oops - I goofed on the website address I posted above. We are probably referring to the same address, which is http://www.f650.com.

My experience is somewhat different than Dave's regarding the surging. I've ridden a 2001 extensively and on this particular bike the so called surging was minimal and scarcely detectable. There is apparently considerable variation from bike to bike on this. It's also my understanding that Bmw upgraded the injector and FI software two or three (or more) times since the introduction of the F650 GS, and the same hardware and software as are on the newest models is available for the early model years. But, I could be mistaken on this. Again, I'm sure good information is available on the website.

There is also an aftermarket "black box" available which reprograms the fuel injection mapping and costs about $150 which, at least by some reports, totally gets rid of the surging on any model year.

Mike

Here is the link for info on purchasing an F650GS, along with surging & stalling info:

http://faq.f650.com/GSMainIndex/GSPurchasing.htm

As Mike said, the surging/stalling issue varies from bike to bike, hence the importance of an extensive test ride and check prior to purchase.

-Dave

[This message has been edited by davidmc (edited 04 December 2004).]

[This message has been edited by davidmc (edited 04 December 2004).]

Maybe there aren't a lot of travellers doing 2-up on a 650, but there are some ;-)

I have done the whole of West Africa with a 650 classic, 2-up all the way, and it never caused any problems whatsoever. OK, at the end the suspension had totally gone, but for the rest the bike has held perfectly.

Only main modification I had done was bigger tank and larger suspension (which wasn't enough at the end).

Obviously we didn't do much highway in West Africa, but even when we did drive good roads for longer distances (like in Burkina Fasso or Mali) it still was perfect to drive. And no, we're not midgets ;-) (I'm 1.89m)

So, I would say, 2-up on the 650, go for it (if the passenger is up for it).

Jef

Hi jef, thanks for info, that gives me a lot more confidence that i'm not wasting my time/money setting the Dakar up for 2-up travel.

As you mention, the rear shock would seem to be a limiting factor, so I intend to spend some money on that area. I'm not sure yet if I will just get the standard shock seviced and spring changed & set up for the overall weight I will carry, or maybe go for a good after market unit that I can specify for the job. The Dakar has a remote resovoir shock unit as standard fitment, so it may be up to the task if set up with correct spring. I will make some inquiries about that.

Otherwise, it sounds like it should all work out fine.

Skillo

I would highly doubt the stock rear shock would be up to the task of carring two passengers + luggage. One person, perhaps, but two people...no way.

Dave

I'd definitely go for an Ohlins rear shock if you can afford it. I busted a standard rear shock going around Mexico, without doing a lot of miles on dirt. I think it was the "topes" (Spanish for bumps), they seem to appear out of thin air!

Well Dave, regarding the shock, I can assure you it did hold - although indeed, as I said, at the end (after 20.000km on african roads) it was dead - especially after driving the road back between Bamako and Kayes. We were definitely not lightly loaded...

I don't know what at the moment the 'heaviest' rear shock is, but whatever it is, it is worth buying. I would forget about extras like remote adjustments and stuff, I had just had it on the hardest all the way (well, after I left the European tarmac).

Just to say that you don't always need big ;-)

Happy travelling

jef

I think a custom rear shock is the way to go. I will be getting one ordered from Wilbers (German) in the next few weeks for my Transalp. I have a hard time believing many "off the shelf" shocks would be up to the task.

Also, I seem to remember that there was an issue with the Ohlins shock on the F650, can't remember what, but Grant mentioned that the Ohlins has some issues. See this thread: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000335.html

As far as remote preload adjustment, its mandatory on my bike as the rear shock adjustment is completely inaccessable. Try to adjust your shock even once with limited access...its a complete nightmare. Not sure about the F650, but I believe the stock shock has the remote preload adjustment...probably best to stick with the same configuration. The "hammer and screwdriver" method is a terrible way of adjusting the rear preload!

-Dave