BMW F 650 GS Dakar

Not only a two-cylinder technician, but also a single-cylinder one with BMW markings. Back in 1925, the R 39 was humming to the rhythm of a single cylinder, and in 1966 the R39 became the last single-cylinder BMW. 27 years. In 1993, the F 650 GS was born as a result of his alliance with Aprilia and Rotax.

A simple and easy-to-use motorcycle with very recognizable movements. He became a hit among aspiring motorcyclists and a conqueror of female (motorcycle) hearts. But the connection did not last long. Aprilia, with its Pegasus and its sister engine, went its own way and, like the Germans, decided to try its luck on its own.

According to Dakar Dakar

In 1999, BMW celebrated the occasion by introducing the F 650 RR to a rally that stretched from Granada to Dakar in the same year. The Bavarians cleverly combined their success with the sales of the GS model and the Dakar was born, a kind of sporty version of the base model. Technically, it is similar to the latter in terms of strength, but from the outside they are shared by the more aggressive design of the Dakar. This is a replica of the winning bike in the desert.

The unit on both models is the same, the driver's workplace and equipment are the same. Despite its individuality, the Dakar is slightly different from the base model. Especially when it comes to suspension. This increases the travel of the front telescopic forks from 170 mm to 210 mm. This is exactly the rear wheel travel, which is only 165mm for the base GS.

The wheelbase of the Dakar is 10mm longer and 15mm longer. The narrower front wheel has different dimensions, which was also dictated by the modified wing. The front grille is a copy of the one found on the racing RR model. If motorcyclists are the ones who swear by the GS because of the low seat, then the Dakar is different. The seat is separated from the floor by as much as 870 mm.

The differences support the claim that the Bavarians, who manufacture both models at the Berlin plant, created the Dakar for the driver who wants to drive off-tarmac and on undemanding roads. Therefore ABS is also not available as an option.

In the field and on the road

In hot dog days, wandering from the scorched Ljubljana Valley to the Karavanke Mountains is even more appropriate than swimming in the sea or lying in thick shade. Dakar shows its merits on a mountain road dug by torrential streams. Here, a sturdy dual steel bracket frame and adjustable suspension provide a sense of stability. Driving is easy and playful thanks to the upright position of the rider, the brakes are firm despite the single front disc, which is not the case with the gearbox and wobbly rear-view mirrors.

The engine power is enough for the average off-road enthusiast, even if he is climbing some difficult climb. However, he will find that the device is slightly weak at lower speeds. Especially if he is next to a passenger.

Dakar is ready to transport this pair, but requires a properly adjusted harness. The unit is satisfactory on the road, where in the area of ​​predominantly medium operation it shows liveliness in terms of suspension and stability. If we force the Dakar at too high a speed into long, fast corners, he immediately declares with concern that he doesn't like it.

But that's not a reason not to afford it, drive him to work and on business during the week and bury him in the dirt on the weekends. Both of you will love this. Dakar and you.

dinner: 7.045, 43 euro (Tehnounion Avto, Ljubljana)

Technical information

engine: 4-stroke - 1-cylinder - liquid cooled - vibration damping shaft - 2 camshafts, chain - 4 valves per cylinder - bore and stroke 100 × 83 mm - 11:5 compression - fuel injection - unleaded petrol (OŠ 1) - battery 95 V, 12 Ah - generator 12 W - electric starter

Volume: 652 cm3

Maximum power: declared maximum power 37 kW (50 hp) at 6.500 rpm

Maximum torque: declared maximum torque 60 Nm @ 5.000 rpm

Energy transfer: primary gear, oil bath multi-plate clutch - 5-speed gearbox - chain

Frame and suspension: two steel brackets, bolted lower crossbars and seat link - 1489 mm wheelbase - Showa f 43 mm telescopic front fork, 210 mm travel - rear swingarm, preload adjustable center shock, 210 mm wheel travel

Wheels and tires: front wheel 1 × 60 with 21 / 90-90 21S tire – rear wheel 54 × 3 with 00 / 17-130 80S tire, Metzeler brand

brakes: front 1 × disc f 300 mm with 4-piston caliper - rear disc f 240 mm

Wholesale apples: length 2189 mm - width with mirrors 910 mm - handlebar width 901 mm - seat height from the ground 870 mm - fuel tank 17 l, reserve 3 l - weight (with fuel, factory) 4 kg - load capacity 5 kg

Our measurements

Flexibility from 60 to 130 km / h:

IV. performance: 12, 0 s

V. execution: 16, 2 p.

Consumption: 4, 08 l / 100 km

Mass with liquids: 198 kg

Our rating: 4, 5/5

Text: Primož manrman

Photo: Mateya Potochnik.

• Technical information

  engine: 4-stroke - 1-cylinder - liquid cooled - vibration damping shaft - 2 camshafts, chain - 4 valves per cylinder - bore and stroke 100 × 83 mm - compression 11,5:1 - fuel injection - unleaded petrol (OŠ 95) - battery 12 V, 12 Ah - generator 400 W - electric starter

  Torque: declared maximum torque 60 Nm @ 5.000 rpm

  Energy transfer: primary gear, oil bath multi-plate clutch - 5-speed gearbox - chain

  Frame: two steel brackets, bolted lower crossbars and seat link - 1489 mm wheelbase - Showa f 43 mm telescopic front fork, 210 mm travel - rear swingarm, preload adjustable center shock, 210 mm wheel travel

  brakes: front 1 × disc f 300 mm with 4-piston caliper - rear disc f 240 mm

  Weight: length 2189 mm - width with mirrors 910 mm - handlebar width 901 mm - seat height from the ground 870 mm - fuel tank 17,3 l, capacity 4,5 l - weight (with fuel, factory) 192 kg - load capacity 187 kg