moto1527
Guest
I think the intrepid soul who took his F800Gs to Mongolia( see travel section) used low grade fuels without mishap?
Moto
F650/800GS road test reports by UKGSers
- Thread starter Tim Cullis
- Start date
I think the intrepid soul who took his F800Gs to Mongolia( see travel section) used low grade fuels without mishap?
Moto
AKoffroader
Guest
F650GS VS F800GS
I am still flip flopping on which one to get. Pros and cons to both.
One thing I have been reading that bothers me is complaints about the front forks on the F800GS being "harsh" on rough trails. I also noticed a "fork kit" (springs and oil) on the TT site, but only for the F800GS.
Question: The forks on the F650GS are a non USD (up side down) design versus USD on the F800GS. Do the stock forks on the F650GS work better then the F800GS on rough trails with out changing a bunch of stuff?
Thank you.
Greg
I am still flip flopping on which one to get. Pros and cons to both.
One thing I have been reading that bothers me is complaints about the front forks on the F800GS being "harsh" on rough trails. I also noticed a "fork kit" (springs and oil) on the TT site, but only for the F800GS.
Question: The forks on the F650GS are a non USD (up side down) design versus USD on the F800GS. Do the stock forks on the F650GS work better then the F800GS on rough trails with out changing a bunch of stuff?
Thank you.
Greg
nikp
Registered user
Which to choose
I wouldn't get too hung up on USD or non USD forks. I used to race motorcross at the time when upside downies first came about and everybody was raving about how good they were. Quite honestly if you're anything less than Stoner/ Rossi et-al then I would defy your average joe to notice any markable difference. What was more of a decision for me is the fact that the 650 has cast wheels which aren't as forgivng on 'rough' terrain. That's the reason I opted for the 800 with it's good ole fashioned forgiving spokes.
The 800 is well worth the extra couple of hard earned groats over the 650 and I haven't stopped grining since I picked it up 4 weeks ago
Don't compromise... get the best (in yellow of course!)
I wouldn't get too hung up on USD or non USD forks. I used to race motorcross at the time when upside downies first came about and everybody was raving about how good they were. Quite honestly if you're anything less than Stoner/ Rossi et-al then I would defy your average joe to notice any markable difference. What was more of a decision for me is the fact that the 650 has cast wheels which aren't as forgivng on 'rough' terrain. That's the reason I opted for the 800 with it's good ole fashioned forgiving spokes.
The 800 is well worth the extra couple of hard earned groats over the 650 and I haven't stopped grining since I picked it up 4 weeks ago
Don't compromise... get the best (in yellow of course!)
Totally agree
17,500 miles now, since the end of March, and haven't stopped grinning
www.adventure.gs
jarax
Guest
Yes i had during Mongolia trip. The engine goes bit worse in low RPM and i think engine does not like it at all, but there was no choice. Before trip i had removed cat (must if u use leaded gasoline) and chiped F800 to take 91 RON gasoline (lowest possible).
easyman05
Registered user
did you just remove the cat without electrical modification? simply left the wires unconnected?
I am thinking to buy an aftermarket exhaust can without cat but not sure about "the brains" - as there will be no oxigen sensor.
jarax
Guest
To remove cat there is no need to remove oxygen sensor (lambda) - I just cut pipes, removed cat and weld the pipes together again. Aftermarket exhaust systems also has got hole for oxygen sensor. Without the sensor, i am sure engine will not work optimally.
easyman05
Registered user
Thanks a lot!
But the cat itself is located in the exhaust can of in the pipe before it?
TIA
easyman05
Registered user
I found your pix regarding the cat removal, thanks a lot for sharing!
