Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

Hi "pietpetoors" seeing that i have had the good fortune to own both i will try share some info for you. My first was the normal 650GS realy enjoyed it, until it was removed from me with out my pemission(stolen)! Auto Atlantic then let me take a dakar out for a test ride and i was sold. The bike stands higher and the position you sit at just feels better. If you are short you might have difficulty touching the ground. I felt a bit 'crunched' when riding the 650GS come to think of it now. Oh! there is no centre stand on the dakar(kak!) All the best in your choice!!

Hi Pietpetoors I currently have the pleasure of having both in my garage and like Gulp says, if you're a bit of a bigger fellow, the Dakar should suit you better. I feel like I sort of sit "in" the 650GS but my Dakar feels like the enduro bikes I rode when I was a bit younger, nice high riding position. Trying them both will be the best way to decide. I made the mistake of only riding the GS and after I had purchased it, rode a mate of mines Dakar and was suddenly dissapointed I had bought so quickly. Luckily my wife decided to upgrade from her little bike and my problem was solved.

Jip, it is mostly about size. I am "vertically challenged" and found the 650 GS an absolute pleasure. 17 000 km in 13 months. :) Maybe ChristoE will explain what I looked like when I rode his Dakar - to add insult to injury his bike's suspension was slightly raised. :( Try to imagine a balerina walking around on tip toes - that is what I looked like on the side where my toes actually came close to the ground. Maybe theeee FREAK will give us some technical info regarding any possible differences in the suspension.

Thanks for the comments. One think I nether thought of before, are the seats of both the same, especially the riding position of the passenger. I have spoken to a guy with a 1200 today and he said his wife like the fact that the passenger seat is a bit higher than the front seat so she can look over him. Seems like I would have to go to CPT to test drive both and see.