F800GS

[Richie N]

Hello fella,

I was talking about the 8, when I mentioned I was thinking about one the chap who looks after my bike nearly punched me....

I'm not saying thats bollox, what do I know? But I would have thought something as basic as plumbing should be up to spec. I read about engine failures before I bought mine (it initially put me off) but none mentioned overheating. You are always going to have the odd blown engine with any make/model.

I must admit the gauge always reads high (3/4) even when its minus 5 outside! Not had mine for a summer yet so time will tell.

jmho

Rich

 

[Josha]

Well I'm hoping that many of the recalls and teething problems are behind the 800 now.

I just bought one and just to be on the safe side I emailed bmw who checked and have emailed me back saying that my bike is not due any work.

Whilst I don't doubt that some bikes have had problems, hopefully it is behind the model now?

Time will tell, fingers crossed.

 

[Richie N]

I did a search after the previous post and the only thing I found was a supplier of radiator guards warning that they can sometimes cause overheating in 3 digit temps - not much chance of that in the UK

Rich

ps posted in another thread a rad guard seems to be the only item this fella didnt use http://uk2za.wordpress.com/2010/11/20/f800gs-problems/

 

[Micky]

F800GS ... Go for it, you know it makes sense

51,000 miles on mine now ... ridden down to Morocco and in to the Atlas Mountains, ridden across Europe through Turkey, Iran, Pakistan and the Karakorum Highway

No problems

Overheating can be caused by a small stone in the radiator fan housing stopping it from turning. Once you know this then no further problem. Recalls sorted minor issues. I'd trust this bike anywhere ... fabulous piece o' kit

 

[LoggyDriver]

F800GS ... Go for it, you know it makes sense

51,000 miles on mine now ... ridden down to Morocco and in to the Atlas Mountains, ridden across Europe through Turkey, Iran, Pakistan and the Karakorum Highway

No problems

Overheating can be caused by a small stone in the radiator fan housing stopping it from turning. Once you know this then no further problem. Recalls sorted minor issues. I'd trust this bike anywhere ... fabulous piece o' kit

Hey Up Micky,

What fuel mileage are you getting?
How is the bike holding up regarding fixtures and fittings in the winter?
What extras have you got on yours?
Any pictures?

In your opinion, how does the bike fair compaired to all the others you have had? I've just had a quick look at your site and you have massive experience so I'd appreciate any feedback regarding the F800GS.

I must admit, I haven't read anything about overheating on these bikes. Engine failures, hubs, chain and cut outs seem to be the problems I've read about.

I remember my mum picking up a brand new VW Polo. On the way back from the dealer the head gasket blew. So it does happen.

I should imagine the 2010 bikes on should have had all the teething problems sorted, although this type of engine from Rotax has been around a long time. The Harley Davidson MT350's we had in the Army were Rotax engines. They were like a bag of nails and aircooled, but I can't remember any engines breaking down.

Keep your views coming guys, this really helps people like me who are looking at buying this bike.

 

[Micky]

Hey Up Micky,

What fuel mileage are you getting?
How is the bike holding up regarding fixtures and fittings in the winter?
What extras have you got on yours?
Any pictures?

In your opinion, how does the bike fair compaired to all the others you have had? I've just had a quick look at your site and you have massive experience so I'd appreciate any feedback regarding the F800GS.

I must admit, I haven't read anything about overheating on these bikes. Engine failures, hubs, chain and cut outs seem to be the problems I've read about.

I remember my mum picking up a brand new VW Polo. On the way back from the dealer the head gasket blew. So it does happen.

I should imagine the 2010 bikes on should have had all the teething problems sorted, although this type of engine from Rotax has been around a long time. The Harley Davidson MT350's we had in the Army were Rotax engines. They were like a bag of nails and aircooled, but I can't remember any engines breaking down.

Keep your views coming guys, this really helps people like me who are looking at buying this bike.

All well documented over the last few months but for now ...

63 to 65 mpg easy but always always 7 to 9 euros less to fill the tank, after a days riding, than my 1200GS riding pals.

My bike holding up just great. No corrosion, no problems. Coated in Scott Oils' FS365 and washed down after every foray on to salt covered roads, after which I merely spray over with WD40 or maintenance type of spray.

Extras? Ha ... if you gave me fifty quid to spend on my bike I wouldn't know what to spend it on. Some BMW, some Touratech and some Wunderlich goodies fitted. Some after market bling is crap, some good ...

Some piccies to be going on with...

 

[LoggyDriver]

Mmmmmm

That bike just gets better looking. I see you have lots of extras on it. Love the rear shock.

I love this colour scheme. Cheers

 

[VAL. H.]

