I checked out the F650 Dakar for the first time today. Very impressive. (I am considering it for a 12 month tour of Australia and Asia)

2 Questions I came away with:
1. There are some electronic contacts under the engine (one goes to the sidestand and another to the exhaust pipe) These seem to be exposed and easily soaked during river crosings. Has anyone had any problems with this? Can they be disconected without harm to the bike?

2. If you remove the catalyst and install a single pipe you will free up a lot of space on the right side next to the fuel tank. This seems like an ideal spot to put in a larger replacement tank. Anybody know of an aftermarket tank that might work or anybody tried modifying the original tank? Or anybody know of a spare fuel container with the right shape that would be easy store there?

Thanks

You can change the exhaust to a single replacement without effecting the bike. I am not aware of any aftermarket fuel tanks for just that side.

You can purchase front tanks from Touratech which are £1100 in the UK. The Schalber bike makes use of rear tanks but they are £1000 and you will need to do a load of work on the rear end as none of the standard parts will fit.

I have seen GS 650 and a Dakr droped into a river and when we picked them up they started straight away.

I have driven a GS through a river that came upto the seat and had no problems.

I would still seal all your electrics before you go though as prevention is better than cure.

I'm just in the process and getting my Dakar preped for an Africa jaunt. There are a few other things that I would do if you intend to take a Dakar.

Julio

Hi Julio,

I've just purchased a 1 year old F650GSPD,and I'm preparing it for a Pan American trip starting in January. I'd be most interested to learn about your preperation modifications ( Sealing electrics etc). I'm wondering how to be prepared or low octane fuel in South America, or if the bike can somehow get by... I'm also wondering about the Touratech front tank , but man it's expensive !

Cheers.

Hi

Will be getting a web page up showing all the modifications and extras on the bike.

Have ordered the new tanks, panniers, new fork springs, new cockpit,battery etc and exhaust without cat as the cat version get ruined with leaded fuel.

The onboard computer calculates the octane level of the fuel and adjust the injection system to compensate.

Really got hacked off with the side stand leaning the bike over too far on my latest trip to Czech, this makes it really hard to get it upright when loaded with luggage. Will be getting this modified as well as getting a centre stand fitted.

Cheers

Julio

Hi Julio -

Is that site of yours up yet regarding your modifications ?

Also - what happens to the Cat converter after using leaded fuel - does the fact that the converter is damaged inpair the function of the bike in any way ?

Cheers

Jeremy

Jeremy

Cat Converter -
As far as I know it clogs it up & makes it run very badly - get rid of it! A nice new pipe will weigh less, sound nicer & free up a few extra horses.... & be so much less hassle.

[This message has been edited by Hedgehog5 (edited 26 October 2001).]

Hi Guys

Had to wait ages for my tanks from Touratech,

Have fitted the new Sebring exhaust, sounds much nicer and the power delivery seems to be better.

Will be hopefully be getting all my new parts fitted In Jan so should have some pics.

Something to watchout for is when you put handlebar risers on to fit Acerbis handguards, the brake hose is very tight, will be getting a longer one made