OUR 2010 BEEMERS MEGA PIC POST

We have both owned 2010 BMW F650GS aka F798Gsa bikes since 2010. Check back here every so often for new pics!

We have made this street version of the GS family more off-road worthy by adding some crash protection, better tires, added a beak to look more like its big brother the 800GS, have changed our chains to DID, we use Galfer brake pads which we feel last longer and are better than OEM, hand guards, Fastway pegs, Jesse Safari 8 inch luggage, Denali auxiliary lights, better headlamps bulbs than OEM, built-in heat controllers for our Gerbing’s heated gear, headlamp protector, larger Cee Bailey wind shield, we use K&N oil filters, semi synthetic oil, change this at about 15,000 KM, Renazco seat, Wunderlich tank bags, Kaoko lock (not used that much), rad protector and some other protection covers, side stand extender made by MOTOROVERLAND (MOD), ( we used a Touratech side extender for the 2010 trip) and perhaps a few things we have over looked.

Another reason to do this BLOG is for those who are just embarking on ADV riding or wanting to buy this DS bike hopefully you guys and gals might just learn a few things that we have tried and either succeeded or not. We are not professionals but every day average riders so we hope most can relate. if there are any questions please post here. For the guys and gals out there who ride, feel free to read the comments and share your own success stories or secrets. The more info we can provide here the better the newbies will feel asking questions in public.

Remember there are NO dumb questions!

Here are some of our pics of the Beemers….

Also, here are 2 maps of the States and Provinces we have been to….we have so much riding to do in north America!

We had an amazing first adventure going cross country in 2010. Only BIG issue we had was the HEAT wave we road into heading to the East Coast getting to New York to see my family. The heat and humidity was the most challenging climate we have ever ridden in and the good news it only last until we got to Maine.

Beautiful Day to ride the Sun Road in Glacier National Park

Our break in the humidity, BoothBay Maine

Cape Cod, MA – the worst no sleep ever, too much heat and humidity

23 responses to “OUR 2010 BEEMERS MEGA PIC POST”

Lawrence

November 29, 2011 at 11:55 am

I would be interested in your comments about the 650 BMW versus the Triumph you used to go to the Arctic. I ride a 650 KLR and have put on over 10,000 kms on solo tours and it has done the job quite well. Range, ride, reliability, ease of maintenance and repair, stability, comfort (with corbin seat) are pretty good. It lacks power and pizzazz and it is really a utilitarian approach to adventure touring. How do you like your 650’s in comparison?

advgrrls

November 29, 2011 at 12:07 pm

I have never been on a KLR but did a post on your bike as being maybe the best bike for RTW…I have heard from a colleague of mine about the power issues…your bike is a 650 and our bike the BMW and the Tigers we borrowed are 800cc. Personally I like the extra CC’s. I do not think we would go back to a 650cc bike. HP also plays a huge role in the fun factor. Your bike is truly a much easier bike to maintain on the road if you are mechanically inclined. If not than no matter what bike you ride a break down could really be a huge PITA (pain in the ass).

Our Beemer is a great bike but because we ride to work everyday it lacks street comfort. Just a matter of preference. We will be looking into buying the Tiger next year if we see a few changes…like on/off ABS handlebar control. I would also like to see Triumph just add handlebar controls for toggling through the informatics in general. We loved how the Tigers handled on and off road. We are not hard core dirt bikers. We would buy a small dirt bike if we had the money and time but for the larger DS bikes that cost a lot of $$ we rather not dump the bikes by taking them on roads we feel they do not belong.

The gas mileage on the Tigers is a bit of a downer but when ridden right they are sure fun to ride. So, BMW 650 or 800GS versus Tiger 800 or 800XC? We at this time favour the Tiger XC because of the street level comfort and yeah it has more power for sure than your bike as well as our BMW’s.

Reply

Bob Hayes

November 29, 2011 at 1:18 pm

Curious as to the 2 Red Canisters on the blue bike’s bottom panniers

Thanks

Bob

advgrrls

November 29, 2011 at 1:26 pm

You should only see one of the Blue bike and that is for our camping stove fuel. On the Tigers we both had extra fuel for the stove. Our stove is able to take reg gas but we brought white fuel because it burns cleaner. Came home with just a little left over from the Triumph trip and empty on the cross country trip.

