BMW F 650 GS Dakar Dual Sport Reviews on Cycle Insider (4)
Avg. Rating

In all respects, the bike is great. I've taken it on long trips riding 300-450 a day, loaded with the set of bags or sometimes unloaded but two up, and sometimes in dirt roads. Every mile it has been a pleasure riding it. I wouldn't venture with it on very rough dirt roads (I've got a smaller dual sport for that), though I'm sure if I replaced the Tourance/T66 with knobbies it would do fine in most cases. I did have some problems, all fixed under warranty, and the dealer was very helpful here: instrument panel replaced as the odometer mileage would most often reset 1-2 miles less after each trip. Mirrors (the old ones, no longer made, sometimes flipped over at high speeds/acceleration), also a piece of trim on tank fell off, and I need to put it back (I got a new set under warranty). Mechanically, it's superb otherwise, and I like the engine purr. I got over 60 mi /gal quite often.

I have previously owned a R100GS (34000mi)a R1100GS (36000mi)and a R1150GS (6000mi)and have enjoyed ridding all these bikes, hence the purches of the F650GS Dakar. I down sized because I had moved to the mountains to which I used to commute, and for my recreational ridding up and down the old mining roads of the Sierra's exploring old gost towns in the mountains. I have not been disapointed with this bike in as much in what I purchased it for. It's lighter than the last two GS twins so it's a little easier to ride on dirt roads. (more fun to explore with)It's as comfortable as any of the other three GS modles I have owned. (Great seat)And although I would like to see just a little more power (maybe an HP modle?)it has adequate power for its intended purpose and my ridding style (but when was "too much, too much?" BMW has added the heated grips to the 2005 Dakar modle, but still really need to add a center stand to the Dakar! Great bike, I have had lots of fun on it. Great stuff

Mine is a 2003 with no ABS. I've got 8000 miles on it with no problems. Very slight surge in mid range that I cured completely by better fuel and using a cleaner to keep the injector clean. I cruise all day getting from one area to another at 80+ mph and push the bike pretty hard. After riding other big singles, this is THE thumper to have if you need to cover any real distance since it is so smooth at speed. I replaced the original Metzlers with Avon Distanzias. Made a big difference on the pavement, tracked straighter and kept a line. Not so good in the dirt though. I run two sets of big lights, and the 400 watt alt keeps right up. The seat is a little too firm for me, and I don't like the narrow footpegs. I'm a big guy and would like to be able to add more preload to the rear shock. It's too soft when I'm all loaded up on a trip. The Dakar takes a load WAY better than a KLR or XR and I like the accessories availablity. I have had NO problems, and as I said I run it pretty hard. I would highly recommend the DAKAR for anyone who likes to cover some country, on the street or two track fire trails. It is an excellent machine for combination requirements, it's just not a dirt racer.

To say the least this bike can do it all. It would have been nice if BMW outfitted it a bit more for the dirt at purchase like they do the 1150GS Adventure. I have had no surging problems and have taken the bike over some nasty mt passes down here in the SanJuans of Colorado. Remember it is a 400 pound bike, but if you can ride, it can do it.