F800GS in Baja?

[BrianM]

Does anyone have an opinion (or better yet experience) on using the F800GS for a trip down to Cabo and back? I am thinking this may be a great bike for the trip. The ride would be a good mix of on/off road.
My other consideration is the KTM 990A or maybe even something smaller and more lightweight (DRZ or KLR), but I think the highway parts would be a drag with the small engines.

Thanks....

[MLS2GO]

You better be able to change a tube on the side of the road, since they have tubed tires. Other than that why not?

[tengs5605]

Hi Brian:
In July and August '08 I rode a F800GS 3,500 miles through all countries on the Black Sea. Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, Russia, Turkey. 90% pavement 10% off pavement. This bike was not available in US. I ordered an '09 model when I returned and mine arrived in October '08.
I have owned about 25 bikes and have a '04 1150GS.
The F800GS is fantatic. Probably the best bike I have owned.
Works very well on all surfaces. Much easier to ride than the big GS. Plenty of power. This is not a 2 up bike for long distances.
2 F800 models available. Get the F800/800. The more equiped model. And get Computer/ABS optional upgrade.
Your will need after market: hand guards, headlight guard, taller screen and I suggest Metzler Tourance tires. Not TKC, to knobby for dual purpose use. Jesse case work very well ($1,250). I have used Jessie Cases previoulsy and have them on my bigGS.
The seat is very hard. This bike is very tall. maybe the tallest on the market. I had a custon seat made ($450) which is lower and softer .
The KTM 990, which I also used in Turkey is a more agressive machine. The F800 is much more customer friendly. You should be a skilled and agressive rider for the 990. You could ride all day standing on the pegs on the 990 , not the F800.
The KLR. in '07 I rode 5,300 miles in Argentina and Chile on a KLR. I have used these machines many times. Love the bike. But it is just the little "baby" brother of the F800. So much after market stuff for KLR. The DR, not for me.
Cheers.

[Voni]

This guy sure is having fun on his . . .

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=427909&page=2

Scroll down to when he traded in his RR. By page 10 he's in Baja.

Voni
sMiling

[BrianM]

Thanks tengs5605 -

I want to ride with you!
After a lot of internal debate, I decided to go with the 800GS. I rode 'em all, and it is probably the best suited for my riding style and needs. I really liked the KTM 990 but I think you said it best, "You should be a skilled and agressive rider for the 990." That bike demands attention. Thanks for your comments.

[Polarbear]

I have at present the GSA1200,'07 and a KLR650,'08 and the KLR is simply the BEST buy for the money spent. 5000$ is cheap for what they are giving, imo. BMW has much more on their bikes, but the simple KLR still reigns as a go anywhere inexpensive dual sport. Especially the newest version:). I too have eyes on a smaller F800 or F650 twin, as they have appeal, vs the ultra large GSA1200, which I find more troublesome, the further I ride it at 30000 now. A very exceptional road GS in the largest of dual sport bikes, but very disconcerning offroad and a real workout in tougher conditions. 990KTM, unknown to me, other than you can see them everywhere in the outback of any country. KLR's too, BMW's too...Three giants in this adventure world, for sure...Randy:usa

[Polarbear]

Al is riding a new F800 in Baja as we speak. Find him and ask:).....Randy:usa

[danalbertson]

2 F800 models available. Get the F800/800. The more equiped model. And get Computer/ABS optional upgrade.
Your will need after market: hand guards, headlight guard, taller screen and I suggest Metzler Tourance tires. Not TKC, to knobby for dual purpose use. Jesse case work very well ($1,250). I have used Jessie Cases previoulsy and have them on my bigGS.
The seat is very hard. This bike is very tall. maybe the tallest on the market. I had a custon seat made ($450) which is lower and softer .
The KTM 990, which I also used in Turkey is a more agressive machine. The F800 is much more customer friendly. You should be a skilled and agressive rider for the 990. You could ride all day standing on the pegs on the 990 , not the F800.
The KLR. in '07 I rode 5,300 miles in Argentina and Chile on a KLR. I have used these machines many times. Love the bike. But it is just the little "baby" brother of the F800. So much after market stuff for KLR. The DR, not for me.
Cheers.

I have the F800GS with most of the add-ons suggested here. So far I have ridden the crap out of it in Death Valley on some pretty aggressive dirt (jesse's off), and tent camped off it on the Central CA coast which included slab and twisties.

For the Death Valley trip I had TKC's, and for the Coastal camping I had TKC on the front, and the stock bridgestone on the back. I am sold on the dual tire set up as the Front TKC has quicker turn in on the 21" front wheel, and better dirt handling, plus better wear in the rear where the TKC's can be gone in 3000 miles, though a more dirt friendly rear than the bridgestone is advised.

I really like the bike with the main complaint being the 4.2 gallon gas tank. Many are getting 50+ MPG but 48 is the best I have gotten, so I have found a 2 gallon flat gas can that I use to extend the range.

I highly recommend this bike for any dual sport touring, and will be doing a trip to Baja in October.

I have at present the GSA1200,'07 and a KLR650,'08 and the KLR is simply the BEST buy for the money spent. 5000$ is cheap for what they are giving, imo.

I have a KLR (2007) in the garage with most popular mods and add ons, and except for the price and 6 gallon gas tank, the F800 is a much better bike in every way IMHO.

The F800GS though heavier has more suspension travel and is more forgiving on dirt, plus has the power to hang with the boxers on the hiway, where the KLR is gassed.

That is not to diminish the KLR, as I think it is a great bike, but I think mine may go up for sale as the F800GS fulfills the mission better for me.

That being said, if you are uncomfortable spending 12K for a motorcycle you will potentially beat the snot out of, you might want to stick with the KLR.

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=17089&stc=1&d=1239460136