The beautifull f800gs is so underrated. Everyone wants 150 bhp nowadays and getting themselfs in trouble in offroad terrain. I am looking to trade in my old r1200gs for a f800gs or believe it or not a Tiger xcx 800.
You're right. I had a 2004 R1200GS from brand new. I used it for 18 months, and put 18k miles on it. Lovely bike, but the F800GS is just something else. The Tiger is a good one too. If you want my suggestion; Ride both and see which one puts a bigger grin on your face, and then buy that one. Thanks for watching and good luck with your new bike. 😎👍🏻👍🏻
Hello! Greatings from Finland!(I´m about to by a used F800 GS from 2010 with 75000 km on the klock. Is there something I should be looking out for? Great video by the way.
Terve! If you look through my video series, you’ll see the problems that these bikes encounter over time. There’s a few more, but my videos cover most of the issues. Also, most issues are quite easy to fix, some take more time and/or money, but it’s a very grateful bike to keep in good condition. In general, I’d look at how well the bike has been kept. Look for broken parts, scuffed parts, corrosion, non-standard parts, etc. If the bike is well kept, it’s probably a good buy. Good luck and feel free to ask more questions if you have any! Vauhtia!
Which is easier to pick up when dropped on a hill? The taller, lighter 800? Or the shorter heavier 1200 with the boxer motor that dont allow ut to fall as far? Im on the fence here, im moving up from a dual sport ( xr650) and hoping to still hit as many types of terrain as possible with better highway riding. Thanks!
Complicated question! I don’t think that the pick-up-ability is a good metric for what it sounds like you want to do. But I’ll try to answer it anyway. A leaning bike is heavy regardless (and you probably know this anyway). I’ve never had to pick up an R1200GS in the dirt, so I don’t really know, I’ve picked the F800GS up several times and whilst it’s heavy work, with the right technique it can be done without too much trouble. If the R1200GS falls further than the heads, then I would imagine this is a very difficult pick-up. Whilst you can get good engine protections for the R1200GS, they do stick out further and you always risk damaging the expensive magnesium valve covers. The F800GS with the appropriate protection is a bike that takes low speed tumbles quite well. Obviously I’m quite biased, but I always say this to people who ask about what bike they should get: Buy the bike that puts a grin on your face. If you don’t love the bike, it doesn’t matter how good it is. If you love the bike and you enjoy the bike, then you’ll work around its flaws and quirks. Ride as many candidates as you can, and pick them one that spoke to you, regardless of size of the engine, or Starbucks points. The F800GS is a big, heavy, tall bike, but it handles most stuff you can throw at it quite well. There are better off road bikes, there are better mile munchers, there are better mountain racers… but the F800GS does all of those types of roads quite enjoyably. Hope you find the bike that makes you grin a lot! Thanks for your question!
Dear Jocke, Thank you for creating this publicly available knowledge on the F800GS. I have just bought a (used) 2012 F800GS, that seems to be heavily modified with "Wilbers WESA" with remote cockipt adjustment, "Britannia Mirage 2" fairing, Full LED, confort seat, full panniers, crash bars. Thank you for your detailed, fun, and educative maintenance videos, which seem to be key for this motorbike.
Thank you! Sounds like you've scored a very nice bike. I had Wilbers suspension on my K1200R and I think it's one of the most underrated suspension makers in the motorcycle world. Hope you have many happy miles/kilometers together! Enjoy and thanks for watching!
I had the 2004 R1200GS and I did like it a lot, but at the time I wanted something different so I changed it. Then the adventure bikes came back up and we went for the F800GS, and we’ve kept them since. Let me know what you’ll end up with. Cheers!
Good video! Getting ready to pull the pin in a use F800gs and was kind of on the fence. Planning on a NWT Canada and Alaska trip in July and this will be my ride. Gonna be different than riding my older Harleys, but where were going I need a bike like this. I didnt want to go with the 1250 or 1200, just to damn big.
