The F8 has been around now for circa four years, and it should be time enough to try to conclude over how reliable the model is. I love mine and think it's great to drive, but I'm had some troubles with it. Items that have failed and had to be changed: Water pump, warped back brake disc, battery, seized radiator fan + ordinary recalls. And the bikes only gone 6000 km...(2009 model). I think I might have had some bad luck, but according to forums it doesn't seem like I'm the only one with trouble. Being owners one might be a bit protective over ones own bike, but I think it's time to try to conclude over how reliable the F8 is. If one ignore the early problems that has been fixed with recalls, how reliable is the F8 compared to models that might be interesting for F8 owner? Adventure bikes like BMW 1150/1200 GS, the old BMW 650 GS and KTM 990 Adv. etc.
How relible is the F800 GS?
- Thread starter lllBlll
- Start date
Tengiz99
Registered user
2007 GS with 20,000 km on it now.
Had all the recalls done, only problem I had was had to replace the battery.
Some corrosion developing on the brake fluid mount and mirror mounts though, but mechanically sound.
Had all the recalls done, only problem I had was had to replace the battery.
Some corrosion developing on the brake fluid mount and mirror mounts though, but mechanically sound.
shaunj
Registered user
2009 Model nearly 25k miles
Issues:
Cracked gear selector left me stuck in 6th
Replaced head bearings at about 24k miles (Should be life of bike part in my opinion or at minimum 50-75k miles)
Some corrosion but expect that with all the salt they use on the roads
Recalls/warranty work:
Rocker gasket
Chain
Issues:
Cracked gear selector left me stuck in 6th
Replaced head bearings at about 24k miles (Should be life of bike part in my opinion or at minimum 50-75k miles)
Some corrosion but expect that with all the salt they use on the roads
Recalls/warranty work:
Rocker gasket
Chain
chas820
Registered user
2009 model just over 10,000 mls Just the chain recall and new side stand bush.
Silversurfer
Registered user
2010 model - 18,000 miles. Replaced 1 x headlight bulb. Seriously, that is all that has failed on it.
smaytum
Registered user
2008 model. Been to Morocco twice. 25,000 miles. Worked hard off road. Sand, sea, piste... Etc.
Rear bearing failed
Front bearing failed
Two batteries
Two chains
Buckled front wheel
Oh, and she snapped my Achilles tendon when I picked her up
But she's great... I love her
In Sept, she's taking me around the black sea.
Rear bearing failed
Front bearing failed
Two batteries
Two chains
Buckled front wheel
Oh, and she snapped my Achilles tendon when I picked her up
But she's great... I love her
In Sept, she's taking me around the black sea.
2009 model, Yellow (fastest and bestest colour!!)
18k, 14k of which are mine.
It had already had the chain & sprocket recall done, I had a front wheel replaced under warranty as it was kinked (looked like the previous owner had argued with a kerb)
I've had new chain & sprockets done on its last service at ABW.
Had a problem starting it back in December, when I left it in cold storage in an ISO container for 3 days, but other than that, it's never let me down, not once.
Prior to having HID's fitted by Les of this parish, I too had a single headlamp bulb failure, other than that, it's been perfect.
I've done some farkling on it for the summer, just got a Tony Archer seat to sort next, then I plan on keeping it for at least another 2 years, I bloody love the thing!!
18k, 14k of which are mine.
It had already had the chain & sprocket recall done, I had a front wheel replaced under warranty as it was kinked (looked like the previous owner had argued with a kerb)
I've had new chain & sprockets done on its last service at ABW.
Had a problem starting it back in December, when I left it in cold storage in an ISO container for 3 days, but other than that, it's never let me down, not once.
Prior to having HID's fitted by Les of this parish, I too had a single headlamp bulb failure, other than that, it's been perfect.
I've done some farkling on it for the summer, just got a Tony Archer seat to sort next, then I plan on keeping it for at least another 2 years, I bloody love the thing!!
Dave Ett
Registered user
2008 model, 30,000 miles
Ridden to South Africa (shipped back).
Ridden to and through Morocco and back.
Ridden to Italy and back.
Rest of it is commuting and day trips.
Aside from recall work, it's had gearbox repairs as the clutch nut came off, and a new rear wheel bearing. That's it.
Ridden to South Africa (shipped back).
Ridden to and through Morocco and back.
Ridden to Italy and back.
Rest of it is commuting and day trips.
Aside from recall work, it's had gearbox repairs as the clutch nut came off, and a new rear wheel bearing. That's it.
Somejuan
Registered user
Had the wee F650GS Twin three years now and have done 40,000 km around NZ - mostly sealed roads - but about 3,000 km on rough shingle roads with more than a few a few river crossings and although dropped a couple of times in the shingle there is no visable damage. A very survivable machine
I've had the factory recall on the chain and BMW replaced steering head bearing at no cost.
Great little machine - would probably trade for new one this time next year.
I've had the factory recall on the chain and BMW replaced steering head bearing at no cost.
Great little machine - would probably trade for new one this time next year.
Big Bird
Registered user
14K Miles, been to Morocco, Norway and most of Europe, no issues other than 2 new batteries.
Johnnymac
Registered user
8300 miles on my 30th Anniversary model since new in September 2010. No warranty issues, no recalls, Scottoiler fitted at first service, 2720 miles around the Alps last summer, and I've adjusted the chain once. Never laid a spanner on it otherwise.
Just changed the original Pirellis to Metz Tourance EXPs. Has averaged 62 mpg from new accoroding to the computer, but whilst touring last year regularly averaging low to mid-70s mpg.
Does everything I want from a bike!
John
Just changed the original Pirellis to Metz Tourance EXPs. Has averaged 62 mpg from new accoroding to the computer, but whilst touring last year regularly averaging low to mid-70s mpg.
Does everything I want from a bike!
John
Dave Ett
Registered user
So from this small list, I'd say it was pretty good. The few things that go wrong are easily fixed by the home mech, and therefor very cheap.
Compare that with the R12GS, or the K1600 in fact...
Apart from the fan, most of those are fairly unique failures
Mine's only done 15000m, so not long enough for the real picture.
I've had all the usual recalls etc. I was grateful for a new chain and sprockets, however the ones on there were fine. My top hose has been modded twice, and has failed twice. They fixed it this time with a jubilee clamp, I can't see it moving now! I also had my side stand snap whilst it was being strapped down on the ferry. Closer inspection showed rust on the inside, I think this is pretty much a 'one off'.
Unique and unique... The battery and water pump problems have happen to enough not to be very unique. But it's interesting that so few have had problems. It would be nice if forum users keep this thread going with their experiences. In this way its possible to get a better overview of the reliability of the bike, important parts to keep an eye on, and what it's important for buyers of used bikes to look after. It's interesting to see that the F8 have got a bit of a "bad" repetition for not being a reliable bike on different forums. (Adv rider and Horizon unlimited etc.) So far on this thread it seem to me that the well known problem with the wheel bearings are the bikes Achilles heel.
Dave Ett
Registered user
I guess a lot of it is about perspective. If you (quite rightly) think that spending upwards of £7000 on a new bike ought to guarantee reliability then you'll be annoyed when things fail. If you look at things objectively and are capable of wielding your own spanners then I suspect you'll view the "common" failures as niggles.
Personally I think Rotax and BMW got the core aspects of the bike spot on, but BMW took a gamble in a few areas and have sadly lost the bet. At least it was only on the easily replaced parts.
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