: THE ENGINE CONTROL SOFTWARE REGULATES IDLE SPEED. WHEN THE CLUTCH LEVER IS EGAGAGED, AND THE ENGINE IS OPERATING AT IDLE, THE MOTORCYCLE ABRUPTLY STALLS REAGARDLESS OF SPEED. IT CAUSED A NEAR -REAR END CRASH AS ANY DOWNSHIFTING RESULTED IN STALLS INSTEAD OF IDLE.

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Bmw dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Bmw G650GS — Year Comparison

How does 2013 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
5
Recalls
1
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
0
Injury reports
0
Segment avg
6

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2013 Bmw G650GS