F650/800GS road test reports by UKGSers

[donbcivil]

Thinking seriously about the 800 GS

I was absolutely sold on the 800 until I rode one a few weeks ago and decided to go slower in picking a dual-sport. Maybe it was a mistake riding to BMW on my Speed Triple, which I think is the best bike ever? Well, the 800 maybe be close but I'm going to drive to the next test ride.

I rode the grey model, think I'll buy the yellow+black (If I buy one).

I thought it felt buzzy, the clutch throw seemed odd (a small friction zone out near the end...I kept checking to see if I was in neutral) and the turn signals would take some getting used to.

But the 800 power was good and it'd be very capable for my uses, so it may be the dual-sport for me. If so, I'll be going for a non-ABS model.

 

[Kaze]

Running in the new Beastie

Well picked up my new 800 GS on Friday and put a few miles on the clock, here's my initial observations:

Over the last few weeks with my 1200RT all clean & shiny I did wonder whether I'd made the right decision to change to the GS. The RT was a great bike and was in excellent condition, extremely comfortable, plenty of grunt and not bad handling for a bike of that size. 15 miles on the GS and I knew I'd made the right decision, love the riding position, sitting high up brought back good memories from the 1100GS I had before the RT.

Talking of comfort, clearly the GS can't compare with the RT, the seat is narrower & alot harder, but it's not as bad as I feared, 240 miles with only 2 short stops proved it to be quite bearable. I've opted for the standard seat and it seems better than the low seat that was on the test bike, at 5'9 I don't find the height a problem. Its easier to adjust your posture by sliding back/forward on the standard seat, and the padding seems a bit better too. I like the grippy seat covering which prevents any unwanted sliding.

The screen is suprisingly good, again it can't be compaired with the RT but its alot better than my 1100GS which used to channel the air into my mid-section. The 800's screen protects the body really well, but the air is directed straight onto the helmet, I haven't found buffeting a problem so far but then, I was sticking rigidly to the 4500rpm limit for running in so didn't go above 70. After being spoilt by the RT fairing I did find the cold air chilling my face, but even with the RT with the fairing up the air for some reason hit in the kidneys, so all-in-all the 800 doesn't do a bad job at all. I also had the hand protectors & spoilers fitted, these do a good job of protecting the hands from the windblast and I would recommend them.

The engine is sweet, no sign of any of the stalling issues so far (touch wood), it hasn't missed a beat, can't wait til the running in's over and I can properly let loose! Had the Akrapovic exhaust fitted, looks great but have to admit sound wise so far I'm a little disappointed, maybe it'll improve over 4500rpm, we'll see. Vibe wise no problems so far but I'll reserve judgement til after the running in period.

Handling is great, even on new tyres, though I was a little cautious on damp and greasy corners. Getting slowly bolder on the corners as the tyres wear in and so far it hasn't let go at all. I wonder whether it will be as forgiving as the 1100, the back end liked to slide on that but it was always controllable and quickly straightened up. The RT was just scary when that let go, I still have vivid memories of sliding on both front and back, (was a corner in country lane, dry on entry wet and greasy on exit), fortunately it gripped and I got away with that one but realised it was a close one.

Been out again today, 320 miles in total now, at this point I am very happy. No regrets with so far then...

 

[moto1527]

Good stuff Kaze,
im up to 6500miles now and have no regrets, i hope you are as pleased with yours as i am with mine.

moto

 

[Kaze]

Cheers Moto

Certainly looking good so far!

Here's hoping for a bit of free time & some decent weather!

 

[frogger]

I went from a 1984 R80GS (I had quite a few bikes in between, mostly motocross and trials bikes with a short stint on a Kawasaki GT750 shafty) to a 2004 R1150GS Adventure (bumblebee) to the new F800GS (bumblebee).

Of all the bikes so far the 800GS is in a league of it's own and my absolute favourite (with the R80GS coming in a close second ). The 800 feels a lot lighter than what it is, is quick and powerful and also very well put together. I've been lucky so far and have had no issues at all after doing 700 miles.

I am running TKC's which I find amazing (on road as well as off road) and plan on doing quite a bit more offroad with this bike. Also got a few longer trips planned which will be done with pillion and luggage.

