There aren't many mechanical issues threads re the 800cc parallel twin bikes...

[brut33]

I've noticed the absence of 'problem threads' re these bike, unless you know different....?

Had mine six months and well satisfied (R700GS).
I started it up last week from its sleep in November. It's not been on charge and it performed
like it's in daily use. Did a three hour trip, no dramas. Looking forward to a long trip this summer
to give my newly aquired comfort seat a proper test.

 

[Deleted account 181015003]

I've noticed the absence of 'problem threads' re these bike, unless you know different....?

Had mine six months and we'll satisfied (R700GS).
I started it up last week from its sleep in November. It's not been on charge and it performed
like it's in daily use. Did a three hour trip, no dramas. Looking forward to a long trip thjs summer
to give my newly aquired comfort seat a proper test.

Early ones had a stator problem that seems fixed on later bikes, wheel bearings and head bearings have been known to fail early but generally these bikes are very reliable.

Sargent seat works best for me but the BMW optional comfort works for others

Strangely BMW don't make the engines and they seem rock solid with a clutch and gearbox that works really well

 

[Micky]

Indeed

Have I mentioned this already somewhere else? Please forgive me if I have

125,000 miles, no rust, no corrosion, no issues, no problems

Original clutch, adjusted once, original timing chain, exhaust and inlet valve clearances never been adjusted, ALL bang on halfway between their respective max/min permitted

But then the engine is Rotax

OK, one stator, a few head bearings, couple of wheel bearings here and there ... and that's about it. ALL repairs that could be done at the side of the road on an overland trip



Edit ... just to add that it's been razzed round der Nürburgrig, Stella Alpina, across Morocco, across Europe many times, Iran, Pakistan and the Karakoram Highway. Much used, much loved

 

[Magnet]

Indeed

Have I mentioned this already somewhere else? Please forgive me if I have

125,000 miles, no rust, no corrosion, no issues, no problems

Original clutch, adjusted once, original timing chain, exhaust and inlet valve clearances never been adjusted, ALL bang on halfway between their respective max/min permitted

But then the engine is Rotax

OK, one stator, a few head bearings, couple of wheel bearings here and there ... and that's about it. ALL repairs that could be done at the side of the road on an overland trip



Edit ... just to add that it's been razzed round der Nürburgrig, Stella Alpina, across Morocco, across Europe many times, Iran, Pakistan and the Karakoram Highway. Much used, much loved

Oh gawd, who rattled your cage?

'A few head bearings', the master of understatement...

 

[Micky]

Oh gawd, who rattled your cage?

'A few head bearings', the master of understatement...

brut33 and Deleted account 181015003 did

Head bearings sorted now Ma'am .... only Koyo bearings and no torque wrench used

650 and 800 doing nicely

 

[Norfolk Tiger]

125,000 miles you kept that quiet

 

[ymfb]

I've had two F800GS's and once I'd upgraded the seat, screen and headlights (there may have been some minor things)they were great bikes except the head bearings.

I'd have another if my requirements matched the bike, but for now I'm happier on my R1200GSA

 

[brut33]

I see it's mainly steering head bearings that I need to swat up on. Just been on youtube and it looks quite easy.
Thanks everyone for the response and piece of mind. Reliability is the way forward.

I've now only got to do 122,000 miles to catch Micky up.

 

[Colin]

F700gs

2014 F700gs. right hand switch gear failed at 2000 miles. steering head bearings at 4000 miles. left hand switch gear replaced twice. now done 14000 miles. rear disc needs replacing. no engine problems. but constant chain rattle against swingarm. very annoying when driving slow through a town.

 

[brut33]

2014 F700gs. right hand switch gear failed at 2000 miles. steering head bearings at 4000 miles. left hand switch gear replaced twice. now done 14000 miles. rear disc needs replacing. no engine problems. but constant chain rattle against swingarm. very annoying when driving slow through a town.

Is your chain adjusted properly?

 

[Micky]

.... but constant chain rattle against swingarm. very annoying when driving slow through a town.

Never a problem ... only get that when my chain is really in need of adjustment OR it has severe tight spots and would be up for replacement pretty damned soon

 

[Colin]

chain rattle

I'm beginning to think that it's because I have the factory low suspension model.
it's done it from new. I've mentioned it every time it goes in to dealers for service.
I've tried tightening it and loosening it, I did wonder if the throttle bodies were out of sync causing the engine to flutter on a light throttle. it's mainly between 2000 - 3000 rpm. I was told the throttle bodies were set on a flow meter at the factory and sealed so the dealers never have to adjust them.
And I think the earlier switch gear is a lot more reliable than the later. I've had mine changed under warranty 3 times but now it's run out. and BMW prices are pretty high.

 

[ymfb]

My advice on chains is do not scrimp and buy anything other than DiD.

 

[soupdragon]

2012 700gs - with 21,000 miles. No mechanical issues. Switch gear is a weak area I would say. I make a point of not using the hazard warning lights as once switched on the switch will not turn them off again without a lot of pushing and poking.

 

[Afmuir]

I've had two F800GS's and once I'd upgraded the seat, screen and headlights (there may have been some minor things)they were great bikes except the head bearings.

I'd have another if my requirements matched the bike, but for now I'm happier on my R1200GSA

Hope I'm not hijacking, but what did you do to upgrade the light?

 

[steve hughes]

Hope I'm not hijacking, but what did you do to upgrade the light?

Trip to Les Wassell on here as HID 50. Wired one of his HID's into my dip and I have never looked back. Brighter during day and night riding transformed. Regrets, 1) I should have done the high beam at the same time, since it looks dull by comparison

 

[snappo]

Trip to Les Wassell on here as HID 50. Wired one of his HID's into my dip and I have never looked back. Brighter during day and night riding transformed. Regrets, 1) I should have done the high beam at the same time, since it looks dull by comparison

Another vote for Les, I had the hi beam done as well, I reckon I could melt number plates with it if I got close enough!

 

[Afmuir]

Another vote for Les, I had the hi beam done as well, I reckon I could melt number plates with it if I got close enough!

So a mod worth doing by the sound of it. No problems being too bright and dazzling anyone? And no issue with harming the reflector according to the website?

 

[SuperTed]

Changing the lights to HID is the best thing you can do - the standard light is truly awful.
BUT...make sure you get something from Les Wassell. I was persuaded by a mate that cheaper HID kits were just as good and I'm going to have to replace the light lens soon as the cheap HID has clouded the dip beam almost three quarters the way down.
So make the change, but don't be cheap-skate.

 

[stephen.stallebrass]

I had a 2008 F800GS and done probably 75k miles on it. They did have some minor problems and there are threads on forums to be found but they were nothing very major. The OEM chain sucked as did OEM wheel and race bearings but these are easily replaced consumable. My stator burnt out in the last 5k miles of my ownership but I got it rewound and I reinstalled it very easily. The other thing is the fuel pump & filter which could shit the bed very very occasionally in very hot weather when fuel was low and of poor quality but was fine 99.9% of the time. I did upgrade the suspension and fitted an Indy kit, which was a stronger upper shock bolt as the OEM was prone to bend under heavy off road use. That was about it, it was a very reliable bike, even as stock.