Want to buy US f800GS What should I know?

[cappedup]

I'm in the market for a US 800. I will probably pop into Max Motorcycles http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/contactus.html and see what the deal is there. I will have a few $ to spend although am not necessarilly going to get carried away with a new machine. Although some kind of warranty would be nice.

I've been lurking for a while and read all kinds of great things here. I'm an English fella abroad, and its nice to get the UK view of things at times. So, to the point.

Are there any things I should be looking out for when viewing say 2-3 year old 800s? There is the now famous top hose issue, I assume thats sorted. Software updates. Cracked fuel tanks (in the US only?).... anything else?

Looking forward to posting the pic of my new purchase! Whatever it ends up being.

Ta.

 

[stephen.stallebrass]

Common faults: wheel bearings, shit OEM chain, head race bearing, bent side stand, heated grips... none a deal breaker and all easy fixes.

It's a great bike. Mine's a 2008 and has just done 39K miles with no major problems whatsoever. I hope to take it to Magadan via Mongolia this year. Just have a good test ride before deciding.

I wasn't a fan when I first got mine but it has really grown on me. There's loadsa umph, and there's plenty of mods and personalisations you can do to it if that's your thing?

 

[Dean]

Hello and welcome cappedup


As mentioned above really much more here : http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=195475

Yes most of the problems have been resolved, ask the dealer they will be most helpfull I'm sure!

It is a great Bike, and on the bright side Mickey from this parish has clocked up 67,250 sweet miles.

I looked on the Max webb site I see the triple Black loks rather nice but that would be a new one .

The new prices seem very High converting it to the GB pound how do the used prices fair ?

Let us know how you get on and if you join here put some pictures up

Happy shopping

 

[cappedup]

Thanks all. I'll be hanging round far more after I get my bike Will be in a couple of months maybe.

Cheers for the tips. Right, chain, forgot about that one. Been reading about the heated grips. Side stand? I'm guessing a replacement is available. I'm a complete tinkerer and love sticking bits on, taking bits off so almost looking forward to a bit of 'maintenance'.

I'm a bit of a fan of this http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/machine/details.aspx?ID=3823 The yellow/black. Listed at $11,495. Or £7,345. That sound expensive? I'm not sure of any extra on the road costs in the US, state taxes etc. Although would hope for a bit of haggling on extras, couple of tyres, crash bars etc. Thats a new machine.

Or this used http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/machine/details.aspx?ID=3752 Seems nice for the price. $5120 or £3271. 2003, 25k miles. Hate the screen, hate the clocks facia. I'm 6'0 so the lowered suspension might be a touch low. But those are all things that can be messed with. If I got a new set of tyres with that and a screen thrown in i'd be happy.

Do these prices still seem expensive to the UK? I was under the opinion (hoping) that US bikes are cheaper.

Thanks for the help. Appreciate it!

 

[jaycommando]

hey pal. ok i have a US spec F800GS i imported it when i moved back to the UK in 2011. they have an extra vapour filter fitted next to the rear shock to make them US EPA regulation correct. all the issues are the same here as there they also suffered from wheel bearing issues join the Advrider site and read up on the bike there lots of input. but appart from that the price shouldnt be to different to UK after conversion due to the fact that BMW corperate set the price. used ones are rare as its a well made good quality bike.

 

[argee]

Dont crash into the side of a 4x4 as the plastics will cost a grand

 

[GunZenBomZ]

Welcome Cappedup, I'd look for heated grips onboard computer & ABS.

Extras to consider, engine bars (not bmw ones) and a comfort seat. A second hand bike would need too be all stamped by bmw-us and as mentioned, a good ride to check out bearing degradation.

The adv-rider site would be good for you to say "I'm looking for a 2nd hand f8gs..who can help me locally to check out the wear and tear..etcetera".

Post some pictures once you grab one, they are a top-notch machine.

 

[Dean]

but appart from that the price shouldnt be to different to UK after conversion due to the fact that BMW corperate set the price. used ones are rare as its a well made good quality bike.

the last time I was in mickey mouse land (not F8 mickey) Florida

New cars was for sale the same price in Dollars that we paid for similar cars here in the Uk. ie: cheaper by far

mind it was a while back

Probably the god old days

 

[v8legend]

I'm a bit of a fan of this http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/machine/details.aspx?ID=3823 The yellow/black. Listed at $11,495. Or £7,345. That sound expensive?

Or this used http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/machine/details.aspx?ID=3752 Seems nice for the price. $5120 or £3271. 2003, 25k miles. Hate the screen, hate the clocks facia. I'm 6'0 so the lowered suspension might be a touch low.

Thanks for the help. Appreciate it!

Those 2 bikes are completely different. The 650 single is a great bike, but nothing like the twin! The 650/800 twin came out in 2008.

 

[Dean]

Those 2 bikes are completely different. The 650 single is a great bike, but nothing like the twin! The 650/800 twin came out in 2008.

Amen to that Brother


And welcome back from the Red Rebels Mr Leg End

 

[cappedup]

Those 2 bikes are completely different. The 650 single is a great bike, but nothing like the twin! The 650/800 twin came out in 2008.

You know what, I never realised the 2nd one was a 650 doh.

Anyway, thanks for the warm welcome. And the great tips. Will report back with pics and a plan!

Cheers fellas.

 

[jaycommando]

Oh yeah I also got my bike from Bobs BMW in Jessop MD. Great service good guys and they knocked the tax off because I'm military. Look them up if your down that way they have a great onsite museum.

http://bobsbmw.com/

 

[Dean]

Oh yeah I also got my bike from Bobs BMW in Jessop MD. Great service good guys and they knocked the tax off because I'm military. Look them up if your down that way they have a great onsite museum.

http://bobsbmw.com/

And a good website that is complete with Microfiche for all BMW steeds including the ones back in the Day

not to mention Bobs T shirts and stocking Heidenhau K60's


Good job Bob

 

[scoobert]

You know what, I never realised the 2nd one was a 650 doh.

Anyway, thanks for the warm welcome. And the great tips. Will report back with pics and a plan!

Cheers fellas.

i am up here in NY.
albany ny area.
just got myself a 650GS twin there at max last year.
i had a good experience with creig.
make sure you get the heated grips.
you will need a taller windshield too, the factory one stinks.
also get yourself crash bars. they just saved my leg in a wreck with a deer.
you will need a seat too, unless your a skinny guy.