BMW F650ST motorcycle modifications.
Not very modified, but I added the MotoBins 16in high fairing blade, increased the size of the hand protectors, added better mud flaps,
a tool box and moved the indicators back so more luggage could be carried. Bike came with a top box,
but I found it was affecting the handeling in side-winds. Modifications were gradually done and improved the use of the machine to carry
luggage, comfort, weather protection and handeling. The F650ST is not a super performer, rather, it is more more than the some of its parts.
Maintence included checking and adjusting the valves, which takes quite a bit of care to get done accurately. though does not cost anything
if the owner does it. Also replaced the o-rings in the carburettor. Forgot to mark the float levels before, so I have to guess the level when
putting in new float valves. (transparent plastic pipe fitted to drain tube gives a good level). The F650ST (early models) could become a real classic practical machine as it is owner servicable. Later fuel-injected versions
I think, may be more fuel-efficient and reliable, but not so servicable perhaps.
These pictures show the Swiss Army-surplus plastic decontamination box uses as a tool box. This was fitted using two metal plates
and two long bolts through the existing frame holes on the side, and metal tube extensions used to stand this off from the bike and not hit the swing arm or chain cover.
The cover was fitted with a locking bar for a M5 hex-head bolt to secure.
I found it strange that there was no radiator grille. This was solved with a Halifords aluminum radiator grill material cut to size,
-with edges folded over and around sides of radiator.
Internal modifications were:
- Relocated voltage regualtor from under the seat (where it gets HOT!HOT! HOT! and burns the wires near the connector. ) to insinde the front fairing, extending the 6-way cable using 17 Amp multi-strand cable. I attempted this with a standard 'chocolate-block' connector,but this was not up to the job for the alternator wires (three yellow wires). and they BURNT THROUGH! again, so I used a heavy duty 3-way MAPLIN mains connector just for those three yellow wires. cutting into the loom where the three yellow wires come from the alternator to a connector just above the battery. routing those through to the regualtor, now at ther front: Cooler
- Removed the metal caps from the ignition plug shrouds.
- Added a SRM industries 3-led driving light, this LED flood, with a 3-way switch (OFF, DIP ON, ON) takes 10W but outshines the dip beam. Link to SRM2 led light from Zenoverland
- Better mudguards were made from some plastic material. cut to shape and bolted under the front fender and under the rear number plate.
- Cut out the two 'snorkel' holes in the airbox, (this is is supposed to improve air-flow to the engine). Plastic gauze glued over holes q to prevent stuff getting into the airbox.
- Lowered the gearing by using a one-tooth-less front sprocket, ordered from MotoWorks, this improves slow running, with less chain snatch below 40MPH
- Added GIVI tank bag. GIVI do not make the attaching ring for this, so I modified GIVI ring No: BF06 . by drilling out two more holes and enlarging the center hole for the petrol cap. LINK to GIVI tank bags
- Increased the size ot the top of the BMW hand protectors,(they do not cover enough on cold days!) by cutting a piece of scrap plastc, that was the base of a sports holdall bag , then fixing in place with three stainless screws/nuts. An old fairing plastic surround was cut to length an pushed over the entire edge of the new and exsisting protector. Works very well on cold days and looks as though it is a BMW part.