Did you try a K&N air filter?
emdub
Guest
There's a K&N for it already? Haven't been able o find it yet... have a prt#?
moto1527
Guest
Totally agree
17,500 miles now, since the end of March, and haven't stopped grinning
www.adventure.gs
right on the nail there mate
9500 miles since mid may- love it! i plan to ride this one up to about 60000 miles sell it and buy another one the same!moto
Last edited:
easyman05
Registered user
that was my question too
I saw an air filter in Wunderlich catalogue for F800GS - looked like K&N to me. If the airfilters on F800GS and F800ST/S are the same - you can find it on K&N website in F800ST section. BM-8006 if I remember it correctly.
sijohnston
Registered user
Off-roading it...
I was on the Turkey Run in Ireland at the weekend. Good times. It was interesting doing the off-roading. The rest were on HP2's, X-Challenges etc. I the only one on a more 'standard' GS. Had a couple of problems with the 800. It's fueling sensitivity means that it's hard to take off with just a gentle twist of throttle. So it doesn't do easy low revs for grip as easy the 1200 (even in 2nd). The other issue was my tyres. The guys were all riding on proper enduro tyres, which make TKC's feel like more of a road tyre on heavy terrain. On top of that, I was the only one with a punctured tube the next morning!!! Got a good lesson from the pros on how to change a tyre though. Key lesson: use another bike with a flat bottom side stand to break the bead...brilliant!!
Philgunn said that if dropped a sprocket with one tooth less on the front, it would make the world of difference to the bike off-road. Given that I'll always be running on knobblies, top speed isn't too important, so I'll give it a whirl and let you know.
I'm still fairly convinced that this bike performs really well across the board in terms of its versatility. But my inability and lack of experience compared to Gunner et al (and his hooligan machine) on the trails was probably the key difference. Still, good times
I was on the Turkey Run in Ireland at the weekend. Good times. It was interesting doing the off-roading. The rest were on HP2's, X-Challenges etc. I the only one on a more 'standard' GS. Had a couple of problems with the 800. It's fueling sensitivity means that it's hard to take off with just a gentle twist of throttle. So it doesn't do easy low revs for grip as easy the 1200 (even in 2nd). The other issue was my tyres. The guys were all riding on proper enduro tyres, which make TKC's feel like more of a road tyre on heavy terrain. On top of that, I was the only one with a punctured tube the next morning!!! Got a good lesson from the pros on how to change a tyre though. Key lesson: use another bike with a flat bottom side stand to break the bead...brilliant!!
Philgunn said that if dropped a sprocket with one tooth less on the front, it would make the world of difference to the bike off-road. Given that I'll always be running on knobblies, top speed isn't too important, so I'll give it a whirl and let you know.
I'm still fairly convinced that this bike performs really well across the board in terms of its versatility. But my inability and lack of experience compared to Gunner et al (and his hooligan machine) on the trails was probably the key difference. Still, good times
TWM
Guest
I've bought one!
Hi, I'm new to UKGSer's. It seems a great way of sharing info. I've just bought a 650GS, and was a bit concerned when I read about the radiator top hose coming loose, and the poor quality of the OE chain and sprockets. I'm off on 2 European trips in the near future, the bike's done 1200 miles, I'm wondering whether to change the C+S's before I go-any suggestions?
In regards to the bike, I'm more than happy with it-at the moment. Last few bikes have been a 1200GS and a R1150R. I toured Scandinavia on both bikes (2007/2008), and for most roads I reckon the 1150 was the better bike-very underated. I thought the 650 would be a bit underpowered, but I think it's fine, it's light,flickable, economical and good fun-it'll do everything the Gs does, and it's more fun. I've changed the seat and the screen. Only problem is the bling for the bike, as T'tech is literally 7 miles up the road from me! I've added handguards, crashbars, luggage rails for paniers and other "bits".
Hi, I'm new to UKGSer's. It seems a great way of sharing info. I've just bought a 650GS, and was a bit concerned when I read about the radiator top hose coming loose, and the poor quality of the OE chain and sprockets. I'm off on 2 European trips in the near future, the bike's done 1200 miles, I'm wondering whether to change the C+S's before I go-any suggestions?
