Considering the F800 GS, could do with some advice :)

[everywherevirtually]

Steve, thanks for taking the time to post that reply. Very much appreciated

I'm getting excited now. Its like that feeling you get when you know you have made your mind up and you are one step away from signing on the dotted line!!

All that is left now is a test ride I sat on one at the bike show. I liked the compact feel. Was a bit too tall for me as standard, so I think I will opt for a low seat. I only have a 29'' inside leg, so I was on my toes. However, I will have a go on both types of seat, as without the heavier weight of the bike to support, I might get away with a standard seat.

Thanks again for the great reply

Matt

Like you I have a 29" inside leg and have the low seat. For long distance I use an airhawk. Longest run in one go was just shy of 1000 miles.

The niggles you mention are just that. The radiator hose was easily fixed and is now resolved. I solved the wobbly reservoir by getting a TT accessory to wrap around it.

I have done over 18000 miles on it now and cant fault it. I have the adventure spec crash bars, plate and rear rack. I use soft luggage on SW Motech EVO quick release racks as it's lighter and easier to carry. By the sounds of it the metal mule stuff might be fine for bimbling about the UK but Tony Pettie on Sibirsky Extreme is having problems with the frames falling apart.

As for the ABS I dont know of any problem with it? It's worked for me a few times. You just have to remember to turn it back on when you emerge from an off road session.

My front axle will be replaced on a recall in two weeks but after 18000 miles and some wild riding through Albania and Kosovo if it didn't break then it never will.

I cant see myself riding another bike for quite some time. I totally love the 800GS

If you buy one there will be a downside. You will be approached by middle aged men skiing you lots of bike questions. Sadly it doesn't have the same effect on young women . You will take on the aura of a minor celebrity. People will also stop and look in the street as you ride past.

cheers

Jon

 

[Morticia]

Like you I have a 29" inside leg and have the low seat. For long distance I use an airhawk. Longest run in one go was just shy of 1000 miles.

If you buy one there will be a downside. You will be approached by middle aged men skiing you lots of bike questions. Sadly it doesn't have the same effect on young women . You will take on the aura of a minor celebrity. People will also stop and look in the street as you ride past.

cheers

Jon

Sorry to hijack this...but what is an 'airhawk'...i am 5'8 with around 33" legs, i have the lower seat, but still feel a little short for the bike...i am only 10 stone, would adjusting the suspension help me?...

Yes the bike is a head turner....you will get looks on it.

 

[Klanky]

.................
If you buy one there will be a downside. You will be approached by middle aged men skiing you lots of bike questions. Sadly it doesn't have the same effect on young women . You will take on the aura of a minor celebrity. People will also stop and look in the street as you ride past.

cheers

Jon

Yup, you get a lot of "Wotisit then?" questions. Most are suprised when you say BMW. It certainly attracts a lot of questions from other bikers as they're still in a minority compared to tourers/rockets etc.. I think the Bumble Bee colour makes it stand out a bit more from the crowd, too.


Personally, I've had quite a few girls admiring the bike...but they always disappear when I come out from my hiding place behind a nearby bush.

 

[PRAETORIAN]

Thank you all for being so helpful This community is a credit to the biking world

I have *almost* made my mind up. The only thing left is a test ride, which I cant see being a problem

Luci - I will be in touch

everwherevirtually - check your inbox

Thanks again to everyone, you have helped make the decision easier and I dont have any misgivings anymore

I am looking forward to trying my hand at some offroading too. Never done it before, but it sounds awesome

Cheers

Matt

 

[freeloader]

...

Personally, I've had quite a few girls admiring the bike...but they always disappear when I come out from my hiding place behind a nearby bush.

 

[Klanky]

Sorry to hijack this...but what is an 'airhawk'...i am 5'8 with around 33" legs, i have the lower seat, but still feel a little short for the bike...i am only 10 stone, would adjusting the suspension help me?...

Yes the bike is a head turner....you will get looks on it.

Maybe taking the preload right off could help a little.

I noticed the bike was harder to get off the centrestand with a couple of extra turns on it as the back wheel was closer to the ground.

(EDIT) Sorry, forgot to say an Airhawk' is an inflatable seat thingy. There's a few threads on here about them or google will bring them up.

