Highlights

Believed to be raced by Didier Py in the 2002 Paris-Dakar Rally
Comprehensive restoration completed in 2020/21
Fully road-legal and operational in the UK
Extensive documentation and history file included
Equipped with Touratech Rallye kit and Dakar-specific modifications
Will be sold with fresh 12 months MOT

The Appeal

Some all-terrain bikes look like they could compete in the challenging Paris-Dakar Rally. This bike has. It is believed to be one of the Touratech ‘works’ bikes and was ridden in the 2002 event by Didier Py, a seasoned rally competitor. Naturally it has been upgraded it with a host of Touratech improvements based on his and the firm’s experience.

The upgrades include a raft of Touratech touches that essentially turned it into a F650RR Rally Raid. It has subsequently been used on various events by privateers, gaining a replacement engine along the way. Recent work has included a comprehensive restoration between 2020 and 2021 that delivers the bike we see today - one in superb order.

This bike has considerable provenance and will appeal to Dakar enthusiasts and those looking for a high specification road and dirt-track machine. That it is road registered and in very good order considerably adds to its appeal.

The vendor writes:

“This vehicle is exceptionally proficient at its intended purpose: traversing expansive rough terrains at high speeds. Consequently, it is an excellent choice for off-road events such as competition rallies, the Sandraiders event, extreme green-lane excursions, or more leisurely adventures on off-road trails. For instance, it is well-suited for adventure-bike rallies or multi-day trips exploring remote segments of the Trans Euro Trail (TET). Its technical capabilities coupled with its fluid carrying capacity make it ideal for these activities.

“Alternatively, for anyone wishing to attempt a round-the-world tour on a motorcycle, we can’t think of anything better-suited to the task than this proven and unique machine. Looking ahead, should the Classic Dakar permit classic bikes in the future, this bike, with its history in the Dakar, would be a strong contender. Furthermore, it is likely to appeal to Dakar enthusiasts or touring bike fans seeking an authentic and reliable Dakar machine that is road registered. For any motorcycle or Dakar motorsport enthusiast, a bike with this level of pedigree is a desirable vehicle, made even more versatile as it can be ridden both on and off-road immediately.”

History and Paperwork

First built and registered in 2000
First UK registered November 2021
Only one registered keeper since arriving in the UK
Believed to be the one raced by Didier Py in the 2002 Paris-Dakar
Reputed to have been a Touratech works bike prepared by the firm
Didier Py was an experienced Paris-Dakar racer and a French policeman with the Lorient Police Force
Sand in the engine forced Py to withdraw on Stage 13, three days before the finish
After the Dakar rally, Number 36 was sold to a German privateer and used in club events for several years
The bike has changed hands, undergone modifications, colour changes, and received replacement parts
Ring binder with details of the 2002 Paris-Dakar event, the Touratech F650 Rallye, and Didier Py
Copies of German registration documents
Documents for its importation into the UK in 2021
Invoices for the overhaul of the front suspension in December 2021
A new MOT will be carried out before sale
Last service in May 2022, with minimal use since then
Fully road-legal, operational, and ready for use in the UK
Previously registered for road use in Germany with Tüv certification,
This enables re-registration in Germany, other EU countries, and elsewhere
Bought by current keeper in Germany from a privateer competition rally racer
Restored in 2020/21 and stored with limited use since 2022

The vendor writes:

“The BMW F650 achieved significant success in the demanding Paris-Dakar Rally. Richard Sainct won in 1999, and in 2000, BMW riders held the top four spots with Sainct again winning.

“After this triumph and mission accomplished, BMW withdrew from the event in 2001. For the 2002 Paris-Dakar, adventure parts manufacturer Touratech took up the mantel and entered five BMW F650 Rallyes. These bikes were F650GSs extensively upgraded to F650 Rallye specification using Rallye parts from the Touratech catalogue as well as bespoke parts for the Dakar bikes.

“Out of five bikes entered by Touratech in the 2002 Paris-Dakar, two finished and three retired. This bike, number 36, is believed to the Touratech ‘works’ bike ridden by Didier Py who retired on Stage 13 out of 16. Touratech kept three Dakar bikes for display and marketing; this is one of the two that entered the private market. In 2006, Boorman rode a modified F650GS in the Dakar rally, documented in "Race to Dakar."

“The bike was heavily modified for the Dakar race and lost its traditional speedo and odometer, it also had an engine change after the 2002 Dakar, hence the mileage is unknown. I bought the bike in Germany from a privateer competition rally racer. It was restored in 2020/21 and has been stored in my garage with limited use since 2022.”

The Condition

The bike presents well following its restoration
Prominent yellow colour, consistent with Touratech's style
Tall front screen protects the rider and Dakar Rally navigation equipment
Navigation equipment includes a rotating road-book holder, Touratech IMO Rallye multi-function display, and a Garmin GPS
55 litre fuel capacity across four interlinked tanks with quick-release, dry-break connectors
Tanks are located on either side of the engine, behind the seat, and beneath the seat
Suede-covered Touratech seat with a quick-release system and cutouts for welded grab handles
The rear rack is available to carry spare parts or supplies
Fitted with a rear high visibility, low weight Touratech LED tail/brake light
Twin headlights provide forward illumination
Touratech yellow with race and sponsor stickers, reflecting its appearance at the start of the 2002 Paris-Dakar Rally
Modifications for road use include indicators, wing mirrors, and an ignition lock
The owner mentions that at 180cm tall, they can place toes of both feet on the ground when necessary to stabilise the bike
Wheels and tyres are Continental Twinduro knobbly tyres on Excel Takasago 21in/18in rims

20250203_151123 Richard Head.jpg 11.42 MB

The Mechanics

652cc single cylinder engine
5spd manual
Factory built as a F650GS but was transformed into an F650RR (Rally Raid) with Touratech upgrades
Upgrades included dual radiators, a larger oil reservoir, a custom airbox, and a longer swingarm
New engine replaced the one that failed in Mauritania,
Standard GS frame installed to meet German Tüv road registration requirements
Little of the original F650GS road bike remains as many mechanical components have been replaced or fabricated for the Dakar Rally
Titan Touratech exhaust is loud but passed its last MOT
Quieter Sebring exhaust is included in the spares pack
Suspension by WP includes larger, upside-down front forks and a replacement rear monoshock, all fully adjustable
The front forks have been recently overhauled
Carbon-fibre engine protection plate included, with another in the spare pack
Air-box and oil tank remade by Touratech for the Dakar showcasing carbon fibre fabrication and aluminium welding
Front drive-chain sprocket is exposed for quick maintenance
Fitted with a spring-loaded side stand
Described as easy to ride
We are told the engine starts easily and the throttle action is responsive
The clutch is reported to be light, and both the clutch and front-brake levers can be adjusted for span
Seat height can be slightly altered by adjusting the suspension preload
No reported running or riding issues
Will be sold with 12 months MOT

Chassis prepared with the Touratech Rallye kit including:

Fuel tanks and lines
Uprated oil cooler
Handlebars
Grips
Guards
Controls
Exhaust system
Wheels
Tyres
Uprated suspension

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