Something for the weekend? Aimed at new riders, BMW’s oddly named Scarver aka F650CS incorporates features that most motorcyclists take for granted will NOT be on their motorcycle, such as, a ‘fuel tank’ that can hide your helmet, or easily convert to a hard or soft storage area, or how about a stereo system that is waterproof and removable!

		The real fuel tank lives under the seat keeping the centre of gravity low.

The ‘fuel tank’ also has grab handles fitted on the sides, no not for the rider, or the kids sitting on the tank, but a real place for pillion passengers to hold onto without turning themselves into contortionists by stretching their arms behind them. The standard rear luggage rack also has pillion grasp handles should they be preferred.

	Seat height is low with an option to go even lower if required, combined with high wide bars, makes for a bolt upright riding position. This arrangement will also suit new riders not familiar with bum in the air sports bike posture, and is ideal for town traffic, giving a clear view over cars making filtering so much easier.
The road tyres and wheels make the bike easy to manoeuvre, the small front screen keeps the worst of the wind off the rider.

The engine is a Rotax built 652cc liquid-cooled DOHC single cylinder that is fuel injected and mounted in an oil carrying chassis. With a claimed 50bhp @ 6800rpm and 46ft-lbs of torque propelling the bike to just short of 110mph, it should cruise happily at 70mph all day and return 45-48mpg being good for 170 miles between fill-ups. The exhaust system is huge, mounted low, finished in polished steel and incorporates a catalytic converter.

The 5-speed gearbox drives through a low maintenance toothed belt to the 17-inch wheel in the single sided aluminium swingarm. Low ratios in 1st and 2nd help with traffic filtering, and once up the box, gear changes are kept to a minimum by the flexible power output of the engine.

Single disc brakes front and rear on the 3 spoke cast alloy wheels have an ABS option.  Other options include alarm system, on-board computer, accessory power socket and heated handgrips. Plus the usual selection of luggage and clothing from BMW designed to compliment the bike.

The bike comes in a staggering array of colour combinations, it’s just a matter of taking your pick. There is even a chrome trim option!

Definitely different, looks like a big trail bike at first glance, but without doubt it is a city bike that will be useful at the weekends for the occasional blast away from it all.

Available now (February 2002) around £5400.

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Last updated 29/03/02