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...

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

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)

Useful websites
 

plenty of info and advice here:

F650.com Home

And here:

BMW F650 Forums

Nice one!!!

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!bier

I finally got everything legal on my bike this weekend and I'm now using it as my commuting vehicle.
So far so good...

If anyone is planning on riding 100% tarmac then I can recommend a pair of Contitrailattack 2 tyres.
They are awesome!!!

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.