2001 BMW Dakar

[windboy]

Hi Guys,

Anybody with experience on the black and white dakars? any nasty hidden teething glitches?

I heard about a recall on the fuel tank and injectors.

They're the first ones with injection and ABS, also run the single spark heads.

any comments appreciated...

later,

[Crisis management]

Why?

You saw how many of those things broke down getting to Whangmomona, are you really ready to live dangerously?

It's the bloody invisible friend again, isn't it!

[tri boy]

Hmmmm, next you'll want a pipe n slippers.:shutup:
Can't help you with any tech info on BMWs, but always willing to poke a bit of shit your way. ie Fat old men ride Beemers, cause there gut wobbles in sync with the bike chassis.:rofl:

[CBobR]

Hi Windboy,

I owned a 2001 until recently, which I sold with 30,000km, mine did not have ABS though.
It was very versatile. The main weaknesses I discovered were the fork seals and electrics.
The electrics were relatively easily solved with a can of marine CRC, I never found a cure for the fork seals though. They are easy enough to change after you have done one set.

Other things that happened to mine which are commonly reported on the www.f650.com technical FAQs were:
-Failed oil pressure switch
-Holed radiator (the guard traps stones and rubs through)
-Broken sidestand switch
-Failed clutch position switch
-Bent handlebars
-Fuel tank trims falling out (getting picky now :) )
-Swingarm end plates vibrate loose
-Rear mudguard lasts about 1/2 of the first offroad trip
-Faux fuel tank panels mounting tabs are a little weak.

On the plus side, it puts up a decent showing on and offroad, comfortable, unbelievable fuel economy, long service intervals so very cheap to run. Some people complain about jerky injection, but mine was perfect. I think they upload a better fuel map when you get it serviced which makes it smoother. Oh another thing, Experience BMW are legends and know the bike inside out. I highly recommend Neil the parts guy.

[windboy]

Hi Windboy,

I owned a 2001 until recently, which I sold with 30,000km, mine did not have ABS though....

Thanks CbobR,

Sounds like you had quite a living experience with it. Good to hear all the nasty bits, most of the time people only tell you the nicer things...! the f650.com link has a lot of good info.

Cheers for that.


Hmmmm, next you'll want a pipe n slippers.:shutup:
Can't help you with any tech info on BMWs, but always willing to poke a bit of shit your way. ie Fat old men ride Beemers, cause there gut wobbles in sync with the bike chassis.:rofl:


Why?

You saw how many of those things broke down getting to Whangmomona, are you really ready to live dangerously?

It's the bloody invisible friend again, isn't it!

Well... what was I thinking? I left myself wide open for you guys! I remember about the whangamomona, was not impressed!

Swapped bikes with my invisible mate for more than 2 weeks (not sure why!) and unfortunately, got very addicted with the feeling of the dakar. When I jumped back on the tranny I couldn't stand the extra weight!

2001 are being priced similar to my tranny vintage, there's one with low milage and a few extras that may just justify the "living dangerously" bit...

Thanks for the warnings too guys!

[Transalper]

...Swapped bikes with my invisible mate for more than 2 weeks (not sure why!) and unfortunately, got very addicted with the feeling of the dakar. When I jumped back on the tranny I couldn't stand the extra weight!....
It's funny you should say that, swapped DR650 with a F650Dakar in Lees Valley for a short while there and the Dakar man said he liked the DR. I prefer the DR too. Only things i like about the Dakar are the fuel economy and soft seat.

I owned a 2000 F650GS before getting the Transalp (still have the Transalp but usually ride the DR650 now).
My F650 had cables that freyed often, speedo sender issues, awkwardness in usually simple servicing things like oil changes and battery/air filter checks. Also the need to get torex tools, and its got a water pump that is known to fail every 30 to 40000km. Mine leaked at 33000km.

The Transalp is best of the 3 if you take a pillion, the DR is still capable but not really good two up. BMW is kind of in the middle, but you probably worked that out already.

[Zukin]

Well as for that fat bellied old man, I think they are bloody good:yes:

Maybe I don't ride as well as some, but in my own opinion they are brilliant for the roads (both tar and gravel)
I grin everytime I get on the bike, which just does it for me!
And thats what bikes are all about, it they make you smile then its the right bike!
Dont get them because they look cool, or go fast, but how you feel when you ride it :yes:

I looked at both the Dakar and the F650GS, and preferred the GS because it was a little lower for this short arse :laugh:

They are very nice on the road, good on the gravel, but not as good "offroad" as such.
Are you looking at just the Dakars?

