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F700 v F800?
- Thread starter 26667
- Start date
MCMXCIVRS
More toys than space
You can always upgrade the F800GSs tubed wheel to tubeless by sealing them. I had a new set of wheels made for mine by Woody's and had the rear sealed. The front still runs a tube as it is a narrower rim with no safety bead. Yes it does add more cost onto the price of the bike though. I all ready had mine and had no plans to replace it so this was just an upgrade to replace the dented original wheels.
Just to toss in another option, why not consider the R1200GS. If I were to only have one bike, that's likely where I would look. I have a K1200GT to compliment my GS. The GT is much better for long highway tours, the GS is my back country ride.
Just to toss in another option, why not consider the R1200GS. If I were to only have one bike, that's likely where I would look. I have a K1200GT to compliment my GS. The GT is much better for long highway tours, the GS is my back country ride.
Wow, and you live in Canada, you are very fortunate to have the cash flow available to afford the insurance on both those bikes!
MCMXCIVRS
More toys than space
In Alberta, insurance is much more favourably priced than in BC. A friend from Burnaby pays more for just the liability coverage on his R1200RT than I do for complete coverage on both my bikes.
Time to move to Alberta then!
26667
the Wizard of Oz
thanx
Thanx for that thoughtful reply. I'm gonna ride a 2016 f700 when it warms up a bit late next week here in Chgo and see what I think. But at 5. something interest, the used bike could cost more monthly that whatever bmws financing offers on a new machine...like an 800 which seems to have a seat that suits my ass a little better.
Thanx for that thoughtful reply. I'm gonna ride a 2016 f700 when it warms up a bit late next week here in Chgo and see what I think. But at 5. something interest, the used bike could cost more monthly that whatever bmws financing offers on a new machine...like an 800 which seems to have a seat that suits my ass a little better.
Just gotta weigh in on the 700 or 800 discussion. I have an 800 GS adventure. Im no big guy by any means 5'9" 160lbs My 800 is talllllllll, very tall and coming from a shorter V Strom it was a challenge at first. Also a heavier bike that took some time to get used to. My front wheel being 21" meant learning to corner differently than my Strom. Strom felt a little more nimble. I rode a buddy's F650 back to his house for him when he bought a 1200 GSA the 700 being an updated 650 I think would have almost been perfect for me. I wont trade my 800 because after 1600 miles Ive gotten used to the feel, but if i were starting from scratch I'd buy the 700 for its nimbleness and lightness. 
26667
the Wizard of Oz
thanx
Thanx, fireman kc, I watched several very enthusiastic youtube "reviews" this morning largely expressing the same thing, and I keep reminding myself that I always just seem to have more fun on smaller bikes. I loved riding the little 250 Ninja we owned for a couple years. One of the reviews posted somewhere offered that if one were planning to most of their riding in the dirt or off road, the 800 was the way to go, and if most of your riding was on pavement ( as mine surely is), the 700 was the better answer. A couple mentioned the difference in handling in the twisties, which I do enjoy. Maybe as I get used to a new type of bike I'll find more and more off road experiences and training. I'd like to make it to the Snake River dealio the week prior to the Nat'l if I pull off this new bike thing.
Thanx again, and if you watch "Chicago Fire" I was Battalion Chief Jones a couple seasons ago. ...he was often described by other characters as an "a__h_le" or "jagoff" just bc he was by-the-book. Meet me in Salt Lake and i'll tell you all the stories...Lady ga ga included.
Just gotta weigh in on the 700 or 800 discussion. ...but if i were starting from scratch I'd buy the 700 for its nimbleness and lightness.
Thanx, fireman kc, I watched several very enthusiastic youtube "reviews" this morning largely expressing the same thing, and I keep reminding myself that I always just seem to have more fun on smaller bikes. I loved riding the little 250 Ninja we owned for a couple years. One of the reviews posted somewhere offered that if one were planning to most of their riding in the dirt or off road, the 800 was the way to go, and if most of your riding was on pavement ( as mine surely is), the 700 was the better answer. A couple mentioned the difference in handling in the twisties, which I do enjoy. Maybe as I get used to a new type of bike I'll find more and more off road experiences and training. I'd like to make it to the Snake River dealio the week prior to the Nat'l if I pull off this new bike thing.
