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Old 5 Sep 2008
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F800GS - What Mods?
Ok, just taken the plunge and put a deposit on a new 800GS for my next trip, London to Cape Town, hopefully starting in late December this year. Having given up the delights of my 2002 KTM 640 Adventure for various reasons i am now in the position of having a new bike with not much info on it, with fuel range being a particular area of concern.

So, what mods would you guys and girls recommend for a currently standard bike???

Many thanks.

Ps and how do i change my user name on here too!!
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Old 5 Sep 2008
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I wouldn't do a thing except fit your luggage and GPS and get some miles in. Then you'll know the fuel range, how the tyres like different surfaces, what drops off and so on.

Good excuse for a nice little break too

Andy
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Old 5 Sep 2008
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I'd love it if you could come back soon with some direct comparisons between the KTM 640A and the F800GS! Would be very interesting to read.
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Old 6 Sep 2008
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I am picking the bike up in a week or two Martin so will be able to give you a better comparison then, but for your info, i had a test ride many months ago and was seduced by the smoothness and refinement of the engine when compared to my KTM, it made my Adventure feel nearly agricultural...! Slightly harsh maybe as my Adventure was a 40'000 mile bike which has had a tough life, but hope you get the point.

The Bm's road manners and handling felt a bit more 'street bike' like, very good around town and it was thoroughly enjoyable test ride, seemed a great bike.

If the 690 Adventure was out, that would of been a better comparison and one i would definitely have made, but time was against me as i leave in three months.
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Old 6 Sep 2008
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I wouldn't worry about fuel range, the consumption is really good. Loaded with luggage and doing an average of 70mph (so doing 75-80 much of the time) on a motorway I did over 200 miles before stopping with a projected 8 miles range left. Normal roads are even better and it's easy to get ranges of over 250 miles.

Obvious mods are TKC80 tyres (ask your dealer to swap the tyres it comes with), hand guards, engine bars and maybe a better bash plate. The screen is low for European speeds, but probably fine for Africa.

On a slightly negative point, check out the threads about radiator top hose and chains on the UKGSer 650/800 forum.

Tim (F650GS twin and R1200GS Adventure)
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Old 6 Sep 2008
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Thanks for the info Tim, especially that link to the GS forum... will spend some time checking that out, should prove very useful. Many thanks.
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