Cheers Scott

[Oscar]

Hi Guys,

Anybody with experience on the black and white dakars? any nasty hidden teething glitches?

I heard about a recall on the fuel tank and injectors.

They're the first ones with injection and ABS, also run the single spark heads.

any comments appreciated...

later,

I had a Black & White Dakar.
It was a big mistake.
You see I wanted an adventure bike. Something that would go where I wanted too (and to be fair, I wasn't expecting it to be a full on trail bike).
The Dakar is excellent on the road, capable on gravel, mediocre on grass/clay tracks and downright dangerous on anything more difficult.

Whomever designed the engine obviously got a bonus if he cracked 50hp, and did it. But he did at the expense of low end torque - well, I think it had no low end torque - it just hard to tell when the Mickey Mouse fuel injection won't let it idle under 1800 rpm! The result was almost an oxymoron - a peaky big single...

I was labouring under the illusion that it was an adventure bike, and it may be - but not unless a deal of money is spent. And being as how they're bloody expensive to start with, and there are any number of cheaper, more capable bikes out there - why bother?

[Zukin]

I had a Black & White Dakar.
It was a big mistake.
You see I wanted an adventure bike. Something that would go where I wanted too (and to be fair, I wasn't expecting it to be a full on trail bike).
The Dakar is excellent on the road, capable on gravel, mediocre on grass/clay tracks and downright dangerous on anything more difficult.

I was labouring under the illusion that it was an adventure bike, and it may be - but not unless a deal of money is spent. And being as how they're bloody expensive to start with, and there are any number of cheaper, more capable bikes out there - why bother?

Whilst I own a GS, I do agree with most of Oscars post!

But I got mine for exactly what I wanted it for, and it fits the purpose perfectly, so it fits my intended purpose :yes:
Tar seal Roads and gravel roads, but like Oscar said I don't think I would want to use it elsewhere, although it could be strong enough to handle the conditions, it takes you so much longer to get to the end, and then you probably dont enjoy it as much!
That is why I have the DRZ too :yes:

Cheers

[cooneyr]

...Whomever designed the engine obviously got a bonus if he cracked 50hp, and did it. But he did at the expense of low end torque - well, I think it had no low end torque - it just hard to tell when the Mickey Mouse fuel injection won't let it idle under 1800 rpm! The result was almost an oxymoron - a peaky big single...

Interesting. I rode the Rainbow on one and found it a little lacking in the torque department compared to the DR650. Sure it has more top end but thats not where I spend most of my time anyway.

Cheers R

[CBobR]

awkwardness in usually simple servicing things like oil changes and battery/air filter checks.
I found this also, the faux tank design is not good, 16 (?) screws into plastic. And you need to remove it for many tasks. An annoyance if you do your own maintenance.


won't let it idle under 1800 rpm! Another good point. Offroad I found I needed to use a lot of clutch to get around the high idle. Engine braking on steep descents was a problem.

Overall I did like the Rotax engine though, reliable (no matter what the oil light said :) (note: there is an updated oil pressure switch available)), economical, and okay power. I did a lot of higher speed gravel on my commute so was happy for the smoothness and power in the upper rev range. I found the bike perfect for this type of riding.

[Oscar]

I found this also, the faux tank design is not good, 16 (?) self tapping screws into plastic. And you need to remove it for many tasks. An annoyance if you do your own maintenance.

Another good point. Offroad I found I needed to use a lot of clutch to get around the high idle. Engine braking on steep descents was a problem.

Overall I did like the Rotax engine though, reliable (no matter what the oil light said :) (note: there is an updated oil pressure switch available)), economical, and okay power. I did a lot of higher speed gravel on my commute so was happy for the smoothness and power in the upper rev range. I found the bike perfect for this type of riding.


Try riding it down a very steep wet grassy hill...clutch don't help. Oh and the other good news is that with no engine braking available I used to thrash the back brake on the gravel. The stupidly small reservoir meant the rear brake overheated and disappeared after 10 minutes...

