Any problems with 2002 Dakar?
 

Hi All

I sadly wrote off my new 2005 Dakar recently.

Looking to buy a cheaper 2nd hand bike this time. There is a 2002 model available with 19000km on the clock.

Anything wrong or niggly about 2002 models?

Appreciate any advice

Thanx

The steering head bearing is made out of chocolate (on all F650). On top of that the GS / Dakar does not have any seals to prevent them from dust and water. They are most probably buggered. I had GS and Dakar and the steering head bearings never lasted longer than 15000km with a record breaking 4000 km (fitted by BMW)

Read the bearing code off the bearing when it is out, and go to your nearest Niachi stockist. I got a set of bearing here in NZ for US$30 instead of $80 that the BMW dealer was asking.
Regards
Nigel in NZ

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"The world is a book and those who do not travel read but a page"- St Augustine

Thanx guys, will check it out!

Dex

Found aftermarket bearings living a lot longer on Funduros but I am not sure about the GS / Dakar. I think the missing rubber seal is pathetic not just for a dual sport and one of the reasons why I don't have any F650GS in my fleet any more.

2002 Dakar
 

Hi Dex, I bought a 2002 Dakar in Colorado before heading to the 2005 HU meeting in Creel(I'm currently in Patagonia on a RTW). I chose the 2002 model because it didn't have the ABS. The bike only had 2,995 miles on it- I bought it on ebay, sight unseen. When I went to pick the bike up I was disappointed. It had obviously not been treated with love. The chain was rusty, the tires had less than 20 psi in them, etc. My local BMW dealer serviced the bike and corrected several problems- caused by neglect. I added a load of after market TT parts- among others- and we've done more than 20,000km since leaving Colorado without a single problem. Looking back on things, I made several mistakes: the bike was only 2 hours from my house- I should have gone and taken a look. Also, I believe I would have been better off buying a new bike rather than this particular one. My bikes name is Seabiscuit, if you've read the book or seen the movie you'll understand. The bike was less than perfect when I found it- but we're doing just fine. To answer your question about the 2002 model Dakar- after 20,000km on the road: I don't have a single complaint.