Bmw F800 Gs
 

I'm looking through the threads to find information on the BMW F800 GS. But I can't find much. Why is this? I'm thinking of getting one for my big trip but don't know much about the BMWs (or motorbikes in general really!) I know it's an impossible question but what are the strengths/weaknesses of the F800 GS.

I currently have an R1200R, but am also interested in what people have to say about the F800GS... too complex for a long trip?

Peter

I don't think its too complicated.

A Czech couple rode one from CZ across Russia, and up the Road of Bones to Magadan last year, 2-up.

And then rode it back.

Plenty of R1200GS's ride around the world these days and they are even slightly more complicated than the F800GS.

Don't automatically buy into the "don't get a modern bike" argument. It's mainly used by people who like working on their own bike, to justify their choice, usually without logical reason and often ignoring the "empirical evidence" of the hundreds of people at an one time going RTW, Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, or London to Sydney on 1200 GSs.

If you like working on your bike, get an old bike, if you don't like working on your bike, get a modern one.

I can only speak for myself, I looked an F800GS and didn't get one. Too heavy, and engine is not suited to off road riding (too revvy, not enough torque). On top of that, you do still need to develop a fuel solution too for some parts of the world, and the front suspension is pretty much unadjustable.

I suspect other people who don't choose them also are conscious of the weight (once you compare like for like with an R1200GS by adding handguards, bash plate etc, its less than 10 kgs (5%) lighter) and the fuel capacity issue. (though really the fuel issue is a pretty small one in my book).

I haven't read many RTW reports featuring the F800GS here on HUBB. But I haven't looked that hard. I know on ADV there are hundreds of threads about the bike, but few reports of very long trips that I've noticed.

I'm sure it's been done, and I'm sure the bike has done well. Far fewer issues than the Boxer's.

I've ridden the bike and was quite impressed. But I didn't go far off road and only on easy fire roads and a bit of fun two track. It did fine. Felt lighter than it was.

On our twisty California paved roads it was really good, much better than expected. This was a totally unloaded bike. The problem most BMW guys have is they over pack. I felt immediately confident on the F800GS, was riding it HARD after only 10 minutes on board. Go light, soft bags and not too many TourTwat farkles and it should be a joy.

I liked the lack of massive torque, less chance to break the rear tire loose and lose control on loose surfaces or slippery hair pins.

It IS a heavy bike but you just don't feel it. Cliche' I know. Has nice balance off road. (or course I didn't pick Fu*£@er up off me either :smartass: Seems a great bike to me and if I could afford one I'd jump on it.
Out of my price range. :frown:

I'm happy with DR's, KLR's, and XR's for now. Very inexpensive, reliable and easy to work on. Mostly you do not have to work on them at all.

Torque
 

I'm not sure which other bikes you compare with when you say that the F800GS "lacks" torque.

This graph is a comparison between F800GS, F650GS, V-strom, Versys and Transalp.

http://www.actiontouring.com/pic/mk.jpg

You listed all bikes that are road bikes, not suitable for proper off road conditions ... and all twin cylinder bikes. You need to compare with big single cylinder engines. If you want to know what to compare it to - thats your answer.

I did say in my post that I felt the engine was not suitable for serious off road touring ... so you show me a graph of equally (or actually MORE) unsuitable for off-roading bikes? :confused1:

And how much torque you have at 5000 - 6000 rpm is also irrelevant when talking about how much torque a bike has for off road riding (which I think is clearly what I was talking about) ... you need to know how torquey it is at 1500 - 2500 rpm - straight from idle - not what is the maximum torque figure up at 6000 rpm.

I was interested in getting the bike. I tried it. And I came to the conclusion, the engine is no-where near as suitable for dirt roads and off road riding as the big single cylinder bikes (and its too heavy).

One does indeed not find much information on the GS 800.
First of all I suggest you have a look at this link: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=377088 Plenty of info.

I owned a 1200 GS and I switched to the GS 800, I don’t regret it. Much easier to maneuver, feels much lighter on and off road.

I am just back from a trip to Kinshasa. I used my KTM 640 Adventure because of its off road capabilities. If I had to start again I don’t know if I would use the BMW or the KTM. The latter has a clear advantage on rough pistes, but there was plenty of tar as well… The BMW is reliable, one can use it off road with the right tires and if you are 2 up you definitely should go for the BMW.

Albert

Hi!

