R11 to F650 Dak downsize?

[Wrigsby1]

I am having a weak moment…. I have an old & sorted 11GS with all the extras I need and am thinking of downsizing to a F650GS Dak. Now there are reasons and some of them may be total shite but here goes…

I have a strange draw towards some green laning/easyish off road. I have done some trials riding and see some unexplored fun with this. Not the perfect bike but capable enough for me with TKC’s.

My 11GS, even though it is piss easy to ride is just a big lump and I fecked my back last year and it can be a bitch to lug around. Back has improved a fair bit but I don’t want a repeat, no sirreee as it was serious shit.

We may be moving to France for a bit and it means that re-regging a pre 2003 bike is a serious PIA and I might not want to store it.

Fuel is getting stupid and after seeing F650’s can achieve 60+mpg it makes me interested…. My 11 is usually 45-50 and after reading about even F800’s seem to get 60+!

An F650 can still be loaded with shit loads of gear using the good luggage and TBH I am not interested in high speed any more after previous licence “issues” and all the cameras. Twisties yes, straight lines no.

I liked F650’s, especially Dakar’s for my 6’6” frame, when working for a dealer but they were all nice and new.

So questions, questions…..

What is a realistic MPG for a mid used bike, not pussied and not thrashed?
(Mostly answered with a recent search)

What are they like on tyres/chains and things?

Have many of you done this change and what was it like?

Are they much cheaper to insure?

What is the reliability of the engine like and is 40k miles + still perfectly OK (as with boxers)? (Mostly answerer with a recent search)

My 11GS is not worth too much and I don’t really want to store it or have two bikes again. So it might be the time...

Ta in advance

 

[john_aero]

i get between 55 and 65 mpg depending on fuel quality and how i ride it.

in france i avg over 65mpg even though i rode it hard but fuel was much better quality

chains etc are fine, i ahve x ring and stelth sprokets, 6k on them and still look new

reliability is great, keep eye on water pump seal and sorted, easy fix. to be safe just change it every 20k or every 2 years and never have a problem. tell tale sign is milky oil.

as for insurance, i am irish and 26 so i am screwed either way. great bike off road but mine is modified to the bolox so make difference.

2004 onward had twin spark and few other tweaks to get rid of stalling/surging. also upgraded forks to eliminate the front fork failuer some of the older bikes had

all in all great bike and couldnt be happier with mine does everything brilliantly

have sell as wife is 5ft 3in so she not able get on the back and wants me get a lower 1150gs

 

[Micky]

As John says Wrigsby

I had an F650 Dakar and did 50,000+ miles on it, including an overland through Siberia and the Gobi Desert and back. Great bike's indeed.

Go for the post 2004 ... the twin spark engine much smoother and more economical than the earlier single sparks.

Don't dismiss the G650 Xchallenge or Xcountry bikes. Probably better for offroading than the Dakar but they have much smaller tanks and so much shorter range.

 

[Wrigsby1]

Thanks chaps, the G650 on here recently was certainly tempting...

I enjoyed my miles on F650's when selling them and at the end of the financial year it was usually the CS demo that needed using. I think our ex-demo went on eBay about a week ago and had hardly done any miles.

I have to say Mickey that those F800's look tempting as well but are still a bit too new for me...

Might be time for it and the French love their thumpers...

 

[Flipfly]

As John says Wrigsby

I had an F650 Dakar and did 50,000+ miles on it, including an overland through Siberia and the Gobi Desert and back. Great bike's indeed.

Go for the post 2004 ... the twin spark engine much smoother and more economical than the earlier single sparks.

Don't dismiss the G650 Xchallenge or Xcountry bikes. Probably better for offroading than the Dakar but they have much smaller tanks and so much shorter range.

I averaged 70 mpg through France on my single spark!!

That was doing a steady 75 ish full loaded.

Personally I don't think the extra plug means shite, they are brilliant bikes either way

Underpowered compared to the 1150, but it gives you a good excuse to find a more twisty, narrow lane

 

[ahebron]

I have a 2001 R1150GS and Rhyna has a 2001 F650GS.
I find her bike scary to ride, it is too light has no torque and an uncomfortable riding position.
But all that could be to do with the fact I am 6ft5 and 125kg.
She loves it compared to her old F650 that she decribes as an old tank.

I know I would miss the wonderful boxer motor.

Adrian

 

[john_aero]

i am going reverse, up to 1150gs

but 650 great solo bike

buy it, ride it and you will see. will seem small though, but this makes it all the better off road

 

[Micky]

Personally I don't think the extra plug means shite, they are brilliant bikes either way

Underpowered compared to the 1150, but it gives you a good excuse to find a more twisty, narrow lane

Right on both counts Flip

But the twin spark is smooother and more economical

 

[john_aero]

Right on both counts Flip

But the twin spark is smooother and more economical

and the axel wont parts itsself from the fork legs

 

[corky]

650

Ive got a 2007 650 Dakar and a 1200Gsa. Bought the Dakar as not many rides with the usual group, but plenty solo. Meant to sell the GSA, will do soon. Bought the Dakar in Plymouth and rode it back to South Shields only stopping for fuel. Its comfy, will go all day and cruises at 75-85 easy. On a run cant blast it with the big boys, but keep it wound up and your not that far behind. Will tour well. I get just as much pleasure on the twisties even thogh you might be just off the pace. Great bike, and lets you go along trails solo without fear. Needs an aftermarket screen for tours.
I agree an 800 might be a good overall choice, but havent ridden one yet.

Bill

 

[Wrigsby1]

Cheers again... I know it will be a big down on power but I was suprised years ago when i rode a couple at how it would end up quicker than you expected.

I know someone with a Funduro and am aiming to cadge a go to remind myself what a single feels like.

 

[Flipfly]

and the axel wont parts itsself from the fork legs

Single spark, no fork issues

 

[Flipfly]

I have a 2001 R1150GS and Rhyna has a 2001 F650GS.
I find her bike scary to ride, it is too light has no torque and an uncomfortable riding position.
But all that could be to do with the fact I am 6ft5 and 125kg.
She loves it compared to her old F650 that she decribes as an old tank.

I know I would miss the wonderful boxer motor.

Adrian

I'm 5'11 and I'm fond of pastry

I found it more comfortable than my 1150 upto 80mph, then the fairing was the only let down. For slinging it around there is no comparison, the Dak wins in the twisties all day, everyday.

 

[MMC]

I'm 5'11 and I'm fond of pastry

Are we related?

 

[MMC]

Interesting thread - I've been thinking along the same lines.

 

[Micky]

Loved my F650GS, it did everything I ever asked of it and more

As Flip says, in the twisties where 80mph is quick it would hold it's own with anything

Gone one better now though, the '57 Xcountry is all that the F650GS ever was and even more

Four more horses and 40kg less with upside down forks = fun fun fun

 

[Micky]

I'm 5'11 and I'm fond of pastry

Are we related?

Shall we start a Club

 

[robertspencer]

I have a 2003 Dakar and a GSA 1200. I like both, but not for the same reasons. The 650 is a small(ish) bike but which stands up well to touring and which can go off road a bit (though NOT in my view light enough for the serious stuff). The 1200 is the other way round, a great tourer, with some offroad capacity. Less economical too. But two-up the choice goes to the 1200 of course. And the ride is smoother, as is the engine. Bloody heavy if you drop it though.
The only real answer is to keep the two. Or to buy an 800 (or, dare I say it, a KTM 990 Adventure )