Thanx again, and if you watch "Chicago Fire" I was Battalion Chief Jones a couple seasons ago. ...he was often described by other characters as an "a__h_le" or "jagoff" just bc he was by-the-book. Meet me in Salt Lake and i'll tell you all the stories...Lady ga ga included.
I commuted back and forth on I-5 for a couple years on a Suzuki Burgman 400 scooter. I didn't know better, that a 400cc scooter was not big enough to go on the freeway with. I also did an IBA SS1000 before realizing that you really needed a motorcycle with 2-4 times more cc's than I had. Gosh...it was like riding on a barcalounger. I went to work the next day with no more fatigue than if I'd done my normal commute. I didn't know better though, so I ask that you excuse me.
I've never had the desire to do a SS1000 or more with any other bike. Even though the latter bikes have had larger engines, I doubt I'd be as comfortable as I was on a ...scooter.
Sometimes bigger is not better. If I was to chose between the two options, I'm not sure which I'd prefer. In my case, I'd probably go with the 700. I want the suspension compliance to deal with the pot holes that are multiplying like rabbits in Seattle, even on "paved" roads. I'm in stop-n-go traffic more often than not, so the ability to reach the ground when I stop is more important than whether I have spoked wheels or not.
When I'm asked what bike to chose, I always ask what kind of riding you intend to use it for. BMW made two different models to reach two different riding styles and environments. Pick the one that fits you for the majority of your riding needs, not what fits me, or what fits the 5% of the riding you might encounter.
Chris
I've never had the desire to do a SS1000 or more with any other bike. Even though the latter bikes have had larger engines, I doubt I'd be as comfortable as I was on a ...scooter.
Sometimes bigger is not better. If I was to chose between the two options, I'm not sure which I'd prefer. In my case, I'd probably go with the 700. I want the suspension compliance to deal with the pot holes that are multiplying like rabbits in Seattle, even on "paved" roads. I'm in stop-n-go traffic more often than not, so the ability to reach the ground when I stop is more important than whether I have spoked wheels or not.
When I'm asked what bike to chose, I always ask what kind of riding you intend to use it for. BMW made two different models to reach two different riding styles and environments. Pick the one that fits you for the majority of your riding needs, not what fits me, or what fits the 5% of the riding you might encounter.
Chris
26667
the Wizard of Oz
I commuted back and forth on I-5 for a couple years on a Suzuki Burgman 400 scooter. I didn't know better, that a 400cc scooter was not big enough to go on the freeway with.
FWIW I took my first moto tour on a Honda 500 twin with my friend-who-was-a-girl, on her 400 cc Honda Hawk from Chicago to GCNP, up to Yellowstone, and back. We had a riot....because we didn't know any better
lkraus
New member
I travelled quite a bit on my '80 CB400T Hawk, actually covered more states than I have on my RT (so far). Added a fairing and a driving light, made some saddlebags out of a couple duffles, and strapped on my Boy Scout backpack and a Rand McNally atlas. Got about 70mpg, though it helped that the speed limit was 55, and I cruised around 60-65. It felt a bit stressed at 70. A few of the runs would have been Iron Butt worthy, though the seat actually did create pressure blisters.
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26667
the Wizard of Oz
I recently sold my first motorcycle a '71 R50/5. Competent touring partner at a slower pace. Loaded for touring, it was good for state and US Hiways. Just didn't really have the torque and power needed for interstates , steep hills and mountains. Just my opinion. Go plenty of BMW's with 800, 900, 1000, 1100 cc's. I live at the crossroads of I-55 and I-40. It always seemed like I had to run at lest 100 to 200 miles of slab to get to the good stuff. Sad to see it gone, but all my bikes will be gone in a few more years anyway. 