Had dinner awhile ago with a couple of guys who took their F800GSs Cape to Cairo. Ok, mostly tarred roads, but had (mostly) only the same trouble as most other heavy bikes - blown main shocks. They also, IMHO, completely overloaded the bikes: something in excess of 80kg stuffed into panniers and top boxes.

The catalytic converter can be cut out of the exhaust system, easily done, and that solves your poorer fuel problem.

Two issues that may prevent me from buying another (apart from money):
(1) On the mentioned Cape to Cairo trip the guys had trouble with the fans getting sand into them resulting in overheating issues.
(2) Fuel range: For a bike that can do what you can do with the F800GS the tank is simply too small +-330km range. The Touratech tank is available and although pricey I think it would definitely be worth it. Especially on a long trip away from street lights and pedestrian crossings.

For more info, Google "Wilddogforum", a South African site, and search for "Levensgevaarlik" (theme of an interesting thread).

You won't be doing the Roof of Africa or the Baja 1000 on it, but you'll have great all round fun. Had so much fun on mine, it's in bike heaven... I was still smiling when I woke up in hospital!

It seems that my previous post was misunderstood. The graph was to show that the bike doesn't lack torque - nothing else.

Well I compared with bikes more or less in the same class.
If you compare with big single cylinder engines the F800GS looks even better. When it comes to torque there is no substitute for ccm and multiple cylinders also help.


http://www.actiontouring.com/pic/MK5.jpg


At 3000rpm the F800GS has 50% more tourque then a KTM690 and maybe 40% more then the Tenere. Which single do you have in mind with more torque then the F800GS?



The graph was to show that the F800GS doesn't lack torque, you seemed to miss that point.


Which numbers you read from the graph is up to you. Hopefully you don't stay at 1500-2500 RPM for a long time. Designing a twin is to much compromises.

It's to high geared and the swingwheel is a tad light.
The weight is 6,8 kg more then a Tenere

I'm a boxer-fan and will stick to old BMWs but if I should buy a non-boxer for longer trips it would probably have been the F800GS. Shocks and fuelrange might be the worst issues.

It lacks torque where I feel the torque needs to be - from idle ... you seem to miss that point.


The roads I find most interesting, you dont see 3000 rpm too much - those are the roads where you need the torque. So to be honest, I hope I do stay below 3000 rpm for maximum possible time. Because that means I am on the most interesting roads. If by chance you like long stretches of asphalt and sitting at 4500 rpm thats great ... and I never said the bike was not great for that. As for me, when I am on roads above 3000 rpm (and just cruising around), strangely enough I don't really need much torque anymore.

Designing a single is also about compromises. Designing a tennis racquet or even a fishtank is about compromises for that matter. Designing anything is about compromises. Its all about finding the characteristics that do the job for you, and I'm sorry if you don't want to accept it, but for me, the characteristics of the 800 engine are not suitable for serious off road touring. And for me, its way too heavy.

I am not against the bike. I began wanting to buy one. And I began my first post emphasising that I felt that durability and competence of the 800 wasn't an issue for me. I backed that up by saying people I knew had done long travels on them. However I went on to say I tried it, with the intention of buying one, and didn't like it, and explained to the OP why I walked away, and why I felt it was inappropriate for my needs.

And the Tenere is 40 kgs too heavy ... I think the Tenere is even the heaviest single ever built ... so thats hardly a reasonable comparison (lets just compare it to the heaviest single ever built as if that will prove any point). On the other end of the scale the 800 is 50kgs heavier than KTM 690.

If you find any single with better torque at any RPM please let me know. I have started to design my second high-torque engine and would be very interested to see how they achieved this.

A single may not have much torque on paper but because of lighter weight will feel like it has more torque and will pull hard from a dead stop. Also more tractable than a twin in loose conditions, steep uphill, ruts. In deep sand the twin has advantage due to more overall power but may dig in more than a single. Much depends on rider.

A twin needs a better, braver and more aggressive rider to make it through tough going.

The massive torque of something like a BMW R12GS is NOT an advantage on slower more technical tracks, imo. That is no trail bike and this pretty much goes for all twins, including the F800GS. As long as things are open and faster, like Africa or Russia, no problem. But if you get into tight, technical trails a single is easier to handle.

The Tenere' weight is quite a shock! Way too heavy! I love the looks of the bike but there are many other lighter, cheaper and just as capable single bikes.

Most travelers won't be doing Submarine travel in Russia or retracing the Dakar race through Africa. Most will stay on main tracks and paved roads.
For all this I would think the F800Gs would be a fun and easy to ride bike, even two up.