In regards to the bike, I'm more than happy with it-at the moment. Last few bikes have been a 1200GS and a R1150R. I toured Scandinavia on both bikes (2007/2008), and for most roads I reckon the 1150 was the better bike-very underated. I thought the 650 would be a bit underpowered, but I think it's fine, it's light,flickable, economical and good fun-it'll do everything the Gs does, and it's more fun. I've changed the seat and the screen. Only problem is the bling for the bike, as T'tech is literally 7 miles up the road from me! I've added handguards, crashbars, luggage rails for paniers and other "bits".
nikp
Registered user
Day Trip
I needed to go to the lake district today to wrap up my caravan for winter so what better excuse to take the bumble bee out for it's first blast since getting run in
I remembered seeing an old jeremy clarkson program where he went over butter tubs pass which is quite close, but never on the way to my holiday home so I set the Zumo and off I went.
Picture on top of Butter Tubs;
All the way, I kept thinking about the adverse comments to the DeathWings which I still have fitted from standard and kept feeling for them slip sliding around but to be honest they have performed well today in cool, wet, muddy and flooded road conditions all at a fair old pace so I personaly am quite happy with them.
Butter tubs pass turned out to be reasonably straight forward, but the road from it's end at Thwaite through to Kirky Stephen (The B6270) turned out to be the real challenge for which the 800 took in its stride;
Even happened accross a minature waterfall;
One thing that has turned out to be well worth the money is the Metal Mule (Powerbronze) screen. It keeps the wind pushed over the top of my TourX (I'm 5'10" ish) at up to and probably beyond national speed limits
;
So after a 1 day 295 mile round trip from lincolnshire to the lake district I can honestly say that I have never owened a bike (and I've had a few) that has given me so much confidence and which I've been able to ride as smoothly and for as long in relative comfort as this F800GS
I needed to go to the lake district today to wrap up my caravan for winter so what better excuse to take the bumble bee out for it's first blast since getting run in
I remembered seeing an old jeremy clarkson program where he went over butter tubs pass which is quite close, but never on the way to my holiday home so I set the Zumo and off I went.
Picture on top of Butter Tubs;
All the way, I kept thinking about the adverse comments to the DeathWings which I still have fitted from standard and kept feeling for them slip sliding around but to be honest they have performed well today in cool, wet, muddy and flooded road conditions all at a fair old pace so I personaly am quite happy with them.
Butter tubs pass turned out to be reasonably straight forward, but the road from it's end at Thwaite through to Kirky Stephen (The B6270) turned out to be the real challenge for which the 800 took in its stride;
Even happened accross a minature waterfall;
One thing that has turned out to be well worth the money is the Metal Mule (Powerbronze) screen. It keeps the wind pushed over the top of my TourX (I'm 5'10" ish) at up to and probably beyond national speed limits
;So after a 1 day 295 mile round trip from lincolnshire to the lake district I can honestly say that I have never owened a bike (and I've had a few) that has given me so much confidence and which I've been able to ride as smoothly and for as long in relative comfort as this F800GS
moto1527
Guest
Id say you are fine with the chain and sprockets you've got if they are ok now and you fit an oiler if you havent already done so.
Ive done 10000 miles on my 800GS on the same C+S set with only a couple of minor adjustments to chain tension but ive had an oiler fitted from day 1.
Ive also done a european tour on the beast and fitted a metal mule screen, barkbusters hand guards are next
I had an 1150RS before the F as well!, nice bike but i couldnt get on with the handle bar position, (too low) im 6ft 2in and it was cripplingly uncomfortable to ride after a while.
Good luck with the tours!
Moto
mystic
Registered user
800GS ..... one view of it's pro's & cons.
Recently came across this thread over on Advanced Rider. Really excellent reading ..... a sort of 'question & answer' session with a guy who'd ridden the F800GS for a section of a RTW ride. He clearly knows his stuff and writes really informatively about the pro's & cons of the bike both on road and off road.
IMO well worth a look if you havn't yet come across it!
