First GS... Dakar?

[ol170]

Hi

This is my first post although I’ve been an avid forum visitor for a while now.

I find myself now in the fortunate position to be able to buy my first GS (first big bike in fact) and could do with a bit of advice on what /or what not I should be considering.

I have recently convinced myself that a good condition 2005ish or later BMW GS DAKAR would fit my requirements well. I will not be using the bike for commuting, but longer journeys at the weekends/trips/touring etc... On off road ability is important to me, as is ‘adventure’ aesthetics and of course enjoyment to ride. However, I keep stumbling when I see a much nice 1150/1100 GS for sale (such as this one http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=198707. The prospect of more power, comfortable rides etc is compelling. Clearly, for the same price I would be able to buy a younger Dakar in perhaps better condition, with fewer miles on the clock...

Should I be considering a bike of this size (1100/1150) for a first bike? And will I be satisfied with the power a 650 Dakar has to offer me?

I have never ridden either of these bikes – which adds to my dilemma and confusion. As the bikes in my price bracket are generally a few years old, there are limited opportunities for test riding!

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Many thanks

Oli

 

[Timolgra]

Go for the Dakar as a first time bike.
More nimble offroad and will take you anywhere.
If after a while you do want more power, you'll always be able to sell a good Dak easily.

 

[Bryn]

Welcome to the site Oli

One way to do it- get down to your nearest BMW dealership, and see if you can book a test ride on a used Dakar and a Used 1150 - they should oblige you. That will give you an idea of the differences between the two bikes , and may galvanise your thoughts

 

[ahutcheon]

As an 1150 owner who has ridden a 650 on the offroad skills course, I'd suggest that if you're new to big bikes and off road is important then the 650 will probably suit better. It'll do everything you need, and you trade the easy long-haul cruise of the 1150 for something that makes much more sense off road.

Neither is a powerful bike (for that you want an R1 or similar), but neither is slow (unless you want an R1 or similar).

I like my 1150, but I'd probably choose a 650 if I was going to ride round the world.

 

[Mav]

I started on a 650 Dakar and had a great time - commuted, toured and played off-road on it.

Here's pics of mine when we went camping and playing off-road two up - watch out for those puddles

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasemarkos/1279258933/" title="DSC09291 by jsmarkos, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1402/1279258933_b8eb1a0638_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSC09291" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasemarkos/1279272841/" title="DSC09306 by jsmarkos, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1218/1279272841_b86205b6f3_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSC09306" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasemarkos/1280115076/" title="DSC09326 by jsmarkos, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1260/1280115076_0eacc26e68_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="DSC09326" /></a>

 

[(RIP) Bobble]

I'd go for the Dakar, it's a great bike whether it's your first bike or not, a lot of people do a lot of miles on them. Also looking at your location it would be easier through the traffic, cheaper to run as well

 

[ol170]

Thanks for all the responses (and the pictures!) guys - really appreciate the time taken.

You are certainly convincing me towards the Dakar. Is there any advantage in going for a particular year? I have been led to believe that Dakars 2005 and later have significant developments to their engines and general ability? Is there any truth in this?

Cheers

Oli

 

[ol170]

Thanks Mav

They look even better caked in mud!

 

[Taff]

How tall are you? My first BMW was a Dakar and at 6' I coped with it ok. My mate though (whose about 5ft 2") couldn't cope with the height and bought the standard 650.

I had my Dakar for about 2 years before I upgraded to a 1150 GSA. Don't think I would have gone straight for the Adventure, although I have heard of people that have - They must be more talented than me.

 

[ol170]

I'm 6ft - so hopefully should be ok. I think the main reason I wouldn't go straight for the 1150 is based on the fact that for the same price (or less) I would be able to buy a younger Dakar in perhaps better condition, with fewer miles on the clock...

I haven't had the opportunity to balance an 1150 so I guess that should be a priority for both models..

 

[Iain Lamont]

Dakar

Oli,

You MUST buy a dakar. I used to commute on motorway about 1hr (each way) a day and it was brilliant. Nowadays, I use it pretty much as a mountain bike, given I am too lazy to peddle my own.

Mud, sand, steeps, it is unstoppable; and when you drop the end of the handlebars on your toe, you can still limp away as ooposed to anything bigger.

Buy a Dakar.

Iain

 

[Flipfly]

I've had an 1150 GS an 800 g/s monolever and a 650 Dakar.

I only own one bike now (albeit a slightly modded for off road version).

It is mainly used for green laning now, but I toured France, Italy and A bit of Germany last year, and I'm off to Bosnia, Croatia etc next year on her.

The best GS ever made

 

[ol170]

Thanks Iain and Flipfly... very helpful and convincing responses.

I'm now actively looking!

 

[Timolgra]

The best GS ever made

Except it's not really a GS is it, Rotax engine etc.

What nobody has mentioned is they're not particularly crashproof offroad, replacement plastics are expensive and rare as hen's teeth 2nd hand.

I had a standardish Dakar but didn't like it at all, pretty looking bike though

 

[Snoopy]

(Apologies to Phil)

Wonderful fuel economy but got nothing else going for it. Underpowered, top heavy - my "light weight" 1200 feels the same weight and is easier to pickup if dropped, though I'm sure a GSA isnt. Less than great on long journeys. Suspension is crap, probably why Phil has done some work to his.

I'd suffer the 15mpg hit and get something with a bit of soul.

I'll also never buy a bike again that is so easy to nick it has to have a coded ECU. You drive a 650 Dakar with Touratech stuff on it and people notice, then it gets hotwired and driven off.

 

[Snoopy]

The best GS ever made

Ironically, what was being discussed at this point?...

 

[Flipfly]

Snoops, I've had a small issue with a sticking starter motor. I think considering the abuse the old girl gets, it's a minor issue.

Look at all those lovely, perfectly maintained 1200's and I think you'll find there are many more issues with the bigger bike

The standard suspension isn't crap at all, but it does limit how hard you can push off road a little. I prefer it with the mods I have done, but I think most 1200 owners will fit Ohlins or wilbers (I think you'll know all about this seeing as your bike doesn't run standard BM shocks either!!)

Whilst the Dak has a Rotax motor, it's still a BMW and carries the GS moniker, so it's a GS, like it or not.

Crash proof.......I've dropped mine quite a few times off road. I have bent the front fairing bracket (repaired with a big bar to straighten it out). The plastics have popped apart and all gone back into place with no issue. Plenty of secondhand plastics around so I'd say it's not too bad at crashing. Especially when you consider the tiny spill that Possu had on the Plains ride last xmas, which holed his crank case

Under powered, well I've already covered that. Yep, it ain't the fastest thing on the road, but like a Harley, get yourself in the right frame of mind and it's loadsa fun. I'e had fast bikes, done 180mph etc etc, the Dak still amuses me far more. It might not be for everyone, but it does me fine. I have nothing to prove with power and bike size. I want a useable fun bike, that is reliable, cheap to run, can off road, carry luggage, chase sportsbikes down bumpy back lanes, tour Europe, sit in the garage for 3 months and start without problems, is easy to maintain, is comfortable, looks good and doesn't lose heaps o cash.
The Dak covers every single one of these criteria, and stands me (including all the mods to individualise it and make it more useful off road) at an amazing £3k.

Don't think you could show me bike that is better for that kinda money