You shouldn't have got me started on this POS, i could go all night.
What amazes me is that the big brother series GS100/1100/1150/1200 are so good. In comparison with KTM's (and I own two, currently) - for roughly the same price, the 640 comes ready to go, very little modification required. The GS650 needs a lot spent on it to be anywhere near the orange bike.

In the final analysis, I guess you can take your pick. Was the GS650PD:

1. A cynical marketing ploy to take advantage of BMW's previous success with ADV bikes?

2. A cynical marketing ploy to cash in on a growing Adv bike n00b market (esp. in the US)?

3. A very badly designed bike, considering it's intended purpose.

4. All of the above.

I will say, however that I rode a later (twin spark) version and the engine was a lot better.

[helenoftroy]

Hmmmm, next you'll want a pipe n slippers.:shutup:
Can't help you with any tech info on BMWs, but always willing to poke a bit of shit your way. ie Fat old men ride Beemers, cause there gut wobbles in sync with the bike chassis.:rofl:

:Oi::Oi:I am NOT a fat old man with a wobbly gut.Old??well heading that way:whocares:

650GS I rode didnt thrill me

Love the low centre of gravity,stability and torqe of my old boxer.Shes an ugly old draughthorse but shes taken me over most of the South Island this year(shingle & seal)Perpetual grin every ride:scooter:

XL & Beemer perfect combination for me at the moment:Punk::Punk:

[Crisis management]

Well that seemed to press a few buttons, I think Hi-fives all round for that response Tri-boy, who shall we pick on next? :rockon:

Good on you Windboy, I think you'll find the Dakar more to your taste than the TA, how did you get on with seat height, better than the TA ora bout the same?

How about a ride in the near future...not this weekend but maybe the next?

[warewolf]

What amazes me is that the big brother series GS100/1100/1150/1200 are so good. In comparison with KTM's (and I own two, currently) - for roughly the same price, the 640 comes ready to go, very little modification required. The GS650 needs a lot spent on it to be anywhere near the orange bike.Hear, hear! I looked long and hard at the F650 for many years. Twice with money in hand I passed it over; first up for a Honda NX650 Dominator, the second time for the 640. For the same (my) money, the KTM wins over the BMW with:

More power - not that I particularly care, but if you are factoring the BMW's power as a plus, it loses against the KTM
Less weight - important
Much better suspension - very important
Dirt-worthy pedigree (it's a somewhat civilised enduro bike, rather than a ruggedised road bike) - it's all in the details

The BMW's biggest plus is that it may be more comfortable on the highway - we won't mention the KTM's higher speed or better overtaking punch :innocent: - but I've done a couple of the Rusty Nuts' Grand Challenge 1000 Miles in 24 Hours events on the 640, so it can't be too uncomfortable on long trips.

What's that saying? Gear for the tightest corner or steepest hill? Tyre for the worst conditions? Dirt bikes are surprisingly capable on-road, the converse is not true.


I grin everytime I get on the bike, which just does it for me!
And thats what bikes are all about, it they make you smile then its the right bike!
Dont get them because they look cool, or go fast, but how you feel when you ride it :yes:Hear, hear! Totally, utterly 100% agree. :first:

Adventure bikes are by their very nature a compromise. There's plenty of people out there on F650s doing it; where's your compromise?

[tri boy]

Hmmmm, next you'll want a pipe n slippers.:shutup:
ie Fat old men ride Beemers, cause there gut wobbles in sync with the bike chassis.:rofl:

Saw that comment in a "Two Wheels" magazine twenty odd years ago. And it still works:shutup:......I like BMW riders, no really, I do....:D:clap::2thumbsup

[Oscar]

Hear, hear! I looked long and hard at the F650 for many years. Twice with money in hand I passed it over; first up for a Honda NX650 Dominator, the second time for the 640. For the same (my) money, the KTM wins over the BMW with:

More power - not that I particularly care, but if you are factoring the BMW's power as a plus, it loses against the KTM
Less weight - important
Much better suspension - very important
Dirt-worthy pedigree (it's a somewhat civilised enduro bike, rather than a ruggedised road bike) - it's all in the details

The BMW's biggest plus is that it may be more comfortable on the highway - we won't mention the KTM's higher speed or better overtaking punch :innocent: - but I've done a couple of the Rusty Nuts' Grand Challenge 1000 Miles in 24 Hours events on the 640, so it can't be too uncomfortable on long trips.

