F650 Dakar vs R1100 GS - Decision time....

[Deleted account 251212001]

1100 all day long......big twins are the dog danglies, Id had a transalp 650 not so long back, it was a beauty but the 1100/1150 (got the latter) is a step up, bar fuel consumption imho. You should be getting a virtual depreciation free bike if it doesnt work out.

 

[uncle dick]

1100 is definitely a long term proposition. Fit one of John's chips and you'll improve the performance and economy as well.

 

[Wrigsby1]

1100 is definitely a long term proposition. Fit one of John's chips and you'll improve the performance and economy as well.

That's what I did... Standard "good/great"11GS with a John chip to a CO pot bike and its spot on... I have had 4 and this is the best runner... Biggest one day mileage is 700+ and could still function fine at the end of it... With the big BM's you can ride one end of the day to the other and repeat... And a fantastic all year round bike...

 

[Judda]

Dakar gets my vote - on looks alone.

It looks like a bike you chose, not all you could afford!

sort of know what you mean ! However I still go for the 1100GS ! I've been lucky enough to own both and can say you are very lucky to have two such great bikes to choose from, the Dakar is a lovely bike, but for far less capable on the road from my point of view. The single thumper has character but all to often I found myself frustrated at the lack of horses. 1100 every time for me...
Cheers

 

[Renatus]

I've had both an 1100 and a Dakar for many years now and for the uses you have in mind I'd go for the 1100 but I still reckon the Dakar is a very capable and perhaps even better all-round bike. On my longer touring trips I try to include some trails and for my riding abilities the 1100 is just too large and unwieldy off tarmac. The Dakar may be a bit more tiring on long road days but I've done from the Danish/German border to Bedford via Calais in one day in wet, windy weather on mine and been surprisingly fresh at the end. That said, after a day at work when all you want to do is get home on a dark, cold, wet night it's best to have the 1100 outside!