800GS Pics and a XR650 rider's impression...

Stole my Dad's bike and took it up around Church Mtn while he's gone for a few days. Got brave/stupid and took it into some C+ stuff. Worn Heidenaus K60's are pretty sketchy on pea gravel and mud... but otherwise it doesn't really feel much heavier than my XR650. The ergonomics means you end up with your nuts getting smashed by any accessories on the bars when standing, but the big tank makes for a nice place to grip with your thighs. The suspension (on his) feels like it is set up for street, so taking whoops at speed meant a shuddering bounce more than a nice impact.

I'd love to try one with some more aggressive tires, I was impressed by the low centre of gravity, the bike is very confidence inspiring on slippery downhills with the ABS turned on, although I had to dig for the rear brake quite a bit...

I just sold my street bike, so maybe one day I'll get myself a big adv bike instead of screaming the thumper along on the highway...


Church Loop Bridge by iangwills, on Flickr


Church Loop Bridge by iangwills, on Flickr



Helifor by iangwills, on Flickr


View from Chilliwack Bench FSR by iangwills, on Flickr


I washed it by iangwills, on Flickr


Confused face? by iangwills, on Flickr
 

ToadRide

New member
Hey! I know that bike. The old man's big Dave right? In that case, how's the injury? Sorry for your bad luck and keep on truckin.
Doug
 

CamWeiss

New member
I rode down to Moab on my XL600, and rode an F800GS back... Long story.

But I liked the bike. Plenty of power (coming from a thumper), very nice street manners and confident on turn-in. The windsheild just gets the air far enough up on you to be comfortable, and the seat was not bad either (despite its' apparent reputation otherwise). As with the above bike, equipped with K60's.
I felt the weight a bit a low speeds, especially with about 100lbs of luggage.

WJBLN.jpg
 
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