These are the two design principles that inspired the F 650 GS of BMW Motorrad. Just like the popular Sports Utility Vehicles that took the country by storm based on their versatility, dependability, design styling and road performance, the F 650 GS is a multi-purpose motorcycle that can both handle regular street and grueling off-roading situations with ease.

BMW F 650 GS

But for Filipino motorcycle enthusiasts, the long suspension play and relatively high riding design of the F 650 S is reminiscent of the Paris-Dakar World Rally Championship.

An almost identical model – the F 650 RR – was taken by top rider Richard Sainct to the Podium finish in the Paris-Dakar-Cairo rally in 2000 and the Granada Rally in 1999.

From then on, the BMW Motorrad in the Dakar rally series was a team closely monitored by Filipino big bike fans. They did not only witness how those German-made two wheelers survived the "Mother of All Rallies," but how they bagged the top positions as well.

And since the BMW AutoHaus introduced their premier motorcycles to the local market, the F 650 GS has been in demand as a dual functioning bike.

But honestly, when AutoHaus rolled out the F 650 GS from its garage in Libis, Pasig for a four-day test ride, its exterior features failed to fascinate me at all. The combination of jet black body paint and yellow seat upholstery was a far cry form what I was expecting to be lent at that moment. I found it dull and unappealing.

One week before the D-Day, I was told by BMW Philippines that an F 650 GS Dakar replica was already waiting for me. You know, that handsome desert blue/aura white body works with a black dual seat could have made me feel like hell rider Sainct.

But the Dakar replica model is out of stock and there is a long cue for buyers. I guess after a cruise with the high-end BMW BoxerCup 1100 sports replica a month earlier, I will get less attention this time with the F 650 GS.

Mounting on the GS was easy. It has a lower seat and high positioned handle bars. With my five feet six inches height, my feet position was perfect on the ground to keep the GS balance. Unlike the BoxerCup, the handle bar levers and brake and clutch pedal were smoother and softer to press, thus, less stress on traffic congestions.

If you wanna play off road, you can just switch off a button to deactivate the ABS for a wild rough road ride. Braking confidence is enhanced with the Brembo high performance brake systems on front and rear.

A big plus for the F 650 GS is its height adjustable seating position. From 780mm, it can either be lowered to 750mm or increased in height to 820mm depending on the rider preference.

The mean looking Dakar replica can have the 870mm seat height.

The F 650 GS is powered by a water cooled, one-cylinder four stroke engine with four valves and two overhead camshafts. Exuding a maximum power output of 50 bhp, the GS has a neat linear acceleration that is an unequaled aggressiveness for its class. Maximum torque is rated at 51 Nm at 3,750 rpm.

After that unforgettable BoxerCup ride, I had the first impression that the F 650 GS was underpowered. Later, the GS’ road performance proved that I was wrong.

Despite its protruding nose, long front suspension and large front tire, the F 650 GS has an impressive aerodynamics as it remained stable even in high speed.

Along the Balintawak portion of the ill-maintained North Luzon Tollway, criss crossing the uneven asphalt road was no problem with the F 650 as if it were just playing on the sand dunes of Cairo all along.

Another noticeable positive character of the F 650 GS is its well-balanced riding quality. The fuel tank is positioned in the middle of the body frame.

Adding to its well-balanced feature is its asymmetrically positioned twin exhaust pipes that are craftly hidden underneath the saddle.

To my surprise, the jet black F 650 GS has more magnetic appeal than I initially thought. It’s an off-roading beast that I wouldn’t mind riding with my neatly-pressed office attire. Right Dakar rally fans?