Looking for a new ride, for a littler more Adventure/DS riding to compliment my TE-510. Considering the 610/630,or 800 GS but are they too much like my 510? Or is the 800 GS too much bike. Ride the back roads of Michigan and weekend DS Rides in Northern MI Of course the 800 is about $4k more than the 630 Appreciate input Paul
They are very different bikes. I own an '03 610 and an '09 F800GS. The 800 has WAY more power. It's also 150lbs heavier. It's made for more distance than the 610. It's built to carry quite a load, too. The suspension is a bit on the weak side, especially the non-adjustable front, but you can respring it or drop some major coin for high end cartridge replacements that will transform the suspension entirely. The bike is a hoot to ride and one of the most fun bikes I've ever owned. The maintenance intervals are 6000 miles. They're about 1500 miles for the 610/630, IIRC. The 610 is better off road. More suspension travel, more clearance, MUCH lighter. But it's not for distance at all. Which one would suit you better would depend on the dirt you plan to ride and the distances you plan to travel. A BMW dealer probably has an F800GS demo available for test rides. Give it a shot. The 610 is similar to your 510 only a bit heavier with a tad more power and a little bit more dual sport worthy (maintenance intervals aren't as extreme). With a 510 for local and more difficult dirt riding, the 800 might be a better choice, but that's hard to say without knowing your riding experience and the areas you'll be riding in. Go test ride one. That'll help make up your mind.
According to vacant airstrip testing in Michigan, the 610 doesn't have a "tad more power" than the 510.. Right Proeasy? How is the F800 vs 610 on graded dirt roads? Can you ride two up on graded dirt with the F800? How do the two compare for fuel economy?
Yeah, I too think you mixed it up...the 510 has more power as it’s a pure race bike The 610 is a dumb down version to gain more street and every day use... And proeasy you should wait and get this; http://www.cafehusky.com/threads/husky-800-paralell-twin.13994/
Good to hear from you Fast1, I do know the orange bikes can attest to color of our taillights on the old airstrip, as the two uncorked 510's ruled the day The F800 GS has been providing some very good real world fuel economy numbers, generally over 50, and 60 on highway. The twin husky has me intrigued, as the there was a KTM-950 on the local Craigslist that I missed out on. Appreciate the straight forward comments from MNB. Pau O
I guess it depends on what your version of "distance" is. I've ridden all day on my 630 and aside from the regular sore-ass you get from any motorcycle, no problems. It doesn't have much cargo capacity, though. I like to travel lightly, so it suits me. We're planning a Pikes Peak trip this spring (from Nebraska) and the 630 is my only ride.
If you want to go two up, distance rides... get a KTM 990 ADV or BMW R1200GS/GSA. The 800GS can do two up, but that isn't it's forte. The 800 will kick the 1200s ass in dirt. Without hesistation. The 610 has a vastly superior suspension, but the 800 has 85 ponies. As far as the airstrip test goes... I don't know any of the specifics of the two bikes involved. I doubt they were geared identically. Stories of a twin husky dual sport lack any substance, such as actual photos or projected release dates. You could be waiting a long time, if not forever. And it could be prone to first model yearitus. When I say 'distance', I'm referring to multi day rides. 1000+ miles. The 610 is a short haul bike. The 800 a medium haul and the 1200 a long haul.
Well, by "all day" I meant until you're done riding and get some sleep. The longest I've gone on my 630 was a 600ish mile weekend, but I don't see why it couldn't do more than that.
Have you considered looking at the new Triumph 800 XC. Looks good, 3 cyclinder and real dirt road DS capacity. Maybe a KTM 690 enduro could be on your list too