Seriously, if you are still thinking of getting one of these stop wasting time and go and buy it! It is that good

 

[moto1527]

Cheers Moto

Certainly looking good so far!

Here's hoping for a bit of free time & some decent weather!

I'll second that! kaze
free time and good weather- a rare combo

maybe next summer a big F800GS get together somewhere, what do think all?

moto

 

[Account removed]

650GS

Had a loan of a 650 whike my bike was in for a service.

What a great bike, now has me thinking that I want a 650/800 GS

 

[blackie]

Had a loan of a 650 whike my bike was in for a service.

What a great bike, now has me thinking that I want a 650/800 GS

Uh oh... someone's just had a little seed planted in their mind.....
Be careful, those things are very very addictive...

 

[Micky]

They're grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat 'bikes MGJ

Confirmed F800GS owner here, 16,000 miles since this side of Easter and enjoying every minute



www.adventure.gs

 

[mark2jag]

buzzy, errrrr NOOO

I have just bought the 800 - never ridden the 650 so can't compare. However, my bike has very little vibration and I was watching out for it having previously read someone else say the 800 vibrated. For me the tallness of the bike is a plus when it comes to riding country roads - I can see over hedges much better than on my other bike. This adds a lot to the enjoyment of the ride.

if you want buzzy and vibratey lend me an 800GS and I'll let you borrow my Vstrom, then you'll REALLY know what buzzy and vibratey means,lol (still goes like brown stuff off a wooden thing though

 

[AKoffroader]

F650 or F800 Options

I'm thinking about ordering either an F650GS (twin) or F800GS for spring 2009 delivery. I have some questions about the availible options.

1) Is the ABS worth having for the $900.00 USD it costs?

2) I'm in Alaska so hand warmers are a "must have" item, but what do you guys think about the "on board computer"? Is it worth the money and what does it do?

Is there anything else you would add to the order. I'm thinking bone stock with the addition of hand warmers and maybe the OBC.

Thank you.

Greg

 

[twisticles]

I'm thinking about ordering either an F650GS (twin) or F800GS for spring 2009 delivery. I have some questions about the availible options.

1) Is the ABS worth having for the $900.00 USD it costs?

2) I'm in Alaska so hand warmers are a "must have" item, but what do you guys think about the "on board computer"? Is it worth the money and what does it do?

Is there anything else you would add to the order. I'm thinking bone stock with the addition of hand warmers and maybe the OBC.

Thank you.

Greg

That's a can of worms you've opened there Greg, regarding the ABS

The short answer is probably yes - ABS equipped bikes tend to sell more easily, have a higher resale value, offer shorter stopping distances and safer braking for the mjority of riders, and according to a report last week by the institute for American insurers (or whatever it is called) ABS equipped bikes are substantially less likely to be involved in an accident.

I should point out that there are riding Gods out there who can feather a brake on the limit before it loses traction and who claim to be able to keep a bike upright in all skid conditions. These people will not benefit from ABS

Personally, I like the OBC - it seems like something is missing if you don't have it.

As for the hand warmers - I wouldn't be without them in UK winters either, but they are nowhere near as warm as Mr Honda-Sans or many after-market products. Only 2 heat settings, and neither of them approaches "burn" temperature. With thick gloves on I can barely feel the heat. I like to too hot to touch

 

[twisticles]

Oh, and if you don't get the centre stand (or an after-market one) you will regret it at some point.

 

[sijohnston]

Oh, and if you don't get the centre stand (or an after-market one) you will regret it at some point.

+1 on centre stand. OBC is a great tool and worth the few extra $. I too would go for the ABS. It's come in handy for me on a few occasions since I got the bike. As for heated grips - a non-negotiable. Unlike twisticles, I like to ride in summer gloves all year around owing to the lack of feel and discomfort in thick winter gloves (which can't be gore-tex as the heated grips ruins those anyway). So, I have to put those stupid looking muffs on in Winter, which mean that you never need your grips past the low heat setting. Downside to muffs is you have to take them off to do any kind of off-road.

go for it...both great bikes.

