2003 BMW F 650GS vs 2012 Honda NC700X

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2003 BMW F 650GS 2003 BMW F 650GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Single cylinder
Power
37.3 kW / 50 hp @ 6800 rpm
Top Speed
183.4 km/h / 114 mph
Weight
191 kg / 421.1 lbs.
2012 Honda NC700X 2012 Honda NC700X

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
480.6 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Model ID: TRX680FA
Year2003-
ColoursBlack, Red, Orange, BlueRed/black, black, silver/black, black/white
Make ModelBMW F 650GS-
Warranty-One year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-165 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-6.5 inches
Seat Height780 mm / 30.7 in.830 mm / 32.7 in.
Wheelbase1479 mm / 58.2 in.1,540 mm / 60.6 in.
Height1265 mm / 49.8 in.1,285 mm / 50.6 in.
Length2175 mm / 85.6 in.2,210 mm / 87.0 in.
Width910 mm / 35.8 in.830 mm / 32.7 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight176 kg / 388 lbs.-
Fuel Capacity17.3 Litres / 4.6 US gal.14.10 litres / 3.73 gallons
Wet Weight191 kg / 421.1 lbs.218.0 kg / 480.6 lbs
Performance
Top Speed183.4 km/h / 114 mph-
Max Power37.3 kW / 50 hp @ 6800 rpm-
Max Torque60 Nm / 6.12 kgf-m / 44.25 lb-ft. @ 5200 rpm60.00 Nm (6.1 kgf-m or 44.3 ft.lbs) @ 4750
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.2591 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile13.4 sec-
Engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)-36.0 x 73.0 mm
Displacement (cc)-670.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-40.88 cubic inches
Fuel Control-Overhead Valves (OHV)
Engine TypeSingle cylinderTwin, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (in,)-1.4 x 2.9 inches
Stroke4-
Displacement652 cc / 39.8 cub. in.-
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder-
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke100 x 83mm-
Compression Ratio11.5:110.7:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Emissions-Meets current California Air Resources Board (CARB) off-road emissions standards.
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Fuel Consumption4.7 l/100 km / 60.5 US mpg-
Fuel InductionFuel induction-
Fuel Range370.2 kms / 230 miles-
Fuel ReserveApprox. 4.5 Litres / 1.2 US gal.4.54 litres / 1.20 gallons
IgnitionCapacitor Discharge Ignition system Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance
LubricationDry sump-
StarterElectricElectric
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V / 12Ah-
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiple-disc clutch in oil bath, mechanically operatedManual (DCT version = D mode/S mode/Manual mode)
Final DriveChainChain
Gear Ratios1st 2.75 / 2nd 1.75 / 3rd 1.31 / 4th 1.05 / 5th 0.88:1-
Gearbox-3-speed
Primary Drive-Direct front and rear driveshafts with TraxLok® and torque-sensitive front differential
Transmission / Drive5 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeBridge-type steel section frame with bolted-on rear section-
Suspension - Front41mm Telescopic fork with stabilizer bridge41mm telescopic fork, 153.5mm travel
Suspension - RearSpring setting and rebound stage damping continuously adjustableMonoshock damper, Pro-Link swingarm, 150mm travel
Steering Head Angle60.8°-
Trail123 mm / 4.8 in.-
Wheel Travel - Front170 mm / 6.6 in175 mm / 6.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear165 mm / 6.4 in203 mm / 8.0 in.
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 400W-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-240 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle ∅300mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle disc
Brakes - RearSingle ∅240mm disc, 1 piston caliperSingle disc
Rims-Multi-spoke cast aluminium
Tyres - Front100/90-19 120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear130/80-17 160/60-ZR17
WheelsWire spoke wheels-
Wheels - Front2.50 x 19-
Wheels - Rear3.00 x 17-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2003 BMW F 650GS and the 2012 Honda NC700X are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2003 BMW F 650GS - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 780 mm vs 830 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2012 Honda NC700X - Advantages

  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • More rear wheel travel: 203 mm vs 165 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2003 BMW F 650GS vs 2012 Honda NC700X - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2003 BMW F 650GS and 2012 Honda NC700X?
The 2003 BMW F 650GS uses Single cylinder, while the 2012 Honda NC700X is powered by Twin, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2003 BMW F 650GS or the 2012 Honda NC700X?
The 2003 BMW F 650GS has the lower seat at 780 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 Honda NC700X sits higher at 830 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2003 BMW F 650GS or the 2012 Honda NC700X?
Both are strong choices. The 2003 BMW F 650GS has the edge in lower seat height and liquid cooling, while the 2012 Honda NC700X stands out for fuel injection and higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.