What's that saying? Gear for the tightest corner or steepest hill? Tyre for the worst conditions? Dirt bikes are surprisingly capable on-road, the converse is not true.

Hear, hear! Totally, utterly 100% agree. :first:

Adventure bikes are by their very nature a compromise. There's plenty of people out there on F650s doing it; where's your compromise?


Two points.

1. This is basically the difference (between GS650 & LC4e) in a nutshell: "..civilised enduro bike, rather than a ruggedised road bike.." brilliant.

2. You did 1,000 miles on an LC4? You're a braver man than me, Gunga Din...

[Garry.W]

Hi Guys,

Anybody with experience on the black and white dakars? any nasty hidden teething glitches?

I heard about a recall on the fuel tank and injectors.

They're the first ones with injection and ABS, also run the single spark heads.

any comments appreciated...

later,

The early Dakars were not brilliant to be honest, but certainly adequate for most "adventure" type rides. I hung onto my Funduro until the 03 Model came because I knew BMW had some issues to sort. The 03 Dakar I bought was great, went pretty much anywhere I pointed it (and Oscar's seen it upside down - but that's my riding rather than any problem with the bike) and I had no problems with it during 80,000kms of mostly adventure type riding. Yes, I spent some money getting it to how I wanted it (lighter and better low end), and yes, I sold it for a tad over half what I paid for it - but to one very happy owner, so what after 4 years? - I got good value out of it. Would I buy another one? Probably not, since I now have an HP2.

I've never been that big on the argument about whether one adventure bike is better than another, there's going to be some compromise one way or another in all models in this segment. Rule of thumb is buy what smokes your tyres, not what someone else thinks about it.

However, if you're looking at a 650 and you like what BMW has to offer in the Dakar then go for a twin spark (04 onwards) if your budget can stretch that far, its a bit livelier and easier on fuel consumption.

Cheers
Garry

[Garry.W]

Hi Guys,

Anybody with experience on the black and white dakars? any nasty hidden teething glitches?

I heard about a recall on the fuel tank and injectors.

They're the first ones with injection and ABS, also run the single spark heads.

any comments appreciated...

later,

The first Dakar was not brilliant to be honest, but certainly adequate for most "adventure" type rides and if the one you're looking at suits your budget, it'll do what you want. I hung onto my 650 Funduro until the 03 Dakar came to NZ because BMW had some issues to sort. The 03 Dakar I bought was great though, went pretty much anywhere I pointed it (and Oscar's seen it upside down - but that's my riding rather than any problem with the bike) and I had no problems with it during 80,000kms of mostly adventure type riding. Yes, I spent some money getting it to how I wanted it (lighter and better mid-range), and yes, I sold it for a tad over half what I paid for it - but to one very happy owner - so what after 4 years? I got good value out of it. Would I buy another one? Probably not, since I now have an HP2.

I've never been that big on the argument about whether one adventure bike is better than another, there's going to be some compromise one way or another in all models in this segment. Rule of thumb is buy what smokes your tyres, not what someone else thinks about it.

However, if you're looking at a 650 and you like what BMW has to offer in the Dakar then go for a twin spark (04 onwards) if your budget can stretch that far, its a bit livelier and easier on fuel consumption.

Cheers
Garry

[warewolf]

2. You did 1,000 miles on an LC4? You're a braver man than me, Gunga Din...Not once, but twice. And I'm lining up for a third. :weird: So you could probably add, stoopider man.

I've talked Clint into doing it, too. :blip: :stupid:

[Oscar]

The first Dakar was not brilliant to be honest, but certainly adequate for most "adventure" type rides and if the one you're looking at suits your budget, it'll do what you want. I hung onto my 650 Funduro until the 03 Dakar came to NZ because BMW had some issues to sort. The 03 Dakar I bought was great though, went pretty much anywhere I pointed it (and Oscar's seen it upside down - but that's my riding rather than any problem with the bike) and I had no problems with it during 80,000kms of mostly adventure type riding. Yes, I spent some money getting it to how I wanted it (lighter and better mid-range), and yes, I sold it for a tad over half what I paid for it - but to one very happy owner - so what after 4 years? I got good value out of it. Would I buy another one? Probably not, since I now have an HP2.

