2003 BMW F 650GS vs 2011 KTM 530 EXC

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.
2011 KTM 530 EXC 2011 KTM 530 EXC

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
114 kg / 251 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20032010 - 11
ColoursBlack, Red, Orange, Blue-
Make ModelBMW F 650GSKTM 530 EXC
Dimensions
Seat Height780 mm / 30.7 in.925 mm / 36.4 in
Wheelbase1479 mm / 58.2 in.1475 mm / 58.1 in
Ground Clearance-380 mm / 15.1 in
Height1265 mm / 49.8 in.-
Length2175 mm / 85.6 in.-
Width910 mm / 35.8 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight176 kg / 388 lbs.114 kg / 251 lbs
Fuel Capacity17.3 Litres / 4.6 US gal.9.0 L / 2.4 US gal / 2.0 Imp gal
Maximum Load / GVWR-335 kg / 739 lbs
Oil Capacity-0.60 L / 0.63 US qt / 0.50 Imp qt, full synthetic oil (Motorex Power Synt 4T 10W/50)
Wet Weight191 kg / 421.1 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 rpm-
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.2591 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile13.4 sec-
Engine
Stroke4-
Engine TypeSingle cylinder-
Displacement652 cc / 39.8 cub. in.510.4 cc / 31.1 in
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke100 x 83mm95 x 72 mm
Compression Ratio11.5:111.9:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel Consumption4.7 l/100 km / 60.5 US mpg-
Fuel InductionFuel inductionKeihin MX FCR 3900J
Fuel Range370.2 kms / 230 miles-
Fuel ReserveApprox. 4.5 Litres / 1.2 US gal.2 L / 2.1 US qt / 1.8 Imp qt
IgnitionCapacitor Discharge Ignition system CDI Kokusan 4K-3
LubricationDry sumpPressure circulation lubrication with two rotor pumps
Spark Plug-NGK LKAR 8AI - 9
StarterElectricElectric & kick
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity12V / 12AhYTX5L-BS 12V 4Ah, maintenance free
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiple-disc clutch in oil bath, mechanically operatedWet, multi-disc
Final DriveChainChain, 5/8 x 1/4"
Final Drive Ratio-15:45
Gear Ratios1st 2.75 / 2nd 1.75 / 3rd 1.31 / 4th 1.05 / 5th 0.88:11st 14:34 / 2nd 17:31 / 3rd 19:28 / 4th 22:26 / 5th 24:23 / 6th 26:21
Primary Drive Ratios-33:76
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeBridge-type steel section frame with bolted-on rear sectionCentral tube chrome-moly-steel frame
Suspension - Front41mm Telescopic fork with stabilizer bridgeWP 4860 MXMA PA usd fork
Suspension - RearSpring setting and rebound stage damping continuously adjustableWP Suspension PDS 5018 DCC, aluminium swing arm
Steering Head Angle60.8°63.5°
Trail123 mm / 4.8 in.-
Wheel Travel - Front170 mm / 6.6 in300 mm / 11.8 in
Wheel Travel - Rear165 mm / 6.4 in335 mm / 13.2 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 400W-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle ∅300mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 260 mm disc, floating caliper
Brakes - RearSingle ∅240mm disc, 1 piston caliperSingle 220 mm disc, floating caliper
Tyres - Front100/90-19 90/90 - 21 M/C 54M M+S TT, Metzeler MCE 6 Days Extreme
Tyres - Rear130/80-17 140/80 - 18 M/C 70M M+S TT, Metzeler MCE 6 Days Extreme
WheelsWire spoke wheels-
Wheels - Front2.50 x 19-
Wheels - Rear3.00 x 17-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2011 KTM 530 EXC

The 2011 KTM 530 EXC edges out the 2003 BMW F 650GS thanks to its lighter kerb weight, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2003 BMW F 650GS - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 780 mm vs 925 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2011 KTM 530 EXC - Advantages

  • Lighter: 114 kg vs 191 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • More rear wheel travel: 335 mm vs 165 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 300 mm vs 170 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2003 BMW F 650GS vs 2011 KTM 530 EXC - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2003 BMW F 650GS and 2011 KTM 530 EXC?
The 2003 BMW F 650GS uses Single cylinder, while the 2011 KTM 530 EXC is powered by Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 2003 BMW F 650GS or the 2011 KTM 530 EXC?
The 2011 KTM 530 EXC is lighter at 114 kg compared to 191 kg for the 2003 BMW F 650GS - a difference of 77 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2003 BMW F 650GS or the 2011 KTM 530 EXC?
The 2003 BMW F 650GS has the lower seat at 780 mm, making it more accessible. The 2011 KTM 530 EXC sits higher at 925 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 2011 KTM 530 EXC?
Both are strong choices. The 2003 BMW F 650GS has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2011 KTM 530 EXC stands out for lighter kerb weight 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.