Thread: Thinking of buying a BMW 650GS Dakar motorbike - any advice on these?

A mate of mine had one, they are comfortable, very versatile and typical of BM, reliable.
Ride safe.

I am jealous, that is all.

They use a single pot Rotax engine.

Andrew,

The f650gs Dakar is a good bike. I've ridden a few of them and have a good mate with the g650gs (the new single cylinder version). I've had two of the 650's big brothers the 1200gs's. I found them to be good bikes but prefer something a bit sportier and more comfortable myself. I always find that with the sit up and beg position on a road-trail, your tail bone gets a work out. My bum used to go num around the 100km bike and I had to hop off at 140km max for a stretch or risk having my arse fall off

The 'Dakar' version of the 650 is characterised by the 21 inch front spoked wheen (rather than 19 alloy) and longer travel susupension. They can do a lot of kms. I even know a bloke who wore holes in the f650gs dakars panniers - thats how far he leans over!!!

That said they are a compromise - they wont set the world alight with massive top speeds and they are ok on dirt and the road (but not brilliant at either). If you have really long trips to do and only go on the road, something else might be more user friendly. They are howerver simple, reliable (if a little heavy) and fantastic on the juice, a good place to start if you havnt been on a bike before (not over powerful) and a good way back into bikes if you used to ride (user friendly).

Good luck with the choice - You also might want to consider the Kwaka KLR 650, the Suzuki DR6540 or V-Strom DL650 (less dirt oriented) as other choices if you like the road/trail thing.

Fantastic bike, heaps superior to the Yama**** and the Honda.
Only the KTM it is in the same league but not as comfortable.
I used to have the big brother, the R1150GS wich is awesome as well.
Test the R1150GS and see what it is your opinion about it. You can get them at a reasonable price.

Why not sell a kidney (or other body part) & go for the Ducati Multistrada ?

Originally Posted by Chucaro

Fantastic bike, heaps superior to the Yama**** and the Honda.
Only the KTM it is in the same league but not as comfortable.
I used to have the big brother, the R1150GS wich is awesome as well.
Test the R1150GS and see what it is your opinion about it. You can get them at a reasonable price.

My mate initially went to purchase the twin, and only test rode the 650 out of curiosity. He found the smaller machine far more nimble and pleasant to ride.

mmmmmmmmmm Cagiva Elefant.....
Redirect Notice

Sorry got all misty eyed... yes the 650gs (rotax single) is a great piece of kit and you won't be dissappointed

JC