 

[Klanky]

Regarding heated grips and heat:

Someone posted on the forum quite recently that they fitted BarkBusters and found that combining these with the heated grips, they didn't really need thick gloves at all.

I did an early morning 2 hours/110 miles in frost a couple of weeks ago and, even though my gloves were fairly thin, I felt reasonably comfortable...just a little numb on the most exposed parts of my fingers.

 

[emdub]

1) Is the ABS worth having for the $900.00 USD it costs?

Yesterday while overtaking cars at about 60 km/h in light rain and VERY slippery conditions a canned a**hole decides to switch on the blinker at the same time he starts turning left (we drive on the right)... whatever thoughts I had of being a "braking god" vanished as I felt the ABS again and again and again and it stopped me on the car, standing up just slightly scraping my right blinker and nothing else. I am absolutely sure I would done any or all of the following: hit the ground, scraped the bike, hit the car, hurt myself and pummeled the driver to unconsciousness once I stood up, picked up the bike and saw the damage. Up to you if that accounts for 900 USD worth...

2) I'm in Alaska so hand warmers are a "must have" item, but what do you guys think about the "on board computer"? Is it worth the money and what does it do?

Love my heated grips and I'm sure we don't get 1/10th of the cold you get there... I do agree they could be hotter. OBC? I like it. If you have doubts, get it, or you'll later keep thinking you should have gotten it. I know I'm that way. How else are you going to answer your MPG, current temperature and Miles to empty on the spot?? ;-)


Is there anything else you would add to the order. I'm thinking bone stock with the addition of hand warmers and maybe the OBC.

Contrary to others here I do fine without the lump of metal bmw call the center stand. All it's good for is oiling your chain and parking in sand. That isn't worth the price and weight in my book...

 

[moto1527]

1) Is the ABS worth having for the $900.00 USD it costs?

Yesterday while overtaking cars at about 60 km/h in light rain and VERY slippery conditions a canned a**hole decides to switch on the blinker at the same time he starts turning left (we drive on the right)... whatever thoughts I had of being a "braking god" vanished as I felt the ABS again and again and again and it stopped me on the car, standing up just slightly scraping my right blinker and nothing else. I am absolutely sure I would done any or all of the following: hit the ground, scraped the bike, hit the car, hurt myself and pummeled the driver to unconsciousness once I stood up, picked up the bike and saw the damage. Up to you if that accounts for 900 USD worth...

2) I'm in Alaska so hand warmers are a "must have" item, but what do you guys think about the "on board computer"? Is it worth the money and what does it do?

Love my heated grips and I'm sure we don't get 1/10th of the cold you get there... I do agree they could be hotter. OBC? I like it. If you have doubts, get it, or you'll later keep thinking you should have gotten it. I know I'm that way. How else are you going to answer your MPG, current temperature and Miles to empty on the spot?? ;-)


Is there anything else you would add to the order. I'm thinking bone stock with the addition of hand warmers and maybe the OBC.

Contrary to others here I do fine without the lump of metal bmw call the center stand. All it's good for is oiling your chain and parking in sand. That isn't worth the price and weight in my book...

Pretty much ditto on all the above really, i dont like the look of the centre stand personally and preferred to blow my budget on the OBC, ABS and Heated grips.

I would add to your list a Touring screen- Metal Mule, Powerbronze, eagle or (gulp) bmw original depending on your taste and/or budget.

cheers

moto

 

[BM_donator]

1) Contrary to others here I do fine without the lump of metal bmw call the center stand. All it's good for is oiling your chain and parking in sand. That isn't worth the price and weight in my book...

My side stand bends alarmingly with 3 fully loaded panniers

Only tried it once and now use the centre stand all the time when touring.

 

[ELBOB]

Is the ABS worth having for the $900.00 USD it costs?

Here in the UK 3 dealers told me non ABS bikes go for £1,000 less. ABS is £ 750 option. So economically no brainer. You can switch off the ABS. Never had a bike with ABS but used mine twice since July, ( joys of London riding ), so personally I would not have a non ABS bike. Hope this helps. Happy and safe biking.

 

[easyman05]

has anybody already used a low-grade/octane fuel on his/her F800GS? like 80 or 70 ? ia an octane-boosting fluid a good idea?
TIA