would the 650 Dakar be just as good

[gazuk]

Looking at getting a newer bike as it will help get money out of my Limited company. Currently ride a 1994 1100GS and it's fine, no problems. But I was thinking, would a 650 Dakar be just as good? Would it be better handling, better fuel economy and better for filtering?

I commute daily, 100 miles which includes a variety of roads including 10 miles in London. I'm 6ft 3 (16+ stone) so would want the Dakar as its taller (and looks alot better thank the standard 650).

I don't intend on any major bike tours and I do use my bike for fun at the weekend for shortish blasts with friends. Haven't taken a pillion for years.

I do have a DRZ400 for green laning so it won't need to go off road, but I could get rid of DRZ and buy another set of wheels and keep knobblies on them ready for the green lanes?

I have owned a couple of thumpers and enjoyed them, but never considered them as high mileage options (a KTM Duke and a Vor SM). Is the littel Beemer's engine good for high miles?

Yes, the 800GS would probably be spot on, but don't want to wait and don't really want to be parking a new shiny desirable bike in London.

 

[Flipfly]

I assume it's 50 miles in 50 out???

If so then I can highly recommend the Dak for being light and very agile. It isn't the cruiser that the 1100 is and on wet days you'll probably regret it, but it's capable of doing what you want.

Personally I'd look at a suzuki bandit or similar, you can get alot of bike for not much money. Fast, reliable and comfy. A better bike than either BM really for commuting.

 

[Jon]

Had a Dakar, got an 1150GSA at the mo...........

To be honest, even tho I loved my Dakar, having ridden 1100GS's as loaners when I get Steptoe to do anything to the bike, I'd stick with the 1100GS............

Brakes are better, handlebars seem narrower and are definitelty lower than the Dakar's which used to be van mirror height (and no chain to worry about).

50 miles each way I'd favour the 1100GS............

Just my two pennies worth.

 

[Gonzo]

Can't compare one with an 1100 but can with a 1200.

I started by 35-mile each way commute (some dual, some in London) on the 650 when I'd not long passed my test and it was perfectly capable. I always personally found the suspension dive under braking a bit disconcerting, and obviously this went when I moved up to the 12.

My commute then changed to 65 miles each way - 5 on country roads, 50 M25 followed by 10 on country roads, no London involved. The 650 soon began to feel too breathless for the motorway work, but had I still been in London I guess I'd still have it! Having said that, the upright position on both bikes was perfect for visibility.

The mpg difference was about 18-20 between the two bikes. To be honest, it I were doing what you are (i.e. 100 miles per day) I'd stick with the grunt, weight and extra stability of the bigger bike, even though the smaller one would do it no problem.

Why not borrow one and try your route?

 

[gazuk]

Thanks for the replies.

My journey is 50 miles each way with only about 5 miles of it on dual carridgeway so I wouldn't miss the grunt of an 1100 too much. I suppose my only concern is that when my London contract ends I might have a much different commute. At least the 1100 would cope with most things, I guess the 650 would struggle with lots of motorways miles.

Now if I was to consider non BMW bikes, the V Strom 650 would be top of my list. Would probably cope better with motorway work as well being a twin.

Or maybe a 1200GS God, its hard work trying to spend money.

 

[rc mad]

i never struggle on the motorway on my dakar, prolly weigh the same as you as well. It does get a little gutless above 80 - 85mph but it will do that speed all day. As for the suspension dive, uprated springs and different weight oil sorted that out.

I've put 12000 miles on mine in just under two years, snoopy just bought a 04 bike with over 50,000 on it so they can do the miles. I've done 350 miles up to Scotland (near Raf leuchars in a shade under 5 1/2 hours including fuel stops, with panniers and top boxes fitted, kept up with a couple of sports bikes doing a ton with all that lot on too (one of the bikes looked interesting )

Engines are pretty much bulletproof, some probs with oil pressure sensors, valve clearances / adjustments can be a bitch the first time. Steering head bearings are made from a soft form of chocolate, some people have theirs go before 12k miles. I have got between 120 and 160 miles to the light, usual is 140, £13 to fill. The first chain went at 7k miles, second is starting to go now. Oem kit cheap enough at just under £100

can't think of anything else at the moment.

as Gonzo said, beg / borrow / <s>steal</s> one and do your commute, only way to know for sure

 

[snoopy]

The MPG is disgustingly good. I'm getting better mileage than my DRZ. RCMad, I'm on for at least 200 to the tank. Maybe they improve with age, or the Remus helps matters...

I love mine to bits. The finest all-round bike I've owned - beating the 1150 as an all-rounder.

 

[Mav]

...The finest all-round bike I've owned - beating the 1150 as an all-rounder.

I though the DRZ was the finest all-rounder??


Sorry snoopy - i couldn't resist


As for the Dakar - I loved mine so much, I couldn't bring myself to sell it when I bought the HP2. I camped and toured two up on it, off-roaded it and commuted. Compared to the HP2 - it struggles with motorway miles and you have to work quite a bit harder on the overtakes on the A and B roads. But I took mine out for a shake down yesterday and it was great fun.

I have never ridden an 1100 so I can't compare to that bike.

HTH

 

[Ash]

having owned a gs1100 and an aprilia 650 which give or take is the same as a gs650.
the 650's are-
lighter,
just as comfy,
easy to ride,
easy to look after,
but are hard work on motorway's against an 1100.
if you are only going 50 miles each way and want to travel at 70mph then a 650 would be fine any more then imho i would go for the 800/1100/1150/1200.

 

[gus007]

The main thing I have found is that the bars are just the right hit to bang into van mirrors. It took a little bit to get used to but I find it a comfortable and easy bike to commute on.

_Kris

 

[Jon]

The main thing I have found is that the bars are just the right hit to bang into van mirrors. It took a little bit to get used to but I find it a comfortable and easy bike to commute on.

_Kris

If you practice, you can grab a handful of the front brake at just the right moment and dip it under the mirror................usually to an appreciative round of applause from any builders in the van

 

[gazuk]

The main thing I have found is that the bars are just the right hit to bang into van mirrors. It took a little bit to get used to but I find it a comfortable and easy bike to commute on.

_Kris

on the 1100GS the mirrors are the right hight to hit the transit mirrors. Those Dake bars must be a fair bit higher than the 1100's.

Also, what about the seat hight? Being 6ft 3, I like a tall bike. I think the standard 650gs's are quit low but the Dakar's were taller.

 

[Micky]

The MPG is disgustingly good. I'm getting better mileage than my DRZ. RCMad, I'm on for at least 200 to the tank. Maybe they improve with age, or the Remus helps matters...

I love mine to bits. The finest all-round bike I've owned - beating the 1150 as an all-rounder.

So I guess you're not gonna be dumping it on my doorstep and demanding yer money back

Phew

I can sleep at nights now then can I Snoopy



You can play around with the Dak all you want.... but I'll haunt you forever if you don't look after it