► Longer journeys, touring potential, two-up and trip reports

[HTWB]

Moving to the 650GS for the moment. The seat height for the standard saddle is given as 820mm exactly the same as my previous bike - the F800ST. Curiously whereas I cd easily get my feet flat on the ground with the ST this is much more difficult with the GS. Maybe it's the shape of the saddle (not as comfortable as the ST) or maybe the ST sinks lower when you're on it. Incidentally the lowered version of the ST - which I had as a loan bike - felt ridiculously low. I'm 5 10 with a 31 inch leg.

I also experience the same problem as Twisticles but on the 650: the saddle hoiks up my trousers, irritatingly over the top of my boots. Never had this problem before with 1100 GS or R100GS.
Also, wearing boxers is risky. Wear briefs to overcome this.

Like GS800NR9 I find the period to pain is fortunately increasing. Maybe the saddle needs breaking in.

 

[blackie]

Moving to the 650GS for the moment. The seat height for the standard saddle is given as 820mm exactly the same as my previous bike - the F800ST. Curiously whereas I cd easily get my feet flat on the ground with the ST this is much more difficult with the GS. Maybe it's the shape of the saddle (not as comfortable as the ST) or maybe the ST sinks lower when you're on it. Incidentally the lowered version of the ST - which I had as a loan bike - felt ridiculously low. I'm 5 10 with a 31 inch leg.

I found the seat height to be the same as the Vstrom. I have a 30" inseam and I couldn't flat foot it.

yep maybe the seat needs breaking in. TT has a replacement seat made by Kanahoe (did I spell that right?) does anyone have experiences with those seats?

 

[TERRY RYAN]

Well it started at 0900 this morning the itching. It just had to be done the weather was lets say a little sh*t checked my weather girl in the hallway yep she says it only going to get better fingers crossed she is better than the forecasting on t.v

But hay I could not wait for things to get better I needed the fix be along time bikeless
wife looked at me as if I had gone mad (wont be the first time sure wont be the last) armed with the Zumo
route sorted points of intrest in mind bit of muddy tracks,cafes and trains well enough of the boring bits time of the pictures

 

[HR0]

How Far Have You Been ?

I was just wondering how far you have ridden your F800GS so far ? and what are the longest riding days both Time and miles ??

wots it like ?

I pick up mine tomorrow.

i also have a trip planned to the Ardeche in france in mid may, with 5 days riding around the area, then ride back.

this should be a fair test !

previous european trips have been on my previous 1150adv.

H

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Pop in and see us!

"....i also have a trip planned to the Ardeche in france in mid may, with 5 days riding around the area, then ride back....." You will be in our area; We are in Vienne, south of Lyon, and less than 30 minutes from the Ardeche. Lyon is worth a visit, don't just by pass it. Give us a ring when you are approaching and perhaps we can meet somewhere. (Changing my 1200GS for the 800GS ...tomorrow in Lyon.) Brian 0033(0)474854995 or 0673030586

 

[Deleted Member I]

Tescos

 

[Micky]

Rode down to the Black Forest last week, then up to the Eifel's of Germany, just for a bit of shopping (Touratech and Wunderlich) It was a good test, the 'bike never missed a beat, was comfortable... and took three to fives Euro's less than the 1200's each time we filled up. Even left 'em on der Nürburgring

Great 'bike... I love it to bits

Group of Irish biker buddies across this weekend for a guided tour of Wales

Here's my bike and my buddies'n me having five minutes down in the 'White' Forest



www.adventure.gs

 

[jolyon_russ]

In my head I've put quite a few miles on her ;-)

I'd also be interested to know top speeds, I managed about 110 indicated (2up) when I took one for a test ride. Clear dual carridgeway and no cops in sight

I'm sure someone can better this.


Jolyon

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Top speeds!

All I know is that during running-in it has to be limited to 4,000 rpm which, on my run home this morning from Lyon on my new machine, kept me in the slow lane of the autoroute at about 105 kph, in the rain amongst the lorries etc; etc; Happily the sun is forecast for tomorrow and over the weekend I might get in a bit more mileage, sorry, kilometrage! ( I can say, without hesitation, that in filthy weather my just departed 1200GS with the Adventure screen is more suitable - but it was the first time in over a year that my rainsuit had been put to the test.) According to the brochure the top speed is 'in excess of 200 kph '( 124 mph) but with the cases and top cases speed should be restricted to 160 kph (99;5 mph) -so make sure that your GPS has a radar detector fitted; (No, it didn't say that!)

