Standard 650GS v Dakar - confused.

[topper]

Firstly, thanks for all the comments on my earlier question - definitely going for a 650 as good for a newbie.

Second - I've searched and can't find the answers.

Third - sorry if this should be in the 650 page!

I've read all about the differences in height and have sat on both bikes but not test ridden - what do those with experience think? GS feels really good. Dakar feels a little high but not bad - can get more than toes on the floor whereas the GS leaves my feet flat on the floor. Unforunately not able to see the two side by side - had to go to two different showrooms by which time i'd forgotten what the other felt like!

Question is about the riding position. Is the seat to peg height the same on both? If anything, the stats suggest that the GS has a greater seat - peg distance than the Dakar - surely this can't be true? Want to have as long a leg length as possible without fitting lowered pegs etc.

I'm looking for an upright riding position - again both feel similar in the showroom but is that the case on the road? I guess I could always fit bar risers if required. If I go for a GS, I will kit it out with the same windscreen and hand protectors as the Dakar - this decision is purely for the riding position.

Worried that I go for the GS cos I can get my feet flat on the floor, only to regret it in 6 months time and wish I'd got the Dakar. Most riding will be on tarmac and dirt track rather than "proper" off roading - I've no doubt that both bikes could handle what I'll be doing. I'm 5'11".

Sorry for daft newbie questions but want to make a decision I'm happy to live with and won't regret.

All pearls of wisdom gratefully received!

 

[topper]

Or should I go for a Dakar with the lower seat option?

ARGH!! Decisions decisions.

 

[Repoman]

Topper

I had a 650GS before my Adventure and I am 6'

Within a couple of months of having the bike I had fitted a taller seat from a Dakar and a Dakar screen. The bike already had hand protectors.

I found this set up to be OK for me but at times the bike still felt small. In fact I had a GS as a loan bike last week and it felt tiny - but that is after a year on an Adv.

I really enjoyed my 650GS but FWIW if I had my time again I would have got a Dakar from the get go....

Simplest thing is to ride both of them, ideally one after the other - any (BMW) dealer worth their salt should let you do this.

 

[Garfieldus]

at 5'11" you have to go for a dakar with the standard dakar (high) seat.

 

[Jeremy]

The standard GS 650 is a great bike. I'm 5'9 and despite fitting a Touratech sports seat which is 3cm higher than the standard, I have no problems reaching the ground albeit with one foot at a time. I found the standard seat very uncomfortable on distances. The standard GS has a centre stand while the Dakar does not, it makes a big difference when oiling/adjusting the chain. I would recommend hand guards and the higher Dakar screen although I believe the newer model's Dakar screen is not as effective as the previous model. Ensure you order heated grips/ABS. You won't be disappointed. And then you'll discover the joy of Remus/Touratech catalogues etc......

You might even twist my arm into selling mine!

 

[nick]

Get the Dakar and buy an aftermarket centre stand (I have a Touratech one).

I'm 5'11" and the seat height and riding position is fine.

 

[Wreford Miles]

Dakar because:

1. My Dakar was fantastic...

2. People buy the standard 650GS for their Wife/Girlfriend...

 

[G.C.]

Test ride em

People buy the standard 650GS for their Wife/Girlfriend...

@@##p#ish

I’m 5 11 and on my second 650 ( 1st an FL now a GS) I had a good test ride on the Dakar and found it a tad high for me, the GS much more confidence inspiring. I have fitted hand guards, engine bars, abs and heated grips and I do take it off-road.
You'll never know for sure which is right for YOU till you have a proper comparison for yourself, other peoples opinions are fine but that’s all they are, opinions.

G C

 

[Taff]

I think it depends mainly on how tall you are. I tried both the standard 650 GS and the Dakar, but opted for the Dakar as I'm 6' and just found the standard 650 uncomfortable; the grooves in the tank (where your knees are meant to tuck in) were in the middle of the knee, and it was seriously uncomfortable, even after just a 10 mile test ride. The salesman suggested I tried a Dakar and I felt comfortable with it immediately. If you find the Dakar too tall, just change the seat to a lower seat. To my mind, if you're going to spend good money altering a standard GS, you may as well just buy a Dakar in the first place.

 

[Colt]

you are confused
have you had a good read on Trevors site and the American chaingang site?
"lower the dakar " various ways with seat,Kouba lowering links oe
drop the forks thru the yokes a little etc
I know it affects the ground clearance /set up,but is an option for you.

if you want to higher the standard GS it is a bit more difficult to do .leaving the higher seat option the least expensive.

how about asking another gser /f650er if you can try their bike out for size?
get down the dealers again see if you can try both high and low seat options and get a test ride.
also check the rear shock is set up.
good luck with your choice,this your first bike?

 

[topper]

Yep - this my first bike!

Thanks for all the advice - leaning towards a Dakar perhaps with a lowered seat - will that leave me with my knees up round my ears!?

Keep those comments coming! I'm soaking this info up!

Thanks

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Yep - this my first bike!

Thanks for all the advice - leaning towards a Dakar perhaps with a lowered seat - will that leave me with my knees up round my ears!?

Keep those comments coming! I'm soaking this info up!

Thanks

Here's a pic of my Dakar with the low seat if it helps.

I'm 6'1"

It came with this.........but it gives me numb bum after about 45 mins.

However I fitted a normal Dakar seat and comfort is better and I can get my legs down (knees bent too) with the high Dakar seat

Get the Dakar..........you can always lower it with a lower seat and/or Kouba link

Plus it's a cooler looking bike..............

 

[Wreford Miles]

The white and black ones are best...

Where a white helmet and a dayglow top and watch the traffic part