Considering buying an '03 F650 Dakar

[Ted]

Howdy Folks,

Here is the ad:
2003 BMW F-650 Dakar. 22,000 miles, Jesse bags, Best Rest rack and BMW tank bag.

Asking price is $4,300.

I had some questions for the F650-wise...

1. What is the difference between the Dakar and regular GS?
2. I read somewhere there was significant changes in the '03 and '04 years, is that true?
3. Anything in particular to look for aside from the regular "service history, accident history, etc."?

Thanks folks!

[sgborgstrom]

The Dakar is a bit taller with longer forks, shocks and a 21" front tire, the seat is a bit thicker too.

The "original" F series has 3 basic variations depending on what year you are looking at. The pre-2001 version was carbed and had 2 spark plugs. 2001 debuted the single-spark FI model, followed (quite possibly in 03/04) by the return on the second spark plug. There were some surging issues with the original FI engines. Most of which have been sorted by now. (I don't have any on my 2001 Dakar)

Things to look for? Notched steering head bearings, sacked out rear shock and the kind of crash-damage you might expect from a bike that's been ridden off-pavement quite a bit. If there is a weak spot, I'd say it's the water pump impeller seals. The pump is down on the left side of the engine, there is a small weep hole. A little bit of grime down there is ok but much of an accumulation is suspect. R&R is a fairly large DYI project, a lot of stuff has to come off to access the impeller.

[Ridealot]

The reply above pretty much covers it. On the single spark models that did have a bit of surging a simple change in spark plugs to an extended tip solves the problem.

One nice thing about the F650 fuel injected bikes is that they like regular gas. Running super unleaded in my bike gets me lower gas mileage(down to the high 50's) and harder starting. With regular I get 63 mpg riding to work and putzing around. Out on the road if you keep the speed 75 mph or lower you can get in the low 70's. If you start riding at any elevation above 4 K feet the gas mileage will go up around another 5 mpg.

I had to change my water pump seals at about 18K miles and they have been fine since. I am now at 44K miles. The valve adjustments on my bike have never moved since the 6k mile service. I don't even bother checking them at 6k miles services and wait to check them at the 12k services.

They are a super reliable bike and I love my F650CS. It gets to go on most rides while my big bike hangs out in the garage.

The price of the bike your looking at with Jesse Bags is not bad at all. If its in good shape it won't last very long at all at that price.

[AKBeemer]

Howdy Folks,

Here is the ad:
2003 BMW F-650 Dakar. 22,000 miles, Jesse bags, Best Rest rack and BMW tank bag.

Asking price is $4,300.

I had some questions for the F650-wise...

1. What is the difference between the Dakar and regular GS?
2. I read somewhere there was significant changes in the '03 and '04 years, is that true?
3. Anything in particular to look for aside from the regular "service history, accident history, etc."?

Thanks folks!

Here is a post from Craig's list in Palmer, AK; by comparison your's seems like a fair deal. I bought a 2001 Dakar last October for $4800. 6900 miles on it with no additions or accessories to the bike. After outfitting it the way I want it I probably have another $1100 in it; and that is with using the much less expensive Happy Trails bags instead of the Jessie's. The Jessie's are a great piece of kit (my wife has them on her GS) and it would cost you $1100 plus shipping to add to a bike.

2001 BMW F650GS - $5100 (Palmer)
Great opportunity to own a dual-sport BMW. Plenty of after-market options make this bike practical for long hauls and off-roading. Recently received full maintance service (24k miles) with replacement of brake pads, battery and fluid/filter changes. I hate to sell this bike, I've traveled to the lower 48 a couple times and been up plenty of trails. It can do almost anything. Never been laid down or involved in any accident. Always garaged and well maintained. Some damage to plastic fender from hole in the stock muffler. The muffler was replaced but the fender remains covered by Jesse bags. Please email me if you are interested.
Options:
- New tires (less than 1yr old)
- New brake pads
- New battery
- Custom Sergeant seat
- HID lighting system
- Standyne muffler
- Jesse aluminum bags

[Ted]

Howdy Folks - I went to look at the bike today, it was almost as good as it sounds. Couple things had issues: it looks like the front fairing got smashed at some time and the brackets are a bit bent so things do not fit together well, it vibrated/buzzed a lot more than other F650s I have ridden, and I was juuuuust able to tippie-toe it. I think I will pass on it, the buzz/vibration I think would make highways miles very quickly unbearable (it is worse between 50mph and 70mph, my highway sweet spot) and the tallness could be a problem for a returning rider (like me!)

Thanks for the advice folks, the hunt continues!

[sgborgstrom]

Did you ask what sprocket combo the seller was running? Many of us have gone with either a slightly larger rear sprocket, a smaller front sprocket, or both to improve the bikes off-pavement and around-town capabilities. This will induce more vibration at highway speeds.