Good choice! It's a very good travel bike. It'll do motorways/highways, small roads, and trails with ease. It's still a big bike (taller and wider than the 1200/1250), but she hides her bulk well. Hope you have a fantastic trip, one day I hope to travel to there too. Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching! 😎👍🏻
Hi great video on the bike. Would you be able to tell me a little about how this bike does on low octane fuel? I want to take this bike through latin america and am concerned about putting low octane fuel as this bike requires 89 AKI.
Hi, thanks! My knowledge of low octane fuel is both outdated and minimal, so I really can't say. I've heard a few horror stories, but at the same time, I've seen loads of F800GS' travel through south and central America. My suggestion would either be to talk to BMW and/or to look for advice on traveller sites such as Horizons Unlimited. I'd hate to give you the wrong advice and your bike to malfunction due to "a random guy on the Internet" like me! I hope you have a fantastic journey!
@@JockeSelin I've had my GSA for a little over a year, and even after fitting an Fuel Injection programmer, I've tried to run the engine on 87 octane regular and 89 octane mid-test, and the bike clearly shows adverse drivability when running the 87 fuel. BMW listed -- like they do for many of their bikes -- a decompression plate -- essentially a thicker cylinder base gasket -- as a factory option for the F800GS. If was planning to go anywhere where the fuel quality was either unknown or sketchy, I would sure as heck fit the decompression kit before departure.
@@gregshamieh6339 thanks for that information. Like I said above, my knowledge is outdated. One story I heard was some guy took it to a shop to get it "reprogrammed for low octane fuel" - the shop charged him and off he went, then he had catastrophic engine failure somewhere in South America, and when complaining to BMW Motorrad they said they never heard of such a thing as reprogramming the ECU. So, I'm usually cautious of these stories. It would be very cool if there's an option, such as the low compression gasket. If you can find a part number (realOEM.com) that'd be fantastic to share with the community.
Hello! We use the Continental TKC80 - we like them a lot because they give a lot of confidence on tarmac and they are very good off road. The downside is that the rear wears a bit fast, but we’d rather change tyres more frequently than sacrifice the fun on-road. 😎👍🏻
@@JockeSelin I meant for using them as mudguards. What rubber did you use to make them. For tires, as a first off road set, I am going to buy Bridgestone ax41.
My first of your interesting entertaining and endearing videos. I,m looking at buying a F800GS and really enjoyed and appreciated all that you added here.
Jocke, any information on the ambient outside temperature gage you might have is greatly appreciated. I have a 2014 BMW F800 GS Adventure, with approximately 32,000 miles. The reading on the gage is not stable, it fluctuates up or down anywhere from 15 - 50 degrees to the actual outside temperature. I have viewed many of your videos and you appear to have much knowledge of the F800 GS, maybe you might have encountered this problem if so....?
Hi, thanks for watching and thanks for the question. Sadly I've not come across this issue before, so I can't really offer any help. I'd start by checking the wiring and testing the sensor, maybe try to see if you can find another one and try that and see if it makes a difference. Of the top of my head, it's the thingy under the headlight that's the temperature sensor. It should give a specific reading, so finding the specs for it and then testing it would be a good start. Sorry I can't be of much more help than that. I hope you get it sorted! Good luck!
Hello Mr. Jocke. I am interested in buying the gammatronix led. Do you have the 10mm or the 5mm led?? Have you connected it to the battery terminals as the description on ebay says? If yes, do you have it there permanently? Did it drain your battery any time in the past??
Hey! We have the 10mm Gammatronix LED. They've never caused any problem. They're connected as per the instructions; Negative, positive, and swithec positive. They've been on our two bikes for ~10 year now. No issues with battery drainage, in fact the total opposite, they warn you when you should charge. We really like ours.
Hi there! That LED was a smart solution! I have four small X-vision LED pods, but ther's always room for more! What model is it? Where did you buy it? Did it come with attachments för the F800GS?