Insurance & Training

Have a talk to the Sales manager at North Oxford Garage 'NOG' Phil. He'll put you in touch with the BMW specialist insurers (a department within Devvit who also do Honda and other make specific cover).

I ride a 1200GS and pay £136.pa. My self and my other half who rides an R100GS both find them the cheapest option. Well worth getting a quote

Something else I would seriously advise:

Reading that you are returning to bikes after a fairly long absence I would suggest that you get some skills training before heading off on your daily commute, especially if that commute involves city centre/ring road traffic.

A call to your local Motorcycle training centre to book a 'back to biking' day on one of their bikes could make a really big difference to the early experience of your new bike and your health.
I see your in the Oxford area. If you can't find anyone who does this type of day then call the 'Bike School' in Devizes 01380 726966 (only about 50 miles from you) and they will happily get you going. (yes I work there, and I used to get my 1200 serviced at NOG)

Alternatively make contact with your local RoSPA/IAM (through in my experience of three advanced tests over the last twenty years, RoSPA is by far the better) group and get them to take you out for an advisory ride.

Finally: If you haven't ridden seriously for the last 3 years or so, do your self a favour and get a bike with ABS fitted. You won't notice it till you need it and even then you might not realise it has just saved your bacon. Besides most BM's will have it fitted anyway.

Good luck with your new toy when you get it, and ignore most of the negative stuff you read on here. It's only one person in a thousand or so that have these sort of issues. They really are quite rare and the bikes are great , my 1200 has done 55000 with on problems.


Val.

PS: when your fingers and knees get cold send me a PM and I'll sort you out with Muffs and a Gaucho.

 

[LoggyDriver]

Have a talk to the Sales manager at North Oxford Garage 'NOG' Phil. He'll put you in touch with the BMW specialist insurers (a department within Devvit who also do Honda and other make specific cover).

I ride a 1200GS and pay £136.pa. My self and my other half who rides an R100GS both find them the cheapest option. Well worth getting a quote

Something else I would seriously advise:

Reading that you are returning to bikes after a fairly long absence I would suggest that you get some skills training before heading off on your daily commute, especially if that commute involves city centre/ring road traffic.

A call to your local Motorcycle training centre to book a 'back to biking' day on one of their bikes could make a really big difference to the early experience of your new bike and your health.
I see your in the Oxford area. If you can't find anyone who does this type of day then call the 'Bike School' in Devizes 01380 726966 (only about 50 miles from you) and they will happily get you going. (yes I work there, and I used to get my 1200 serviced at NOG)

Alternatively make contact with your local RoSPA/IAM (through in my experience of three advanced tests over the last twenty years, RoSPA is by far the better) group and get them to take you out for an advisory ride.

Finally: If you haven't ridden seriously for the last 3 years or so, do your self a favour and get a bike with ABS fitted. You won't notice it till you need it and even then you might not realise it has just saved your bacon. Besides most BM's will have it fitted anyway.

Good luck with your new toy when you get it, and ignore most of the negative stuff you read on here. It's only one person in a thousand or so that have these sort of issues. They really are quite rare and the bikes are great , my 1200 has done 55000 with on problems.


Val.

PS: when your fingers and knees get cold send me a PM and I'll sort you out with Muffs and a Gaucho.

Hello Val,

Happy New Year.

Thanks for the tips. The "Bike School" in Devizes where you work, it's not located on the left as you enter Devizes across the road from Hopton Park Industrial Estate is it???

How much would one of these "back to biking" training days cost at your place and what type of bikes do you use?

I've already had a quote from the BMW insurance specialist and they quoted £290 fully comp. Considering I haven't riden a bike for 9 years I didn't think it was that bad, but I was hoping it would be £100 less than that considering a mate bought his first bike last year (Suzuki V strom) and his insurance is only £180 fully comp (and he is 3 years younger than me).

I will consider the course you mention depending on what the price is. Thanks for the heads up.

Andy

 

[v8legend]

If your looking purely as a commuter, then the 650GS with alloys and smaller wheels is probably better suited. It's also got a much lower saddle. Fuel comsumption on both seems similar, despite the better performance of the 800GS.

The engine problems you've read about are not widespread, generally this engine is bulletproof.

There have been a few well documented problems. The cutting out problem was with very early models, and was rectified with a software upgrade. Rear sprocket nuts were changed early on. Chain and sprockets have now been changed. There was another software upgrade to rectify the fuel guage showing miles left when you'd actually run out. There was a recall to modify the top hose (mines been done twice, and still isn't right).

I bought my 800GS from NOG, and you'll get excellent service from them. James (parts) and Matt (service) are both very helpful. Any 800GS that you're considering (new or old) will have all the mods done, so apart from keeping an eye on the top hose, then you should be fine.

