F800gs - Almost perfect except for poor suspension.

[mac444]

Ok I have been so excited for the new F800 and sold my only KTM990 in my rental fleet to buy some F800s. Now I think I made a mistake. I bought the bike for my clients who want to ride off-pavement. After several hundred miles of back roads here in Montana, the harsh front fork has me very unhappy and unwilling to buy any more of these bikes.

How many of you think this bike needs a proper adjustable suspension, front and rear ? Compression and rebound dampening front and rear ?

Who thinks the front fork is way to harsh on small high speed bumps and deflects off anything bigger than a tic tac ? Is it just me ?

Anyone out there who has owned a KTM990 or 950 think the suspension on the F800Gs is even close to the compliance of the KTM on the street and off road ?

I want to hear form real owners so only respond please if you have actually owned each bike. I plan to file a formal complaint with BMW on this bike. We waited too damn long to be screwed over by cheap suspension components on such a pricey bike !! Ok, kidding on the complaint, I already bitched to the dealer, though.

I know its hard to speak the truth when you just dumped 12 grand on a bike, but I am just being honest.

I am not happy with this bike. I want my 990 Back...at least the front forks and the rear shock. Now that would make the 800 an incredible machine in IMHO.

[swolf]

Came from an 05 vstrom and really can't believe how jarring the front suspension is on a bit of rock.

Still really love the bike

[mac444]

What exactly do you mean ? You lost me there.

So you agree that your F800GS is more harsh off pavement than your 650 VStrom ?

[Swedge]

whats wrong with the KTM that would make you even consider the BMW?

[ricohman]

When I was shopping the salesman told me the BMW's can do dirt, but are a street biased bike.
The KTM had less street manners, but was more dirt friendly.
Which way did you want to go?

[tmex]

It is the Zokes. I have the same problem on my HP2 (as I posted in a similar post about 20 minutes ago). The HP2 Zokes are adjustable, and cannot be improved with the adjusters. As I mentioned in the other post, I am going to take the Zokes to Javier (Trailtrick on KTMTalk) who has a good reputation for fixing them. BTW, I pick up my F800GS on Saturday, and I expect to be dissappointed with the forks off road. Hopefully Javier can work his magic on them as well.

[swolf]

Originally Posted by mac444

What exactly do you mean ? You lost me there.

So you agree that your F800GS is more harsh off pavement than your 650 VStrom ?

I took a trip with the vstrom a month ago in Colorado. Rode a few 4x4 mountain passes with a bit of trouble. Except for the weight (a big thing) and clearance (thanks bash plate) it rode great! The ride was smooth and comfortable all the time - except when it bottomed out.

800gs, don't have crash bars on yet so I don't want to,really, ride it in the dirt. A few days ago I couldn't resist and rode a few "rocky parts." My head felt like it was going to be tossed off my body. I thought, what the hell, their has to be an adjustment somewhere?

To balance, the 800gs is such a better bike in the turns. Feels, sounds, looks and dealing with the wind is great / better than the vstrom. Love the fact that in my case, the shield work perfect, and i don't have to look through it when riding. All in all, still happy, thus far, still good!

[Bluebull2007]

I´ll take your poor quality 800 for 75% cash.

[Bluebull2007]

Originally Posted by ricohman

When I was shopping the salesman told me the BMW's can do dirt, but are a street biased bike.
The KTM had less street manners, but was more dirt friendly.
Which way did you want to go?

The 800 is the easiest bike I have ridden on dirt. It is not really designed for the street, but does that well too.

[AngryRed]

Originally Posted by Bluebull2007

The 800 is the easiest bike I have ridden on dirt. It is not really designed for the street, but does that well too.

Weird, my 800GS is flawless on the street but on the true dirt it could use a few "enhancements". That does not mean I don't love my bike because I do but it has a few items that could use improvement on the dirt.

[mac444]

Originally Posted by Bluebull2007

The 800 is the easiest bike I have ridden on dirt. It is not really designed for the street, but does that well too.

Unless the F800GS is the only bike you have ever ridden off road, you need to qualify that comment.

Easiest compared to what ?

[AngryRed]

Originally Posted by mac444

Unless the F800GS is the only bike you have ever ridden off road, you need to qualify that comment.

Easiest compared to what ?

I hate to seem mean but I agree. I could tear up anyone but the pro's on my CRF450 if they were riding an F800GS. Not to bash you but you should put that comment in perspective. I love my 800GS but to say its made for the dirt is a bit of a stretch.

[Bluebull2007]

Oh FFS.....

What are we are we talking about here, 450´s or bigger DS bikes?

Take it in the context of the thread people. I´ll spell it out for you: In comparison to 1200GS, 650GS, and KTM 990 or similar. Its just my opinion, you dont have to like it.

[mac444]

Originally Posted by Bluebull2007

Oh FFS.....

What are we are we talking about here, 450´s or bigger DS bikes?

Take it in the context of the thread people. I´ll spell it out for you: In comparison to 1200GS, 650GS, and KTM 990 or similar. Its just my opinion, you dont have to like it.

OK then I would agree except for the 990 comparison. I own both and have to say the GS800 feels lighter and handles quicker but the suspension on the KTM makes up for that off road because it is so much more stable and plush.

Dont get bent. Its all good

[mac444]

Originally Posted by Bluebull2007

I´ll take your poor quality 800 for 75% cash.

I never said te F800GS was "poor quality". What I said was the forks and shock suck. There is a difference. For 12 grand, a little rebound and compression adjustment is not too much to ask. You name one bike in this price range that doesnt have fully adjustable suspension....or dont you adjust stuff down there in Peru ?