I can't think of a single I would take two up. Too cramped, won't handle the weight too well. ONce again, compromises.

Yes, that's the key. What's torque?


Estimating torque is difficult, comparing torque on different bikes without measuring is close to impossible.
We don't feel torque directly, a bit simplified we can say that we feel torque as acceleration. But acceleration is also hard to define (unless you measure it). Personally I feel that the KTM 690 accelerates much faster then the F800GS, it feels almost brutal when giving full throttle on the lightweight and unstable bike.
But does the KTM accelerate faster? No it doesn't! It has far lower weight but it lacks torque. If you add 30 kg luggage the difference will be even bigger.

The KTM is superior in slow tracks (mostly due to lower weight and chassis) but this has nothing to do with torque.
Loads of torque is nice, but it's only a small part of the equation.


To drive a bike with more torque then you are used to might be scary but after a few days you are probably used to it. I borrowed a HP2 for three days and on technical tracks it was right out scary, but the second day I started to get the grip on it and it was fun. The third day was heaven.
Nowadays a lot of bike comes with a switch that gives you different engine-characteristics, it will probably show up on Adv-bikes in a few years and make things easier.

A bad thing with the F800GS is that it lacks rotating mass. You need a bit training to keep it going at low revs. This is more or less the same on the 690 and if you combine it with a badly tuned engine it's not fun to drive slow.

The KTM is used as en example because it's the most powerful single I know.

I'm mid trip on an 800GS, currently in Malaysia after leaving the uk in May last year.
I have to say as a ride goes the bike has eaten up everything thats been put in front of it including some really hard off road in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Nepal. As a bike goes it can deal with anything off road you want to put it through and is also great on the road as well.

On the flip side, there seem to be a few mechanical issues. I've heard of chains suddenly going but this hasn't happened to me yet. I'm on the original chain and sprocket set and i'm on 23000 miles.
The weakness seems to be the fuel pump. I had mine go on the way from the airport to bangkok and i also meet a group of italians making a film for BMW who had the same issue in Tajikistan. Saying that it's a car fuel pump that should be available in all countries.

The forks seem to be as strong as an ox. I saw a bike in the penang BMW office that had been virtually folded in half after hitting a wall and the front forks weren't affected at all.

btw, i've had 2 crashes, once run off the road and the other hit by a jeep on the wrong side of the road going round a bend in Pakistan. Both times the bike was strong enough to stand up to it.

Whatever bike you get you are going to have problems along the way. New or old the bikes take such a battering that you will always have to fix it on the way. It's all part of the fun.

As far as the comments about keeping the bike going a slow speeds.
Couldn't disagree more, I've been a virtual standstill on tricky tracks and it's always been responsive and complient and i'm no expert. I've only been riding for 2 years and my off road riding had only consisted of a weekend off road course and a couple of weekends on salisbury plain before i left the UK.

Good luck with your choice.

Russ

ive had 2 F800GS s , the first one had more issues than a alcholic smack head, it had plenty of recalls and used to cut out at junctions, the dealer couldnt rectifiy this but im convinced now it was a fuel pump problem, got so sick of it i traded it for a 1200 adv, then another 800 came around at the right price so i bought it and stuck it in a container to kazakhstan with work equipment, rode the 1200 out there and then proceeded to try and kill the 800 around the kulsary area, and i mean seriously abused, we used it to herd horses and camels on my friends farm and it spent a lot of time the wrong way up:thumbup1: apart from a snapped chain, a snapped spoke and a dodgey fuel pump its been no problem, however i wouldnt like to do long distances on the road with it the seat is crap and even with a taller screen not the most comfortable bike in the world, but each to his own,
i never intended to bring the f800 back to the uk and was going to ride it round kz till it died, its been used and abused all winter out there and has never failed to start (its been left outside in -30 with no cover) and if its still running and not completley knackered this summer i might even bring it home:scooter: everybody has different riding styles so whats good for others might not be good for you, i cant get away with the ktm, so what? go test ride one and see what you think ( bet you cant really really break it:)

Thanks everyone for such useful comments. I'm going to a BMW dealers tomorrow to have a look at the 800 and 1200 and will test ride one next week. I'm also booked into the BMW offroad skills course in Wales for May and have booked an F800GS.

I live in the UK but will be starting my trip in Canada/Alaska so I may not buy one here in the UK, unless I can get a cheap one.

Russ, I can't believe you're still on your first chain and sprockets, are you using a scottioiler?