Recently came across this thread over on Advanced Rider. Really excellent reading ..... a sort of 'question & answer' session with a guy who'd ridden the F800GS for a section of a RTW ride. He clearly knows his stuff and writes really informatively about the pro's & cons of the bike both on road and off road.
IMO well worth a look if you havn't yet come across it!
russh
Registered user
A few weeks ago I took a F800GS for a test ride, I posted this report over on XRV however I thought it might be of interest here. Hence the comparisons with the Africa Twin and Transalp, which are the two bikes I'm parting with to get a F800GS.
----------------------
Luckily the BMW dealership is only 10 miles up a very wet and windy A34. By the time I get there my gloves are already wet through.
After all the formalities, showing of driving licence, coffee and having BMWs idiosyncratic indicator system demonstrated it was out into the rain to try the bike.
Firstly the saddle is no soft cushion, the handlebars feel closer to my body than my Transalp or Africa Twin, more dirt bike style, in fact the seating position reminds me more of a spacious DRz400 than say an Africa Twin. The bike started first push and settled into a nice but deep sounding tick over helped by the optional Akrapovic can fitted to this demonstrator. Feeding the light clutch out and tentively pulling out onto Oxfords ring road I realise this ain’t no new Africa Twin. For a start the engine doesn’t feel like it has the low end grunt of the Africa, instead just a smooth linear rise in power all the way up the rev range, however the engine is more than happy at the lower end of the rev range, pulling cleanly from below 3000 rpm. The bike feels loads lighter than the Africa Twin or the Transalp, I couldn’t test the brakes to the full due to the abysmal conditions of the roads but they certainly had loads of feedback, I guess helped by the steel braided brake lines fitted as standard.
Out onto the A34 to see what the bike is like on the open road, firstly as reported elsewhere the engine does vibrate a little, more of a buzz really although no way intrusive. As I was only on a dual carriageway for 10 miles or so I can’t comment on whether this would be more problematic on a longer stint, I would guess not. The bike seems very willing to zip straight up and over the national speed limit.
The demonstrator had the optional BMW taller screen, at 6’2” I suffered no buffeting but at the same time not all the wind was directed over my head,.
Off the main road to try some town riding, as a lot of my riding is through city rush hour, how the bike coped with this would be quite important, absolutely brilliant is the answer, a lot more manoeuvrable than either the Transalp or the Africa Twin with the best turning circle ever, the bars also felt slightly narrower than the standard bars fitted to my Africa. With such a wide power band to the engine less gear changing was needed through town too. One slight glitch, as with many fuel injected bikes the transition from throttle off to on wasn’t as smooth as a carbed bike, not as bad a the KTM 990 Adventure I rode a couple of years back but nowhere near as smooth as the Africa, a slight change in riding style and this all but disappeared.
Due to the awful weather I didn’t get a a chance to try the bike off road, I would stick my neck out and say it would be far better than the Africa Twin, however for long distance travel on paved roads I think an Africa with a tall screen maybe slightly better, albeit slower too. The seat, though hard didn’t get uncomfortable for the hour I was riding, not to sure I would want to sit on it all day though.
Servicing cost also look pretty cheap too, with a minor service at 6000 miles and valves checked at the 12k service, with this bigger service still coming in at under £200 inc VAT at a BMW dealer!
I think if I had to sum up the bike I would say it feels like the ugly offspring of a bizarre mating between a Africa Twin and a DRz400, taking most of the good bits from these two bikes. The only area where IMO it may loose out is in the long distance mile munching, for that I would say something like a KTM Adventure of the big GS1200 would be the way to go. For me if I was to only have one bike in the garage the F800GS would cover most of my needs, better off road that the AT, better at commuting than the TA and easier in the rush hour than say a KTM 990 Adv.
All in all it's a very easy bike to ride, not as mental as KTM but also not so exciting as the Austrian but lots more fun than the Japanese v-twins.
-----------------------
Did I like it??
