2013 F800GS and F700GS merged threadfest

[Scapadu]

Found it myself. Here below on the picture you see how BMW did choose the way to fixe larger windscreen with a special metallic bracket:

[Wes Mantooth]

Originally Posted by soph9

subtle differences in the suspension...but comfy mode I like best commuting

Let me jump in and say that I completely agree! I'm really happy with the bike so far. The ESA is more than just window dressing, which was a pleasant surprise.

[soph9]

^ +1

[Pabigwoods]

Congrats on the new bike Leslie. The long wait is over. Enjoy

[soph9]

Originally Posted by Pabigwoods

Congrats on the new bike Leslie. The long wait is over. Enjoy

thanks!

Did some installing of our recycled farkles from our 650's







Cheryl's bike

[JRWooden]

Originally Posted by Wes Mantooth

Let me jump in and say that I completely agree! I'm really happy with the bike so far. The ESA is more than just window dressing, which was a pleasant surprise.

Did we figure out if ESA adjusts both spring preload AND damping or only the damping?

If so, sorry .... I apparently have impaired the neuron carrying that information.......

[soph9]

damping.....preload is manual....on the fancier touring bikes it does both...and you can change the ESA on the fly

[soph9]

Here is it in BMW's own words...

Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA.
The Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA is a new feature in this motorcycle segment. Available as an option ex works, it allows the rider to conveniently set the rebound stage damping of the rear spring strut at the press of a button on the handlebars, with the settings "Comfort", "Normal" or "Sport" available, thereby adapting the set-up to the needs of both route and riding style. The handwheel for setting the desired spring mount has been optimised for improved controllability.

[JRWooden]

Originally Posted by soph9

Here is it in BMW's own words...

Thanks!
BMW does have some very clever wordsmiths ....

[soph9]

Originally Posted by JRWooden

Thanks!
BMW does have some very clever wordsmiths ....

what are you going to buy?

[JRWooden]

Originally Posted by soph9

what are you going to buy?

I'm going to buy "free time" ....

I just decided this evening that I'm going to keep riding my 4-year old F658GS ...

* I've mounted the farkles,
* I've had the recalls attended to
* my 2nd gas tank has a small crack which I will hope to get repaired under the parts warranty ... before it runs out
* my headlight reflector is crapping out on the hi-beam but I think I'll ignore it
* When Electrosport releases their new stator I'll install it - I think it will be well engineered.

Then I will "spend" the $4,500 it would cost me to trade up, to buy more "free time".
Free time I will use to wear out my current bike....

This past summer the bike and I had an EPIC adventure ...
I didn't post it as it was a little too personal and likely not of broad interest ...
but if you PM me your e-mail address I'll send the journal to you.
I think you and Cheryl would enjoy it!

Jim

PS: I may upgrade to the non-bobble-head front brake master cylinder arrangement .... that thing has always pissed me off ............

[vtbob]

Originally Posted by JRWooden

I'm going to buy "free time" ....

I just decided this evening that I'm going to keep riding my 4-year old F658GS ...

* I've mounted the farkles,
* I've had the recalls attended to
* my 2nd gas tank has a small crack which I will hope to get repaired under the parts warranty ... before it runs out
* my headlight reflector is crapping out on the hi-beam but I think I'll ignore it
* When Electrosport releases their new stator I'll install it - I think it will be well engineered.

Then I will "spend" the $4,500 it would cost me to trade up, to buy more "free time".
Free time I will use to wear out my current bike....

This past summer the bike and I had an EPIC adventure ...
I didn't post it as it was a little too personal and likely not of broad interest ...
but if you PM me your e-mail address I'll send the journal to you.
I think you and Cheryl would enjoy it!

Jim

PS: I may upgrade to the non-bobble-head front brake master cylinder arrangement .... that thing has always pissed me off ............

a big +1 on that!

My f650 at 30k miles runs better than ever. I've sprung for a wilber rear shock(great improvement) and Intimidators for the front so the suspension is really dialed in now. All other farkels already well sorted. Now where to go? so many great choices.

[terraunbound]

I visited our semi-local dealer last Saturday and test rode the F700GS. Compared to my 2001 thumper, there's a whole lot of power and smoothness. And although at the softest preload I could touch the ground, more of my foot needs to be able to on the ground to handle maneuvering, as Robbie expressed a few pages back "I live in an area where every driveway and parking area is gravel and uneven" and I am inseam challenged. It is ridiculous to be unable to walk the bike backwards without hopping and that doesn't cut it on uneven ground.

The dealer is saying that all of the F700GS' coming in are with the Launch Package, which basically adds heated grips. period. nothing else. And that if I want to special order a bike with the Comfort Package or a lowered bike, that I probably won't receive it until spring 2013. Which given that it is mid-October may not be such a bad thing but... I'd like to get a bike now :)

What are you all seeing? Are there 700gs out and about in the US with other packages?

I'm headed back to take another test ride with a low seat, but I'm getting the impression that I'd have to pay full price (or some price) for that seat - which looking at the option list, shows that there should be no extra charge for a low seat. (link to price/options list- thanks Patrick!)

I'm weighing my options though as I don't seek uber-gnarly roads so looking at the Versys and V-strom as other options too.

[JRWooden]

Originally Posted by terraunbound

... What are you all seeing? Are there 700gs out and about in the US with other packages?

Local dealer here in NC has bikes with other packages.... so I don't know what that guys is thinking ...
but will admit the USA distribution channel seems a bit screwed up.

I think the low seat is a zero-cost option if ordered on the bike .... they may be actually selling you a bike with std. seat and then selling you the low seat?

[guavadude]

The dealers in my area received a fully loaded bike with ESA and traction control, and a launch pkg bike with only heated grips. So it seems it either all or nothing. I imagine at some point the Comfort pkg will be what most showroom bikes have...heated grips, center stand and trip computer.