800GS Off-Road Impressions?

[alpiv]

I had the opportunity to ride one of these on some gravel single lanes and I was impressed with it's power delivery!

Why you may ask, I'm replacing a 640 Adv and am wondering how it would work as a replacement.

Many thanks.

[Gillies]

Well? Is it the bike to replace your 640 or not?

[alpiv]

Hmm, how do I form what I'm trying to say into a question?

The 640 does everything I want it to do, pavement,dirt roads, double track, mini-single track, it handles sand, rock (old train bed)... it does it all, yet the road work is like riding a 10 speed bicycle on a cobble stone road).

Those who own the new GS 800, what types of riding do you do?

Anyone trying to ride the types of riding I do?

[DolphinJohn]

I'm interested in this comparison because I really wanted a 640 or 690 adv. (did they ever make these or was it a myth?) before I test rode and bought a F800.
I only have about 500 miles on mine, but I feel like there is nothing the f800 can't do. (being realistic).
The only KTM I rode was an older one.
That being said, I think the F800 would replace the 640 just fine.
But wtf do I know
I'd like to hear some more opinions.
I'm sure most KTM owners will passionately defend the 640 but maybe there's some out there that have both and can give an unbiased assessment

[Gillies]

Originally Posted by alpiv

Hmm, how do I form what I'm trying to say into a question?

The 640 does everything I want it to do, pavement,dirt roads, double track, mini-single track, it handles sand, rock (old train bed)... it does it all, yet the road work is like riding a 10 speed bicycle on a cobble stone road).

Those who own the new GS 800, what types of riding do you do?

Anyone trying to ride the types of riding I do?

Hunh? You still lose me, dude. You've owned one and rode the other. Which would you choose? No one can do it for you.

[JNRobert]

Originally Posted by alpiv

I had the opportunity to ride one of these on some gravel single lanes and I was impressed with it's power delivery!

Why you may ask, I'm replacing a 640 Adv and am wondering how it would work as a replacement.

Many thanks.

I've got a 690 SMC (and owned many KTM off-road bikes). I don't own an F800GS but did take one for a test ride and would say it will do just fine for the type of riding you have in mind. Its still a BIG bike even if its not a behemoth in comparison to the Boxer GS's.

And as you rightly say, for all other riding (slab etc.,) you are going to be one happy campy compared to that 640 paint shaker. Do it!

[alpiv]

Originally Posted by Gillies

Hunh? You still lose me, dude. You've owned one and rode the other. Which would you choose? No one can do it for you.

My 640 has been in the shop all summer, and I've lost faith in it.. It has left me stranded three different time.... (After the shop replacing the coil, stator, pulse coil, they are now replacing the wiring harness (this is all at the dealer's cost))....

There are no new 640's in the US (to date) and KTM is not making anymore.

The 690 Adv.. to what I know is a myth(until I see one at a dealer show)... Last I heard from my dealer (from the last KTM meeting) was late 2009/2010.

My next best option is the KLR (yet, I've ridden one 2,000 miles in a eight day time frame (all off-road) and will not put my spine through that again..
Yes it does the job, can't argue there.

I like the look and feel of the GS 800.

My question is will it do all that the 640 does and how well will it doe it?

[alpiv]

BTW, DolphinJohn The next section of the TAT is one you don't want to miss.
Finished it up from Moab, Ut to Oregon this year, you have a lot to look forward to....

[DolphinJohn]

Originally Posted by alpiv

BTW, DolphinJohn The next section of the TAT is one you don't want to miss.
Finished it up from Moab, Ut to Oregon this year, you have a lot to look forward to....

For sure.
I had to bail because of hurricane Ike. I had to get back to take care of my boat, and then the storm moved south and west of the island.
Couldn't take the chance, though.
I will be back to finish it on the F800.
Hopefully it won't be raining heavily like it was up on the passes in Colo.
Cold, Wet, and Slippery. Gonna pack much lighter, too