Thanks! It’s just a “no-name” brand off eBay. Make sure you get the 10x 5W CREE one. It wasn’t waterproof when I got it, but a bit of silicone helped cure that. I made all the brackets and modifications myself. It was a bit tricky because of the 3D nature of the headlight and screen. It’s connected via a relay to the main beam (haven’t found time to install a separate switch for it, maybe one day). Feel free to ask more questions if you have any.Thanks for watchin’!
Even if I could remember, I wouldn't be able to let you know as all we did was see a road that went up into the forest and it didn't have the dreaded VERBOTEN sign... Good luck finding trails in Germany. I assume you know of the TET?!
@@johndoe-pm7up Yeah, I know, it's quite sad as these are just forestry roads and I don't see much harm being done by riding them. I guess the trick is just to try to find the ones that doesn't have Verboten. UK's TRF is a great resource and organisation, don't know if there's a German equivalent. Hmmm... I should go back to Germany, I miss it. 😁 Good luck! 😎👍🏻
Hello Jocke, I stumbled upon your blog as I deep dived into the rabbit hole of F 800 GS. I'm currently on a G 650 Xcountry from 2007 but contemplating my next bike. I like long distance travel and suspect the upgrade to the 800 will complement the experience. I have subscribed to your blog and also wished to thank you for sharing your experiences with us.
Welcome aboard! I think you’ll find that the F800GS has got a bit “longer legs” than the X650 XCountry. The 800 won’t be as nimble, and it sure is a tall and heavy bike, but it’s very capable on the motorway, the twisty back roads, and hard surfaces such as gravel roads, and trails. It’s hard work on the loose stuff, like sand and mud. Unfortunately my channel hasn’t had much F800GS content of lately, but I hope you still stick around and see if any of the other shenanigans are worth watching. Thanks again for comin’ along, and if you have any F800GS questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
Hi, I can't find a photo of the back of those panels. They do come off. Take the panel off and on the back you should be able to figure out how they come off. If my memory serves, there's some tabs and then some of those star-style clips that are sort of a use-once thing. You can carefully pry those off with a small screwdriver or something. I did use a round file to give them elastic bands a bit of room (probably should have done a bit more). This is assuming the original classic F800GS not the newfangled face lifted version. 😉 I'm sure you can figure it out. Good luck! 😎👍🏻
Thank you very much! The bike stuff has been a bit thin lately, but there’s stuff happening and more to come. Pleased to have you come along for the ride! 😎👍🏻👍🏻
Nice riding, and very cool mods on the bike, especially the stainless steel rack. I had already subscribed because of the nice maintenance videos. It’s nice too see someone with so much ingenuity show their mods. Might make a video on mine in the future. 11,5 years old with 49.000 Km.
Thanks Theodore! I just love riding and trying to push myself and the ol’ gal around a bit. I’m surprised nobody offers such a rack-rack. I think it could be manufactured as a single piece of water jet cut sheet of aluminium with a few bends. Please make a video and let me know. I’d love to see your bike and what you’ve done to it. These bikes are way underrated I think. Thanks for tagging along! It’s very much appreciated! 😎👍🏻👍🏻
Hi Carlos! I'm pleased to hear the videos have helped you along. The F800GS is way more capable than one would think. Enjoy the bike, and keep her in good shape. Braap! Braaap! Thanks for watching!
Already done something like that, but for travel, the ~230kg F800GS’ are too heavy to transport on a truck that can carry max 7500kg. So they won’t be travelling with us on the Unimog. Something smaller, per’ps... 🤔
Hi. Can i ask a question. The barrels for the engine look integral to the casing. What happens on a high mileage bike? Usually you cab fit new barrels and pistons? thanks
You’re right. The engine casing and cylinder bores are integral. You can still bore the cylinders out and fit oversized pistons. However, I’ve never heard of anyone having to do this, even bikes with over 200,000 miles on them. I don’t know if you can change the liners too, but there seems to be plenty of used engines and cases going on places like eBay. Personally I don’t see this as a problem.