I've never been that big on the argument about whether one adventure bike is better than another, there's going to be some compromise one way or another in all models in this segment. Rule of thumb is buy what smokes your tyres, not what someone else thinks about it.

However, if you're looking at a 650 and you like what BMW has to offer in the Dakar then go for a twin spark (04 onwards) if your budget can stretch that far, its a bit livelier and easier on fuel consumption.

Cheers
Garry

My cue, I think.
Presenting Dakar/Boat Anchor in it's natural enviroment...

[Oscar]

Not once, but twice. And I'm lining up for a third. :weird: So you could probably add, stoopider man.

I've talked Clint into doing it, too. :blip: :stupid:

Has your Missus got them in a jar somewhere?
They'd vibrate free after about 500 miles, wouldn't they?

[warewolf]

Has your Missus got them in a jar somewhere?Please no, don't mention the Bovril jar! :shutup:

[pete376403]

How much for a second hand Dakar? You can get a new KLR (the '08 model) for less than $10K. And they are not too bad at all - most of the shortcomings of the previous models have been addressed and they have a decent seat and fairing, although hard core dirt riders think they look a but girly

[Garry.W]

My cue, I think.
Presenting Dakar/Boat Anchor in it's natural enviroment...

On ya Oscar :mellow:

[NordieBoy]

Presenting Dakar/Boat Anchor in it's natural enviroment...

3 grown men bowing down before the might of BMW?

[Oscar]

3 grown men bowing down before the might of BMW?

Three limp wristed Wellingtonians needed to pick up the big pig.

[Garry.W]

Three limp wristed Wellingtonians needed to pick up the big pig.

:nono: As I recall, nothing broken - and finished weekend away with gearbox intact :yes:

Nuf said on this lot - you still coming up to do the Motu this weekend?

[Oscar]

:nono: As I recall, nothing broken - and finished weekend away with gearbox intact :yes:


Touche.


I didn't even know the Motu was on - I don't know how my name got on the list.

[upshift]

Three limp wristed Wellingtonians needed to pick up the big pig.

Hey, I resemble that remark!

Actually as I remember that incident it was no reflection on the rider or the bike but rather one of lack of communication. Still feel a little bad about that, rider was expecting assistance at the same time we expected he was gunna gun it, so we jumped cleared!

[Garry.W]

Touche.


I didn't even know the Motu was on - I don't know how my name got on the list.

Wierd, and too bad - be good to catch up with you again, perhaps another Khan or two sometime :yes:

Someone's talking about a Waikato Assault later in the year, maybe then.

[Garry.W]

Hey, I resemble that remark!

Actually as I remember that incident it was no reflection on the rider or the bike but rather one of lack of communication. Still feel a little bad about that, rider was expecting assistance at the same time we expected he was gunna gun it, so we jumped cleared!

Was bloody funny though :laugh:

[tri boy]

My cue, I think.
Presenting Dakar/Boat Anchor in it's natural enviroment...

Thats a tricky little bit of sand there. (the fat Scrambler struggled a bit).
Fun getting back up at high tide.:innocent:

[young1]

Thats a tricky little bit of sand there. (the fat Scrambler struggled a bit).
Fun getting back up at high tide.:innocent:

Where is that?

[Garry.W]

Where is that?

Bottom of the steps on the coastal side of the Marakopa tunnel

[tri boy]

Where is that?

Waikawau beach ramp, on the coast between Awakino and Marakopa.
Tunnel access.:yes:
One of the little treasures in store for people on the spring Waikato ride.

[Garry.W]

Waikawau beach ramp, on the coast between Awakino and Marakopa.
Tunnel access.:yes:
One of the little treasures in store for people on the spring Waikato ride.

Gorgeous, and I'm up to giving it another shot :innocent:

[young1]

Waikawau beach ramp, on the coast between Awakino and Marakopa.
Tunnel access.:yes:
One of the little treasures in store for people on the spring Waikato ride.

A fantastic part of the country, I went there (by car) a few years ago - it was quite sad as a fishing boat had sunk recently and the locals were all out looking for the bodies.

Not sure about taking the KTM up there with the current tyres but would try it on the DR.

[Crisis management]

One of the little treasures in store for people on the spring Waikato ride.

Well, spring has sprung up here, so how about you start thinking about a few dates, my calendar is filling up already and I don't want to miss this one Tri-boy.

