800gs info

[forest biker]

I have sold my 1200gsa and been considering what to buy next rather than go back to using a sports bike all the time ,ive spotted a few nice 800gs for sale . My question is do they carry many/any reoccuing faults to watch out for like the 1200 model , ive had a good look through previous threads etc but only really found comments regarding chains/sprockets , any comment grateful

 

[Micky]

A great bike, done over 61,000 miles on mine now with no probs, no corrosion, no complaints

It'll keep up with the 1200's for sure, much better if you do 'appen to go off road, and at the end of a day will have used ten to fifteen euro's less petrol

Nothing but praise for the beast

 

[forest biker]

A great bike, done over 61,000 miles on mine now with no probs, no corrosion, no complaints

It'll keep up with the 1200's for sure, much better if you do 'appen to go off road, and at the end of a day will have used ten to fifteen euro's less petrol

Nothing but praise for the beast

Thanks micky .yes it will be for more off road , i found the 1200 interesting off road but also wanted to make sure the 800 was up for the milage too

 

[StumpyFingers]

I think a lot of the reported problems are on the early models.
I think they have now been sorted, just make sure if you buy second hand that the bike has had all it's recalls remedies sorted.

 

[Dave Ett]

I've got 27,000 on mine, and bar the wheel bearings and clutch nut problems you'll likely have read about it's been trouble free and averaging 60mpg, despite full luggage all the time.

A decent grade chain/sprockets, new wheel bearings and a check on the recall work should be all that's needed for any model really. All bikes have individual niggles, but other than the common ones on this - and all pretty cheap to fix really - there's not much goes wrong.

I've covered over 800 miles in a day on mine, and so long as you have a granit butt or fit a decent seat you won't really want for a bigger engine. I also find the standard screen good, but I'm only 5'8" in my socks...

 

[forest biker]

Thanks for all the comments so far guys most helpful , time to have a proper ride on one now i think , then get the chq book out

 

[Rob J]

f800

I recently made the change from an 07 GSA to an 09 F800.

only covered around 400 miles since the change but am really enjoying the 800.

certainly been doing more off roady stuff as well.

No regrets

 

[v8legend]

I've had mine 2 years now, and it's brilliant. Most of my mates have 1200GS's, and as Micky says, performance wise there's nothing in it. You have to work the 800 a bit harder, but you get the payback at the pumps.

If you plan plenty of 2-up with luggage touring, then stick with a 1200, otherwise, the 800's the better bike!

One thing that hasn't been mentioned, and well worth looking out for is the top hose (you won't be used to water cooling). Some people have no problems at all. Others (me!) have had it looked at by BMW several times, and had to resort to a good old Jubilee clip to fix it properly.

BMW or Rotax failed to put a bulge on the end of the the water pump outlet. Consequently, there is nothing for the hose/clamp to grip on. It can come loose. Mine once failed as I arrived at the BMW dealer, so an easy fix. The other time it came loose was whilst riding. I was able to push it back on, tighten, and then ride 50 miles to the dealer without any issues.

This isn't something that stops you riding (like 1200 fd, or ring antenna), just something that needs looking out for.

 

[stephen.stallebrass]

Mines a 2008 with almost 34K miles with no problems whatsoever! However, commonly reported problems include:

Steering Head Bearings
Rear wheel bearing
Chain & Sprockets (solved on recall)
Radiator Hose attachment
Shitty side stand

I think the last two were early model problems that have since been improved. My side stand is fecked and needs replacing. I've had no other problems. I have tightened up my head bearings 6months ago but that's it, they're still as good as new apparently.

 

[forest biker]

Cheers for the info guys much appreciated , i think the above just about covers everything , just need to find one now