Comments on: BMW 650 GS Dakar

By: larry smith

larry smith — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 20:35:11 +0000

1 bought a 2001 dakar this yearthis bike runs well at 70mph,with standard 16th sproket.if i’mgoing toride several hours trails and gravel roads i use a 15 ,can even go to a 14,for slower 1st,2′nd gears.this bike was not designed for interstate but for dual sport.
my son has a harley with the big engine,he rides at 70mph when i ride my r1100rt bmw,which is made for interstate cruising.don’t mix the two,big boy doesen’t like the dirt

By: Theron

Theron — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 09:00:05 +0000

Even though this is an older post – still very helpful. I am in the south of France and the 650 seems to be the bike of choice. I am planning on touring around Europe during the summer months, would you make any changes to this post now that you have been riding for the last several years – besides the top end power issue.

By: Sell my Motorcycle

Sell my Motorcycle — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 10:37:38 +0000

What do you determine will be your next bike?

By: Billybob Cornfed

Billybob Cornfed — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 01:16:59 +0000

Thanks – especially because I have been kicking around between a KLR 650 and BMW…the MPG’s are a deciding factor since they say a Kawi only gets about half what u are getting…

By: ab22

ab22 — Tue, 06 May 2008 20:10:28 +0000

Great News! I’ve done a lot of research, but haven’t seen a situation where someone actually owned one for a first bike and would vouch for it in retrospect. Most riders out there want to tell folks to start with a ninja 250 or a Buell Blast, which I’m sure are fine bikes, but don’t really fit my preferences. Thanks for the reply.

By: imagery

imagery — Tue, 06 May 2008 18:55:53 +0000

Even after two years, I still think it’s a great first bike. At times I wish I had a little more power, but that’s because I’m more comfortable riding now. I’ve started taking a lot longer rides with friends up in the mountains who have slightly bigger bikes (1200GS, 1150GS) and while I can keep up, it’s a bit draining for multi-hour rides at 75mph. But for around town and commuting to and from work, I will never get rid of it. It’s perfect. Especially when I’m getting 70 mpg!