Johann's ................................: October 2010

I have owned my F800GS for almost a year now and absolutely love the bike.

Work commitments prevented me from riding a lot, or installing “farkles” on my bike for the first seven month of ownership, but I still managed to ride close to 20 000km. anyway.

OK where to start....I think upgrades or personalising would be a good start.
I have been able to add a few more things since my last post:

Bitubo rear shock and fork upgrade.

Reasons for this upgrade:

1) I am approximately 110 kilograms including riding gear.

2) I like to use the bike for the intended purpose as an “Adventure Bike”.

3) I want to be able to load gear without compromising spring travel too much.

4) Heavier fork springs and cartridges to avoid bottoming out off road and damaging the rim.

All in all the upgrade was worth the money, fully adjustable to any riding condition in the blink of an eye. Off road and also on, for the occasional day out with the “Big Boys”.

Remus headers and Hexacone, combined with the PowercommanderV , Auto tune module

And also K&N air filter.

Reasons:

1) Performance increase.”Naturally”

2) Better sound.

3) Less weight.

The new exhaust system alone did not do the trick, since the machine will not work very efficient. The exhaust breathing situation was solved, now the air intake had to increase also.

After looking at different options I installed the K&N filter. Also looked at the “UNI -filter” good filter also but more suited to dirt bikes.

The next step was the PowercommanderV . It was relatively easy to install but needed a dyno run, since no map for my exhaust system air filter configuration was available.

The final step was the Auto tune module a little beauty it fine adjusts the fuel/air ratio while riding. Similar to the OEM sensor set up, but using a Bosch wideband sensor and no limits to adjustment. It will adjust to riding style; high and low grade fuel, tyres, temperature conditions and so on. Like a little dyno under the seat. This upgrade has worked about 9000km. flawless so far.

Dyno results before correct map: Max Power=76.01 Max Torque=52.57 Ft-lb

Dyno results correct map but not finetuned: Max Power=82.2 Max Torque=56.4 Ft-lb

These results are at the wheel.

Added bonuses: A lot less back burn (POP), and complete loss of abrupt throttle response which makes stand up riding much more comfortable.

Tyres: I still like the Continental “Trail Attack” it performs better than it should, (just by looking at it) on gravel / sand and is very nice on road also. I estimate this set to last about 12 000km. maybe a bid more.

Reliability, Recalls, and Warranty issues:

1) Air filter recall.....did not matter to me since I have the K&N filter.

2) Valve cover slight weep on left side, was fixed under warranty while being
at the10 000km. Service (same day pick up) no issues since.

3) And.... ‘Yibbidy Yibbida’....that’s it folks.

Honestly reliability has not been an issue after close to 20 000km.

My F800GS has handled all I can dish out, with ease and never missed a beat.

All I do is keep the bike clean, lubricate and clean the chain and also the bearing seals and wheel axles. I use the recommended Staburax grease for the wheel bearing seal since it is a good product and above all it is white, easy to see if a seal starts to fail before it does.

I use that one for the chain, sticks well and also lasts. Added bonus is the small can which I can actually fill with the big one. The small one lives on the bike.

Again I love my bike.... and so does the neighbour’s cat, must be a colour thing or something?