Bmw F800gs Q&A

[RTW Motorcycling]

Originally Posted by DoctorIt

Once again, fantastic answers, thanks mate!

I think the 19" front off the 650 could be a popular mod, indeed. Still good enough for off-roading, but not quite so over-bearing. And thanks for pointing out the new 650... I did a side-side comparo on bmwmotorcycles.com just because I didn't know what else was different on the 800. Besides the accessories and front fork, all specs where the same, so why does the 650 have 14 less hp? Same engine right?

Hey Erik,

Yes, 'tis the same engine and there is a lot of technical discussion as to what they have done to detune it but the most important thing is that indeed detuned, they had to create some clear delineation between the two and successfully achieved their goal.

(I'll be in Brisbane mid month if you are up for a beer or are longing for some motorcycle parts from the inexpensive US. Delivery fee is a beer:)

[RTW Motorcycling]

I had forgotten to post this previously. I'm not sure how long of a wait until the bikes are in Canada but if you are anywhere near Vancouver, all riders are more than welcome to come by for a look/see/feel. Drop me a line if you are interested. The bike will also be at the downtown dealership (Valk) Sept. 4-6 if that is more convenient for you.

[bluepoof]

I have no questions since I'm 5'1" and I'll never fit on this beauty.

But I did want to say thank you for such an awesome report and for all the info!

Oh wait, I do have a request....more pics please!

[K_N_Fodder]

Just sat on one at Lonestar in Austin, TX. As a cheapo-KLR rider I was basically just drooling, but there's a lot to drool over. Of course it already has a sold sign on it and if you get in line now you might have one next spring. I'm obviously not going to add anything to this discussion until I ride one from Tierra d. Fuego to Prudoe Bay , but it felt suprisingly approachable for a 5'9" guy with a piddling 32" inseam. Maybe even a little lower than my Corbin seated KLR. That and the CG was _obviously_ lower than the KLR. The only other obvious thing was the afterthought of a brake fluid reservoir...

And for what it's worth, the new guy who my buddy and I talked to at Lonestar was actually friendly and helpful , in stark contrast to the older gentleman who works there.

EDIT - Wow I just went through and read the rest of this thread. I've never seen one guy be in the interesting position of being the first to have a very thorough knowledge of a bike, and be so good at giving it to us in a reasonable and generous way. Well done!

[mr moto]

Originally Posted by bluepoof

I have no questions since I'm 5'1" and I'll never fit on this beauty.

But I did want to say thank you for such an awesome report and for all the info!

Oh wait, I do have a request....more pics please!

Blue , you can get the 650/800 version with a lowering kit , taking the seat height down to 765mm . look here http://www.bikingviking.is/?c=webpag...4&option=links

[bluepoof]

Originally Posted by mr moto

Blue , you can get the 650/800 version with a lowering kit

True, that's the #1 bike on my list for when (not if ) my current F650GS goes to the great scrap heap in the sky.

[DAM]

T-Totally Awesome Information RTW.

Poof's directed me over here this evening.

Thanks for opening up that can o' worms, now pass the checkbook Bloo.

Mo' Pix !!

[RTW Motorcycling]

Thanks for the kind comments, if it helps a fellow biker, I'm happy to do it.

I'll get to more of my crappy pics in a few days, I'll be offline "til Monday as there is no internet service at Burning Man...:)

[pacix]

RTW, thanks for all the information; it is just amazing.

I have two questions:

My F800Gs has now 8000kms and I am still using the stock tires (batllewing). I am planning to change for a mix one in the rear wheel and one with knobs for the front wheel. After all the tires you have burned out, what is your recommendation? TCK for the knobbly one?

The second question is about the fact of riding this trip with such a new bike, specially considering that all forums are plenty of bad experiences and problems due to the age of the bike. Why did you choose the F800GS? Where you thinking, this thing is gonna break and I will be sleeping in the middle of no where for a while?

[danman]

Fantastic information and great ride. Is it possible to get a link or information on the rear rack in the photo. I don't recognize it. It looks larger than others that I have seen. Thanks again for your efforts. I will be putting my 650 Dakar up for sale in a couple days to make way for the 800.

[adamr]

Sat on one yesterday evening at the dealer when I was picking up my 1200GS. Yes, it was already sold..... even so, I thought it looked great and felt light. It was still rather tall, but the wheelbase seemed shorter than the 1200 (obviously, I haven't read the specs).

[BackroadExplorer]

Originally Posted by K_N_Fodder

Wow I just went through and read the rest of this thread. I've never seen one guy be in the interesting position of being the first to have a very thorough knowledge of a bike, and be so good at giving it to us in a reasonable and generous way. Well done!

I am sure I am way off base here but I have to admit I was thinking the same thing. Don't suppose your day job is with BMW marketing is it?

If not you may want to apply because you are doing a fantastic job for BMW and should get a little coin in return.

[ArmyMedic]

Great info in here! Curious how the 800GS handles in crosswinds? My Strom is crap in the wind.

[Wolweseun]

Hi RTW

Did U buy your bike in South Africa?

I see that bashplate and numberplate are from here

[YetiGS]

Awesome information!! Thanks!