Author Topic: 650Gs, Dakar and Transalp - rank them... (Read 3353 times)

the_wes · « **on:** February 13, 2007, 01:26:31 pm »

in my quest to decide between the F650GS and Dakar, i realised that the Honda Transalp ain't too bad either. i came to this conclusion by looking at the stats, and realising that the Transalp seems to fall somewhere between the other 2 in some respects.

so, the BMW F650GS vs the BMW F650GS Dakar vs the Honda Transalp, in which order would you rank them (1-3), and why? (all brand new)

(bearing in mind we're talking 70/30 on on-road/off-road, and some long distance 2-up touring)

Lootch67 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 13, 2007, 02:32:25 pm »

Given your 70/30 split I'd say Transalp, Dakar, GS.

GeoffR · « **Reply #2 on:** February 13, 2007, 02:39:52 pm »

Just watch the Trans Alp's fuel consumption. Have had one on 2 of my tours and petrol was a problem on both (range). I would suggest even worse 2 up. Not sure if it has a small tank??

JourneyMan · « **Reply #3 on:** February 13, 2007, 02:46:56 pm »

I would say for your purposes regarding 30% dirt, all 3 would be more or less equal in enjoyment factor and performance with the Dakar maybe giving you more options. (More technical stuff)

Not ridden a TA before but the twin should make it a better ride for touring and two up. Not that the other two can not do it, but a smoother ride I would think.

Oh. Where the Beemers kick ass, is fuel consumption. Not one bike in the 650 class which comes near it. (Based on reports here

)

michnus · « **Reply #4 on:** February 13, 2007, 02:47:52 pm »

Stats and specs is the easiest way to buy the wrong bike, same as the 640ADv looks mean and makes your mouth water, it's just as hardcore and most people can't cope with that bike.

You need to consider replacement parts on the Honda and the Dakar, as well as services cost and intervals, but best is go test ride them, it's the easiest way you will know what to buy

Steady · « **Reply #5 on:** February 13, 2007, 03:39:43 pm »

the_wes, you do not say how tall you are or how much you weigh.

Can't speak for the Transalp, cos I have never ridden one but I do ride a Dakar and would have to say that if two-up touring is on the menu and you are reasonably heavy/tall stay away from the BMW's, they are a bit too small. The Dakar has a slightly bigger screen than the GS but it offers very little wind protection for long distance touring. Great around town and an hour or so on the open road but that's about it, IMO. If my missus gets on the back with a few things for a week-end away it's like dragging weed.

I would stick my neck out and say that your estimate of 70/30 split between on/off road, will, in reality end up at an 85/15 ratio, and add a pillion to that and you may just regret buying the single. I weigh 91 kg's and am 1,95m tall, The Dakar is great off road and around town but I like it less and less on the open road and no longer ride two up.

the_wes · « **Reply #6 on:** February 13, 2007, 03:45:53 pm »

i am +- 1.82m, and weigh in at a whopping 115kg (it nasty to laugh hey)

Steady · « **Reply #7 on:** February 13, 2007, 04:13:04 pm »

Quote

i am +- 1.82m, and weigh in at a whopping 115kg (it nasty to laugh hey)

Perhaps the TA would be the best bet for you wes.

bud500 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 13, 2007, 04:20:42 pm »

I have done about 1500km on a TA and about 100km on a GS and about 100km on a Dakar.

The TA and Dakar are better offroad due to bigger front wheel.
Dare I say, build quality on the TA is the best.
But the TA is a lot heavier.
Yes, the BM's are way better on fuel consumption.

On performance, side by side, top end and acceleration there is not much to choose between any of them.

IMO, from what I understand you want, the TA is the better choice, more solid feel, more comfy ride and like me you're a big lad so can handle the weight. Then there is the price......

Zonkelmonk · « **Reply #9 on:** February 13, 2007, 04:41:16 pm »

Again?

Please read the ride reports!

You can do over 1000km per day for days (12) without being tired. Believe me, you can. It is very good on the road. Off-Road, well, read the ride reports. It is perfect off-road. Go everywhere without breaking.

I love the GS range and would buy one any day because they are good. But for long distance travel (I am 1.83 length) and some SERIOUS off-road, unbreakable (I have tried), then I have to say the TA is no.1.

And for parts, Honda does have lots available and Honda must be in every town, same as BMW.

michnus · « **Reply #10 on:** February 13, 2007, 05:03:50 pm »

Peopoljack did the 4x4 route over the Baviaans on the normal GS and he is not small, so this big hoohaa over the best suspension and what else is chucked out the window.

Zonkel did Namiba a few times on the Honda also without the heavy suspension

of the Dakar or a KTM. Again shit argument. Price wise the TA is the best option of the three.

The TA is the best long distance tourer of the three. But get crash protection for the TA

Zonkelmonk · « **Reply #11 on:** February 13, 2007, 05:12:47 pm »

ye michnus. you the man!!! The_wes, listen, ignore the rest and stick with what works (even michnus the main man agrees) TA!!!!!!!!

Stofstreep · « **Reply #12 on:** February 13, 2007, 05:43:07 pm »

I'm Baised here, but I believe that in the 650 class there is nothing beter than the TA

Even on the the comsuption side, you might just get 17km/L, but they are good Km's

Seriously don't think there are much between them, but will take the TA again if I have to choose.

shark_za · « **Reply #13 on:** February 13, 2007, 05:44:37 pm »

For the riding I do, it would be Dakar, TA, 650GS.

The TA is surprisingly capable offroad, not as much clearance as the Dakar hence the choice.

the_wes · « **Reply #14 on:** February 13, 2007, 05:47:47 pm »

as usual on this forum, i get hit with a ton of experience and wisdom, and things i would never have thought of. you guys rock!

i still have a while before i buy, so i'm going to carry on thinking about it. at the moment the ABS option on the BMWs is a big plus for me, as i lane-split daily...

Adventurer · « **Reply #15 on:** February 13, 2007, 06:11:27 pm »

All 3 are good bikes and you will not go wrong whichever one you buy, just go with your heart.

the_wes · « **Reply #16 on:** February 13, 2007, 06:16:07 pm »

it's funny that you say that, because i was just thinking, there are so many good reasons to get the TA, but i can't get excited about it like i do about the F650GS/Dakar. at the end of the day, whatever I buy, I am going to need to ride every single day...

seriously, you guys are magic when it comes to info, i have learnt so much here over the last few weeks

Leo · « **Reply #17 on:** February 13, 2007, 06:45:50 pm »

//Hijack on

Quote from: "Steady"

I weigh 91 kg's and am 1,95m tall,

.....with those body specs Steady you're definately on the wrong bike.

Get a bike with min 850mm seat height and at least 950 cc throbbing under you!

Hijack off//

The_Wes - go with your heart

the_wes · « **Reply #18 on:** February 13, 2007, 06:52:56 pm »

i'm having flashbacks to star wars episode 1 here

"what does your heart tell you?"

Steady · « **Reply #19 on:** February 13, 2007, 07:47:58 pm »

Quote from: "Leo"

//Hijack on

Quote from: "Steady"
I weigh 91 kg's and am 1,95m tall,

.....with those body specs Steady you're definately on the wrong bike.

Get a bike with min 850mm seat height and at least 950 cc throbbing under you!

Hijack off//

The_Wes - go with your heart

Leo, you are right of course which is why I also ride a 1200 ADV.

And +1 on going with your heart.

Author Topic: 650Gs, Dakar and Transalp - rank them... (Read 3353 times)

Steady

Steady

shark_za

Steady