You have found a black-spot in my videos! No I don't have a video about it, as I didn't film it last time I did it (or the time before). However, I do have had several requests for it, so I'll definitely make a video about it when I do one next. However, it be a long time till I have the time/need to do it. The key is to drain the liquid, to get the last bit out you can remove the bottom pipe to the oil cooler (the square-ish box next to the oil filter at the front of the engine). Then the next key is to get rid of the air bubbles at the top of the engine as the filler cap is lower than the highest point of the engine. I've done this by bleeding at the water pump - there's a bolt there with an arrow - that's the bleed screw. Warm the engine up and when it gets a bit warm, open the screw a little bit and keep it slightly open until there's no bubbles coming out. Then close it. Lean the bike to one side. Then repeat. Lean to other side. Repeat bleeding. Lean to other side. Etc, etc. Until there's no air bubbles coming out. Also keep the coolant topped up - but don't open the caps when the coolant is hot. Be patient. Or you can use a vacuum coolant change system (I don't have one). I hope that's sufficient to get you going for now.
Hi! The only one who can answer that is you. Keep in mind that the R1150GS also had 85bhp, just like the F800GS. And people have travelled further and more heavily loaded on much lower powered bikes. However, if you want to sit at 80mph/130km/h for 6 hours per day in full comfort with power to spare, then the F800GS is probably a bit feeble. You can get a quality rear shock, such as a Wilbers unit, custom made for your requirements if you want to. The forks can be altered too, a cheap alternative is the HyperPro progressive springs with a bit heavier oil. But at the end of the day, if you don’t like it, it doesn’t matter what I say. My usual advice is to go ride on and see if it puts a smile on your face. It’s the grin that matters. Good luck! Keep me posted on how it goes. Cheers! 😎👍🏻
@@JockeSelin Will do mate, and thank you for your answer. I just sold my xl1000 varadero and i dont know yet if im buying another Varadero (its litteraly a couch on 2 wheels) or a f800gs. Its a matter of trading down comfort wise and trading up for a 21 inch front wheel and a lighter and much much slimmer bike.
The Varadero is a good bike, but I’ve also understood it’s a bit soft and big. The F800GS is also soft and big, but I don’t think it’s as soft and big as a Varadero. Go ride one and see what you think. The grin matters. Have fun!
I'm riding a 2008 F650 GS Twin and found you due to your realy helpful servicing-videos (the 800 and 650 are similar in most regards, so I can use many advices) Especially your video on swapping out the stator was really helpful when mi e creeped out a month ago
Hi! Glad you found my videos and that they’re helping you out! The F800GS and the F650 Twin/F700 are great bikes and it’s good to keep them on the road. Enjoy the bike and hope you get to ride it in these crazy times. 😎👍🏻
@@JockeSelin I totaly do. And my bike being my only vehicle (don't own a car) I will stay on riding to work over the winter times in south-west germany :-) Also it's good to not just keep them on the road, but also on the track (as far as legally possible. Germany sadly doesn't provide many options for riding offroad)
Excellent! I know what you mean, going on trail riding is becoming more and more difficult. In today’s world it’s just easier to ban stuff than trying to work out a good solution. Take care! 😎👍🏻👍🏻
HI, thanks for the videos! the maintenance ones are great!! I recently bought a 2014 adventure, it has almost 50,000 km. DO you recommend on doing/checking something from the motor, suspension etc? I´m doing the full service soon (oil, filters, coolant, spak plugs... Best regards from Mexico
Hi, if it’s a new bike to you, and you’re going to to the regular servicing you should be fine. I’d just make sure that the wheel bearings, seals and the spacers are in good condition. If you can, upgrade to the stainless steel spacers. Check the headstock bearing and maybe give it an adjustment. You can change the oil in the forks too if you want. Another thing you should probably have a look at is that the brake callipers move freely and that the pistons are not binding. With fresh oil, new oil filter, new plugs, new air filter, new coolant and new brake fluid you should be ready to rock! Thanks for watching! 😎👍🏻
@@JockeSelin Thanks for the help, i'll start with your recommendations. The mechanic told me the headstock bearings needs to be changed, but i dont feel anything wierd..
