Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By Tenere Tom

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 May 2015
Tenere Tom's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Leeds UK
Posts: 449
I've just been given a 650 GS Dakar!

Long story but I'm picking it up on Sunday.
It's been sat outdoors for 18 months so it's going to need a bit of tlc to get it looking good and roadworthy again.


Is there any particular gremlins I need to look out for?
Obviously a new battery and fluids are on the cards...
__________________
Tom
I'm a country member...
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 May 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Water pump re-build kit: the lip seals fail allowing water and oil to mix wrecking the engine. Do it unless the PO already has. Do it again as soon as the oil starts to look milky in any shade.


Have a good look at the lower forks there is plenty of evidence they crack and cause the front wheel to fall off.


Clean and have a good check up on the charging system, Aprillia designed it using traditional Italian methods, then BMW got to work cost cutting.


Have a good look at the chain. It's underspecced, the right size for a CB250 not a 650cc thumper.


Before you travel work out how to deal with punctures. Most choices are tubeless tyres with a bead that needs breaking, running tubes that can't be fixed from the outside with plugs. BMW's answer; Trade up for an R1XXXGS before you go!


If you haven't found Motorworks in Huddersfield have a quick Google.


You are paying the right price though! Enjoy the POS but keep a gallon of petrol and a match spare for if it all gets too much ;-)


Andy
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 May 2015
Tenere Tom's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Leeds UK
Posts: 449
Thanks for the advice!
Looks like I'll be busy for a little while.

Oh and the price is just the time/diesel it's going to cost me to collect! (7hr round trip)
__________________
Tom
I'm a country member...
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 May 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Bangor
Posts: 25
Useful websites

plenty of info and advice here:

F650.com Home

And here:

BMW F650 Forums
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 14 May 2015
Tenere Tom's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Leeds UK
Posts: 449
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ian The Pain View Post
plenty of info and advice here:

F650.com Home

And here:

BMW F650 Forums
Nice one!!!
__________________
Tom
I'm a country member...
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 May 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: S. Central Virginia, USA
Posts: 5
Don't pay a lot of attention to the armchair mechanics. I've been running a '97 F650 for ten+ years now, and have about 65000 miles so far. In that span of time, one water pump rebuild, one voltage regulator, (however, it should be relocated to a cooler spot), and am on third chain and sprocket set, that should go another 12-15000 miles. A well sorted F650 is very dependable, and is easily serviced. As far as the forks go, maybe do a search, and see just how few this has actually happened to. No need for brand bashing, all of them have their skeletons in the closet. Do check out the Chain Gang its loaded with helpful people and info. Enjoy your new ride!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 9 Jun 2015
Tenere Tom's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Leeds UK
Posts: 449
I finally got everything legal on my bike this weekend and I'm now using it as my commuting vehicle.
So far so good...
__________________
Tom
I'm a country member...
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12 Jun 2015
Tenere Tom's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Leeds UK
Posts: 449
If anyone is planning on riding 100% tarmac then I can recommend a pair of Contitrailattack 2 tyres.
They are awesome!!!
__________________
Tom
I'm a country member...
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12 Jun 2015
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,670
Billions of threads on here about them.

Like said. Water pump is crap.

Generally the engine is excellent and the bike is very dependable.

The build quality is a bit crap though so expect lots of easily rounded off screws, flaking engine paint and plastics rattling about.


Free is free though... Happy days.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Bmw f 650 gs dakar Lonerider Which Bike? 32 13 Jul 2014 03:45
Free Fork Springs for F 650 GS Dakar in Sparta/ Greece dakaralex Europe 0 3 Sep 2012 17:42
Around the World Tour on The BMW GS 650 DAKAR ? Croatia2012 Welcome to HU 15 9 Jul 2012 14:22
Good mechanic for centering and balancing front wheel of my 650 GS Dakar in Italy dakaralex Europe 5 25 May 2012 16:44

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:19.