Servicing the F700 twin

[FatAl]

I am considering chopping in my Yamaha XTZ1200 Super tenere for a lighter and lower bike. My arthritis is getting worse and I'm starting to struggle just pushing the Yam in and out of the garage, yet alone getting on and off it. I don't particularly want to spend a lot more on a replacement bike, so an F700 may fit the bill, although I'm sure I'll miss the extra HP and torque of the big Yam. 90% of my riding is solo and on Tarmac and I prefer to do most of my own service work.

Are any fancy electronic tools required for resetting the service lights on this bike? on my previous Stelvio and on the S10 I can reset service lights via easy access to the on board computer. I could use a standard OBD2 diagnostic tool on my old Tiger 1050 ( also considering a Tiger 800XR). The last thing I want is having to go back to a dealer to have service lights reset.

 

[Smug]

If you want the light off it's a visit to a dealer or get yourself a GS911.

If you don't want the light to come on again soon get the next service set to a date in ten years time and a very high mileage.

 

[Bem]

Or just ignore the service light.
Seems not much goes wrong with the 650/700/800 (touch wood!) apart from some earlier ones suffering the mystery "stumbling when low on fuel" problem.

 

[Rushy]

Al,

Have you not considered a tracer 700 . Seems to be the best bang for your buck in that class at the moment ?

 

[ronnie69]

R1200RT? HP and torque but lower and easier to wheel around and heated seats to ease your arthritis...? Child no 2 arriving soon means mine isn't getting used so I should really sell it. PM if u want chapter and verse.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Jimeroo]

Al,
Same situation as you regarding age creeping on. I sold the GS and bought a MT 09 Tracer, and its proved a good move.
Given me a new lease of life.

 

[FatAl]

Tracer may be a possibility, I know it's light enough, I think the 900 seat may be a touch too high. I will look at getting a test ride, also looking at Tiger 800.
Thanks chaps

 

[squibb34]

I am fortunate enough to run both an S10 ES & an 2012 F650GS SE.

We aquired the baby GS on a whim really, but it's certainly light & handles a treat - we use this for local runs & retain the S10 for more serious adventures. Our local dealer, Wollaston, quoted me £200 for a full service & brake fluid change, so I don't think I shall bother to get down & dirty TBH. Others have offered cunning solutions, with access to a GS911, but these things are pretty expensive. Some say the 800 twin is a bit uninspiring, like a sewing machine, but it does the job economically once you get used to the linear power curve.

I know what you mean about the weight of an S10, but this melts away as soon as you get moving & provides the bike with an excellent ride quality, even on atrocious road surfaces. A buddy of mine is starting to suffer with arthritis too, always worse in this cold weather - he just makes sure he is always astride the bike when moving the thing around & summons help when needed. Always first to get the side stand down when stopped or paddling the bike & reverse legs the thing back into his garage, which seems to help his confidence.

Others have mentioned the MT07/Tracer - I have an old dealer friend, now over 70, who abolutely loves his. His only complaint is the poor finish in places - these things are good value for money, but need looking after carefully if you are riding in all weathers.

Take care & have fun with the test rides ..................... KEN

 

[slparry]

I am considering chopping in my Yamaha XTZ1200 Super tenere for a lighter and lower bike. My arthritis is getting worse and I'm starting to struggle just pushing the Yam in and out of the garage, yet alone getting on and off it. I don't particularly want to spend a lot more on a replacement bike, so an F700 may fit the bill, although I'm sure I'll miss the extra HP and torque of the big Yam. 90% of my riding is solo and on Tarmac and I prefer to do most of my own service work.

Are any fancy electronic tools required for resetting the service lights on this bike? on my previous Stelvio and on the S10 I can reset service lights via easy access to the on board computer. I could use a standard OBD2 diagnostic tool on my old Tiger 1050 ( also considering a Tiger 800XR). The last thing I want is having to go back to a dealer to have service lights reset.

as others have said you have to have a GS911 or similar to set the service lights.

If you're interested in a new F700GS let me know there's a £450 deposit contribution and 5.9%apr offer available at present (or a free Navigator Street if not on finance) for F700/800GS's )

 

[brut33]

Hi Al.
I did much the same as you and recently downsized from a 1200gsa. The missus doesn't ride pillion and I've found the 700gs suits my needs riding solo.
When I get on it, it feels like a push bike compared to my other one. I haven't noticed a great deal of difference in performance either.
If your interested in the use of a 700gs take my bike out for a day or two. You only live around the corner from me so it's no trouble.

Send a pm if you fancy it.

 

[slparry]

Thing is the 800GS has 85 hp .... and a few years ago the very definition of adventure bike the R1150GSA also had 85 hp and was a lot heavier

http://www.barrierobsonbmw.co.uk/downloads/data/R1150GSAdventdata.pdf

Given the reduced weight the 75hp of the F700GS is ok once you adjust

 

[FatAl]

Hi Al.
I did much the same as you and recently downsized from a 1200gsa. The missus doesn't ride pillion and I've found the 700gs suits my needs riding solo.
When I get on it, it feels like a push bike compared to my other one. I haven't noticed a great deal of difference in performance either.
If your interested in the use of a 700gs take my bike out for a day or two. You only live around the corner from me so it's no trouble.

Send a pm if you fancy it.

Thanks, might just take that offer up, where are you?

 

[FatAl]

Given that the F700 has about 75bhp and low weight I suppose the performance would be OK. Thirty odd years ago I used to run Honda CB750k's which were only rated about 70bhp and weighed more than the F700, and I thought they were quick (dead slow by modern standards I know )

 

[brut33]

Thanks, might just take that offer up, where are you?

Sunny St.Helens near the Bird ith' Hand PH. Will pm my phone number.