BMW F650 GS DAKAR 2004

Having never owned a big "trailee" before, this was a bit of an experiment. I had become bored with my Suzuki Bandit and wanted something a bit different. My wife and I spotted the BMW F650GS Dakar on display in the local shopping mall and I began to formulate dreams of travel to far flung places.

The bike proved to be both enjoyable and reliable (at first) and took me all over the UK, several trips into France and as far as Morocco.

I kept the Dakar for just under 2 years - but problems started after I had owned the bike for just over a year.

The pipe feeding the waterpump came disconnected and dumped all the coolant. The engine overheated and needed a new cylinder head and barrel. It happened again, but I stopped quickly this time, and we used BMW rescue services to get us home from Le Touquet in France. New radiators were fitted this time, but it started to leak coolant and oil after a while. Eventually I couldn't rely on the bike for long trips (or even as far as the BMW dealer sometimes). Time for a trade in. A shame really, as I liked this bike.

Accessories included Touratech Zega panniers, Givi Top Box, Touratech Centre Stand and Garmin Quest GPS.