The STIHL MS 650 is a powerful 84.9 cc, 6.4 hp chainsaw that’s a close cousin to the MS 660.
It was only sold very briefly in the US, most likely because it wasn’t compliant with emissions standards, and because it’s so close in power and displacement to the 660, it wasn’t necessary.
The other factor is that fuel in “third world” countries is less reliable, so saws like the MS 650 were built to deal with this. Saws like the 660 requires a higher octane fuel than what is sometimes available.
Check current STIHL MS 650 prices on eBay here.
STIHL MS 650 Magnum
The 650 is a cheaper, slightly less powerful version of the 660.
It was made between 2005 – 2012 and has now been replaced with the MS 651 which is for sale in South Africa, South America, and South East Asia, among other countries.
Other comments from our article on Stihl saws not sold in the USA:
- [The 650 is] like the 064 of the 066 generations.
- [The 650 has] K&S cylinders with better porting than the 660 Mahle cylinders from what I’ve been told.
- That was used a lot overseas where they did not have high octane.
- 650 is basically a 064 that weighs as much as a 066.
- Meant to be a “budget” version of a 660. I had one, dang good saw but man was that thing heavy.
Here’s how the MS 660’s specs compare with the 650.
| STIHL | MS 650 | MS 660 |
| Displacement | 5.2 cu in / 84.9 cc | 5.6 cu in / 91.6 cc |
| Power | 6.4 hp / 4.8 kW | 7.0 hp / 5.2 kW |
| Bore | 2.05 in / 52 mm | 2.13 in / 54 mm |
| Stroke | 1.57 in / 40 mm | 1.57 in / 40 mm |
| Speed | 2,500 – 13,500 rpm | 2,500 – 13,500 rpm |
| Weight | 16.5 lbs / 7.5 kg | 16.5 lbs / 7.5 kg |
| Bar length | 20, 22, 25, 28, 32, 36″ / 50, 55, 63, 70, 80, 90 cm | 20, 22, 25, 28, 32, 36″ / 50, 55, 63, 70, 80, 90 cm |
The MS 650 has a Magnum label that doesn’t mean anything.
Magnum sometimes designates a different, more powerful version, but in this case, it’s simply a marketing label. Some were sold without the Magnum label.
Stihl MS 650 Reviews
The 650 is a popular saw that gets great user reviews.
Adam said:
I’ve been running a 650 for 17 yrs still runs amazing. It’s time for a rebuild…
Daniel said:
It’s the MS version of the 064. 52 mm cylinder instead of 54mm that us on the 660.
About his 650, Matt said:
I bought her brand new in 2012 because it was $250 cheaper than a 660.
She’s been a great saw and cut a 10’s of thousands of board feet since then. It doesn’t compare to that 661 though. Some of these new saws rip.
He also shared:
The 650 is a great saw. I’ve converted a few to 660 but honestly it’s hard to tell the difference between the 2 power wise.
Buck said:
It’s a little less cc [than the 660] it’s made to run on lower octane gas for the Third World countries. Some of them got sold in the US not many.
Ed said:
Anyone else a fan of the 650 and the 36” bar? Sure does make some serious wood chips.
Levi said:
Only used a 650 once it was a friend of mine and it was a healthy saw I think my 660 had jus a touch more though but tht 650 is still a damn good saw.
Dustin said:
Really good dependable saws, not the strongest but at 85cc they get it done. The more odd ball was the MS 640, not sold in the states.
And here are more comments on the relationship between the 650 and 660, since that is what most people are fascinated by…
Ethan said:
From what I remember the 650 is a slightly de-tuned 660, and you can put a 660 p&c on it. It’s akin to the relationship between a Husky 365 and 372.
Richard said:
650 is the continuation of the 064, except it’s the same physical size as the 660. 660 is 92cc and 650 is 85cc. I’m pretty sure jug and piston swap on 660 and 650.
Caddilac said:
From what I understand they made the 650 to accept lower octane fuels and lower quality oils than the 660 and still run dependable. The smaller bore allowed it to take more abuse and last longer on landing crews.
Rob said:
I have a 650 and a few 660s honestly can’t really tell a difference basically the same saw.
The 660 is the better saw, but there’s nothing wrong with the 650.
Specs And Features
| Series or Assembly Number: | 1122 |
| Years made: | 2005 – 2012 |
| Engine Displacement: | 84.9 ccm (5.2 cu. in.) |
| Cylinder Bore: | 52 mm (2.05 in.) |
| Piston Stroke: | 40 mm (1.57 in.) |
| Piston Ring Thickness: | 2 of 1.2 mm |
| Cylinder Type: | Aluminum with chrome plated bore |
| Intake Method: | Piston Ported |
| Power: | 6.4 hp (4.8 kW) |
| Weight: | 7.5 kg (16.5 lbs.) |
| Handlebar System: | Anti-Vibration |
| Chain Brake: | Mechanical |
| Clutch: | Centrifugal, 3 shoe metal |
| Drive Type: | Direct |
| Construction: | Die-cast magnesium, injection-molded polymer |
| Magneto Type: | Electronic |
| Carburetor: | Walbro WJ-67, WJ-69, WJ-76 |
| Air Filter System: | Cartridge, winter and summer types |
| Starter Type: | Stihl Elastostart automatic rewind, rope is 4.5 mm |
| Oil Pump: | Automatic adjustable |
| Maximum Engine RPM: | 13,500 |
| Idle RPM: | 2,500 |
| Ignition Timing: | Fixed |
| Spark Plug Type: | NGK BPMR7A, Bosch WSR6F |
| Spark Plug Gap: | 0.5 mm (0.020 in.) |
| Crankshaft Main Bearings: | Ball |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: | 825 ml (27.9 fl. oz.) |
| Fuel Oil Ratio: | 50:1 |
| Recommended Fuel Octane: | Regular automotive |
| Mix Oil Specification: | Stihl premium mix oil |
| Chain Pitch: | 3/8 in. or .404 in. |
| Chain Type: | RSC3 |
| Bar Mount Pattern: | 31 link |
| Guide Bar: | 50 cm (20 in.) – 90 cm (36 in.) |
MS650 Price
It’s hard to put a price on the 650, but it’s always going to depend on the condition and location.
We’ve seen guys pick them up for US$300, and we’ve seen them listed and selling for €1000.
On eBay at the time of writing, there are three 650s for sale from US$500 to US$900 – all seem to be in good working condition, but have been used.
Price comments:
- Garrett said, “It’s probably worth between 400-650 depending on how nice it looks.”
- Matthew said, “$250 is a great price for it…”
- Ryan said: “Definitely worth $500.”
STIHL MS 650 Chainsaw
For professionals who are contemplating the MS 650, it’s worth noting its place in STIHL’s legacy.
It’s a saw built on the foundations of the iconic 064 and 066 models, carrying forward their strengths and reputation for reliability. It’s like having a piece of chainsaw history, refined and upgraded for modern challenges.
The MS 650 is especially appealing to those who are nostalgic about the older models but want a machine that meets current standards of power and efficiency. It’s robust, reliable, and ready to tackle the toughest of tasks.
Whether it’s for felling large trees, managing extensive forest areas, or cutting firewood, this chainsaw delivers performance that professionals can rely on. It’s a testament to STIHL’s commitment to quality and a worthy investment for anyone serious about their chainsaw work.