 

[Klanky]

..........I am looking forward to trying my hand at some offroading too. Never done it before, but it sounds awesome

Cheers

Matt

Yes, you too can join the exclusive club that is 'UselessF800GS-Offroaders' of which I am a founder member.

 

[zippygser]

Leaking luggage is nothing new. Thats why you should always use inner pannier bags Just out of interest, how much did they charge you for the full luggage system?

Hey there Praetorian, just got some luggage fitted to a friends bike, got the bmw aluminium ones (panniers and fitting kit only). They seem really well made and are probably the narrowest of all the panniers once fitted to the bike (made bt Touratech for BMW). They came in at £720 with a little discount. There are other cheaper luggage out there like the Trax or Stahlkoffer, just depends on what looks good to you. You also have the option of soft luggage like the orlieb panniers or Giant Loop Great Basin

Good luck with your choice mate, btw, took my biek away for 6k service and got a 1200gs as courtesy. was great on the highway but when faced with traffic, i was left longing for my bumblebee

 

[PRAETORIAN]

Yes, you too can join the exclusive club that is 'UselessF800GS-Offroaders' of which I am a founder member.

That sounds like the right club for me I have never done any real offroading before. Done a bit on an old 50cc when I was a nipper, but nothing legal

I would love to go green laning and do some proper offroading. Eventually I want to do a trip to somewhere epic. Someone mentioned mongolia earlier. What an amazing experience that must have been. Thats where I want to end up, somewhere off the beaten track and simply amazing. I am still tempted to save up and try Enduro Himalaya. I found the vid on their website to be quite inspiring I dont want to be like those semi retired city boys who buy a GSA and put knobblies on it but never take it off the tarmac (No offence if there are some currently present )

Cheers

Matt

 

[PRAETORIAN]

Oh and does anyone have any experience of these? -----> http://www.sargentcycle.com/bmwwsf800.htm

I had a sargent on my 1150 GS and it was the mutts

 

[BM_donator]

Heard lots of grumbles about the Vario panniers leaking but I've done over 4000 miles through Europe in p1ssing rain and they've never leaked once - even fully expanded. I managed to force a teaspoon of water in once with a Kranzle power washer

 

[Mr. Pete]

If you like your right leg medium rare....

If you like heat and like to have your right leg medium rare...then buy an 800 gs. I like the bike...I do NOT like the heat pouring off the right hand side of it. For me...it is very uncomfortable and I would NEVER had purchased this bike if I had known how annoying and uncomfortable it would be riding it in warm/hot weather.
Probably a perfect bike for a cold climate. And yes...I did havei it checked out by my local BMW shop and got the factory "standard" comment...really?? We have never heard of this problem.
After four BMW's...maybe it is time for a change!

 

[Tim Cullis]

Interesting, I've never experienced this on my F650GS even in North Africa. I have noticed some warmth on the left hand side, but nothing I was concerned with.

 

[Tengiz99]

Have not noticed this on my F800 GS. Sounds strange, not to mention the dealer response. Do you know anyone with another F800 to compare?

 

[divelandy]

While riding around last week, i noticed that my r/h crash bar was warmer than the left and assumed it was because i'd parked on the side stand. I've not noticed any uncomfortable heat - though i do expect some warm air - the bike has to cool some how...

 

[ILMV]

I would like to think Mr. Pete is exadurating slightly. Yes, in hot weather after cruising through traffic at 5mph, it can get very hot, and it does become uncomfortable. However this has happened to me it has only occured whilst I have been stationary, as soon as I move away the problem subsides.

I don't think it's an issue at all, considering the bike handles alright with the large wheels and it has a bloody good MPG.

 

[everywherevirtually]

I would like to think Mr. Pete is exadurating slightly. Yes, in hot weather after cruising through traffic at 5mph, it can get very hot, and it does become uncomfortable. However this has happened to me it has only occured whilst I have been stationary, as soon as I move away the problem subsides.

I don't think it's an issue at all, considering the bike handles alright with the large wheels and it has a bloody good MPG.

+1. I've been in gridlock when the temp gauge was in the 28-30c and the fan has come on. The bike was hot and I could feel the heat on both my legs but I think saying that it would make your legs medium rare is stretching it a little. Yes you can feel the warm air when stationary but it's not enough to even make you sweat.