[tri boy]

Well, spring has sprung up here, so how about you start thinking about a few dates, my calendar is filling up already and I don't want to miss this one Tri-boy.

Plan to have a pow wow at Clints ride, and try and come up with a date that suits as many as possible. PM any free dates between Sept - Nov, and will throw those in the mix.
Still plan to make it a 2 night gathering due to travel distances. A rain date may also be a consideration as NZ spring isn't the most settled time.(have to be a cyclone though).

[alfonz]

shit a lot of advice from a lot of people i have riddin with alot of the guys that have posted advice about the dakar i own one a 2000 gs they go any where you to go off road or on they are heavy to pick up but have plenty of power but you nneed to drop a tooth on the frount sprocket for off road give you a smoother ride thet do miss some times because of the side stand switch dont over fill oil tank as they split at seam when oil heats up other that that if you maintain them they will go well :yes: everybody has their favorite bike or make i give mine shit and it still goes :scooter: all the bikes i see on avd rides sothing goes wrong with all of them at one time of other so hope this helps . go on get one you know you want to :yes:

[windboy]

I've been flat out for the last week and althought I did read the replies, never had time to post a proper reply...


It's funny you should say that, swapped DR650 with a F650Dakar in Lees Valley for a short while there and the Dakar man said he liked the DR. .....

Agree about the two up thing transalper but at 1.73m and 74 kg, the tranny is a bit top heavy for me when I go by myself. When I bought it I thought just cause of the low seat it would work for me but never considered the high CoG. It's by all means a better touring bike than the F650 (smoother engine, overtaking grunt, brakes, etc). After riding a 2004 dakar for 2 weeks even though the seat was taller, I felt more confident on the dakar on and off road...


...I looked at both the Dakar and the F650GS, and preferred the GS because it was a little lower for this short arse ...

It would be nice having a little lower seat but I trade the 19" front on the f650 for a taller seat on the dakar... The other more offroad features surely can't hurt...


I had a Black & White Dakar.
It was a big mistake....

Well Oscar, sounds like you're spot on the comments on the black and white dakar. After searching on the web I found most of the stuff you mentioned was listed there. I knew the twinspark solved most of the issues but wasn't sure how bad the earlier glitches were. Thanks for the input man.


Hear, hear! I looked long and hard at the F650 for many years. Twice with money in hand I passed it over...

Mr warewolf, I agree on what you saying, however, my riding isn't very agressive. A 640 adventure would be wasted on me (haven't got the size or riding skills for it). I also commute on the bike to work everyday. Being in jafaland means that most of the offroad riding is preceeded and followed by a long road ride, I sat on the 690 SM and even found that seat hard (I heard the adventure one is harder) but I guess if you look hard enough you'll find a fancy gell one a top $$$. cheers for the reply anyway... anyd good on you for doing the 1000km once again!


The early Dakars were not brilliant to be honest, but certainly adequate for most "adventure" type rides. I hung onto my Funduro until the 03 Model came ... (04 onwards) if your budget can stretch that far, its a bit livelier and easier on fuel consumption....

Thanks Garry, shame I didn't get to meet you at the wwwww ride but we won't comment on the reasons here. Funny you mention the budget... On a single income things are very tight at the mo. The black and white dakar popped in my mind cause I'm determined to do the ride through the SI passes listed on a recent thread, for that reason was looking at close to $1000 for hard panniers setup. Buying a 2001 dakar with the panniers included was going to workout the same (plus a sneaky trip to CHCH to pick her up); here the main reason of me going into the forum to find out about the black and white horse...


shit a lot of advice from a lot of people i have riddin with alot of the guys that have posted advice about the dakar ....:

Thanks alfonz, all the stuff before applies to your reply too. Cheers.


To be honest the tranny hasn't been a bad bike for me at all, has gone everywhere I pointer it (same as alfonz) but realised how much easier it would have been for me on a dakar after testing one for 2 weeks.

My offroad involves gravel and the odd beach ride, anything too knarly and I know any 250 on knobblies would rip the league, hence I find it a waste getting something much more offroadworthy like a 640 or a DR. If I were to use all it's potential I would go for something smaller (like colin's drz). I guess a comfier seat and "touring/commuting" features are more important for me.

As someone said in this forum (or maybe another one), ultimately the bike's got to give you that feeling when you riding it, goes beyond what the specs and everybodyelse's opinions are... Also there's a inherent compromise on every adventure bike, you pick the one that less bothers you...

