Thread: F 800 GS

Originally Posted by evl_twn

I hope the F800 doesn't have some of the same problems as the F650...

Catastrophic Forks Failure - BMW MOA

Holy crap!!

The 800 has inverted forks though.

EDIT: BTW, don't read that thread, you'll feel yourself get dumber.

If I look into a used GS1200A, what should I keep an eye out for? The good/bad, etc? Any particular problems in particular model years?

Originally Posted by MotoVegas

If I look into a used GS1200A, what should I keep an eye out for? The good/bad, etc? Any particular problems in particular model years?

Records.

Most BMW owners are geeks about keeping accurate records of service. Any dealer should be able to pull up any work that was done at a BMW shop.

(Relatively) common problems are:

- Final drive failure. Replaced by BMW under warranty and I've heard that BMW has extended it on them from three to five years. BMW originally designed the rear hub as a sealed unit with "lifetime" fluid. I have mine changed periodically anyway, as do many other people (check for records.) It's a tricky process to get the fluid out. The '08's and up actually have a drain plug.

- EWS failure. There's a ring around the key that reads a chip for anti-theft. Without it, the bike won't start. It has been recalled on affected models.

- On the older GS's, there was a problem with the o-ring that seals the fuel control unit. Water would sometimes get in and corrode the contacts. The bikes would start, but then quit. It happened to my '07 Adventure and the mechanics were surprised b/c they hadn't seen it happen for a long time. Quick fix...under warranty.

- Warped brake rotors. Some complain about feeling the front brakes pulse after a few thousand miles. After reading about it, I became a hypchondriac and asked the dealer to check mine at the next service. They went ahead and replaced the rotors with upgraded Brembo rotors...under warranty.

Those are the most common problems I read about. Keep in mind that people tend to post problems a lot more than the good stuff. Some have no problems. I saw a guy jokingly post that he'd had it and was getting rid of the bike b/c after 70,000ish miles the rear light bulb burned out.

I thought about selling mine and picking up a new one but this is the first bike I've had that I actually want to take over 100,000 miles.

They pop up every now and then on Advrider.com:

2007 BMW R1200GS Adventure - ADVrider

Good luck!

What he said, and of course if you're buying a regular GS (not sure if adv is affected?) the early 07 models have an open brakeline recall, same as that EWS stuff above...but some fools won't go get them taken care of.

One thing to actually keep an eye trained for is if the unit has had the charcoal canister removed (typically it's next to the rear shock).
If it has, take it for a spin and then pop open the gastank. You shouldn't notice any sucking sound...if you do, ask the owner how long the canister has been removed.
It typically means the job wasn't done correctly and now under vacuum your tank/pump gaskets are getting pulled in, and on that kind of tank it can mean $$ to replace them.

Originally Posted by DUX

I thought about selling mine and picking up a new one but this is the first bike I've had that I actually want to take over 100,000 miles.

I have a feeling we'll be getting an "A" model within a few years ourselves. The question is, will I convert the current GS to solo commuter/street duty, trade on the ADV, or hold onto it and see what happens.

As LTL is probably experiencing at this point, the connection you get to a machine like this is pretty amazing. It puts a smile on your face that you can't really explain, that never really goes away. So parting with my 'first gs' might be hard.

Originally Posted by MotoVegas

If I look into a used GS1200A, what should I keep an eye out for? The good/bad, etc? Any particular problems in particular model years?

These things really hold their value. I looked at lots of used, and I didn't think the price dropped fast enough to justify buying one used. The late 08s have the known issues addressed. If you want an 1150 though, there are good deals out there.

MSRP without any of the toys is $16.6.

Fully loaded with all the options for 08 they're $20,700 (and $2 grand of that is the ESA group, which no 07 has). The BMW hard bags are about $1600.

Good luck getting much more than a steak dinner off MSRP though.

(Edit: I was considering waiting for an 09, but the next 3 months are the best time of the year for riding on the west coast...so 08 it was)

Originally Posted by luvtolean

Closest thing in the automotive world would be a Land Rover LR3, it has a very similar set of electronic systems to adapt it to what you're doing. Hopefully the Beemer is more reliable.

Goin with the cheap shots, are ye???

Oh, and congrats! I don't know how I missed this thread!

Originally Posted by navydevildoc

Goin with the cheap shots, are ye???

Originally Posted by navydevildoc

Oh, and congrats! I don't know how I missed this thread!

Can't wait to ride it down your way...it's comfortable enough for the slab down, worthy of the twisties to "your" cafe, but also worthy of the dirt trails out into the dez.

(and an AR broke down will fit in the saddle bags. )

Originally Posted by SomeStrangeGuy

I have a feeling we'll be getting an "A" model within a few years ourselves. The question is, will I convert the current GS to solo commuter/street duty, trade on the ADV, or hold onto it and see what happens.

Get rid of it?
SUPER MOTO!

My 1200 SM - ADVrider

Not that this thread is about the 800 anymore, but in keeping with the title, here's a review of the F800 GS: 2009 BMW F800GS Review - First Ride - Motorcycle.com

Update: another ride review: http://www.motorcycle.com/manufactur...iew-86985.html

Originally Posted by Mojave954

Advice to those that haven't ridden one of these machines. DON"T, unless you are ready to buy. They will get in your head and stay there.