On cold days it's welcome. Maybe Mr Pete has a specific problem, is maybe more sensitive than the rest of us, has different expectations of how much heat should come from a bike or perhaps it's just damn hot in NY state. I have been there in July and know that the taxis drive around with the bonnet (hood) popped because it's that hot. After all New York city is on the same Latitude as Madrid. Can any Spanish 800 riders report on how it handles the heat?

 

[Klanky]

Odd how the 800's are currently leaping around the Sahara and other slightly more hotty places and yet no-one has commented on excessive heat.

 

[Micky]

If you like heat and like to have your right leg medium rare...then buy an 800 gs. I like the bike...I do NOT like the heat pouring off the right hand side of it. For me...it is very uncomfortable and I would NEVER had purchased this bike if I had known how annoying and uncomfortable it would be riding it in warm/hot weather.
Probably a perfect bike for a cold climate. And yes...I did havei it checked out by my local BMW shop and got the factory "standard" comment...really?? We have never heard of this problem.
After four BMW's...maybe it is time for a change!

I'd get your bike checked out (again) Mr Pete... done 25,000 miles on mine and never noticed that problem... at all

 

[mystic]

Hi Matt

First off my apologies for not replying earlier to your PM a few days back. Been a bit hectic of late.

Secondly congratulations on your weight loss - without giving too much away - that's an acheivement to be really proud of!

and thirdly, my 2 pence worth, after 9 months with the 800GS (some of which has been covered by other members further up the thread).

1 Bike is significantly lighter than the 1150GS - as both you and I well know , for obvious reasons.

2. Handling is great - nimble, flexible, and after the 1150GS, you can throw it around all over the place!

3. Seat: we're both vertically challenged both 29" ers! Definately go for the low seat option - the 800GS is a naturally tall bike so you will need the benefits of the low seat option. Seat comfort: it's a hard one especially after the Sargent on the 1150GS! I've opted for an Airhawk for long distance riding - but without it - 150/200 miles is quite doable.

4. Fuel consumption: Excellent - obviously dependant on how it's riden - but I'm getting consistently 70-75 MPH. However more than three quarters of this is motorway riding as opposed to town stuff! It certainly keeps more of my pennies in my pocket!

5. Having moved down from the 1150GS, I first missed the larger tank capacity of the 1150GS - however this has to be balanced against the significantly better fuel consumption of the 800GS.

6. Aftermarket add-ons: As has been mentioned already there's a host of companies busy taking our money for 'bling'. With a three month ride to Central Asia and back due to start in a matter of days, I've added:

Adventure Spec Engine Guards - covers the expensive upper plastic side panels - and I my view also enhance the bike's looks.

Solid ali BMW sump guard, replacing the plastic jobby which comes nas stock.

Tourtecoh ali tool corntainer whichf bolts to the front of the sump guard.

Ali front brake reservoir guard - reduces the risk of damage / tampering.

Same for the rear brake reservoir

Fastway metal footpegs for off road riding (wished afterwards I'd removed the same from the 1150GS I sold to you! )

Scottoiler

Metal Mule touring screen

Head lamp grill

Ali Radiator protection panel

Panniers: after looking at all the over-priced offerings on the market, opted for a pair of ArdCases from Roger in Cambridgeshire fitted to custom made Holan frames from Poland. Roger supplied and fitted the whole package. Look HERE for piccies. He will make them up exactly to your own specification and is a genuinely nice guy.

If now or later you're in the market for a tankbag - I'd wholeheartedly recommend the one designed specifically for the 800GS by Wunderlich. It's well designed, looks good, and is extremely well constructed. It attaches/detaches from the tank very quickly and efficiently. Not that cheap but worth every penny in the long term!
(Thanks to Micky for the heads-up on this one!)


Lastly Matt - if I can offer you two bits of advice if I may - first take a longish (2 hrs +) test ride over varying road conditions before coming to any decision. after all it's your harded -earned cash that's buying it - so make absolutely sure it feels right for you and your needs. Secondly - don't place too much weight on the numerous 'negative' comments which inevitabably find their way onto the forum - of course things go wrong on some bikes for some people, but just how many very satisfied owners take the trouble to post here about their positive experiences with their bikes? (The exception of course is Micky! )

If you want I'll give you some realife feedback on the bike's performance after the Central Asia trip - thats assuming of course we get back in one piece.

So glad things are on the up for you personally.


Take care

Mike