F800Gt test ride

[pieterv]

Took an F800GT for a longish (1.5h) test ride. Since I have an older bike ('95 R100RT) I was interested how a modern bike would compare. Also liked the idea of a light and fuel economic bike that is still more powerful than my oldie.

Given there has been 18 years of development between the bikes, the F800 was not the revelation I though it would be. I did not push it since it only had 25 miles on it, and therefore had to take it easy because of the tires. So, maybe a more sporty ride would show up more differences. It did ride very nicely, but way too much wind (hit about middle to upper cheat) for my liking. The gearbox was just as agricultural as on the airhead, maybe even more so, but then that might improve when it has run in.

The thing that really put me off, though, was the throttle control. At low speeds (in traffic and around smaller roundabouts) it was very jerky indeed, making it unpleasant to ride in busy city traffic. At motorway speeds it was fine.

Is this because of the fly-by-wire control and lean engine? Anyway, not something I would want to live with. Would the R1200 have similar throttle issues?

I think I will happily stick to the airhead!

Pieter

 

[chas820]

You do get used to the throttle.

 

[Bury_Dave]

You do get used to the throttle.

Over 19,000 miles on my F800 and whilst i have learned to deal with it, I can't say I like the low speed throttle 'response' myself.

They say a 'power commander' chip deals with this. Anyone fitted one and able to comment ?

 

[cjdad76]

I also hated the snatchy throttle, particularly when riding off road and standing, felt like I was going to be thrown over the handlebars!!

I fitted the accelerator module, as mentioned on here in another thread:
http://www.sol2.be/Performance/ENG/Home/index.html

€40 and 10 mins to fit, it works brilliantly and takes the snatch out completely. Worth it's weight in gold.

 

[Bury_Dave]

I also hated the snatchy throttle, particularly when riding off road and standing, felt like I was going to be thrown over the handlebars!!

I fitted the accelerator module, as mentioned on here in another thread:
http://www.sol2.be/Performance/ENG/Home/index.html

€40 and 10 mins to fit, it works brilliantly and takes the snatch out completely. Worth it's weight in gold.

Cheers CJdad, I'll give that a closer look 40euros is nothing !

 

[thomo57]

I also hated the snatchy throttle, particularly when riding off road and standing, felt like I was going to be thrown over the handlebars!!

I fitted the accelerator module, as mentioned on here in another thread:
http://www.sol2.be/Performance/ENG/Home/index.html

€40 and 10 mins to fit, it works brilliantly and takes the snatch out completely. Worth it's weight in gold.

+1 for the Accelerator Module, well worth the money

 

[Bury_Dave]

I ordered the extended one last night and so will hopefully be fitting it over the weekend. Will let you know what i think.

Thanks for the link and confirmation it is something worth getting

 

[Zofo]

Me too, I don't mind the snatchy trottle that much, but the fix is cheap and easy and worth a try. I've read in other threads that change is barely noticable, which I would think is a good thing.

 

[cjdad76]

Change is definitely noticeable. I deliberately rode my bike directly before and after fitting. It takes the initial jerk out of the throttle, softening the response. You have to make a mental adjustment to give it a few more revs when taking off from standstill, but for me, it 100% improves the annoying trait.

Previous to my F800GS, I had a KTM 690 Enduro for 3 years which had exactly the same fuel injected induced trait - cannot believe I didn't have one of these for that bike.........

Keen to hear your feedback.

 

[Bury_Dave]

Here's a link to the ADVRider forum and a thread dedicated to the accelerator module.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=637186

seems a lot of people have given it the thumbs up !

 

[Smythson]

Here's a link to the ADVRider forum and a thread dedicated to the accelerator module.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=637186

seems a lot of people have given it the thumbs up !

After those fourteen pages my head hurts!

I am making a few assumptions about this mod so anyone with greater scientific/engineering experience please jump in and berate me as necessary...

1. Installing K&N and aftermarket exhaust will make an already lean bike, 658, run even leaner (If that's even a word?)...so can this correct this?

2. This mod will make the bike run overly rich in very cold / mountainous conditions when engine is suddenly revved (the term being 'leading throttle' according to ADV thread page 7 diagram) but not during normal cruising?

Anyone got any experience of either?

S

 

[Bury_Dave]

Accelerator module arrived last night. Will fit over weekend and report back. Snow permitting .......

I don't suppose it's worth taking photos as Marc's instructions seem pretty clear.

 

[Zofo]

I fitted the accelerator module today and went for a short spin.
It was very easy to install and you can't do it incorrectly. I removed the left side plastics to route the sensor up to the front this was the most difficult part, there are so many studs to take out.

I am very impressed with the result. It takes that sharp edge off the throttle in first gear, I noticed it taking tight corners in traffic in first gear and going around 1st gear roundabouts. There is no loss of power. I am very pleased with my GS800 and this has added a little bonus to it.

The service from the supplier was excellent and it arrived very quickly.

 

[Bury_Dave]

I've had exactly the same experience as you Zofo. I fitted mine last night in 10 minutes.

Took my bike out today for its' MoT and to get a new rear tyre fitted and immediately noticed a difference a huge difference. Couldn't throw the bike about as there was snow on the roads and with a new tyre but just accelerating and deccelerating was noticably less kerky.

Marc (the vendor) was prompt and curteous and the module arrived very quickly.

I totally recommend this mod'.