Thnaks again

Dom

This is very good news Russ, impressive as Hell! :thumbup1: But I would NOT push your luck with the chain. Replace it! Get a new DID VM -2 Xring.
This chain has an unbeatable reputation. Nothing better.



Sounds like carrying a spare would be advised. How hard is it to change out? Where is it located?

Sounds like you're riding your bike like a Trials bike:thumbup1: Nice. I'm thinking you're learning curve is moving up fast! I was a bit nervous on the F800GS at slow speeds and turning it around on the trail, but the R12GS would have been much harder. That said, on a Single these things are much easier, for me at least. But for a twin the F800 is surprisingly good and your account proves that.

Really nice to see comments from guys actually out there beating the crap out of these bikes. Both Russ and Doosey have upped' the street cred of the F800 quite a bit IMO. If the bike can handle that kind of use then for most travelers this bike should be about perfect.

I see what you mean about the seat but i bought a sheepskin for a tenner for lambland and it seems to be working ok.

As far as the chain and sprocket goes. i'm getting a new one in KL, i want to replace it before i head off to indonesia.

Good luck with finding a bike that suits you.

Russ

Am looking at a BMW 800GS tomorrow. May even get it!

I've got one. As Walter says its bloody heavy when you drop it. It is too revvy for off road but I like it for long distance stuff. Get an air hawk and the seat will be fine.

I post everything about it here

Everywhere Virtually — The adventure begins in your head

Once you get into second it's much more compliant off road but i guess it depends on your riding style. You just have to use your clutch a bit more in first.

I rode an 800 and a 1200 Adventure yesterday. I quite liked the 800 but (campared to my Tiger) it seemed quite naked up front. i guess that's the off-road bit. The 1200 Adventure was, obviously, a delight to ride, but far too big. This has got me thinking that I'd really like the standard BMW 1200GS. I'm planning to go on my trip in July and i STILL haven't settled n getting a bike (I'm still thinking of just flying to Canada and getting one there) Decisions, decisions.

I travelled a bit with a guy on the 1200gs and it performed pretty poorly off road, it was dropped a lot. We ended up nicknaming it the tractor, this included the owner as well. :)

If you are staying largely on tarmac the 1200 should be as good as any bike.

Russ

Im mid-trip in south america with a F8 with 21000km on it. I have had 2 bolts fall out, and few drips of water from the pump, but Im thoroughly pleased with it. Seat and windshield upgrades for a long distance trip would be a good idea, but a not necessity.
This bike is relatively new to the market, hence the lack of long distance trip reports, but they are out there if you dig. Heaps of info on ADV, but I'd recommend you take what you read with a grain of salt. A lot of whining, people jumping on the band wagon and blowing problems out of proportion. Its by no means perfect, but most of the problems/recalls are for the early production runs and have since been dealt with. AFAIK, the 2010 models have been problem free so far.
As far as strengths/weaknesses go, its all relative to how you use it. As an all round , long distance adv tourer - which is what it was designed for - I think it is well balanced and an all round excellent bike.
If you spend alot of time in demanding off road situations, I think you will find its a tall, heavy, high geared pig, but quite manageable with practice. I think this could be said for most bikes in this category. It seems to really excel at high speeds on gravel roads.
On road, the seat/windshield tend to be lacking and you are reminded of the cushy susp. on hard braking.
Strong points are excellent brakes, the engine, the lava filled grip heaters, and overall versatility. To be able to go street bike speeds and drag the pegs on road one minute, and then negotiate mud holes the next without changing a thing is very impressive if you ask me.
I think the key to appreciating/liking this bike is to use it for its intended purpose - since you're on this site, you probably will - and I don't think you will be disappointed, apart from the wad of cash you have to depart with to buy it.:mchappy:

Look for MVRTV on youtube. There is an 8 part video review that is pretty accurate and informative.

Excellent comments overall!:thumbup1:

Having ridden both the R12GS and F800GS, I would go with the F800 every time. (I can't afford either)

To me, riding the F800GS, it felt HALF the size and weight of the R12GS. The F800 rides light for its weight off road. I found it very easy to control on loose dirt roads. No, not a Trials bike but very good for a RTW tourer, IMHO. On road, it vibrates a bit up over 75 mph or so, but not a deal breaker at all. Wind management was OK for me, only rode for an hour so seat comfort unknown. Both of these are subjective and fixable.

My only concern with the G800GS is it's crash survival. I would most definitely buy all the guards/crash bars.

