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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
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  #1  
Old 11 Jun 2010
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These 650s seem to come in for quite a bit of criticism, but people seem to like the 800--isn't it the same bike, with a detuned engine? For instance, the 800 doesn't have any more ground clearance, does it?

There is a pretty impressive ride report on ADVRider ("Zambian Joyride") where an 800 seemed to do pretty well under very challenging conditions.
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Old 11 Jun 2010
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Originally Posted by motoreiter View Post
These 650s seem to come in for quite a bit of criticism, but people seem to like the 800--isn't it the same bike, with a detuned engine? For instance, the 800 doesn't have any more ground clearance, does it?
The F800GS has better groundclearance then the F650GS due to longer suspension.travel and bigger front-wheel. IMHO the F800GS also has a better riding-position and it feels more solid, it also has better brakes and better rims.
For me it would have been very easy to choose between the two bikes.
The important problems we have seen so far is basically the fuel-pump and some bearings, the same problems we have seen on AT/TA for decades.

The F650GS is a entry-level bike, it's not build for extensive touring.

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There is a pretty impressive ride report on ADVRider ("Zambian Joyride") where an 800 seemed to do pretty well under very challenging conditions.
Yes, the bike can do anything, it has been proved numerous times, It's all up to the rider.
The bike has some weak points, but I'm not sure if you find a better "small" twin suited for offroad.
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Old 12 Jun 2010
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Well, actually the riding position on the F800GS is identical to that of the F650GS in terms of the footpeg/seat/handlebar dimensions. No difference in 'solidity' that I can think of.

Better brakes--yes two discs instead of one. Different rims rather than better.

Despite the failings of the F650/800GS it's still an attractive proposition. Pity that the penny pinchers put the close ratio box from the F800S/ST in the GS models. A wide ratio 6-speed box would have been lovely, but as it stands top is too low on the F800GS and first is too high on both bikes.
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Old 12 Jun 2010
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I wonder when / if someone will manufacture different cogs for the F bikes, so we can have a lower first and higher top gear?

Higher top would also extend the range on tarmac.
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Old 12 Jun 2010
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Originally Posted by Tim Cullis View Post
Well, actually the riding position on the F800GS is identical to that of the F650GS in terms of the footpeg/seat/handlebar dimensions.
The handlebars are different. F800GS is slightly wider and I think sweep and rise also is different (Part# 32717711767 for 800 and 32717711766 for 650). Upper trippleclamp and clamping support is also different.
The seat-height is different.

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Originally Posted by Tim Cullis View Post
Different rims rather than better.
For offroad I always prefer spoked wheels, and I think most people do?
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Old 12 Jun 2010
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The problem is the rims which are made of soft alloy. Big rocks bend them in no time. I think I'd have mine re-rimmed with something in steel before setting off round the world. At least you can hammer them back in shape without the metal cracking, and locals anywhere in the world can weld steel.
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Old 12 Jun 2010
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The problem is the rims which are made of soft alloy. Big rocks bend them in no time. I think I'd have mine re-rimmed with something in steel before setting off round the world. At least you can hammer them back in shape without the metal cracking, and locals anywhere in the world can weld steel.
I'm not sure if I had used steel.
The F800GS-rims have 36 spokes so it's easy to find a suitable ring. It's a shame it's not done right from the factory.
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Old 12 Jun 2010
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Steel rims, are we back in the 80ies? :confused1:


The big problem besides the inferior alloy is that the stock rims are simply too wide, on both the 650 and 800. If you want the best solution for off road riding, you should use a 1.6" front and a 2.5" rear. Excel A60 on the front, Excel double label or DID Dirt Star on the rear. X3 lace pattern with oversized spokes (Woody calls it "superlace"). It's not going to handle quite as well on the road, but it sure beats getting stuck in Africa with a busted rim.

Other than the wheels - which would also have sucked on the 800 - the major problem seems to be ground clearance. Colebatch reported that both of the 800s he was riding with on his Russian trip also hit the ground a lot, and I think they already had stiffer springs. If you are tall enough, I would be nice to raise it another inch or so. How much gain do you drop with the low seat?

Fuel injection is going to be sensitive to bad gas on most bikes, so carrying a spare pump and filter might not be a bad idea. Luckily neither is big nor heavy.
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