@@DiegoGonzalez-jo5gj Good luck with it all. The way to check the headstock bearings is to lift the front up (trolley jack under the bash plate is easiest), then move the bars gently from side to side, at the centre, you might feel a bit of resistance, a notch, that you have to push past. It's usually very very small, but with the weight on the wheel, it gets amplified. You can then also pull the wheel forward (sit in front of the bike, grab the spindle and pull), to see if you have any play, or if you can feel/hear a small "click". Doing the job yourself isn't a very big job (takes a long time to get the parts off) and the critical part is to re-tighten the bearings several times after installation so they seat well. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mIb5bNdv9mg.html
Thanks! You know what. I'm stumped. I think it's got something like 61,000km / 38,000 miles. But I can't remember exactly. How silly. I'll need to check tomorrow. 🤣👍🏻
Great presentation of your bike. Good ideas. Thank you for sharing! 👍👍👍 And can you say a few words about the engine reliability? Long lasting engine? Yours must have a big mileage on the clock now? Many thanks.
Thanks for watching and your comment. My bike, or rather our bikes don’t actually have that many miles on them because they’re only used for fun and trips, not for daily commuting. However, I believe I have seen posts of F800GS’ with 300,000 miles, and several with over 100,000 miles on them. I don’t think there are any huge issues with the engine. The stator fails, the fuel pump fails, you need new wheel and headstock bearings, and the cam chain might stretch and need replacement. There’s also been incidents with the oil pump shedding gear teeth and some water pump failures. The most critical of this is probably the pumps. The failed stator can leave you stranded though. Feel free to ask any more questions if you have any. Thanks for watching again!
@@ed5311 Thanks and glad it was of help. I sure have a ride deficiency at the moment, so maybe I should take a day off and go for a ride. You have a great summer, stay safe and hope you also get to ride. 😎👍🏻
Thanks! It’s actually an off cut that I was given. I have no idea where to buy rubber - which is a bit annoying as I keep using it and I have very little left. I’d start at eBay or similar places. Let me know if you find some. Good luck!
@@JockeSelin ....lolo ..e maschile ,ho lo stesso BMW f 800 GS 2012... personalmente la uso solo su strade sterrate piane e asfalto... comunque non la ritengo una buona moto per off... Troppo pesante...sei sempre a rischio ribaltamento
@@lolociano6030 Falling is part of going off-road and trail riding. Luckily the F800GS takes falls quite well. With the right technique it's not too difficult to pick up either. I retain my point; For a big adventure bike, it does remarkably well off-road. It's never going to be an enduro bike, it wasn't built for that. However, if you can't handle it, that's fine. Where you ride your bike is your decision. If you want to expand your skills, you can do training and enjoy the F800GS in even more ways.
I’m building a few tools so that I can start fabricating stuff for it. If you are only interested in the Unimog, perhaps subscribe to the playlist only? There will be Unimog content to come for years.
@@JockeSelin wow never expected you to answer, followed a couple of people over the years who gave up and it can be frustrating. Keep up the great work.
@@tristonl Hi, I try to keep up with the comments. I guess my channel is a bit different than others as I do things and some of them make it into RU-vid videos. I don't (usually) come up with a video idea and then do it. We are gathering momentum with the Unimog. As you probably understand, things are a bit weird in the world at the moment, but the project is definitely not over. In fact, just getting started. The actual habitat build is quite a long way away though as we need to shift some stuff around first, but let me get back to editing the welding table video and get those out of the way so we can get back to the Mog. Thanks for coming along for the ride! It's much appreciated. 😎👍🏻