Great Article in ON!
Thank you for your article. I bought the F700GS last summer. First ever real bike. I am surprised I hear so little about it sometimes. Its perfect for what I do, which is casual riding around country two lanes in Connecticut. Can you post some pics of the farkles you added? I ordered the Madstad windshield, thanks to your article. Should arrive soon. I am so new to this, I am afraid to start adding stuff without guidance. Cars I can handle, this stuff is so different.
Paul
Thank you for your article. I bought the F700GS last summer. First ever real bike. I am surprised I hear so little about it sometimes. Its perfect for what I do, which is casual riding around country two lanes in Connecticut. Can you post some pics of the farkles you added? I ordered the Madstad windshield, thanks to your article. Should arrive soon. I am so new to this, I am afraid to start adding stuff without guidance
. Cars I can handle, this stuff is so different.Paul
26667
the Wizard of Oz
completely noob?
my first suggestion for you is some place, whether a simple duffel or fancy adventure bags where you can carry your raingear.
and check out the pix threads in various places around the forum for ideas. Just yesterday I saw a bike similar to our nifty f7's with extra gas cans attached to the bottoms of the aluminum panniers. (might actually be in the ''post a picture of you ftwin")Slick and smart. They're out of the way, and the heavy liquid is carried low on the bike. yes. just looked again. page 20 of the 'post a pic' section about 4 or 5 pix down. three bikes beside a dirt road
Thank you for your article. I bought the F700GS last summer. First ever real bike. I am surprised I hear so little about it sometimes. Its perfect for what I do, which is casual riding around country two lanes in Connecticut. Can you post some pics of the farkles you added? I ordered the Madstad windshield, thanks to your article. Should arrive soon. I am so new to this, I am afraid to start adding stuff without guidance
Paul
my first suggestion for you is some place, whether a simple duffel or fancy adventure bags where you can carry your raingear.
and check out the pix threads in various places around the forum for ideas. Just yesterday I saw a bike similar to our nifty f7's with extra gas cans attached to the bottoms of the aluminum panniers. (might actually be in the ''post a picture of you ftwin")Slick and smart. They're out of the way, and the heavy liquid is carried low on the bike. yes. just looked again. page 20 of the 'post a pic' section about 4 or 5 pix down. three bikes beside a dirt road
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Farkles are not mandatory. Usually, someone modifies a bike because he/she finds a "need"...real or imaginary.
For example, on my F800GT, I'd do the same as you and buy a Madstad windscreen. The footpegs were lowered, which made the knees feel a bit better. I run a few electrical things, so I have a couple places where I can plug in a USB cord to charge a phone, or whatever. Some people change out the seat. None of those are "mandatory", but are what you feel are needed to make the bike fit you and your needs better.
In my case, I was fortunate to pick up my F800GT from someone about my height who wanted to take it touring. He outfitted it with just about everything you could think of to make it better for touring.
What he did, was to (a) identify what he wanted to "fix", and (b) search the forums to see what others had done to solve the problem. I can tell he did a lot of research.
And if you're not sure what to do...just ask. Everyone has opinions. (Some better than others.) Also, since you're asking about the F700, you might want to check out F800Riders.org.
Chris
Usually, someone modifies a bike because he/she finds a "need"...real or imaginary. For example, on my F800GT, I'd do the same as you and buy a Madstad windscreen. The footpegs were lowered, which made the knees feel a bit better. I run a few electrical things, so I have a couple places where I can plug in a USB cord to charge a phone, or whatever. Some people change out the seat. None of those are "mandatory", but are what you feel are needed to make the bike fit you and your needs better.
In my case, I was fortunate to pick up my F800GT from someone about my height who wanted to take it touring. He outfitted it with just about everything you could think of to make it better for touring.
What he did, was to (a) identify what he wanted to "fix", and (b) search the forums to see what others had done to solve the problem. I can tell he did a lot of research.
And if you're not sure what to do...just ask. Everyone has opinions. (Some better than others.)
