2007 BMW F 650GS vs 2011 KTM 530 EXC

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles

Differences only

2007 BMW F 650GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine

Single cylinder

Power

37 kW / 50 hp @ 6500 rpm

Top Speed

183.4 km/h / 114 mph

Weight

191 kg / 421.1 lbs.

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

Differs Same

General
Year	2007	2010 - 11
Make	BMW	-
Model	F 650GS	-
Colours	Red Non-Metallic, Night Black, Iceberg Silver Metallic	-
Make Model	BMW F 650GS	KTM 530 EXC
Dimensions
Height (mm)	1265 mm	-
Width (in.)	35.8 inches	-
Height (in.)	49.8 inches	-
Width (mm)	910 mm	-
Seat Height	780 mm / 30.7 in.	925 mm / 36.4 in
Wheelbase	1479 mm / 58.2 in.	1475 mm / 58.1 in
Ground Clearance	-	380 mm / 15.1 in
Height	1265 mm / 49.8 in.	-
Length	2175 mm / 85.6 in.	-
Width	910 mm / 35.8 in.	-
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)	2.43 US quarts with filter change	-
Oil Capacity (l)	2.3 litres with filter change	-
Dry Weight	176 kg / 388 lbs.	114 kg / 251 lbs
Fuel Capacity	17.3 Litres / 4.6 US gal.	9.0 L / 2.4 US gal / 2.0 Imp gal
Coolant Capacity	1.3 litres, including 0.1 litre in expansion tank	-
Maximum Load / GVWR	380 kg / 837.8 lbs. maximum permissible total weight	335 kg / 739 lbs
Oil Capacity	2.3 litres with filter change	0.60 L / 0.63 US qt / 0.50 Imp qt, full synthetic oil (Motorex Power Synt 4T 10W/50)
Wet Weight	191 kg / 421.1 lbs.	-
Performance
Maximum RPM	7400 rpm	-
Top Speed	183.4 km/h / 114 mph	-
Max Power	37 kW / 50 hp @ 6500 rpm	-
Max Torque	60 Nm / 6.12 kgf-m / 44.25 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm	-
Power-to-Weight Ratio	0.2857 HP/kg	-
Standing Start ¼ Mile	13.4 sec	-
Engine
Stroke	4	-
Engine Type	Single cylinder	-
Displacement	652 cc / 39.8 cub. in.	510.4 cc / 31.1 in
Engine Detail	Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder	Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System	Injection. Electronic fuel injection	-
Bore x Stroke	100 x 83mm	95 x 72 mm
Catalytic Converter	Closed-loop three-way catalytic converter	-
Compression Ratio	11.5:1	11.9:1
Cooling System	Liquid cooled	Liquid cooled
Engine Management	BMW BMS-C II	-
Exhaust	Stainless-steel exhaust system	-
Fuel Consumption	4.7 L/100 km / 50.0 US mpg / 60.1 Imp mpg	-
Fuel Consumption (Claimed)	3.2 L/100 km at steady 90 km/h; 4.3 L/100 km at steady 120 km/h	-
Fuel Induction	Electronic fuel injection	Keihin MX FCR 3900J
Fuel Range	370.2 kms / 230 miles	-
Fuel Reserve	Approx. 4.5 Litres / 1.2 US gal.	2 L / 2.1 US qt / 1.8 Imp qt
Fuel Type	Unleaded petrol, minimum 91 RON	-
Idle Speed	1500 rpm	-
Ignition	Electronically controlled twin-spark ignition	CDI Kokusan 4K-3
Lubrication	Dry sump	Pressure circulation lubrication with two rotor pumps
Spark Plug	-	NGK LKAR 8AI - 9
Starter	Electric	Electric & kick
Valve System	DOHC, four valves	-
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity	12V / 12Ah	YTX5L-BS 12V 4Ah, maintenance free
Drivetrain
Chain Size	520 (5/8 x 1/4 in.)	-
Chain Type	O-ring chain	-
Clutch	Multiple-disc clutch in oil bath, mechanically operated	Wet, multi-disc
Final Drive	Chain	Chain, 5/8 x 1/4"
Final Drive Ratio	2.938:1 (47/16)	15:45
Gear Ratios	1st 2.75 / 2nd 1.75 / 3rd 1.31 / 4th 1.05 / 5th 0.88:1	1st 14:34 / 2nd 17:31 / 3rd 19:28 / 4th 22:26 / 5th 24:23 / 6th 26:21
Gearbox	5-speed	-
Number of Chain Links	112 links	-
Primary Drive Ratios	-	33:76
