Almost new guy...maybe
 

So, i'm getting old and find myeslf not really keen on throwing myself down a mountainside as much as I used to be.

Years of riding/road racing and just getting old has left me with a new hip and a bunch of injuries etc.

Long story short, getting rid of my XR-R Adv bike and moving to a 800gs, either a '12 or a '13, but leaning to a '13 for no particular reason other than it's newer and has "some" improvement's over the '12. Looking forward to being able to do more slab miles before I go numb.

I've been lurking this part of the ADV world for a few weeks, and I have to say, I thought the thumper world of ADVrider had a high noise to bandwidth ratio...I was wrong, you guys are good at filling up the rest of it! ;) I kid I kid!

Anywho, looking at the '13, it looks like any new model, teething problems (minimal) and aftermarket parts company needing to catch up. The main things i'm going to change right away are as follows:

Tires: covered, know where i'm going there.
Seat: covered as well
SUSPENSION: ???? Ohlins? etc (Know that WP is the new thingy)

Suspension is normally the first thing I ever change, i'm 6'4 and 225 with gear on. I've NEVER bought a bike that works for me out of the box, that's just reality.

Anything else I should look at right away? Before you answer, i'm a cheap bastard, years of racing has made me that way, I know my limitations there ;)

Welcome.....Almost
 

Great bike and you are on the right track. For our size of guy the bike is way under sprung. If you have any experience with decent suspension setups and it sounds like you do then the 800 is going to be very lacking if you push it off road at all.

I note that you are in WA. You should really chat with Alex at Konflict Motorsports. Guy is a real pro and the setup he did of my front forks is very sweet. http://konflictmotorsports.com/

Except for a good bash plate all the rest are wants. Plus if you are cheap (like me) a seat and decent suspension is going use up a lot of the kitty.

Thanks,

one thing I'm not clear on is the rear shock. I'm going to look for non E. is the standard 2013 shock the same as the 12?

I am cheap too. Before I made a leap for the Ohlins I would pull the innards out of the forks and see if those WP forks can be revalved. Still won't be adjustable, but if set up to your weight, riding style and terrain perhaps it won't matter.

My dealer had to replace one of the fork legs on my '13 after the wreck. I am going to ask them if the WPs can be revalved.

What part of Eastern WA are you from? I am in Spokane.

I'm working an angle on a re-valve already. :evil

I'm in spokanistan as well, more easterly. Looks like i'm picking up a white '13 on Saturday over in Seattle. yay!

1. Precision Engineering 2" drop pegs.
2. Rox risers (on top of a Scotts preferably).
3.) TALLER seat (and hopefully more comfortable).

I'm 6'4" 230 (and probably better looking) :rofl I feel your pain - first thing I ever do on a bike is the ergos.

+1 for the Scotts if you have the funds. Other than the suspension work best item we have added to the bikes.

You didn't look at Westside Motorsports?

I did talk to them, went up there too. I'll let you figure out the rest.

First of all. There is no way in hell you're better than this tall glass of water. :D

Second? Drop pegs? you don't nail them on rocks/roots etc? I've always wanted my pegs higher when i'm off road. Guess i'll find out soon enough.

Good chosie on bike you will love it. Good bike for a tall guy I'm 6' 5" 250 lbs and do mostly off road riding. If you have ny question on how I have set mine up just shoot me a pm.

paging LukasM to the white telephone....

LukasM to the white telephone please

:lol3

No models without E suspension?