Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Xt660R vs F650GS Dakar or even something else? Xt660R vs F650GS Dakar or even something else?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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 Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By PaulD

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 3 Jun 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 4
Xt660R vs F650GS Dakar or even something else?
Hi all,

Sorry another 'which round the world bike' thread, but I would really appreciate peoples opinions and suggestions.

My partner and I are planning a Round the World trip commencing late next year / early 2015.

I have ridden for many years but she is fairly new to biking, currently on a 125 but looking to get something a bit bigger in the coming months.

We are trying to decide which bikes to take around the world. We plan to take one each but would like to both take the same make / model bike to cut down on spares etc. The key criteria are:
  • light
  • relativley easy to get spares
  • reliable
  • not too high a seat height (she is 5'4" ish or 163cms)
  • suitable for both on / off road

And finally we don't want to break the bank!

The bikes I have looked at so far are the Yamaha XT660R and the BMW F650GS dakar (the older single cylinder model).

What are your thoughts? Does one of these stand out as 'the one to take' or maybe there is something else we haven't even considered?

Thanks in advance,

Simon
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 3 Jun 2013
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Aus. Qld. Mackay
Posts: 474
Bikes
Simon,

In my opinion there is to much put into the fact that if you take 2 bikes then take the same, usually when this happens one rider is severely compromised,
I think the trade off of having bikes that you really are comfortable on and the small price you pay for carrying a few extra tools is minimal. When my wife and I started out our planning, we were going to ride 2 F650gs's. I could see it was going to be to big & heavy on an ongoing day to day type trip. She loves her BMW but opted for an XT250 & was the best thing she ever did. I rode an F650gs twin & she kept up with me nearly everywhere & often I struggled to keep up with her (Cairo to Cape Town) So if your wife is slightly built I really think both those bikes will be to big for her & you want her to wake in the morning to look forward to the days ride rather than dread fighting with a fully loaded 650cc.
Only my thoughts tho !:confused1:

Cheers
Paul
__________________
....rather Die Living.....than Live Dying !
www.globetrekkers.net.au
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 3 Jun 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
The bank balance
Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulD View Post
Simon,

In my opinion there is to much put into the fact that if you take 2 bikes then take the same, usually when this happens one rider is severely compromised,
I think the trade off of having bikes that you really are comfortable on and the small price you pay for carrying a few extra tools is minimal. When my wife and I started out our planning, we were going to ride 2 F650gs's. I could see it was going to be to big & heavy on an ongoing day to day type trip. She loves her BMW but opted for an XT250 & was the best thing she ever did. I rode an F650gs twin & she kept up with me nearly everywhere & often I struggled to keep up with her (Cairo to Cape Town) So if your wife is slightly built I really think both those bikes will be to big for her & you want her to wake in the morning to look forward to the days ride rather than dread fighting with a fully loaded 650cc.
Only my thoughts tho !:confused1:

Cheers
Paul
Here here!

Since you don't want to "break the bank" then look in the HUBB about riding 125cc bikes - cheaper on insurance, transportation of the bikes, fuel economy, etc etc and that's just taking the £/$ view. There are quite a few ride reports about such bikes + a number of threads about the other advantages of 125cc that I haven't mentioned here.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Jun 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: London
Posts: 7
My wife rides a F650GS rotax engine model, she is about 5'7" and has done the BMW off road skills course and is well suited to the bike, I ride a Vstrom 650 which she doesn't like as it is more top heavy than her bike.

I have ridden her bike a lot and really don't like it for the seating position, hand controls and engine style, I like the V over the Thumper. My wife loves everything about her bike.

This is just our example illustrating what PaulD advised.

good luck

cheers
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 Jun 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Up in the hills of Norfolk
Posts: 249
I suspect the F650GS Dakar may be too high at 870mm seat height.

Non Dakar F650GS is a little lower.

May be worth a read here if you haven't seen it before - Lowering Kit FAQ for the GS
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 5 Jun 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Warrington UK
Posts: 703
Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulD View Post
So if your wife is slightly built I really think both those bikes will be to big for her & you want her to wake in the morning to look forward to the days ride rather than dread fighting with a fully loaded 650cc.
Only my thoughts tho !:confused1:

Cheers
Paul
.
.
Sorry I can't agree.

The XT660R that his wife would be riding could be very lightly loaded, with him taking the bulk of the weight.

the XT660 can be lowered, and in my opinion, would be the "pair" of bikes to use.

vette
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 5 Jun 2013
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Aus. Qld. Mackay
Posts: 474
Quote:
Originally Posted by uk_vette View Post
.
.
Sorry I can't agree.

The XT660R that his wife would be riding could be very lightly loaded, with him taking the bulk of the weight.

the XT660 can be lowered, and in my opinion, would be the "pair" of bikes to use.

vette
XT660r Dry Weight: 165kg (lightly loaded ie:15kg) 180kg
XT250 Dry Weight: 130kg (lightly loaded ie:15kg) 145kg
__________________
....rather Die Living.....than Live Dying !
www.globetrekkers.net.au
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 8 Jun 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 3
Hey,just got my 2006 Dakar bout a month ago and ehs a heavy bike unloaded,im 5.10 and pretty strong but ive tipped it over once already and it wasnt easy getting back up.I can hardly imagine a lady handling this bike,i let my mom(5.4")get on and it was a joke,seat height was way too tall for her,why not a normal GS?
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 14 Jun 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 4
Hi all,

Thanks for your responses and sorry for the belated reply I have been working away trying to save some cash for the trip!!

Sounds like although two identical bikes have their advantages in terms of spares etc it is better to have something of the right fit / weight.

Maybe an XT 250 or similar is the next step and take it from there.

Thanks again,

Simon
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 14 Jun 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 4
On a separate note I am still looking between an XT660R, an F650 Dakar and more recently a new G650 GS.

The G650GS has only just come to my attention but looks like it ticks a lot of the boxes, what are peoples views of the G650GS versus the other options? I think I could get it at a pretty reasonable price on a pre registration deal....

Thanks,

Simon
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 14 Jun 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
It's basically a Rotax engine
Quote:
Originally Posted by sja90 View Post
On a separate note I am still looking between an XT660R, an F650 Dakar and more recently a new G650 GS.

The G650GS has only just come to my attention but looks like it ticks a lot of the boxes, what are peoples views of the G650GS versus the other options? I think I could get it at a pretty reasonable price on a pre registration deal....

Thanks,

Simon
Here's a fairly recent G650GS thread - it contains a range of opinions and even a few wrong "facts", but there is some information in there from those who have owned them:-
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...h/g650gs-61816

As you say, it is priced very competitively.
Also, from a recent thread about BMWs, it is their only current model that does not have the CANbus technology.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
f650gs, f650gs dakar, which bike, xt660r, xt660r vs f650gs

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
F/S UK: Ally Panniers - BMW F650GS Dakar Lenz2 TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 1 3 Sep 2012 18:06

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

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. 11-14
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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 07:27.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top