Maybe I'll just have to sit and wait for a cheaper 2004+ (w/panniers...?), I guess there's always the chance of winning the lotto and wouldn't have to bother you all asking for your suggestions...

Lastly, was it not you triboy that used up a whole can of marine CRC on the scrambler on the way to whangamomona that weekend????? Had to take a kip while the electrics dried up in someone's barn???? :shutup:

Thanks again everyone for your inputs:yes:

later,

[warewolf]

Mr warewolf, I agree on what you saying, however, my riding isn't very agressive. A 640 adventure would be wasted on me (haven't got the size or riding skills for it). I also commute on the bike to work everyday. Being in jafaland means that most of the offroad riding is preceeded and followed by a long road ride, I sat on the 690 SM and even found that seat hard (I heard the adventure one is harder) but I guess if you look hard enough you'll find a fancy gell one a top $$$. cheers for the reply anyway... anyd good on you for doing the 1000km once again!Technical riding is me, hence my bike choice. It's good that you know what you want - many don't! :D

Just to clarify;

Umm, size-wise, you are within 2cm of my height and you are 4-8kg heavier. Part of the appeal of the 640 is that it is 23kg lighter than the beemer - so it's a lot easier for me to throw around. I thought the height would be an issue, but the bike is so beautifully balanced and suspended it is a pure delight to ride.
I bought the 640 when I was living in jafaland. "Straining at the leash" is how I would describe commuting on it. You are right, the worst part of any decent ride there was droning along the motorway.
The 640 Adventure seat is soft, for some years now the comfort seat has been standard, only $125 too! (The shop damaged mine during the PDI so they gave me a new spare. Some KTM prices are surprisingly reasonable.) Not gel but dramatically softer than the proper enduro plank on the EXC200. The SM would be softer than the 640 Hard Enduro, but it would have to be something pretty special to beat the seat on the Adventure by much.
That's 1000 miles or 1609km.

Your Trannie is pretty new, by all accounts they are just as capable as the Dakar; same shit, different smell. So here's a thought from left-field: save your pennies, keep the trannie, go do some training courses to get the control over the trannie you feel is missing vs. the beemer, skills you'll port to any subsequent bike you'll own. Spend some of the money not spent on changing the bike on more aggressive tyres.

But then, sounds like you are in lust...go the Dakar! Buy the bike you lay awake at night dreaming about.:Punk:

[OV Lander]

I have an '01 Dakar, and I have to say it suits me. I love the riding position, the comfort and the balance of the bike. Just load up the Jesse aluminium luggage set and go!

Only recall I am aware of was for the installation of a stronger rear brake braket. Was recalled as it was found that under certain braking conditions it could bend - not that I have found that to be the case...yet.

Only other glitches:
- requires a full and solid shift from 1st to 2nd, otherwise can drag and stick in N
- can stall on take-off - requires some extra herbs from time to time.

Eitherway, simply love the stability of the 21" wheel.

OV

[Pampera]

[QUOTE=CBobR;1170577]I found this also, the faux tank design is not good, 16 (?) self tapping screws into plastic.

I have owned my 2001 Dakar for 6 1/2 years and have not found this feature, my one uses exactly the same fastners used to hold any sports bike fairing together. My Gas Gas certainly holds the tank covers to the tank with self tappers but not the Dakar.

[CBobR]

not the Dakar.

Ah thanks, I just looked at the parts list and I think mine may have been monkeyed with at some stage.
http://www.ascycles.com/Illustrated_catalog/F650GSD/catalog_frameset.html

[K slider]

I have had the Dalar for 18 months done 18000 kms now , I found it to be a great gravel touring bike and comfy on the road for long distances, Yes I am a fat old fart but the problem I had on the Whanga trip was only water in the oil sender, by the time I realised it was to late to catch up. My only gripe is the cost of spares like plastic panels ect.
Choosing a bike is all about what you want from it , My next steed will probably be a Yamaha 660 or KTM 690 only because I like to cut it up in the dirt.
Remember the Dakar is only A GS with long forks and big wheel not sure about the rear shock so it is more road orientated the a dirt bke.
The engine is bullet proof .
I am an average rider with little road experience but find it fun to ride most places.
Pete.