650GS Diagnostics

The F650GS has basic onboard diagnostics capability, the information below outlines the basics of the system and options for connection and diagnosis of problems. If you see any errors or have additional information contact us.


Diagnostics Connection and Protocol

Connection is via a proprietary 10 pin socket above the radiator on the RHS of the bike.

Communication is 3 wire OBDII K-Line adhering to ISO 9141-2 physical layer and protocol ISO 14230 KWP2000 (Keyword Protocol 2000).

OBDII Info BMS and Socket Info Husky Terra Info Husky Nuda Info
Cable Information

An OBDII to USB cable as per the pic can be utilised with an ICOM-D adaptor cable to the BMW socket. Cables with FTDI FT232RL chipset are the best.

The cabling pin out and a source for the diagnostics socket is in the pdfs below.

Diagnostics Cable Details Dealer Diagnostic Systems

Operation Information

When working with diagnostics it is important to connect a charger/power supply to maintain battery voltage when the bike is not running. The BMW accessory socket is a good connection point on the 650GS. Use of the diagnostics socket to inject power is not recommended due to the small wire gauge of the wiring to the dianostics socket.


Diagnostics Software

Software for the 650GS is the missing component to be resolved and documented. While the physical and protocol layers are as per OBDII with extensions, addresses for components are different. Open source software should be able to be modified to read and clear fault codes. See the software page for further information on this subject.

Some BMW factory and dealer software is discussed in enthusiast forums on-line but use of the software would
be questionable & perhaps not recommended. The factory software would enable complete reprogramming of modules & could result in inoperable ECU's so caution would be advisable.


Diagnostic Systems and Devices

There are two classes of Diagnostics systems, Dealer Systems and Owner Systems. The third party Dealer software developers are adding the BMW range into their systems. This is in part driven by EU regulations. Chinese manufacturers are also entering the market. The BMW model capability of these systems is the real question. Many have only very basic support. The Dealer systems are at a price which is uneconomic for the average owner.

There are two owner products for diagnostics on the 650GS. They are the commercial GS911 product line by Hexcode and the enthusiast built MT1. The current status and availability of the MT1 is unknown.


GS911 by Hexcode ZA

Hexcode have 3 products, the GS911, GS911 Blu, and now the GS911 WiFi

The GS911 has been developed for many years and provides access to diagnostics via a Windows PC application.

See the Hexcode Web site for all the details       HexCode GS911 Information       HexCode Counterfeit Alert

GS911 USB

The PC application has full diagnostics and real time values display and collection

The component triggering test capability is invaluable in fault finding and in some areas the functionality is better than the BMW dealer diagnostic systems

Chinese clones are being offered on ebay so be wary of cheap prices

GS911 Blu

The GS911 Blu physically looks like the GS911 but adds access to diagnostics information while on the road via bluetooth to any Java compliant mobile phone or tablet. Blutooth software provides access to emergency information only.

This unit is the one which has been the best choice for 650GS owners up until now.

GS911 WiFi

The WiFi unit has the traditional GS911 USB interface and Windows PC Software

It supports the K Line protocol and adds DCAN protocol for the new BMW models.

The WiFi replaces the Blutooth capability and provides access to diagnostics information in the Workshop and on the road via WiFi to any WiFi enabled device.


MT1 by Jerome

The MT1 has been developed by a C1 enthusiast in the UK, it has an inbuilt display. Little is known about the capabilities of the device with regard to the 650GS and other BMW models beyond the C1.       MT1 Information Page


GS911 WiFi Screenshots