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7 Mar 2010
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: The Garden of England
Posts: 478
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Quote:
Originally Posted by greenthumb
... Look for MVRTV on youtube. There is an 8 part video review that is pretty accurate and informative.
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See them all here: MVRTV Review
Lots of info here: Links
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Paul "Every county of England, every country of Europe and every (part of every inhabited) continent of the Earth" 94% done! What's left? Central America, East, Central and West Africa, Australia & New Zealand
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3 Apr 2010
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Registered Users
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: UK
Posts: 5
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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 :-(
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3 Apr 2010
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 376
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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.
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.
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3 Apr 2010
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Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
Posts: 501
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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.
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4 Apr 2010
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Registered Users
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: England
Posts: 437
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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
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We are the Pilgrims, Master, we shall go Always a little further: it may be beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow, Across that angry or that glimmering sea.
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8 May 2010
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 376
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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.
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20 Aug 2010
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Registered Users
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Vancouver BC Canada
Posts: 16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dave ett
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.
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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
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Wherever you go, there you are.
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20 Aug 2010
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 376
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This is the write up I did for the mod:
Hyperpro springs - ::. UKGSer.com .::
I think it might answer you questions?
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21 Aug 2010
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Contributing Member
HUBB regular
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Denmark
Posts: 33
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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
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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.
"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™ 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!
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.
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.
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