klr impression

[k650dsn@aol.com]

I took a short ride on a BMW F650GS Dakar this afternoon, a demo model at the shop. This is in no way meant to be a thorough evaluation, but just some thoughts. First, the F650GS Dakar is a great looking bike, at least from 10ft away. Get closer and you notice the cheesy graphics which aren't clear coated and will peel off quickly. The funky Lion King font used on the graphics is pretty strange too. Then you see that god- awful grey/aluminum paint- that BMW must have tankers full of- sprayed all over the engine and any external metal pieces. The seat is well shaped and wider than the stock KLR seat, but the foam is as supportive as a warm loaf of bread. You actually sink into the seat when you sit. Those who laugh at the cheap shift lever on the KLR need to look at the lever on the GS and the rear brake lever for that matter. Thin stamped metal will bend in the first tip over. Think the KLR rear master cylinder and brake actuator are vunerable? The GS's is hanging out there just as bad if not worse. The fake dual exhaust is interesting. There is no header pipe to the right side muffer. A small cross over pipe runs from the left muffler to the right one. Don't ask why, I have no clue who thought of that gem. Fuel tank is under the seat with the filler on the right side panel. Throw over saddle bags will have to be removed anytime you want to fill'er up. Also there is no hope for a bigger tank, there is simply no more room there. You're stuck with 4.3 gallons. This bike was shod with Michelin Siracs. Instruments are very well thought out and there is a nicely shaped windshield too. Premium hand guards are integrated into barend weights, nice touch. Signals are nicely tucked in and the unique front fender/beak looks like it will actually block stuff. But for the most part, the fit and finish is just not up to par with the rest of the BMW line which is too bad because, at the center of this motocycle is one of the most compact, smooth and peppy 650cc singles I have ever seen and ridden. The size is amazing, looking like it is 90% the physical size of a KLR650 engine/tranny. If BMW put this single in a light sport oriented chassis, I would be first in line. Seat height is right at KLR height, but that is after you sink into the Lazy Boy seat. The suspension is soft and wallowy. The GS also has one of the longest side stands I have seen on a motorcycle. No center stand available yet. Riding the GS is neat mainly due to the engine's amiable character. I was surprised at how top heavy the bike felt, especially since the load of fuel was down low. Another stunner was the dry weight at 420lbs according to the brochure. Has BMW completely forgotten how to build a light bike? The GS handles well despite the weight. Tight turns in the parking lot are a breeze. The sales guy was getting uneasy as kept making tighter and tighter circles. THe engine is spirited in traffic, but I didn't get it on the Interstate or offroad... yet. In my opinion, the GS has gobs of potential. The trouble is that that potential starts at $8799.00. BMW has built a fantastic, compact 650cc single and squandered it in a half baked dual sport. Gino

[Russell A Locke]

Rode my new to me A-12 to work today, about 35 mi rt. Bike has 7000, previous owner said dealer did the 6000 mile service about a year ago. First impressions: Brakes are great! (Been riding the Ural with virtually no brakes for a couple weeks) Power is sufficient. Seat is better than my stock R11RT but not all that great. Suspension is WAY too soft. Engine is noisy, feels like timing is too advanced, "knocky." Need gel grips Idle was too high at first, set it back to 1k plus a bit Then it died at an intersection, wouldn't start, pushed it, cursed it, fiddled with petcock, got it going. This was on the way to work. Temp in low/mid 80s. Engine running hot (not necessarily on the gauge, but on my leg!) Fan came on, temp went just over 1/2 on gauge. Died again at a light. Very hard to get going but did. Kept Idle at 1500 or so until I got home. This was going home, ambient temp in high 90s. Fun bike, I think I'm going to like it once I get it running right. Will change oil, clean carb, set timing (?), etc. I'm off to Colorado to ride the 25th Annual Colorado 500 on the KDX. If anyone has any ideas about the noisy engine and dieing, write direct, will be back the 28th. Russ Locke Chandler, AZ '97 R1100RT, 96 KDX 200, '85 FJ1100, '98.5 Ural hack, KLR 650 A-12