BMW F650GS Dakar (2001-2002) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 2001, the German motorcycle manufacturer launched the BMW F650GS Dakar, a more off-road-oriented machine, as opposed to the standard model that debuted in 2000. The 2001 Dakar model was in its second year of production and came with the same package as the previous model without any modifications.

In addition to the Dakar version that featured a larger and thinner 21-inch wheel on the front, more suspension travel, and a thicker and higher seat, the F605 was also available in a standard model and a lowered one with a lower seat height due to a shorter shock absorber on the rear.

The bike was named after the Paris Dakar Rally won by Richard Sainct in 1999 and 2000 on a BMW F650RR. Also, the Daker version competed in the market with other machines, like the Suzuki DR650, Kawasaki KLR650, Honda XR650L, Yamaha XT660, KTM LC4 640, and Honda Translap.

The bike's appearance was identical to the previous model, packing the same standard features, such as a small windscreen, a small headlight, a one-piece dual seat, an under-seat-mounted exhaust system, and lightweight wire-spoke wheels.

In the performance department, the 2001 BMW F650GS Dakar has installed at its core a 652cc four-stroke single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with a fuel injection system in charge, boasting 50 hp with maximum strength at 6,800 rpm and 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) torque at 5,200 rpm.