I like the Dakar but not the SHBs

[Crazy Horse]

I was immensely content with my present 1150 GS and had not encountered the reliability problems mentioned elsewhere (one ABS sensor gone in 30,000 miles). Just moved house which is a mile down a very rough farm track and have found it just too heavy for comfort. I know I'm a wimp but the big six o looms and I seem to have lost my strength. Was offered a 'good' price on a new Dakar at a leading Southern dealer. Very tempted. Just happened to mention I had heard (from here) there was a problem with the SHBs. The salesman said there was no real problem and the new ones were 'fine'. He asked the Service Manager who said all new 650 GSs (including Dakars) had to have their SHBs replaced every 6,000 miles which will done under warranty until that runs out and thereafter it's an extra £150 added to each service.

I admire his honesty but I have to say I'm somewhat surprised and disappointed. Is it right? I know a number of you have encountered this problem but how many have NOT had a recurring problem with their SHBs? Is there a solution? I have to say I'm rather put off and am thinking of a Yamaha XTR instead (but I do like the look of the Dakar). Should I take a chance? Anybody tried the XTR?

 

[wildbeeste]

OK I will ask wtf is a SHB?

 

[G.C.]

SHB = Steering Head Bearings.

The solution is to change them, outside warrantee, to ones that are not made out of chocolate.

 

[oblertone]

There is a similar tale ...

... on the F650 site, but the solution was quite simple. The owner bought 'pukka' bearings and left them in the tail box, when it went in for Service & SHB the mechanic used the supplied set instead of chocolate ones

 

[Dave Hall]

I went the same path...1150 to 650 and I`ve really enjoyed the 650 and would have replaced my 2 yr old one if I could find a new one but I cant. So I went looking for an alternative and I came up flat. Bottom line is I`ll put up with replacing the SHBs every year if need be but I`m assured decent bearings will last 40k if greased properly when fitted.

 

[Shep]

say I'm rather put off and am thinking of a Yamaha XTR instead (but I do like the look of the Dakar). Should I take a chance? Anybody tried the XTR?

I like the look of the Yamaha XT660R is that the one you mean. I found the dakar a nice bike but a bit odd at the front on the road

Shep

 

[Micky]

Now done 40,000 miles on my 650 Dakar and love it. Even sold my 1200GS-A

NSK Steering head bearings will last upwards of 20,000 miles! Just done a trip round Germany, 1,200 miles, with my pal on his 1200GS-A... rode together but the 650 would take 3 to 4 litres less petrol at the end of each day

Shep... I fitted a 19" front wheel and the handling is now great



www.adventure.gs

 

[LivNorway]

Here's a naked 2001 Dakar...

Liv.

 

[Micky]

Now that's very naked Liv

or is it 'nakt'

 

[LivNorway]

Now that's very naked Liv

or is it 'nakt'

It was not a wreck; the owner dismantled it and then he putted it together and rode it. A great way to get to know your bike...

Let me add that the engine in all F650's after 2002 are the same (apart from one or two spark plugs and how to change valve shim), and many parts are the same in most F650's - except the CS Scarver! Same engine and battery, but not same frame, wheels, seat, lights and so on.

So the naked F on the pic has the same ''heart'' as my CS, but not 99% of the rest of what you see... My baby are special!

Liv.

 

[RadioActive]

I changed mine last weekend and it wasn't that bad a job to do but it was a bit worrying to see so much of the bike on the floor

The old bottom bearing was very dry and notched and the bike's tacho says it's only done 8K. Time will tell whether the special tool I made to adjust them will get much use in the future!

 

[Micky]

It was not a wreck; the owner dismantled it and then he putted it together and rode it. A great way to get to know your bike...

Let me add that the engine in all F650's after 2002 are the same (apart from one or two spark plugs and how to change valve shim), and many parts are the same in most F650's - except the CS Scarver! Same engine and battery, but not same frame, wheels, seat, lights and so on.

So the naked F on the pic has the same ''heart'' as my CS, but not 99% of the rest of what you see... My baby are special!

Liv.

T'was only a question Liv, not a statement

I do all the work on my Dak and I know every nut and bolt... even the Nut who rides it



www.adventure.gs

 

[650EssexBoy]

My Dakar was on it's third set of SHBs before it was stolen 18 months and 12,000 miles after I bought it.

Interestingly, the Triumph Tiger which replaced it has some really ugly plastic gators on the forks. I complained about them to the dealer who explained that they had replaced exactly zero steering head bearings on any triumph tiger as a result of the gators - now I know that shiny forks are prettier than black plastic, but I'd rather save the money and have the plastic!

 

[talltony]

Umm,how do fork gaiters affect SHBs? Maybe he meant fork seals?
Tony