650 GS Or Dakar? (Height Related)

[me282_uk]

I'm planning to buy a 650 in the next month or so.

I went down to my local dealer to try one out for size, but they didn't have any in the used section and they aren't getting any new ones in till the new model in march.

The sales woman was an Ex-650 rider and said that I would probably want a Dakar due to my height.

Thing is, I prefer the colours on the GS (not a fan of the dakar paintjob).

I'm 6'1 to 6'2 and 15st. Any suggestions?

 

[Markblox]

She's right, get a Dakar.

 

[G.C.]

Take a trip to Glasgow, looks like they have both in stock.
I'm 5` 11 and had no problem with the height of the Dakar.
At times the GS would ground out on tracks/ trails, the Dakar would have been better.
What riding will it be for ?
Ive always liked the Dakar paintjob.

 

[(RIP) The Wilbur]

Get a standard GS & a higher seat. The seat to footrest distance is what makes the difference as far as comfort is concerned.

The Dakar model comes with a higher seat, which is interchangeable with the lower GS version.

I have also had a dozen or so GS seats remodelled & recovered to make them more suitable for the longer of leg, with good success so far.

Have a look on www.f650.co.uk

as a non-subscriber, I cannot post photos on here...

 

[squid]

I'm planning to buy a 650 in the next month or so.

I went down to my local dealer to try one out for size, but they didn't have any in the used section and they aren't getting any new ones in till the new model in march.

The sales woman was an Ex-650 rider and said that I would probably want a Dakar due to my height.

Thing is, I prefer the colours on the GS (not a fan of the dakar paintjob).

I'm 6'1 to 6'2 and 15st. Any suggestions?

Absolutely a Dakar, I am 6ft and fitted bar risers to mine. I also added padding to the seat which put me on my toes slightly but made it an all day comfort bike

They are a great bike too

 

[GSAEleventyTen]

I had same issue as you. 6'5". 15 stone. Didnt like Dakar colours.
Dealer offered to put any colour panels on the Dakar but in the end I stuck with the Dakar paint job, largely for resale purposes but its grown on me.
Get the Dakar.

 

[rc mad]

all of the panels on both the std gs and the dakar are interchangable,(from 01 to present i think )buy a dakar, the gs is to small for you. Once you've bought it then worry about the panels I'll bet there's at least one person on here willing to swap panels, or you could buy a new set of panels and sell / store the dakar panels for off road use.

 

[Micky]

all of the panels on both the std gs and the dakar are interchangable,(from 01 to present i think )buy a dakar, the gs is to small for you. Once you've bought it then worry about the panels I'll bet there's at least one person on here willing to swap panels, or you could buy a new set of panels and sell / store the dakar panels for off road use.

RC's right... anyway, there's not a lot of panels to paint really

The standard 650GS will be too small for you for sure

I painted my Dakar and put the graphics on from an earlier single spark model!



www.adventure.gs

 

[me282_uk]

Thanks for the help so far.

Like the paint job on your Mickey, tempted to do that as an idea.

Had a look on ebay and auto-trader, quite a few dakars, but the only ones with ABS (prefered) are a bit more than I was planning to spend.

 

[squid]

Thanks for the help so far.

Like the paint job on your Mickey, tempted to do that as an idea.

Had a look on ebay and auto-trader, quite a few dakars, but the only ones with ABS (prefered) are a bit more than I was planning to spend.

Mine had no abs and I'm still alive,

I wouldn't worry about it - especially if you are going to off road or travel a lot.

 

[Micky]

Mine had no abs and I'm still alive,

I wouldn't worry about it - especially if you are going to off road or travel a lot.

Micky

 

[Possu]

Thought BMW had stopped production of Dakar's?

 

[vireo]

Absolutely a Dakar, - They are a great bike too

Absolutely the Dakar's the only one for you. If you get the standard GS, you're gonna be sitting on the ridge of the seat, or the pillions area!

V

 

[rc mad]

Thought BMW had stopped production of Dakar's?

they have, earlier this year.

There may be the odd new one about but it's more likely to be a second hand one.

 

[Spout]

If you get the standard GS, you're gonna be sitting on the ridge of the seat, or the pillions area!

Eh?

Dakar and standard have the same frame. Only time you'll notice the difference heightwise is when your feet are on the floor (or not )

Both bikes travel well on road or dirt. Dakar has greater ground clearance/suspension and better front wheel for off road. Standard has better tyre choice for road work. Decide what you want the bike for.

Then if you're short legged get a low seat, if you're long legged get the high seat. Simple.

Enjoy....................

 

[vireo]

Eh?

Dakar and standard have the same frame.
...

Doh...............of course they do. My comments really referred to seating position for a lanky person on the standard GS (which I've had) and also presumably equally apply to the Dakar (which I've not). At 6'1", I was too tall for the GS (IMO)!


V

 

[me282_uk]

Thanks Guys. Your input has been really helpful. Sorry if I didn't make it clear but I'm going to be buying 2nd hand (my skydiving habit eats up the rest of my money!).

I would prefer to get a bike with ABS on it. Although I plan to to a lot of off roading, I would like to have that back up for the scottish weather and Edinburghs appauling roads.
I can't find any pre 2005 bike with ABS. Did they introduce it then, or was it just not common?