"Dakar"

[Fowlersrs]

Hi guys,

im new to this and was wondering if someone could highlight the main differences between the regular F650GS and the Dakar model other than the obvious fancy paint scheme,..

is it worth paying the extra dosh for the dakar spec?

 

[Padowan]

1. 21" front wheel allows better offroad handling and wider choice of tyres.
2. Longer suspension travel.
Ummm.... Think that's about it!

 

[Fowlersrs]

1. 21" front wheel allows better offroad handling and wider choice of tyres.
2. Longer suspension travel.
Ummm.... Think that's about it!

Can u not fit a 21" wheel to a normal GS..

and what about the suspension travel, is it really that bad on the stock version, or would I get away with one of these on the dirts roads too

 

[Padowan]

The bridge above the sliders on the Dakar sits on some spacers (with longer bolts) that you need to fit a 21 on a std 650 I believe.

More suspension also increases ride height and therefore ground clearance.

 

[Padowan]

I think there's also the cosmetic changes of a different screen and hand guards as standard.

I don't know if the gearing is altered, I don't think it is.

 

[Fowlersrs]

The bridge above the sliders on the Dakar sits on some spacers (with longer bolts) that you need to fit a 21 on a std 650 I believe.

More suspension also increases ride height and therefore ground clearance.

is it front and rear suspension that is different or just front, can u change it over if u have the dakar parts easily enough, im just wondering how easy it would be to turn a regular into a dakar..

 

[Padowan]

Travel: 210mm (F+R) vs 170mm (F)/165mm (R)
Seat height: 870mm vs 780mm

No idea if you can just get the parts to turn a std into a Dakar - why bother, just get a Dakar in the first instance!

 

[Fowlersrs]

Travel: 210mm (F+R) vs 170mm (F)/165mm (R)
Seat height: 870mm vs 780mm

No idea if you can just get the parts to turn a std into a Dakar - why bother, just get a Dakar in the first instance!

OK thanks, they seem harder to get hold of, could u take a look at my other post regarding valuation and what u should be paying for a dakar. cheers

 

[Daisy Duke]

I have the standard F650GS and my mate has the Dakar, I get the feeling he wishes he'd bought the standard one. The Dakar is very high, he is 5"11 and struggles to get his toes on the ground which we all know is ok if you don't mind falling over lots, with the 2" longer forks and the longer rear shock the Dakar actually sits higher than my other halfs 1200GS. He has also discovered he can't get the front mudguard without drilling the holes for it where as this is already done on the standard.
I can ride through all the water and mud I want but with the different screen on the Dakar he is getting it all in the face. I'd take the standard any day over the Dakar.