Im surprised no one mentioned the battery. Make sure you change the standard Dakar battery, which leaks in an off, to a dry cell. You don't want to get stuck with a dry battery and acid leaked out.

The front suspension is quite soft and dives especially when braking. The rear is also a bit soft for luggage. It can eat rear shocks if the triple linkage is worn. So best to upgrade that as well.

This is true ... I didn't mention these issues as don't want to be perceived as "piling" on the poor Dakar.

It amazed me that BMW continued to use a wet, non-sealed battery for so many years after EVERYONE had switched over to sealed, MF batteries. These batteries caused serious problems for uneducated owners for YEARS!

The other very common issue with F650/Dakar is that the R/R over charges ... this quickly COOKS batteries. I've seen the ugly results of this in person, leaking batteries on these bikes ... not from crashing ... but from being BOILED OUT from overcharging.

It's also known that the main bolt holding the shock can BEND. This puts everything out of alignment ... ruining the low budget WP shock they put in there. Fairly common, well documented problem as well.
There are more issues.

Educated owners have long ago switched to sealed batteries and keep an eye on voltage output of R/R. Most replace the shock bolt with a stronger Stainless one with a higher rating. A better shock really helps the bike a lot.
The guy I rode with in Utah was a BMW dealer mechanic and had made ALL these changes on his bike ... and about 100 other things. It was a VERY nice bike. I loved riding it ... just the weight put me off riding off road.


Not a good shot, but best I have. Note the custom tool kit/bash plate.
Great bike but about 45 kgs. heavier than my DR650. Full Dakar dash set up,
GPS and all the toys. Nice on the highway for a single!