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Suzuki DR650 vs BMW GS Dakar Suzuki DR650 vs BMW GS Dakar
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 7 May 2007
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Question Suzuki DR650 vs BMW GS Dakar
I'm planing on getting a used 650GS Dakar but I don't know if it's worth the price so I'm also considering Suzuki DR650. I'm planing some trips to Mexico and I'm concerned about the DR at high speeds. Can The DR do the same things the Dakar does in terms of speed and on dirt roads?
If I get the DR I would get it new. If I get the Dakar I would get it used but still pay more than the new DR.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the Dakar is better at high speeds because of the extra power and weight.
I'm 5'8" and I wonder if I'm too short for the Dakar.
Thank's in advance for input.
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  #2  
Old 7 May 2007
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Smile Dakar
I have a Dakar which I rode around Australia for 7 months with no problems at all. I am 5'9' and have a standard GS seat on it which lowers it a little, although I was OK with the original. (tip toes). I have never ridden a Dr so will not comment on it. When i looked at bikes, the seat comfort was a big consideration considering the time you will spend on the bike when touring and i don't think there is a better option than the GS for that, especially with a sheepskin on top. Only my opinion.
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  #3  
Old 7 May 2007
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During a day when nothing goes wrong, on nice improved highways, the F650 will be a better road bike with greater weight, better fuel economy and fewer vibrations.

In general, the F650 will be more expensive to repair. Although considered as reliable, there are a few known faults with these bikes.

The DR650 is a much simpler bike without structural, mechanical or electrical faults from the factory, and is very easy to self-maintain.

You will want to add a larger fuel tank, more comfy seat and windshield for touring on a DR650.

Other than ruining a rear wheel, which was my fault, my '06 DR650 has been trouble-free for 26k miles in 8 months of ownership.

Ride the one that makes your heart soar....
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Old 7 May 2007
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Like Lone Rider, we have a '05 F650GS and a (two actually) DR650. I agree with his assessments. Were we going to Mexico, it would be on the DR650, no doubt. Simple, reliable and capable on anything we would travel on. My wife rides the F650 when we go on multi-week trips to Montana and Idaho where we mostly ride all day at 65+mph on paved roads. It has been reliable (but for some cold starting issues) and gets great gas mileage, though she wants to trade for a 1150GS for that purpose. For our trips to Moab or up in the local mountains or for playing off road anywhere, the DR650 is much superior and confidence inspiring.
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  #5  
Old 12 May 2007
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I was looking around on these forums looking for some info on which bike I should use for my trip from South Africa to Russia. Do you reckon this bike
DR650SE with this fuel tank UNLIMITED DIRT - IMS PRODUCTS Fuel / Gas Tank - Suzuki DR650 - 4.9 Gallon will do the trip?

I read a lot of people reckon the Suzuki DR650 is not a bad bike for the price and the BMW Dakar is too expensive for me.

What other mods would that bike need? (Except for luggage mods of course)

I do not have any experience in buying a bike and this will be my first one actually. So any info suggestions would be great.
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Old 12 May 2007
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[QUOTE=vangraan;136098]...........

I read a lot of people reckon the Suzuki DR650 is not a bad bike for the price and the BMW Dakar is too expensive for me.

................QUOTE]

For the trip you desribe, I would buy the DR...even if both bikes were equally priced.
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  #7  
Old 12 May 2007
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Great Moab shots! I missed it coming back from Colorado. Next time.
The 2 bikes are very similar and dependable I believe. The GS is good looking and I think a less tiring ride on the highway. I have the Dr, and long days takes a lot out of me. The seat has been modified every which way and still is a bench. I have an untested Airhawk pillow seat to try now. I have tried to keep up to a GS650 at >140 k/hr constant but found it tiring. The interstates are not these bikes intention anyhow.
Overall I like the air cooling of the Dr to keep things simple. Watch for base gasket weeping on pre (2002?) models. The new ones have a metal gasket. Any bike purchase is a tough choice. I have been trying to decide between a weestrom and versys and have stalemated myself.:confused1:
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  #8  
Old 12 May 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
To read a lot about the DR650 go here:
the DR650 thread - ADVrider
Thanks was a great read. Think this bike is what I will take. Personally I don't mind the looks. Think it looks rough.
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  #9  
Old 22 May 2007
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BMW Parts
Hi all, just one small comment on the thread. Please don't make the mistake of thinking that BMWs are expensive to maintain. Any parts I have had to replace have been way cheaper than any Japanese parts I have purchased.

Mike.
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Old 22 May 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by carphone View Post
Hi all, just one small comment on the thread. Please don't make the mistake of thinking that BMWs are expensive to maintain. Any parts I have had to replace have been way cheaper than any Japanese parts I have purchased.

Mike.
What parts are those?
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  #11  
Old 22 May 2007
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My DR has just gone around he clock (105000km) and no issues so far. I agree that a modified seat is a must (there is a gel seat available from Suzi in he US, but not elsewhere) and you also need a bigger tank. I have a 25l Acerbis which takes a bit of mechaniching to fit.

BMW parts may be cheaper (I don't know), but I have heard that working on the F650 is very complicated = expensive. Ask the dealers for the price of the various services to get an indication.
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  #12  
Old 23 May 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
That's an interesting claim. I'd like to see a side by side list of parts and prices from the OEM MSRP...not a discount place.

And example would be:

Mirror
Plastic side panel
Piston
Handlebars
Air filter
Front fender
Front wheel (hub, rim, and spokes)

Any one care to look these up?

I'd go with 'street price', the prices we usually pay.

DR oil filters are about $5, four bucks and change.
The air filter is reused at a cost of $0.
A coil is $70
A CDI is $300
A wiring harness is $200

I have a slow connection right now and can't look up..even the weather...

I think the poster made a boo-boo......
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Old 23 May 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
That's an interesting claim. I'd like to see a side by side list of parts and prices from the OEM MSRP...not a discount place.

And example would be:

Mirror
Plastic side panel
Piston
Handlebars
Air filter
Front fender
Front wheel (hub, rim, and spokes)

Any one care to look these up?
MAX BMW Motorcycles - Parts Fiche

Can't compare bodywork though. Unpainted bodywork you could.... Dunno where the info for DR's are. Part of what I like it the availabilty of this sort of info including F650.com
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  #14  
Old 15 Jan 2008
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Niether...
I'd personally opt for the KLR 650. In my opinion you can't go wrong. A buddy of mine bought the DR 650 and regrets after riding my KLR. The DR seems to be a good bike, but it's small, lightweight, and very uncomfortable after hours in the saddle.
Also, you can buy ALOT of after-market products for the KLR and equip it specifically to you needs.
That's just my opinion but I feel it would be worth considering.
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  #15  
Old 16 Jan 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tmotten View Post
Dunno where the info for DR's are.
Because you have not looked .... and why would you?


Alpha Sports - Suzuki Motorcycle Parts Catalog
Motogrid | Honda OEM Parts | Kawasaki OEM Parts | Suzuki OEM Parts | Yamaha OEM Parts
Bar Risers, Handle bar Risers, Engine Guards, Case Guards
KienTech Engineering

And others ..

There is an active yahoo group on DR650s ..

Suzuki DR 650 Forum
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