Also, since you're asking about the F700, you might want to check out F800Riders.org. Chris
Thanks, I do have the varios on for storage, very happy with them. I did add the Wunderlicht clutch lever with no issues, although I did find the clutch adjustment procedure to be a bit confusing! I'd like to add one of the motion sensing/flashing/led rear lights as the next modification. So I am researching those at the moment. My Madstad windshield arrives next week.
F700GS after one season
I'll try to get a photo in here soon. I did just add some ROX Bar Risers. I had read a lot about them on F800riders.org forums, and I was curious enough to give them a try. I did not have to add any cables, but I'm still fiddling with finding the best position (which is the advantage of using ROX as opposed to other risers which offer only one position). The difference in pressure on my palms is amazing--this would definitely be the way to go for anyone using this bike for long stretches of highway. That Wolfman Blackhawk tankbag is really a nice addition (I use it every day) and would probably be the first bit of luggage I would add. The Zega Pro panniers are great, but very expensive (I also like any system that uses Pelican cases). The Zega Mundos are cheaper, but basically the same thing w/out a few features. The great thing about dealing with Touratech is that you know everything (like their pannier rack) will fit perfectly. My one regret is that I should have removed the Vario mounts before I wrenched on the Touratech rack, since it's pointless to have kept them there. The handiest (and least expensive) farkle on practically every bike I've owned is the Helmet Hook. So convenient to have a safe place to hang your helmet instead of placing it on the ground. Grip Buddies are also a no brainer as the grips on the F7 seemed thin to me. As for windshields, some guys swear by the Givi AirFlow, but I could never find a setting that didn't result in buffeting, and the guy I sold it to had the same experience. Oh yeah, if you add running lights, tap into the wires going to the OEM accessory plug-in for the controller--no problems then with Canbus. The Brakeaway cruise control works on the F7 but is very finicky, seems like I am always adjusting it. I would guess the Kako is a better arrangement.
I'll try to get a photo in here soon. I did just add some ROX Bar Risers. I had read a lot about them on F800riders.org forums, and I was curious enough to give them a try. I did not have to add any cables, but I'm still fiddling with finding the best position (which is the advantage of using ROX as opposed to other risers which offer only one position). The difference in pressure on my palms is amazing--this would definitely be the way to go for anyone using this bike for long stretches of highway. That Wolfman Blackhawk tankbag is really a nice addition (I use it every day) and would probably be the first bit of luggage I would add. The Zega Pro panniers are great, but very expensive (I also like any system that uses Pelican cases). The Zega Mundos are cheaper, but basically the same thing w/out a few features. The great thing about dealing with Touratech is that you know everything (like their pannier rack) will fit perfectly. My one regret is that I should have removed the Vario mounts before I wrenched on the Touratech rack, since it's pointless to have kept them there. The handiest (and least expensive) farkle on practically every bike I've owned is the Helmet Hook. So convenient to have a safe place to hang your helmet instead of placing it on the ground. Grip Buddies are also a no brainer as the grips on the F7 seemed thin to me. As for windshields, some guys swear by the Givi AirFlow, but I could never find a setting that didn't result in buffeting, and the guy I sold it to had the same experience. Oh yeah, if you add running lights, tap into the wires going to the OEM accessory plug-in for the controller--no problems then with Canbus. The Brakeaway cruise control works on the F7 but is very finicky, seems like I am always adjusting it. I would guess the Kako is a better arrangement.
Thank you for your article. I bought the F700GS last summer. First ever real bike. I am surprised I hear so little about it sometimes. Its perfect for what I do, which is casual riding around country two lanes in Connecticut. Can you post some pics of the farkles you added? I ordered the Madstad windshield, thanks to your article. Should arrive soon. I am so new to this, I am afraid to start adding stuff without guidance
Paul
Thank you so much for the details! My Madstad windhshield arrived yesterday, and I hope to tinker with it later today. I had not thought of a tankbag yet, so will look at that one.
Paul
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