If I was in your position, I'd want one with as many goodies as possible. It will make all the difference when you come to sell. A centre stand is essential for adjusting the chain. The computer is surprisingly useful, as are heated grips. ABS is another BMW requirement when people are looking at used bikes. If I had the choice of a low mileage loaded bike compared to a basic new bike, I'd go used every time.

Overall, the 800GS is a great choice. There's only one other bike I'd consider (The Triumph 800XC), and I doubt that will come anywhere close on fuel consumption.

 

[PaulW]

Hi Micky - now then, you've done a few miles on the F800GS and also the 1150/1200GS. What comments would you make on the relative safety (or not) of tubed tyres on the F800 compared to tubeless on the 1200GS/GSA? Having chatted to you many years ago outside Rainbow where you (easily) persuaded me to get the 1200GS, I would value your experienced opinion as I am wondering whether to swap my 1200GSA for an F800GS as I no longer ride two up these days. Main use will be on-road touring.

thanks in advance,
paul

F800GS ... Go for it, you know it makes sense

51,000 miles on mine now ... ridden down to Morocco and in to the Atlas Mountains, ridden across Europe through Turkey, Iran, Pakistan and the Karakorum Highway

No problems

Overheating can be caused by a small stone in the radiator fan housing stopping it from turning. Once you know this then no further problem. Recalls sorted minor issues. I'd trust this bike anywhere ... fabulous piece o' kit

 

[Micky]

Hi Micky - now then, you've done a few miles on the F800GS and also the 1150/1200GS. What comments would you make on the relative safety (or not) of tubed tyres on the F800 compared to tubeless on the 1200GS/GSA? Having chatted to you many years ago outside Rainbow where you (easily) persuaded me to get the 1200GS, I would value your experienced opinion as I am wondering whether to swap my 1200GSA for an F800GS as I no longer ride two up these days. Main use will be on-road touring.

thanks in advance,
paul

Hi Paul .... I wasn't particularly keen on going back to tubed tyres I must admit!

I did 50,000+ on the F650GS, and Sue did the same on the two she had, and now done 51,500 on the F800GS ... all without a puncture, and there's a lot of foreign crap roads on those mileages so don't be too worried.

I tell a lie, I got a slow puncture on the F800GS in Ireland and used one of those aerosol repair canisters and it got me home and saw the tyre out of the rest of its life

If I'm going away anywhere distant, for longer than a weekend, I'll carry a couple of spare tubes. a mobile 'phone and 'recovery/breakdown' card ... belt and braces

I just don't worry about it these days ... I learned some time ago on our Long Way Home trips that there's nothing that can't be fixed

Hope this helps

 

[PaulW]

Cheers Micky, just the sort of common sense advice I expected from a seasoned biker and Yorkshire man
Life's too short to be worrying about ALL the what-ifs.

paul

Hi Paul .... I wasn't particularly keen on going back to tubed tyres I must admit!

I did 50,000+ on the F650GS, and Sue did the same on the two she had, and now done 51,500 on the F800GS ... all without a puncture, and there's a lot of foreign crap roads on those mileages so don't be too worried.

I tell a lie, I got a slow puncture on the F800GS in Ireland and used one of those aerosol repair canisters and it got me home and saw the tyre out of the rest of its life

If I'm going away anywhere distant, for longer than a weekend, I'll carry a couple of spare tubes. a mobile 'phone and 'recovery/breakdown' card ... belt and braces

I just don't worry about it these days ... I learned some time ago on our Long Way Home trips that there's nothing that can't be fixed

Hope this helps

 

[Micky]

Cheers Micky, just the sort of common sense advice I expected from a seasoned biker and Yorkshire man
Life's too short to be worrying about ALL the what-ifs.

paul

Another issue to be noted, and pointed out to my by Herbert at Touratech who did quite a bit of development mileage for the F800GS in Africa ...

OK, BMW probably fitted the tubed type rims to the F800GS because they are cheaper than the cross spoked tubeless type rims BUT

Get a slit/cut tyre on a tubeless tyre in the middle of nowhere and you're stranded. You might be carrying a repair kit but not spare tubes ... and a repair kit probably wouldn't repair a slit/cut tyre

With a tubed tyre it's much easier to break the bead and pop another tube in ... which you would of course be carrying

Sorted

 

[PaulW]

Good point about ease of replacing inner tubes which, yes, I would be carrying. Still a little concerned about batting down a road fully loaded and picking up a nail or screw with the resulting rapid deflation. Had it happen once when I was 16 but then it was all part of the fun and something to talk about. Nearly fifty years on, I worry a little more about the consequences . . .

. . . I might just wash the GSA, keep clocking up the miles on that and stop pratting about - best bike yet (but is there a better one waiting??)

With a tubed tyre it's much easier to break the bead and pop another tube in ... which you would of course be carrying