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2013 BMW G650gs
Limited data: few reports on file, read the verdict loosely
Too few owner complaints are on file to affirm this car. Treat it as unproven, and lean hard on a professional pre-purchase inspection.
2 owner complaints · 1 recalls · data verified July 26, 2026 · source: NHTSA
What the record shows so far
Only 2 owner complaints on file for this exact model year, too few to judge long-term reliability. Treat this as unproven, and lean on a professional inspection.
Score breakdown, by factor
Full methodology →How it crashes
NHTSA’s own crash tests, separate from the reliability score above.
NHTSA hasn’t published a crash-test rating for this model year. That’s common for lower-volume or older models. It doesn’t mean the car is unsafe, just that this program hasn’t tested it.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings. Star ratings compare vehicles within the same class and size, not across every car on the road.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2013 BMW G650gs, plotted where owners report it happening.
Engine
100%2 complaints
“THE ENGINE CONTROL SOFTWARE REGULATES IDLE SPEED. WHEN THE CLUTCH LEVER IS EGAGAGED, AND THE ENGINE IS OPERATING AT IDLE, THE MOTORCYCLE ABRUPTLY STALLS REAGARDLESS OF…”
Transmission & drivetrain
50%1 complaints
“THE ENGINE CONTROL SOFTWARE REGULATES IDLE SPEED. WHEN THE CLUTCH LEVER IS EGAGAGED, AND THE ENGINE IS OPERATING AT IDLE, THE MOTORCYCLE ABRUPTLY STALLS REAGARDLESS OF…”
Speed control
50%1 complaints
“THE ENGINE CONTROL SOFTWARE REGULATES IDLE SPEED. WHEN THE CLUTCH LEVER IS EGAGAGED, AND THE ENGINE IS OPERATING AT IDLE, THE MOTORCYCLE ABRUPTLY STALLS REAGARDLESS OF…”
Electrical system
50%1 complaints
“ENGINE CONTROL UNIT: WHEN THE CLUTCH IS ENGAGED AND THE ENGINE SPEED IS NEAR IDLE, THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT TURNS OFF THE ENGINE. THIS HAPPENS ANYTIME THE MOTORCYCLE NE…”
Check it against this car’s mileage
Type the odometer reading on the actual car you’re looking at to see which of these problem areas owners tend to report before it, around it, or after it.
Too few owners named a mileage on this model to place issues against an odometer yet.
Recalls (1)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Electrical System · 16V689000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 BMW G650GS motorcycles manufactured March 8, 2013, to October 12, 2015, and 2013-2015 BMW G650GS Sertao motorcycles manufactured March 8, 2013, to May 23, 2014. The affected motorcycles may stall during operation due to an engine control unit (ECU) software issue.
Risk: If the engine stalls during operation, it increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 18, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 15V-537. Motorcycles that were repaired under that recall need to have their software updated again as part of this campaign.
Questions to ask the seller
Questions worth asking the seller of this BMW before you buy, drawn from its public record:
- NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2013 BMW G650gs. Can you run this car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm each one shows "Remedy Completed"?
- Has this car been in any accident or had any structural, airbag, or flood-related repair? Do you have a clean title and a recent history report (Carfax / AutoCheck)?
- How many owners has it had, do you have the maintenance records, and why are you selling it?
- Are you open to me having an independent mechanic inspect it before we settle on a price?
Before you hand over money
Check the VIN for open recalls
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2013 BMW G650GS beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2013? See how every G650gs model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2013 BMW G650gs against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.