NGC. Thoughts on BMW F650GS Dakar?

[SmithSwede]

I need another bike like I need another hole in my head.   But I’m might as well face it, I’m a Bike Whore.   

Friend has loaned me a 2001 BMW F650GS Dakar he wants to sell.  I’ve ridden it a week now, I’ve racked up about 750 miles.  Didn’t like it at first—big, super tall, loose, overgrown dirt bike.   But dang, it’s grown on me.   Like foot fungus.

Big aftermarket seat.  Huge Caribou saddle bags.  This thing is stupid comfortable.   No bad vibes. Gets 55 mpg cruising freeways at 80 mph.  225+ mile tank range.  I could do forest roads and inviting semi-civilized dirt roads. 

On the other hand, I dearly wish it was air cooled.  Seems like F650s eat water pump impeller blades and seals.   Head stock bearings go fast.   Chain drive.  Spoke wheels with tube tires (horror!).  No doubt other expensive BMW gremlins.

Should a confirmed small block Guzzi aficionado mess with such an ourtre Kraut contraption?  Advice, tips or feedback?

Dusty tells me to buy it.  But that’s what he always says on account of his sadism.

[NC Steve]

Unless you're more into offroading, check into the F650CS, sold in the US for several years in the early 2000s. Same engine, trans, frame, but belt drive, lower seat height, cast tubeless wheels, neat 'tank' storage, great MPGs, very comfortable and reliable. They're not too hard to find, usually sell in the mid $2K range. A clean, low mileage '03 listed on Ebay failed to sell a few days ago priced at $2779...

[ridingron]

Does it have ABS? On mine, you can feel the ABS pump and it seems to always be coming on. Don't drop it! Clutch or brake handle are $75-$80. Buy after market. A head light relay was ~$75, O'Reilly had the same Bosch relay for $10. I think the best part of the bike is the motor. And it isn't BMW (Rotax).  Mine sounded as if were about to explode at 85 mph. I swapped sprockets to lower the rpm at highway speeds. 1st was still OK.

[SmithSwede]

No ABS.   Which I’m ok with.   

Bike is a bit “rough” overall.   Everything is present and not broken.  But paint is not shiny, it is sun-faded, various scratches and dings, etc.   I’m ok with that as well. 

[gthorpe]

I had a 2005 F650 Dakar for a couple years. It had it's minor quirks but was a great bike, the Rotax engine was very solid and the bike could run at 75mph all day long without a hiccup.

It handled well on pavement and dirt roads. However, In sandy washes and tight trails the weight made it a little hard to manage.

Chain maintenance was a pain.

Overall it's a great bike.

[pehayes]

Gave one of those to our son when he turned 21.  He eventually wore it out.  Water pump shafts and seals were about every 30K but easy to do.  Be careful to bleed air out of the cylinder jacket if you do any water maintenance.  Scott oiler took care of the chain.  Would out run my Guzzi EV in the mountains and get 50% better fuel economy doing it.  Was a good bike.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[Sheepdog]

I've always been a Boxer fan when it comes to Beemers, but those early chain drives were pretty innovative machines. Even the stocker was comfortable and well-balanced and it is supported well by the aftermarket. You could do far worse with an 18 year old bike...by 2001 the F650 had been in production for eight years. However, 2000 and 2001 were transition years for this model. Production was being moved from the Aprilia factory to a BMW facility. As a result, '00 and '01 were probably the most problematic versions. The rear subframe was a bit weak and the electrics and water pump sometimes failed. The suspension isn't really up to big hits or jumps. The fuel mileage is dynamite, however...expect 60-65mpg.

[PeteS]

If this is actually a 650 single vs an 800 twin it gets high marks from my boss. His is actually an ST type, lower seat, but he says of his 6 bikes, this would be the last to go. It does have a sweet motor. Wish my KLR was as good.

Pete

[Lcarlson]

Chain drive + Scott Oiler = chains that last 40 or 50,000 miles and they self clean. Simply top u[ the reservoir every 8,000 to 1,000 miles.

 

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I find oil changes to be time consuming and rather messy, especially if done the way BMW wants you to. Not unusual for motorcycles with dry sump engines though.

[Testarossa]

I have the '99 F650 Funduro, the original vanilla version of this Aprilia/Rotax miniBeemer. I can't disagree with any of the foregoing. Oil changes and chain/sprocket replacements are a pain in the ass but whatever. The bike is not too tall, very comfortable even two-up (we're both smallish), highway-capable, and thus far trouble-free. I like the weight -- 420 lb with a full tank, or about the same as my TR6R. If I weren't addicted to Guzzis this could be a satisfactory only bike. Yesterday I rode with a Super Tenere and a 1200 GS over McClure Pass and while I couldn't accelerate uphill with them, I was happy leading or following closely everywhere else, including 80-mph sweepers and I was faster in tight twisties where I appreciated having 150 lb less mass to handle. No chicken strips on the tires. I'm running 90/10 dual-sport tires which are decent on gravel and with more aggressive knobbies this would be a great ride on fire roads etc. The only thing I don't like about the bike is the raspy exhaust note but earplugs take care of that.

[pyoungbl]

I had a G650GS (same single cylinder 650) after BMW decided that all single cylinder bikes would be "G" instead of "F".  It was a tough machine but pretty porky.  The valve checks were a PITA'.  Thankfully the valves seem to stay in spec for a long time.  Think shim under bucket so you have to remove the cam.  Gas mileage was outstanding.  I still had my original water pump but knew one owner who installed an electric water pump after a few failures on the engine driven model.  If the price is right I cannot see a reason to avoid the model.