BACK TO MY ROOTS. 800 HERE I COME

[Big-G]

Well I'm picking my 800GS T up today after 1100 / 1150 and 2x2 1200 on the trot.
Having been a part of the early adventure bike brigade, starting with a Africa twin 650, then 750 all back in the 80's. We got some weird looks from the other bikers but went down a storm touring Europe where these were already loved.
Tenere and Transalps followed until the first GS in 96.
Now I'm going back to a 800 and looking forward to more fun than ever.
OK, the power and torque will have gone but so will the weight. Bring on the twisties and a bit of off road again.

I have read your posts with interest and see that these have a knack of eating themselves alive with corrosion. Typical then today the gritters have been out 1st time for months.
Is there anybody out there who also has one of these and what else goes wrong.

first addition will be a top box and as I have 3 Givi in the garage do they have a fitting kit for this bike with the OE rack on the bike. I can't see it on the website.
Any other info would be great and I've enjoyed being part of the club there years.
G
PS its Sandrover in colour as that's what they had in stock.

 

[Smythson]

Welcome to the fold!

Re grit etc (i never wash mine - i'm from the it's a tool and i accept the deprecition because my bike and i are never going to part company) however allyearbiker will ACF50 it which will help however i'm sure someone will be along with cleaning regimen soon!

As you can probably see from the last few posts - if you're not uber into cleaning the keep an eye on the brake caliper sliders as when they jam they are a PITA.

The other things are seat and screen - perhaps too hard and perhaps too noisy but i'm sure you'll find your own way on these, there seems to be no hard and fast solution to suit everyone.

Hope you've had a great first day on it and many more miles to come,

S

 

[gspod]

I've been riding my wife's 800 for the last couple of months (100 mile round trip daily commute) while my 1100 is having a complete running gear rebuild.

I love it - to be honest I'm a bit worried to get mine back as I may prefer the 800. As far as torque and power goes they're fairly similar to the 1100/50 but of course a lot lighter so basically it's faster than mine. The 1200's I guess are a little different.

As someone suggested; at the beginning of the winter I gave it a good clean and smothered it with ACF50. It's going in for a service next week so I shall give it a good clean down and then ACF50 again when I get it back and not wash it till spring.

I'll get another 100,000 miles out of the 1100 and then buy an 800 - Enjoy

P.S I like the sandrover colour.

 

[Halfa1200]

I have sprayed my F700GS with ACF50 when I got it last March and then again 6 months later and I ride the bike in all weathers and the stuff certainly works. I strongly recommend it.

 

[Big-G]

Well how comes I've ACF,d mine on my mates recommendation but seem to have puddles of the stuff in the belly pan and my tyres are now more slippery than slippery stuff, what that about.
I was given the ACF but should have given it back.
How do you get it off the tyres and discs?
I'll tell you about the bike when I can ride it again.

 

[Bigboy]

ACF

Hi Gary

My two pennies worth is that in using ACF50 "a little goes a long way" I normally do not spray it on the bike but spray it on a cloth (Small micro fiber type) and then wipe it on the parts that need it.

ACF50 is really good but use it sparingly, it put it on every thing except tires / brakes etc.

Regarding getting off your tires hot soapy water and elbow grease.

Good luck mate and ride safe.

Bigboy

 

[Big-G]

Cool, degreaser did the tyres ok. I agree the cloth and spray is best, I just can't believe people use a can after a wash.

 

[Big-G]

Two rides out in the salt and no corrosion yet, or is that a bit quick even for an 800.
G