After some advice ….

[markyb]

Evening all, my crf should be being collected Saturday, I’m looking at getting a 650gs or 800gs, any advice on which is best for a bit of greenlaning / TET riding but also a ride to the coast 2 up with my son.
I’ve seen a 2009 f800gs which looks smart but do I need to lean towards a 650 Dakar or the sertao as I want to be using for some off road fun. I don’t want to get something I need to spend loads on upgrading suspension so I can use it off road.
I was looking at a xt660z tenere but more
choice on a used GS.
What’s considered high mileage?
Common issues to look out for when viewing.

My budget is £3000 and I’ve seen a few bikes in my price range.

Any advice or piss taking welcome

Thanks
Mark

 

[Hoggyf]

G650 X-Country maybe? Much lighter than everything else in your list and for green landing the lighter the better

 

[markyb]

G650 X-Country maybe? Much lighter than everything else in your list and for green landing the lighter the better

I have seen those but thinking maybe the greenlanes won’t be as often as the road so a gs may be a compromise, sold the crf as I don’t seem to find time to get off road and it’s not great on road 2 up with trackers on it
Cheers

 

[Hoggyf]

My X-Country is fine at 70mph (by sat nav) which is just under 80 on the screen and I'm on TKC80's it has about 120plus miles range as the tanks quite small.

 

[markyb]

My X-Country is fine at 70mph (by sat nav) which is just under 80 on the screen and I'm on TKC80's it has about 120plus miles range as the tanks quite small.

How is it 2 up?

 

[Hoggyf]

How is it 2 up?

Not the foggiest, never take a passenger but if I did on a regular basis I'd not be looking at a single cylinder bike to be honest

 

[markyb]

Not the foggiest, never take a passenger but if I did on a regular basis I'd not be looking at a single cylinder bike to be honest

Fair comment, it won’t be that often and he is only 15, looking around at bikes I’ll prob go for a 2009 ish f800gs seen some with upside down forks and spoked wheels and other with standard forks and cast wheels I guess it’s a facelift or maybe spec but both the same year
Cheers

 

[seahorse]

Standard forks and cast wheels is the 650 variant. Otherwise essentially the same bike as the 800 but 800 has taller suspension so in that regard probably better off road.

 

[markyb]

Standard forks and cast wheels is the 650 variant. Otherwise essentially the same bike as the 800 but 800 has taller suspension so in that regard probably better off road.

Oh ok, thanks for the info seems to be a few similar models, trying to understand what the differences are

 

[Phil Reynolds]

Oh ok, thanks for the info seems to be a few similar models, trying to understand what the differences are

My F800 GS is for sale on here. Fully serviced, new battery, new tyres and long MOT.
Rides faultlessly. Owned for over five years and was bought from a member of this forum. .

 

[steve hughes]

Fair comment, it won’t be that often and he is only 15, looking around at bikes I’ll prob go for a 2009 ish f800gs seen some with upside down forks and spoked wheels and other with standard forks and cast wheels I guess it’s a facelift or maybe spec but both the same year
Cheers

As others have said anything with cast wheels is either a DIY hybrid or a F650. The F650/700’s wore cast wheels the F800’s were spoked.

Out of the box the F800’s were much more off road focussed ( front wheel bigger) and had better suspension. The 800 cc engine is strong two up and smooth. I have toured over 3500 miles two up plus luggage on the same engine and still own a F700.

I have looked at the advert for Phils bike on here and the addition of luggage and a solid service history would swing it for me. Good luck , they are great engines and will feel like a Rolld Royce after your CRF

 

[markyb]

Hi Phil, I’ve seen your bike, looks clean, I’m watching a couple on eBay at the moment but I also keep debating if I should just buy a cheaper Dakar or sertao as it’s going to be getting muddy occasionally.
Steve thanks for the info, Phil’s bike looks good I’ll see how my search goes.
Cheers