I'm looking to buy a used F650GS BMW. Price range is $4000 to $5K any years you would suggest are better than others and any years models to avoid? I plan to ride 75% street and 25% dirt/fire roads
I'm in the market now and looking for the same information. Is the difference between the later model years with twin spark plugs worth it? What other changes were there besides paint and graphics?
I had an '03 650Gs with over 36000 miles on it. I made a mistake and sold it. I now have another '03 650GS. I have not had problems with either bike.
I've had an F650ST ('97, I believe), a '99 Funduro, an '02 F650GS and I just got a used '05 Dakar. I've never had any mechanical or performance problems with any of them. Tip: The Dakar has aftermarket progressive front springs and different sprockets, and the improvement in the suspension and off-road performance is substantial. Still great on the pavement, too.
Thanks for the info guys. I guess it comes down to how much I want to spend. Is it typical for them to go for $1000 more than NADA book value? I'm in the Denver area if that makes a difference.
I have a 2001 Dakar with 8,000 miles. C Bailey windshield, engine guards, saddle bags(a bit bruised), nearly new knobbies, tail rack, lithium iron battery (1lb vs 10 lb.), new Renazco seat (very nice), and rox risers. I purchased a Stelvio so I think I might let the Dakar go. I need 6k as I want to get a new CRF250L to kick around on. I highly doubt there are any nicer out there than mine. These are great bikes, my wife and I have rode two up all day no problem. No mechanical issues at all. Gets an easy 70 mpg through the mountains at 70 mph. Plenty of power.
The reason the mileage is so low is that I purchased it just before my kids hit high school sports then college...finally got my life back:)
I've heard that these bikes are priced more in accordance with local supply rather than the NADA value. And pricing also factors in the year, mileage, and accessories. You may want to check out F650.com which is the mother lode of F650GS single information. The people over there may have more info on pricing in your region and the FAQs will show you all the differences between the various years and models and then some. Good luck in your search!
I have an 05 F650GS with 34,000 miles. Nary a problem and it has led a hard life. My only suggestion is to get a Dakar if you can find one. The 21" front tire makes a difference. Dont be afraid of something with a few bruises. These things can take it.
I've owned a few street bikes in my day but have never even hopped on a dirt bike. I want to do more exploring of the great trails out here in Colorado so I want a bike that can handle some off-road, but it seems like the capabilities of the Dakar would be way more than I need. I would like to spend 10% of the time on trails but even that might be a stretch at first. If there's really no big advantage to the 2005+ models, it's probably best to not go overboard and see if this adventure bug really catches on for me.
BMW caused a bit of confusion with their bike names. The thumper F650GS also came in a Dakar version. The only difference being the suspension and wheels. The Dakar has a 21". The regular GS has a 19.
