Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #31  
Old 6 Nov 2007
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,077
Some pics of the F650 which I reckon will be quite popular









__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live,"
Irving Mather (1892-1966)

Last edited by Tim Cullis; 6 Nov 2007 at 16:37.
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 6 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Thanks Tim,
That last pic implies that the 650 model is for the female riders!
Strange actually - the 650 version has not been mentioned much, if at all, here or anywhere else!
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 6 Nov 2007
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
The 650 is in fact an 800, strange...
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 6 Nov 2007
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
F800GS Offroad: YouTube - bmw f800gs - offroad
F800GS design: YouTube - bmw f800gs - design
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 6 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by AliBaba View Post
The 650 is in fact an 800, strange...
Yes, that's always been a strange idea and there has been some speculation that this bike would be sleeved down to 650cc; now it has turned out to be a 800cc, I can only imagine that BMW hope to keep the connection with the recent F650GS which we hear has been selling well, especially in the States.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 6 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by AliBaba View Post

Right, now that all the razzamatazz is out of the way (there cannot be any more publicity material to come surely?) I think I will wait and see what the Adv/Dakar versions of the 650 and 800 look like!!!

That's what BMW get for bringing out 6 "new" models of bikes in one go - raised my expectations above and beyond what they are currently offering.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 6 Nov 2007
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,077
More videos including F650 offroad and onroad. The rider was obviously told to take it easy and don't stand on the pegs, but the F650GS seems a very capable bike for gravel roads and the like (i.e where ground clearance is not an issue).

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

Tim
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live,"
Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 7 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis View Post
More videos including F650 offroad and onroad. The rider was obviously told to take it easy and don't stand on the pegs, but the F650GS seems a very capable bike for gravel roads and the like (i.e where ground clearance is not an issue).

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

Tim
I would think so, this opinion based on the current F650GS with lowered suspension - taking it easy, as the rider in this video, I have subjected it to worse roads than that quarry (somewhere in Germany?). There again, I have ridden a Yamaha Fazer over worse going than that quarry!
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #39  
Old 7 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Question For the 100,000 1200GS owners out there, somewhere

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis View Post
Thanks for that Tim,
I've waded through the bumph in here and there is no avoiding the BMW CANbus technology with these new bikes.

So, 1200GS riders, what is it all about? Any problems/what problems are there with this?

Thanks
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #40  
Old 7 Nov 2007
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
Watching the video , I gainied the impression that the rider was feathering the clutch a lot .So the bike doesn't have a nice low first gear for "plonking" along on really rough going .
Just like the 1200 - what a shame .
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Reply With Quote
  #41  
Old 7 Nov 2007
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,077
I've been riding CANbus bikes for the last three and a bit years and it's a non-issue. The technology has been used in cars for years and it's a way of simplifying the wiring loom which makes it cheaper to manufacture and less likely to go wrong.

I believe the 'quarry' is the German offroad school. I'm getting more and more interested in the 800cc F650 (or F658 as I've seen it referred to). I was looking for something lower and lighter and had discounted the G650 range due to tank size. The Ténéré looked interesting but everyone speaks of vibrations at higher speeds. The new 700cc TransAlp seems very heavy.



With a lower weight, slightly reduced fuel consumption, and the ability to run on lower grade fuel than the F800, the F658 should hit all the sweet spots. And if the rumoured price of £5500 is accurate it will be the deal of the century.

The current F650 seems to be well regarded by long range HUBBers so with 20 extra BHP and the same weight, the F658 should be a great replacement.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live,"
Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #42  
Old 7 Nov 2007
mr moto's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Prague Czech Republic
Posts: 121
now that i have had some time to examine the specs of both the new bikes ,as well as look at them, i have to agree with you Tim . yes the F800GS is very cool looking and no doubt it,s better off road than new 800/650 . but with a slightly lower state of tune engine, which may give slightly better fuel economy , ( and from what current F800S/ST owners say it,s already delivering frugal fuel consumption figures ) switchable ABS brakes , and a much lower seat height ,and what could be a bargain price tag , the NEW F650 , does tick all the boxes as a truly practical ,do it all solo bike . the only thing i do not like is the single front brake disc , every bike i have ever ridden with a single disc up front, always pull,s to the side when you are hard on the brakes .
Reply With Quote
  #43  
Old 7 Nov 2007
Guest2
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
I had not been looking at the new BMs but Tim tweaked me with an email about the new 800GS which made me curious.

I found this report which covers almost everything.
Rubber Magazine - EICMA: BMW F 800 GS and F 650 GS

it says this about the 800GS,
====================
F 800 GS can also be equipped for use with normal petrol, which, however, reduces the peak performance by 1.5 kW/2 HP and slightly increases fuel consumption. This modification is carried out by selecting a characteristic map in the control software, and can be cancelled again at any time.
====================

It also states the electrics have waterproof connectors which will overcome some problems experienced with the 1200 CanBus system.

I think they missed a trick with the small fuel tank, lets hope it is as economical as they claim.

Impressive on paper and looks like a winner lets hope they have a trouble free launch, not something BMW have a good history achieving.

Steve
Reply With Quote
  #44  
Old 7 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Good, thoughtful posts are flowing thick and fast!

"Impressive on paper and looks like a winner lets hope they have a trouble free launch, not something BMW have a good history achieving."

But this time, the bike is using a rotax engine that has been in the road versions for quite some time (and is getting good reports) and it is not shaft drive!

"F 800 GS can also be equipped for use with normal petrol, which, however, reduces the peak performance by 1.5 kW/2 HP and slightly increases fuel consumption. This modification is carried out by selecting a characteristic map in the control software, and can be cancelled again at any time."

I believe this refers to running the bike on poorer octane fuel (according to one story elsewhere, in the USA!). Here it is supposed to get high octane stuff - the super unleaded.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #45  
Old 8 Nov 2007
JULESKLE500's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Madrid
Posts: 31
F800GS information

a lot of interesting information (even an oficial document with all the specs, including power-torque vs revs diagrams) about the F800GS and F650G/S at this page

http://www.bmwmoa.org/features/new_milan07.htm?pg=F800GS

cheers

Jules
__________________
Jules
Now Kawa KLE500 dirty-knobby tires, noisy Thunder exhaust.
Waiting for the new 2008 Yamaha XTZ660 Ténéré
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
F800GS mr moto BMW Tech 20 17 Sep 2007 18:29
F800gs? pinkolive BMW Tech 9 15 Mar 2007 19:11

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:12.