new guy, wondering?

[California]

Hello! I'm a long time rider, currently with a HD RoadKing and a Buell Ulysses, and am considering moving to an f650GS or an f800Gs. What I'm wondering is, if one starts with a 650, how difficult, at a later date would it be to turn it into an 800? I know it's basically the same engine, could it be done? What would you have to change?

It's just a thought, but a year or so from now when $$$ is not quite so tight...

 

[alimey4u2]

Hello & welcome...

I'm sure someone will come along with a suggestion.....

 

[Colban]

From what i've seen,even the engines are probably internally different to go from the 69 BHP of the "650" to the 85 BHP of the 800.Then you start looking at the forks,wheels etc,i guess it would cost a fortune to convert.
The biggest downside to the 800 is the height of the thing compared to the 650.And there is also quite a big difference in price from the dealer although i would expect to be able to get a 650 quicker than the more in demand 800.
There is also the view that some people take that the 650 is the ladies GS.
Keep your money in your pocket until you can order the 800.By that time BWM should have sorted out the launch niggles.
Welcome to the forum by the way.

 

[twisticles]

What I'm wondering is, if one starts with a 650, how difficult, at a later date would it be to turn it into an 800?

"Hello Mr Dealer, there are the keys to my 650, where do sign for the 800 and a lifetime of repayments?"

 

[Eujy]

I'm with Twisicles on this one... why on earth would you want to buy a 650 & turn it into a 800 ... just get a 800!!!

 

[luckylucian]

IIRC there is about £1k difference in price between the two, and most of the power "loss" is down to revised cams, say £800 for the dealer to change the cams, and update the ECU for the new cams, then extra insurance premiums 'cos you've modified your bike.....its makes more semse to wait and get an 800


but each to his own - I'd get a used 1200