I witnessed a crash where the F800GS was virtually destroyed in a 25 mph slide off the road into a barb wire fence. Not pretty. This bike was Brand New, had no guards fitted.
I was first on scene and just did not have the heart to photograph it as the unhurt owner was devastated. The bike low sided after the rider ran wide on a downhill, off camber corner on a fast dirt road.

The bike slid on its side, hit a dirt ditch (soft dirt) and berm, was kicked up, flipped and went into a barbed wire fence. Hit a fence post (small, wiggley one) but it was the wire that just tore everything off the bike. I could not believe what happened, nor could anyone else on the ride.
Tore off Oil filter, ripped off radiator, wind shield and instruments, brake caliper, bent forks and much more. Bike was totaled. Had to be taken away in a truck. Estimated $7500 in damages.

Set the bike up to survive a crash, get Pro-Taper type handle bars with Bark Busters (stock bars bent badly), and for sure every other guard made. They need it.

100%
Crash protection for this bike is a necessity, not an option and you should factor this into the initial purchase price.

When I bought the bike, I wanted to take some time choosing the many options of protection. Of course, in the mean time I did a low side on gravel at low speed. Much to the satisfaction of the dealer, I found out that the rad is very vulnerable. I was able to repair the radiator, but for the cost of one side panel and a few other pieces of plastic, I could have outfitted the bike like a Touratech employee.
I would highly recommend to anyone buying this bike that you install crash bars, belly pan and metal hand guards the day you buy it. The first thing you will want to do is go tear-ass up some trail, when your experience with the pig (and likely stock, street slicks) is minimal.

Having said that, once outfitted properly, I consider it be quite well protected, having tested that personally several times.

planning to take my f650 twin up the west coast of africa from july (currently in iran). so far the bike has been great. i gave it a hiding in laos on the same roads i travelled on an xr250 a year before, and it was easily as capable. also overloaded it and flogged it though some bad patches in pakistan and it was sensational.
however, it has a habit of cutting out... fuel pump? happens maybe twice in a day every couple weeks. also i am worried about the suspension - and will be dumping more gear soon.
as for fuel - i bought a 12L fuel bladder in australia & use this when i am concerned about range. though pakistan on bad roads & low octane fuel, at 80kmh i was burning about 3.5L/100km. this would mean over 700km range... more than enough i think.
the bike has plenty of torque getting off the mark, overloaded, offroad & in water / mud. that is the least of my concerns. also, as its a rtw my a*se is used to the seat (i added a sheepskin cover...)

I think there are some threads over on ADV about fuel pump problems on F800GS's/F650's (twin). I don't follow the F800GS threads all that close but I am thinking BMW had a re-call about the fuel pump? I would ask at a BMW dealer, they can check for all recalls on the bike. Others have had similar problems with cutting out.

Probably wouldn't hurt to upgrade the suspension if you're carrying a lot of extra weight. You could swap to a heavier shock spring (relatively cheap) or go to a premium shock like an Ohlins, Elka or Wilbur's. Up front I would go with Race Tech valves and heavier springs, fresh oil and possibly re-valving.
Let an expert do it.

The F800GS I rode had the front suspension re-worked and it was just amazing! Very good!

This article from Kevin Sanders - Globebusters chap - says good things about the F800 on their pan American rides:

Motorcycle Sport & Leisure - Germany Calling

The link above goes to a MS&L page but the main text is by Sam Manicom, with a sidebar by Sanders at the foot. Seems to me the big twin BMW's had a lot of problems, based on what Manicom noted in the reveiw. They didn't really like the F800GS much it seemed. I'm surprised. But the dented wheels are a concern. I hear BMW are upgrading them? :confused1:

Keep in mind Kevin Sanders and his wife are sponsored by BMW, Tourtech and also run a touring company .... this all for profit. I'm surprised they let Manicom's documentation of all the final drive and transmission failures on the BMW's appear in the article.

See them all here: MVRTV Review

Lots of info here: Links

bigger tank and suspension
 

Hi Guys, I got an 800 about a year and a half ago. Nothing at all wrong with it, best buy ever. I had it in the Ukraine over the summer and it hit some rough raods which bend the original front rim. Upgraded now to an excel rim, I did change the suspension too to an Ohlins on the back and harder springs on the front as I added the touratech long range fuel tank. Now able to do about 700km in one go. Planning an rtw trip starting in june on it, can't wait. Comments about wrap around guards are rubbish I think, get handle guards and oil sump guard, remember it all keeps adding to the overall weight of the bike :-(

I rode my F800GS to Morocco and back, and it never missed a beat. Sea level to 8600 feet, 6 degrees to 36 degrees. I did 1800 miles in three days on it, back from Taoz to the channel, and it never missed a beat: Ride, stop, refuel, ride. Repeat until you reach the ferry!

