Standard F650GS for adventure riding?

[Zadkiel]

So I have been looking at buying a BMW F650GS Dakar. But since I will be riding on road 90% of the time, I was thinking perhaps it would make more sense just to get a standard GS. Will I regret it off road, it will it not be a major?

[Transalper]

I had a 2000 F650GS and grew to hate it. Got to throw a leg over a Dakar model once and thought if I was to go back and do it again I would take the Dakar.
To me the GS felt like it handled like my road bikes did in gravel, only difference was it just didn't have as much plastic on it.
Since then I moved to Transalps which I felt did both road and gravel better than the GS. Then got a DR650 for more technical rides and now have both a Transalp and DR650 at the same time, but will never go back to the F650's.

Think you'll get lots of different opinions from lots of different riders, that's just mine.
It is possible they have improved with the newer models but I haven't really followed the line.
Good luck with your choice.

[Pampera]

So I have been looking at buying a BMW F650GS Dakar. But since I will be riding on road 90% of the time, I was thinking perhaps it would make more sense just to get a standard GS. Will I regret it off road, it will it not be a major?

The only material difference between the two is:

larger front wheel
more suspension travel and ground clearance
some GS optional extras are standard

on Dakar.

If the extra seat height of the Dakar is a not a concern and you are happy with the slightly slower steering resulting from the bigger wheel, the Dakar is a far more versatile bike than the GS, while retaining all its other features. So, if you do want to feel more comfortable on gravel and eventually might go somewhere where reasonable ground clearance counts, go for the Dakar. The GS will be a relative disappointment in these conditions but if you are never going to use these things then the GS is fine .

I picked the Dakar after a weekend with each back in 2001 and never looked back (until I replaced my 2001 with a 2007 which turned out to be a dud!).

Michael

[Baldyman]

I have never ridden the standard GS, but I have a Dakar (2004). I have only had if for about 6 months, and I really enjoy riding it. I am not the greatest offroad rider, but have found the Dakar to be very comfortable on and off road (Gravel roads and the odd 4x4 track).