YEP! I bought one
----------------------
Luckily the BMW dealership is only 10 miles up a very wet and windy A34. By the time I get there my gloves are already wet through.
After all the formalities, showing of driving licence, coffee and having BMWs idiosyncratic indicator system demonstrated it was out into the rain to try the bike.
Firstly the saddle is no soft cushion, the handlebars feel closer to my body than my Transalp or Africa Twin, more dirt bike style, in fact the seating position reminds me more of a spacious DRz400 than say an Africa Twin. The bike started first push and settled into a nice but deep sounding tick over helped by the optional Akrapovic can fitted to this demonstrator. Feeding the light clutch out and tentively pulling out onto Oxfords ring road I realise this ain’t no new Africa Twin. For a start the engine doesn’t feel like it has the low end grunt of the Africa, instead just a smooth linear rise in power all the way up the rev range, however the engine is more than happy at the lower end of the rev range, pulling cleanly from below 3000 rpm. The bike feels loads lighter than the Africa Twin or the Transalp, I couldn’t test the brakes to the full due to the abysmal conditions of the roads but they certainly had loads of feedback, I guess helped by the steel braided brake lines fitted as standard.
Out onto the A34 to see what the bike is like on the open road, firstly as reported elsewhere the engine does vibrate a little, more of a buzz really although no way intrusive. As I was only on a dual carriageway for 10 miles or so I can’t comment on whether this would be more problematic on a longer stint, I would guess not. The bike seems very willing to zip straight up and over the national speed limit.
The demonstrator had the optional BMW taller screen, at 6’2” I suffered no buffeting but at the same time not all the wind was directed over my head,.
Off the main road to try some town riding, as a lot of my riding is through city rush hour, how the bike coped with this would be quite important, absolutely brilliant is the answer, a lot more manoeuvrable than either the Transalp or the Africa Twin with the best turning circle ever, the bars also felt slightly narrower than the standard bars fitted to my Africa. With such a wide power band to the engine less gear changing was needed through town too. One slight glitch, as with many fuel injected bikes the transition from throttle off to on wasn’t as smooth as a carbed bike, not as bad a the KTM 990 Adventure I rode a couple of years back but nowhere near as smooth as the Africa, a slight change in riding style and this all but disappeared.
Due to the awful weather I didn’t get a a chance to try the bike off road, I would stick my neck out and say it would be far better than the Africa Twin, however for long distance travel on paved roads I think an Africa with a tall screen maybe slightly better, albeit slower too. The seat, though hard didn’t get uncomfortable for the hour I was riding, not to sure I would want to sit on it all day though.
Servicing cost also look pretty cheap too, with a minor service at 6000 miles and valves checked at the 12k service, with this bigger service still coming in at under £200 inc VAT at a BMW dealer!
I think if I had to sum up the bike I would say it feels like the ugly offspring of a bizarre mating between a Africa Twin and a DRz400, taking most of the good bits from these two bikes. The only area where IMO it may loose out is in the long distance mile munching, for that I would say something like a KTM Adventure of the big GS1200 would be the way to go. For me if I was to only have one bike in the garage the F800GS would cover most of my needs, better off road that the AT, better at commuting than the TA and easier in the rush hour than say a KTM 990 Adv.
All in all it's a very easy bike to ride, not as mental as KTM but also not so exciting as the Austrian but lots more fun than the Japanese v-twins.
-----------------------
Did I like it??
YEP! I bought one
rml
Guest
First ride F650GS
Well today I had a loaner F650GS as my bike got new rubber, and I
have to say what a cracking bike, I'd now like to try the F800GS and then
find £6-8,000
I admit it I want one. Anybody got a spare one?
Well today I had a loaner F650GS as my bike got new rubber, and I
have to say what a cracking bike
, I'd now like to try the F800GS and thenfind £6-8,000
I admit it I want one. Anybody got a spare one?
freeloader
Registered user
You can't have mine, but there's one for sale on Skye...
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169465
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169465
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