I agree with Andy .... I would look closely at what is going on out there. Sure, you see a fair number of mostly new, inexperienced riders on BMW's, and a lot of them are making movies, writing books and getting BMW sponsorship.

For a more realistic look, take a gander at the breakdown record on BMW's. Not a pretty picture over all. Many tales right here on HU about this very thing. Look up Maria 41's posts.

Don't go with a bike just based on how good it looks or because a few Flash riders have a slick web site (paid by BMW)
and you think it has some "Dakar" race connection. That's a lie too. But you'll learn ..... Your desire for a "Dakar" points to this. It's Hype mate. If you really want to burn money on the over weight and over priced F650, be my guest.

But the more you learn the more you'll figure out that not only is the XT or new Tenere' better but so is the Suzuki DR650 and Honda XR650L (or R) superior, cheaper to maintain and more reliable.

Did you know the F650 weighs about 65 lbs. more than a DR650 Suzuki? (Dry weights) Of course, this means nothing to you. It will, it will ...

Check out Terra Circa and see what they are riding. Real riders, pushing hard and beating their machines. Guess what they are riding? Suzuki of course!

Great movie, BTW. Very non Hollywood approach. Rated R !

Patrick

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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!