650 Dakar v GS Differences Questions

[snoopy]

Registered on f650.co.uk but the admin is lazy and hasn't approved my membership yet, so, questions that I can't find answers for below:

I'm looking to get a 650 in a couple weeks time. The Dakar would be my first choice but I'm not going to pay another 1.5k/2k for it over the equivalent GS. What are the actual differences apart from..

21" wheel (interchangable?).
<03 Dakar had a high fender like the 1150 adv.
Removed centre stand on Dakar.
Paint job.
Dakar has higher seat.

Does the Dakar run a higher alternator and have different suspension?

Snoop.

 

[Dave Hall]

Horses for courses really...the Dakar has more spring travel and would, perhaps, be more suited to off road.

I was told the new GS, ie after I bought mine in `04, does`nt have a centre stand but then I`ve been told a lot of bollox by BMW salesmen last year to the extent that I did`nt buy a new bike.

 

[(RIP) Bobble]

Suspension travel, seat, screen and paint...thats the lot (well it was in '04')

 

[Micky]

Yup.... longer travel suspension (actually better quality) the front forks although same diameter have thicker tubing on the Dakar.

Because of the longer travel suspension the Dakar has a roller on the frame just behind the offside footrest, so on full deflection the chain is kept clear from the frame etc. Both models have a similar roller/chain guard tucked up under the petrol tank for when the suspension is fully compressed.

The Dakar has wider handlebars, higher seat, although interchangable with the standard 650. Dakar also has a remote chamber for the extra rear suspension oil.

Otherwise the screen and paint job are different.

Get what's comfortable! Sue (F650GS single spark) and myself on the Dakar (twin spark) did 19,300 miles in six months across Asia, taking in the rough roads of Russia, Siberia, the sand and rocks of the Altai Mountains, and the Gobi Desert.

Both bikes did equally well

Dunno where you get the figures from, but a Dakar is about £500 more expensive than a standard F650GS... worth the extra in my book



www.adventure.gs

 

[snoopy]

I'm talking second hand value, cheaper non Dakers from 2002 are around 2-2.5 while a Dakar from 2003 goes for 3.5-4.5k.

Probably I'd end up getting Renthal bars and I fancy changing the colour to this anyway.

 

[Tonibe63]

I've got a standard 2000 'W' plate F650GS and have been looking into either modifying my bike or changing it for a Dakar. When I rang Motoworks they told me that the standard GS forks and shock are the same part number as the latest Dakar units and the only real difference was the front wheel and the screen . Hence I have done bugger all about changing it. Is there a web site with the oe part numbers so I can check it out? I was just going to fit a Dakar screen and a front mudguard beak and be done with it.
Help.

 

[Micky]

I've got a standard 2000 'W' plate F650GS and have been looking into either modifying my bike or changing it for a Dakar. When I rang Motoworks they told me that the standard GS forks and shock are the same part number as the latest Dakar units and the only real difference was the front wheel and the screen . Hence I have done bugger all about changing it. Is there a web site with the oe part numbers so I can check it out? I was just going to fit a Dakar screen and a front mudguard beak and be done with it.
Help.

Tonibe

When we lowered Sue's s/h but almost new Dakar to standard F650 ride height, we've got ALL the bits to make a standard 650 GS to Dakar height!!

The only thing you won't have is the chain roller guide on the frame just behind the riders footrest. Some hard plastic glued to the frame in case the chain does touch it would sort that I'm sure...



www.adventure.gs

 

[talltony]

For part no.s I use :http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/fiche/fiche.asp

Tony

 

[snoopy]

Sat on a new Dakar at Mills Sunderland. I couldn't live with the old style and after sitting on one I found the 650 is no lightweight. Really wasn't much difference between it and the 1150 I thought. I'd have to take it on the road to get a good comparison but I've decided the DR650 is better for my needs.

 

[Corkonian]

No center stand on the Dakar - no mud guard on the fork brace either.