Topic: So I got a Dakar... for Free!

[Uncle Ernie]

Regarding the other thread about the R65;  I've been all over the country on one, and loved it.  Pasing capability 2-up depends on how much you  both weigh. 

RE the Dakar, it could very well be that a low-speed jet is clogged from sitting so long. Also- I put gaiters on all my bikes, and I can't remember when I last time had to replace fork seals.

[fastbroshi]

How sweet is that?  Not only did you get a free bike that needed little to be reliable, but it's a Beemer too.

[faux fiddy]

Regarding the other thread about the R65;  I've been all over the country on one, and loved it.  Pasing capability 2-up depends on how much you  both weigh. 

RE the Dakar, it could very well be that a low-speed jet is clogged from sitting so long. Also- I put gaiters on all my bikes, and I can't remember when I last time had to replace fork seals.

+1 Bug splatter can do in a set of fork seals pretty quick, as well as corrosive on the metal.

I would get a shop manual and go through it, and make sure that the break in maintainence has been done. Not sure about the bMW, but the super duke requires valve adjustment within 1k miles.  The cam clearance tighentens down to zero as the valves seat during breakin. Leaves no room for oil to stay in between.

I would say you've had a good Christmas gift!

[laser145]

Found another pic for you guys...


After speaking with my generous friend I've learned more about the bike... Exhaust has been upgraded, as well as stiffer front and rear springs, footpegs, chainguard, handlebar risers, blinkers, and (I think) headlight... he also has a spare set of knobby tires on excel rims... nice.

I had to leave town for a week at Christmas so I tucked the bike away in my garage... good thing too, since we had one hell of a snowstorm after I left!

Cheers

[Stev-o]

Oh yeah, we all heard about that snow storm!!!

[Terry in Australia]

That's an excellent pick up mate, well done! All BMW's a great bikes (I can't think of a bad one, actually) and the F650's have proven themselves to be excellent for commuting duties, right thru to crossing continents.

Make sure you give it a full service including oil, spark plugs and all filters, (BMW fuel filters need to be changed regularly) I'm guessing that your generous friend wasn't big on maintenance, considering how much he disliked the bike, so that'd be my first priority, to give it a good service.

Replacing fork seals is a simple task, so do that sooner rather than later, or you'll end up with a fork leg full of rusty goo, if you don't already. And park it under cover, I can never understand why people leave their bikes parked in the street, that's just asking for trouble! Cheers, Terry.

[fastbroshi]

We all complain about PO's not doing maintenance, but if they want to give it away rather than do a little wrenching I'm all for it.

[weekend_junkie]

Not that I'm jealous, but... well, I'm jealous, alright?!?  You sure are lucky you put that bike away during the snow.  I'm in Hoboken and the wind blew the snow around on some streets so the north side had cars absolutely buried and the south side was as if it hadn't even snowed.

Give me a call if you want to ride that thing around Jersey and I'll put some knobbies on my 350F and cruise around with ya!

[laser145]

I got the bike back out for a day, but garaged it again today for the storm coming tomorrow.

I did manage to to pick up the spare parts from my buddy... got a set of black Excel rims with Metzlers mounted (90% tread, stored indoors so not rot) also a brand new set of knobbies that still have the tape on them!

The exhaust is made by Laser, the suspension is WP, handle bar risers and foot pegs are Touratech, cruise control by Throttle Meister... still not sure about the headlights but I think they're also Touratech.

I've been over on ADV's site talking to some locals guys about the 6K service... they all came together and recommended a forum member who lives in Queens. Apparently he does the maintenance on a few of their bikes(and he rides a Dakar)... I messaged him and he sent back his number. I'm looking forward to talking to him further.

I'm certainly going to be serious about the maintenance, I want to put 100K on this bike! Next I'll need to find a local welder who can make some custom luggage mounts... I can fashion wood myself but I can't weld... sad.

Cheers
Taylor

[laser145]

Not that I'm jealous, but... well, I'm jealous, alright?!?  You sure are lucky you put that bike away during the snow.  I'm in Hoboken and the wind blew the snow around on some streets so the north side had cars absolutely buried and the south side was as if it hadn't even snowed.

Give me a call if you want to ride that thing around Jersey and I'll put some knobbies on my 350F and cruise around with ya!

Let's go!! Can you show me some spots with less traffic? I haven't lived up here long enough to know the area!

[weekend_junkie]

Let's go!! Can you show me some spots with less traffic? I haven't lived up here long enough to know the area!

Sure can, but all the no-traffic areas I know are in NJ so get your saddle across the Hudson and there are plenty of nearby places to have some fun.