650GS V Dakar model

[Jona]

Hi, firstly what a great site! loads of great info.

Was toying with the idea of buying an 800gs but now more drawn to the 650 (due to lack of 800 funds!). I am torn between the standard 650 and the Dakar version. Probably going to do a bit of commuting and some lengthy trips (wife permitting!) but would also want a bit of off road action.
Is the standard 650 just as capable? I'm not planning on 3ft jumps etc!

Another factor is I'm quite a short ass and have noticed the Dakar is quite a tall bike ....

Any ideas? and any views from anyone that has owned both?

Got my eyes on an 03 with 12k miles for £2500 ... sound reasonable?

Thanks fellas in advance.



P.s I have searched but me and Technology don't get on!

 

[squid]

Very similar bikes, I had a Dakar and had a 650 when it was in for a service.

The 650 was cramped for me at 6ft but otherwise the 19inch front wheel means better handling on road.

If the height suits the 650GS has the same benefits and will be better off road as you'll feel more in control as you'll be able to paddle through more tricky sections.

The choice in full on knobblies won't be the same but bikes like that suit dual purpose tires better anyway.

A very good engine, 70mpg etc. My friend has a CS (same engine) which has done over 100K.

 

[Jona]

Cheers Squid,

That sort of answers my question really but open to any other views..

Also looked at an 05 for £3500 from a dealer ... I've read the twin spark is a bit smoother than the pre 04 single.

There's a lot out there to choose from!

 

[Micky]

Hi Jona and welcome to the site...

Done some big mileages on the F650GS's ... overland trip through Russia, Mongolia, Gobi Desert etc. The 650's are well up to the job for sure.

Girlfriend had two 80,000+ and a 50,000+ I did 50,000+ on my Dakar

Water pumps can leak a little, repair kit available. Head bearings can do 40,000+ or be knakt in just 5,000 or less

The Dakar has 21" front wheel and longer travel suspension and probably better off road. The standard 650 has, as said, a 19" front wheel for better handling on the road. The differences in handling are marginal and only a balls out hooligan would be hampered by one or the other

The '04 on twin spark is marginally smoother than the single spark and more economical. At every fill up I would be putting two litres less in than girlfriend Sue (Gracie on here)

Buy the one that fits you best

 

[juliek]

Cheers Squid,

That sort of answers my question really but open to any other views..

Also looked at an 05 for £3500 from a dealer ... I've read the twin spark is a bit smoother than the pre 04 single.

There's a lot out there to choose from!

I had an 05 650 from almost new and I loved every mile I did on it. Never once let me down. Have just part-exed it at Robinsons for a twin, is that the one you've seen by any chance?

 

[Jona]

Cheers Micky,

Julie, the 05 I have been looking at is at Team Roberts near Doncaster, going for a look tomorrow! I'll check Robinsons also now you've mentioned it

 

[juliek]

Jona

If you are interested in my old bike, PM me and I'll tell you all about it

 

[Jona]

Jona

If you are interested in my old bike, PM me and I'll tell you all about it

Looks like yours is sold!

The one in Doncaster was also sold but I had a good look over it and it fits like a glove! For a shorty though I still felt it was a little on the low side! maybe I'll try the Dakar after all ...

 

[ronniez1a903]

re dakar

hi jona
i my self own a 05 twin spark dakar which alwaya puts a smile on my face when riden.
just to let you know their are 2 nice low milage ones on e bay.
just type in bmw f650 gs dakar and you will find them.
hope this helps good luck in your search.
best regards.
Ronnie.

 

[Jona]

hi jona
i my self own a 05 twin spark dakar which alwaya puts a smile on my face when riden.
just to let you know their are 2 nice low milage ones on e bay.
just type in bmw f650 gs dakar and you will find them.
hope this helps good luck in your search.
best regards.
Ronnie.

Cheers Ronnie, been looking at the two on ebay and they do look in quite good nick ..... I'd already spoke to the owner of the 06 one and he offered it at a good price delivered ... Seems like a very good deal but still doing some research .

 

[Jona]

For anyone else wanting the answers to what I asked this is a pretty good link:

http://faq.f650.com/FAQs/F650HistoryDifferences.htm

 

[dakarDude]

Get the Dakar. Awesome bikes. MikeTR, tell him

 

[ronniez1a903]

hi if its a good price buy it.
if only i had the spare cash. keep in touch as i am not far from u Rotherham.
if u do buy as i may have some spare goodies for the bike.

 

[Jona]

hi if its a good price buy it.
if only i had the spare cash. keep in touch as i am not far from u Rotherham.
if u do buy as i may have some spare goodies for the bike.

Cheers Ronnie

The 07 on fleebay is now sold and the 06 one just seems to good to be true! he has also got zero feedback and it's too far to go and view in the north of Scotland. Just got a bad feeling about it so I'll keep looking for now. Probably regret it next week!

 

[john_aero]

ok do like some us did

just pimp it up

get a gs, add new front forks, set of wilbers.ohlins shocks and hid lights

sorted

money save between the GS and Dakar will cover a lot fo it

 

[ronniez1a903]

re dakar

hi pal if you r that unsure you r wellcome to come and have a test ride on my
bike 2 c if the dakar fits your needs. however you must be insured to do so.
other than that just pop along to look and have a chat.
best regards.
Ronnie.

 

[Jona]

hi pal if you r that unsure you r wellcome to come and have a test ride on my
bike 2 c if the dakar fits your needs. however you must be insured to do so.
other than that just pop along to look and have a chat.
best regards.
Ronnie.

Cheers for the offer Ronnie. I'm currently considering other options...

I test drove a mates 650GS twin today and I was very impressed! He said I would think it was underpowered but I disagreed to be honest... My last bike was a Honda 600RR and I was pleasantly suprised at the 650 (ok detuned 800!). I was however a bit unsure in the twisties, I'm used to getting over into the bends but was apprehensive about getting over too far with the upright position and not too sure about clearances!, I'm sure there was loads of clearance but that'll take some getting used to!

Anyhow I'm now in two minds! the 800GS is seeming more of a good idea and I'm considering stretching myself a little! been drooling over one in Rainbow at Rotherham and need to have a word with myself

So ... still unsure ... Maybe the Dakar is the way forward but If I visit Rainbow again I'll be upsetting the wife