Off road, I found it really easy since the twin seemed to have a little more torque and less inclined to stall than the other bikes along - all singles.

I bought it from a guy on here who'd bought it new, ticked all the boxes and then rode it to Cape town. He says it was perfect for him too.

Now showing 14000 miles, and 12000 of those were done on 'adventurous' roads.:scooter:

HOWEVER!

It's now in BMW with it's engine in bits, since the clutch lever stopped re-engaging the clucth. Apparently a 'stopper' has fallen off the clutch mechanism, and into the gearbox. Various new parts are being fitted - and all under warrantee with no quibble.

I love it - with crash bars, MM boxes and touratech seat it is my perfect bike.:thumbup1:

Whilst your F800Gs is still under factory warranty is it possible to buy an extended "aftermarket" warranty in the UK? This is common in the US and you can buy it easily as long as the bike is under factory warranty at time of purchase.

I've done this on several bikes (no BMW's) but never needed the warranty on any. (Vstrom, DRZ400, Tri Tiger, KTM Duke ll)

In most cases here in the US the price was reasonable but very negotiable. Here there are two or three big companies that handle these warranties. Dealers sell them and can do a big mark up on the price. The trick is to bargain hard for the best deal.

I got three years extra on my Tiger for $600 USD. This is identical to factory cover. Just a thought.

Most of my friends have done this on their R1200GS bikes. Only one has had trouble, his bike is now sold ... he's already bought a new '10 GS.

Hi just my 10p worth took 1 out for a test ride after riding f650gs in spain for 14 days.
I found the bike too heavey for me and my uk ride ois a bandit 1250, looking at if i dropped it loaded have a look at this gs site ::. UKGSer.com .:: - Powered by vBulletin and take what they say with a large pinch of salt but go out & try 1 then you will get an idea

Have just fitted the Hyperpro lowered springs to mine, and it's loads better for me - I was struggling to get more than tip-toes on the floor. Well worth the £200 and it only took a couple of hours to do.

I'm interested in this modification too, I'm nearly flat footed on pavement, but I think on trails it would be a bit awkward at it's current height.

Are the Hyperpro's variable rate springs? How much lower did they make it? Finally, did you adjust the rear shock as well?

Thanks, Peter

This is the write up I did for the mod:

Hyperpro springs - ::. UKGSer.com .::

I think it might answer you questions?

I have ridden my F800GSpot with my wife and a truckload of luggage through ~ 3000km of alpin roads and some roads get to the med and through Eastern Europe back to Scandinavia.
All in all ~ 6000 km this summer.
Any time we got a chance we left the tarmac.
We calculated the bike to carry me at 115kg, my wife at 75 kg, bike at 207 full tanked and ready and, hold your breath now, 90 kg of luggage.

Muddy roads, gravel, German Autobahn, Eastern European mismaintained asphalt, a lot of Alpin serpentine roads.
No problems whatsoever except one mirror shaking loose.

Seat and screen is so bad standard.
Change them.

We fitted the bike with all the hard part protections from TT and Wunderlich. We carry Zega panniers and a tankbag with tank panniers.

When this bike can start up on a gravel goat path in the alps with a 30-35% rise and all that weight, I see no torque issues at all.

I have been used to, through +30 years riding a lot of mainly Italian bikes like Ducati 900SS, Moto Guzzi 620ccm TS Singles with 28-32kg flywheel (the bacon slicer), the latter being able to tow a VW Transporter up from the ditch.

All constructions have their way of compromising.

Should I mention a few cons, except the windscreen and seat issues, it would be lack of adjustment of the front suspension, the restrickted fuel capacity, price (which adds up 180% of tax in my country), small footpegs, heavy standard exhaust (changed to something lighter, better sounding and slightly more powerful on mine), the horn that sounds like a 20mph moped comming by.

I have had no technical issues at all at 10.000km.

I would suggest the F800GSpot to be one of the most versatile traveling bikes presently.

This is not to discard any other bikes at all.
I would love to have 10, 20 or even 30 bikes to choose from as they each have their character and qualities.

In my dreams........... Untill the lottery comes out in my favour.

Niklas