Primary Gear Ratio	1.946:1 (72/37)	-
Sprocket Front and Rear	Front 16 teeth / rear 47 teeth	-
Transmission / Drive	5 Speed	6 Speed
Chassis
Wheel Travel - Rear (mm)	165 mm	-
Fork Tube Size (mm)	41 mm	-
Trail (in.)	4.46 inches	-
Wheel Travel - Rear (in.)	6.50 inches	-
Wheel Travel - Front (mm)	170 mm	-
Wheel Travel - Front (in.)	6.69 inches	-
Trail (mm)	113.3 mm	-
Fork Tube Size (in.)	1.61 inches	-
Frame Type	Bridge-type steel section frame with bolted-on rear section	Central tube chrome-moly-steel frame
Suspension - Front	41mm Telescopic fork with stabilizer bridge	WP 4860 MXMA PA usd fork
Suspension - Rear	Spring setting and rebound stage damping continuously adjustable	WP Suspension PDS 5018 DCC, aluminium swing arm
Frame - Rear	Bolted-on rear frame section	-
Rake	29.2 degrees	-
Steering Head Angle	60.8°	63.5°
Swingarm	Steel box-section double-sided swingarm	-
Trail	113.3 mm / 4.46 in.	-
Wheel Travel - Front	170 mm / 6.69 in.	300 mm / 11.8 in
Wheel Travel - Rear	165 mm / 6.50 in.	335 mm / 13.2 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator	Three-phase alternator 400W	-
Battery Voltage	12 V	-
Headlight - Bulb	H4 halogen, 12 V, 60/55 W	-
Headlight - Type	Halogen	-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)	300 mm	-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)	11.8 inches	-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)	240 mm	-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)	9.4 inches	-
Brakes - Front	Single ∅300mm disc, 2 piston caliper	Single 260 mm disc, floating caliper
Brakes - Rear	Single ∅240mm disc, 1 piston caliper	Single 220 mm disc, floating caliper
ABS	Optional BMW Motorrad ABS; switchable off	-
Brake Fluid Type	DOT 4	-
Rims - Front	2.50 x 19 in.	-
Rims - Rear	3.00 x 17 in.	-
Tyre Pressure - Front	1.9 bar solo; 2.1 bar fully loaded (cold)	-
Tyre Pressure - Rear	2.1 bar solo; 2.3 bar fully loaded (cold)	-
Tyres - Front	100/90-19	90/90 - 21 M/C 54M M+S TT, Metzeler MCE 6 Days Extreme
Tyres - Rear	130/80-17	140/80 - 18 M/C 70M M+S TT, Metzeler MCE 6 Days Extreme
Wheels	Wire spoke wheels	-
Wheels - Front	2.50 x 19	-
Wheels - Rear	3.00 x 17	-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2011 KTM 530 EXC

The 2011 KTM 530 EXC edges out the 2007 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

2007 BMW F 650GS - Advantages

Lower seat height: 780 mm vs 925 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

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.

2007 BMW F 650GS vs 2011 KTM 530 EXC - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2007 BMW F 650GS and 2011 KTM 530 EXC?

The 2007 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 2007 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 2007 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 2007 BMW F 650GS or the 2011 KTM 530 EXC?

The 2007 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.

Does the 2007 BMW F 650GS or 2011 KTM 530 EXC have ABS?

The 2007 BMW F 650GS is listed with ABS as standard. The 2011 KTM 530 EXC does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

Which should I buy, the 2007 BMW F 650GS or the 2011 KTM 530 EXC?

Both are strong choices. The 2007 BMW F 650GS has the edge in lower seat height and fuel injection, 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.

Related Comparisons

All BMW F 650GS years All KTM 530 EXC years

Build your own comparison →