Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11 Nov 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: London
Posts: 11
Which 650 Dakar?

After a fair bit of deliberation I think I've decided upon a 650 Dakar for a RTW trip and have seen 2 potential bikes, both for similar money - a 2006 bike with 11,000 miles and a 2005 bike with 3,000 miles.
So which one should I go for? Which is better, a lower mileage or a younger bike?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ripley, Derbyshire
Posts: 373
[FONT='Verdana','sans-serif']Hi there is NOT enough information to make a decision on.

I did my own 12K service with the help of several of the F650GS websites so it isn't hard as I've only just got into motorcycles, so the mileage isn't so much an issue.

The engines on these things are really well built and stand up to a lot of drops (I know) Just got the one you can for the best deal, look at tires and general damage.

See what ones have the best kit on (I have loads of extras) and of course the one that you think rides best, Me I'd go for cheapest and then spend the extra on modifications. Unless it’s a stupid colour that is

What are you going to be using it for?
are you going on any trips?

Lee[/FONT]

Last edited by juddadredd; 11 Nov 2007 at 18:50.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Nov 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: London
Posts: 11
Thanks for the reply.
As I said in my original post, I'll be using it for a round the world trip. Both bikes are similar spec and near identical price.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Wink Just a few thoughts

David,
This is one of those flip a coin questions - we have not seen these bikes, you have (hopefully).
There are so many factors that we don't know e.g. Are they with a dealer or private sales (how do you judge the bike owners - what do you think of them and their regard for their own bikes)?
So, I suggest you bear in mind:-

At this time of year it is a buyer's market.

This is now "yesterdays" model and it is likely that quite a few F650GSs will come up for sale as they are part-Xed for 800GSs next Spring.

In contrast, here in the UK the Dakar seems to have been selling well recently, possibly as people get one because they are no longer manufactured.

A machine that has been used may be in better condition than one that has been standing un-used.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 Nov 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: London
Posts: 11
A very reasoned reply, thank you.
Both bikes are from dealers and are in very similar condition, which is why I'm having trouble choosing between the two.
Although my post was specific to the bike I suppose I was thinking more of peoples' general opinion as to whether they put more emphasis on age or mileage when buying a bike.

David
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Wink Christmas is approaching

Well, there is no rush (presumably?) so I would keep an eye on the other Dakars coming up for sale, especially leading up to Christmas when everyone has their mind on that! Seriously, I have bought some bargain items in the past, right up to Christmas Eve.

Play one dealer against the other in the sense that they will know you are definitely interested in a deal but let them know that you are looking at other bikes - see what they are prepared to do about cutting their asking price, tell them you are thinking about it and keep stringing them along for a better discount on that asking price & see what they might add in as extras (perhaps a long shot on BMW bits and pieces as they are so expensive!).
What warranty will they include?

Then, how do you rate the dealer? Ask to have a look at their workshop - you can get some idea about their work standards in case you are going to use them in the future.

Ultimately, you are the one who gets the feel for what is the best deal; bear in mind that they have to make some profit in order to stay in business!
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Sprocket for 650 dakar bonovasa sub-Saharan Africa 4 23 Nov 2007 08:18
Electrical fault on 650 Dakar. mat_brook BMW Tech 5 19 Nov 2007 01:22
K&N air filter on 650 Dakar - use the sponge or not? mat_brook BMW Tech 1 27 Oct 2007 23:45
Dakar Ride for Life 2008 Uncle Dave Make a Difference 0 23 Oct 2007 14:30

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 18:18.