Through checkout of the new 800GS

johnofchar

V-Strom Representative

Posts: 48

Motorbike: SV-Strom

Mileage: 108,000 miles

Location: Charleston SC USA

Thanks: 34

1

Tuesday, March 11th 2008, 1:18am

Got to spend some time with the new GS at Daytona a few days ago. Initial impression is that it is a very well put together bike, good size & good weight. Unlike the 1200GS, which to me just looks like a lot of parts thrown together, it has everything nice and neat and in the right places. Under-seat gas tank is great, nice low center of gravity which makes it feel nice when standing on the pegs. For myself I would need a higher seat, pegs a bit cramped, and higher bars for standing.

Negatives: Rather small gas tank, but may be OK if mileage is as quoted. Small 400 watt alternator output. Very few cubby holes for adding farkles. Larger touring screens will be a problem due to mounting much like old 650GS. Suspension was really soft, at least for my weight, but probably good for off-road if doesn't bottom easily.

Positives: Good suspension travel with relatively low seat height. Very nice balance, good for off-road. Slender profile. Looks very neat & well put together. Muffler looks like a muffler should.

Go to the top of the page

Peter

Candyman

Posts: 1,061

Motorbike: R1200GS-07

Mileage: 47,000 km

Location: Singapore

Thanks: 1439

2

Tuesday, March 11th 2008, 7:25pm

Thanks John for your first-hand experience! Always welcome.

It comes very close to my ideal: 80 hp + less than 200 kg with full tank.

Here is a summary translation of a report from a test ride done by a German V-Strom rider:

Quoted

- Needs very short 'getting used to' time.
- Very agil and easy to ride, rides like a bicycle.
- The suspension irons over every bad road. Clear feed-back from the front, supports riding sharp and taking curves with precision.
- From idle onwards the engine sounds is nice. When switching a gear lower and going off the throttle there is a beautiful burble.
- The little engine runs round from about 1600 or 1700 rpm - in the 6. gear! Needle-pin turns in the 2. gear are a childs play. I had a lot of fun, even though I was only allowed revving the engine up to 4000 rpm. This finally offers a great engine size and performance ratio.
- Suitable ergonomics. The width and position of the handle bars are perfect and help the agile feel. Goes into inclination without any effort whatsoever.
- Seating comfort seems ok on my 50 km ride. I felt pressure points against the inner tights, but that stopped immediately on normal seating.
- Wind protection is just ok. My head was exposed to an even blast of wind. Wind from the factory protection starts from 5 - 10 cm below shoulders.
- The power plug neighbouring the ignition switch is a good idea. The instruments are easily readable ... if someone really finds the time ...

source: member GGG at http://www.v-stromforum.de

Peter .PEOPLE WHO HAVE VISIONS SHOULD GO TO SEE THEIR DOCTOR

Go to the top of the page

Almost GS...

Posts: 1

Motorbike: futur - F800GS-08

Location: Braga-Portugal

3

Saturday, March 15th 2008, 9:58am

About new 800GS - Need help on seat height.

I'm interested in the new F800 GS. I tested the seat height and the 85 cm seat is too much for me. I thank opinions about working on lowering the suspension ( +/- 2 cm ). At the front seems to have no problem, at the rear need to change the spring for a shorter one ( ? ) ( Wich one ? ). I'am 1,65 cm tall and weight 68 Kg and I had in the past an Africa Twin, with a small ajustement in the suspension ( 1 - 2 cm ) I drove near 15 000 km, mostely off-road, with no problems. :thumbup:

Thank for your opinions and, if possible, contacts to buy the necessary material.

Amadeu Fernandes-Portugal

Go to the top of the page