 

[Gipsy]

All I know is that during running-in it has to be limited to 4,000 rpm which, on my run home this morning from Lyon on my new machine, kept me in the slow lane of the autoroute at about 105 kph, in the rain amongst the lorries etc; etc; Happily the sun is forecast for tomorrow and over the weekend I might get in a bit more mileage, sorry, kilometrage! ( I can say, without hesitation, that in filthy weather my just departed 1200GS with the Adventure screen is more suitable - but it was the first time in over a year that my rainsuit had been put to the test.) According to the brochure the top speed is 'in excess of 200 kph '( 124 mph) but with the cases and top cases speed should be restricted to 160 kph (99;5 mph) -so make sure that your GPS has a radar detector fitted; (No, it didn't say that!)

At least one peep here has mentioned a 4,000 rev limit for running in a 650, as did the dealer in Stroud. The handbook for the 650 definately states 5,000 rev limit. I don't know about the 800's, but have you ckecked the handbook for the rev limit reccomendation?

 

[Brian ROSEN]

At least one peep here has mentioned a 4,000 rev limit for running in a 650, as did the dealer in Stroud. The handbook for the 650 definately states 5,000 rev limit. I don't know about the 800's, but have you ckecked the handbook for the rev limit reccomendation?

Well, I have the handbook for the 800GS (in French) in front of me and here is a summary of running in procedure:
1.Vary the revs and load as much as possible during running in; 2. choose routes that are twisty and not too hilly;3.keep the revs below 5000rpm. 4.Do not accelerate harshly 4.don't allow the motor to rev. too slowly under load; 5 have the first inspection between 500 and 1000km
I was told quite firmly this morning not to exceed 4000 rpm at first - perhaps that is because they know that this bike will ultimately come back to them, like the last three! having (just) read the handbook I will let the revs creep up to 5000 and have the 'running in control' at 500kms & see what they have to say then.

 

[HR0]

picked it up friday southport (Wet), saturday a day in the Derbyshire peaks (dry), sunday in wales (mostly wet).
miles to date only 497.
biggest miles on one fill up 229 (15.63 litres) 10 miles still showing on the range.
still running in so these figures are with a 5k rpm limit.
1st service booked saturday.

really pleased with f8gs. and i have swapped from an 1150 adventure (with an xl185 as an interim, between part ex and new bike )

Brian check out the ardeche mob here 1st you may want to recosider
www.ragingpimps-mc.com
1st night all meeting in "old" part lyon with a hotel base in nouget town montelimar (?) all around 18th-23rd ish May

H

 

[Micky]

Looked like 125 - 130mph on the speedo heading down Fuchsröhre towards Anenauer Forst on der Nürburgring last week, later confirmed at 119mph on the GPS

There was more to come but the 1200GS's I was showing round weren't keeping up



www.adventure.gs

 

[Tim Cullis]

Met 'Tony' from Birmingham last night in Azrou, Morocco. On a 800GS with 3000 miles so far, but doesn't do any Internet mallarky

 

[Wizard]

4055 on the clock as of tonight

Did 500 miles today...... could have used an Airhawk after about 350, but it wasn't too bad.

Norway in a couple of weeks, so that'll be the 6k service first week of June

 

[twisticles]

How far? Not far enough
Work keeps sending me overseas, so not many miles yet.

Hit the 1000 mile mark on a jolly yesterday though:

 

[[email protected]]

GS 800 overland RTW options

I'm not even sure that “over landing” is a proper word but anyway I’m sure you all know what I mean.

I’m evaluating the GS800 as a round the world bike. Besides for the obvious luggage options, I’m interested in opinions on what parts you would add/upgrade to the standard bike before you start.

My considerations are I need to ride it for 20K miles, 20% would be offroad, 20% on bad B roads, 30% on good B roads, and the rest A road & motorway.

For example the front brake reservoir looks incredibly vulnerable and I’m sure in the first incident it would disappear, so I am looking at a replacement front brake cylinder (something like on the 650 Dakar)

What else would you change ?

 

[Tim Cullis]

The Touratech catalogue is your friend: http://www.touratech.de

Take a look at what Herbert from Touratech added before his tour of Africa: http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=125515

Tim

 

[Bob Baker]

1st to change is the seat, Seargent will be out end of this year and touratech earlier. (remember you will be doing big mileage and using your tent in expensive countries and small mileage and hotel/b+b in cheap countries) so comfort is paramount.

2nd Luggage, aluminium seems the way to go again TT or metal mule or the new trax from SW Motech all look upto the job.

3rd Fuel, easiest solution is a 1 gallon jerry can will give you an extra 50 miles over the 200 tank range (metal not plastic).

4th Strength, a good bash plate and engine bars are essential not sure if hard-part is available for the 800 yet but will help protect steering in an off, centre stand and scott oiler are also essential.

Can I suggest you look at http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ this site has a world of knowledge.

Bob - wish I was going

 

[Wildman]

...3rd Fuel, easiest solution is a 1 gallon jerry can will give you an extra 50 miles over the 200 tank range (metal not plastic)....

Good advice but why "metal not plastic"?