Can anyone recommend heavier than stock bar end weights for a 2015 F800gs Adventure?

Team McQueen

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Any one recommend a good weight?
Or tell me what weight is fitted as standard and size I need with BMW heated grips.

Reason - Had my first proper distance (200 mile each way plus riding at destination) solo moto camping at the weekend on the new to me f800gsa.
1.5 hrs into return journey I started to feel the vibes of sitting around 75mph / 4000rpm.

I won’t be fitting grip puppies but will do following as well:
1) Adventure already has risers fitted I will be swivelling bars a little closer to me as I’m stretching/leaning on hands
2) changing gloves to gel palms
3)changing the height of gear and brake pedal to help with ergonomics.

So it’s just the bar end weight query I have.
 
I highly recommend you fit a 17T front sprocket (£18 on eBay). It significantly changes the bikes rideability and the vibes. You won't need to do anything with the bar end weights ....
 
del1150 said:
I highly recommend you fit a 17T front sprocket (£18 on eBay). It significantly changes the bikes rideability and the vibes. You won't need to do anything with the bar end weights ....
Click to expand...
I’ve seen this mentioned - but no explanation ‘why’ it should be done (or how).

I get the idea that it lowers the revs? Does that decrease acceleration (which wouldn’t bother me)
What does it do to 1st and 2nd gear speeds, and is a new chain needed?

Is there versions on eBay to avoid due to reliability?

If it dulls the vibes a tad I’d be happy to give it a go.
 
The slight increase in tooth count on the front sprocket makes enough of a change to lower the revs noticeably. I found it makes the clutch bite point easier therefore smoother to pull away (but that may just be me or my bike?). The lower revs at motorway speed make the bike much smoother for a long journey but mine also seems smoother through the whole rev range and much more enjoyable as a result. I did it on a "what have I got to lose?" basis as I was slightly irritated by the vibes and others had recommended it. For me, it transformed the bike from slightly annoying to enjoyable and more often than not I choose it over the 1250 especially for local use. I was surprised how much more enjoyment it gave over the standard bike. But ... if it doesn't it's easy to swap back.

It's a very easy change (loosen chain and lift it off the sprockets, one bolt to remove front sprocket and replace with 17T; replace chain; done). I bought a JT rubber cushioned sprocket (£18 on eBay).
 
This sounds perfect! Can’t wait and will order now.

Chain I have is nearly brand new - do I need to change it? (Due to Length?)
 
del1150 said:
The slight increase in tooth count on the front sprocket makes enough of a change to lower the revs noticeably. I found it makes the clutch bite point easier therefore smoother to pull away (but that may just be me or my bike?). The lower revs at motorway speed make the bike much smoother for a long journey but mine also seems smoother through the whole rev range and much more enjoyable as a result. I did it on a "what have I got to lose?" basis as I was slightly irritated by the vibes and others had recommended it. For me, it transformed the bike from slightly annoying to enjoyable and more often than not I choose it over the 1250 especially for local use. I was surprised how much more enjoyment it gave over the standard bike. But ... if it doesn't it's easy to swap back.

It's a very easy change (loosen chain and lift it off the sprockets, one bolt to remove front sprocket and replace with 17T; replace chain; done). I bought a JT rubber cushioned sprocket (£18 on eBay).
Click to expand...
I made the change to the sprocket (plus a few other minor comfort tweaks like shifting the bars a bit, resetting suspension) and loosening chain which was slightly tight and it was like a different bike!

Or at least was for the first 15 miles til a nail made it through the tyre and burst the inner tube 😒
 
Ta - I used goop in a bike years ago. Isnt this stuff just a temp fix?
I have breakdown cover so tend to just go to the nearest pub and wait for them to collect me and take me home 😂
 
Yes, it is temporary but the carbon fibre strands make it much more likely to seal well and therefore able to carry on until convenient to get a repair
 
Ok - probably worth the minimal investment.
Does it cause vibrations or anything as it moves around the inner tube / when cold / hot etc?
 
No that I've noticed. Suggest you check out a couple of reviews but it's been fine for me (and peace of mind) although not been tested yet thankfully!
 
The F800 engine will emit a slight buzz at higher RPMs.
Gearing up will lower the RPM slightly, thus, the buzz will kick in at a higher speed.

As long as gearing up solves the issue, that is fine.

However, the engine is also prone to stalling every now and then. What does the higher gearing do to the stalling issue?. Also, if driving offroad, higher gearing is not desired..

As long as higher gearing works, that is great.
However, if the higher gearing has caused a new set of issues (this of course depend on how and where the bike is used), another solution may be to install a box from Rapid Bike, https://www.dimsport.it/en/rapid-bike/rapid-bike-easy/

The ever so slightly increased fueling will reduce the buzz and pretty much end the stalling issue.
Another option is the AF-XIED from the US, but I understand they are reluctant to ship to the UK?
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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