Reply

RichardM

November 29, 2011 at 3:40 pm

I have been thinking of the F650GS both the older thumper as well as the twin. I’ve been looking for models with spoked wheels instead of cast wheels as I’ve been told that they are more flexible. This may be an advantage on less than perfect roads…

advgrrls

November 29, 2011 at 4:01 pm

I like the spoke tubeless rims…they have them on the BMW 1200GSA and on the custom Tiger 800XC that I posted on here…we are not hard core so having tubeless tires are just so easier to plug and ride if possible and the spoke type rims for better durability…yeah…spoke, tubeless rims…that is what we want. LOL

AtMyPace

December 4, 2011 at 4:09 pm

I’m upgrading to sport touring next spring. Have my eye on a BMW F800ST. I’m still newbie enough not to have off-road confidence, but I definitely want to go on longer trips and will start with road trips. Never had a Beemer before. What I hear is that when they work, they’re fantastic. But when they don’t, it’s time-consuming to get parts – a hassle I don’t want while touring. What are your thoughts about touring on a BMW? Any mechanical or electrical issues? Also, what are your thoughts about securing your BMWs at night?

advgrrls

December 4, 2011 at 4:26 pm

Not sure what you mean off road confidence? You gain it by getting a bike and practicing by going off road and maybe taking a course or asking friends for advise…If you are interested in DS ADV riding why not just buy a GS and take it from there? We made the mistake underestimating our willingness to learn and ride off road too and spent way too much money on other bikes.

So, any bike you should choose traveling and securing the bike no big issue. Camping the bike is right there. If you motel/hotel it, the front desk is usually willing to let you park near the front door or by them for night watch. Beemers get better with mileage on their engines. Our bikes are going strong but had warranty issues in the beginning. Never had to wait for parts though.I have 48,000 KM on bike and Cheryl has 34,000 KM. They have been predictable and reliable for a long time.

Oh and with the right seat the 650 or 800GS can be made into a more comfortable touring bike…not perfect…not as comfy as the Triumph Tiger 800XC but doable. Our cross country trip was done on our Beemers and done well. 😉

Bob

January 8, 2012 at 2:09 am

Hello lady’s.I have been watching your travel videos over the last few days and I am impressed.Impressed to the point that I’m getting envious.But in a good way.You lady’s are to be complimented on what you have achieved.Ok now to some bike questions.

On the back of the windscreen I sometimes see what looks like a bracket.Did this come with the screen or was it added later.I’m guessing it is to keep the screen from fluttering.Does it work and is it part of the Cee Bailey screen you use.On the seat I have seen a comfort pad.What kind is it and does it work.Was the Kaoko throttle lock easy to install and how has if performed.And have you ever run on regular street tires.

Again much impressed lady’s and looking forward to your further adventures.

P.S. On your video “Cross Country Tour Barrier Dam” Cheryl looks sexy when shes grumpy.

advgrrls

January 8, 2012 at 5:58 am

Hi Bob glad you are liking the Blog..thanks for the nice words!

As for the Cee Bailey shield…the bracket is a BMW bracket that Cee bailey now sells with their shield called the Enhanced shield. We got the bracket after we bought the shields and yes it is solely for more stability and you can even use it to mount stuff like a ram GPS mount or some other items you might want. We so not use it for anything else but what you see.

On the seats you will see at time an Alaska Leather Sheep pad. It works well to help with friction and overall comfort for long trips. Just have to fluff it up every once in a while. We have Renazco seats which are better than stock but the pad sure adds just that extra bit of to help. when it gets wet you just need to strap it onto the bike and let the wind dry it out or find a dry place over night after shaking the crap out of it to get water out and see if it would dry that way too.

We ran the stock tires when we got the bikes. Tourance and Battlewings. Took them off at about 8000KM and never looked back after we got our first set of Heidenau’s. We like to know we have some “knobby” under us when we do wonder off road and they are decent commuting tires.

The Kaoko throttle lock we have only used in States like Montana,the Dakota’s and the prairie lands in Canada. Places when you kinda need “cruise control” without worrying about cars jumping out at you so much. I never use it while we are home and riding around here. Is it worth it? Not sure…is it at times convenient? Yep. Easy to installed yes just make sure you get the right one for your handguards and bike.

Hope this answers your questions and if you have anymore feel free to ask away. Thanks for stopping by and we hope to get away this summer after I get through my training period of my new career/job.! leslie

Reply

Bob

January 9, 2012 at 2:46 am

Hello again lady’s.Thank you for your quick response to my questions.And to show my gratitude I now have more.

A fallow up on the windscreen.When the bracket was added to the screen did it involve any drilling or cutting.And if so was it a DIY or was it implied that it should be done by someone qualified.With the Denali lights do you prefer one lens over another or do you change them based on the conditions.What kind of bulbs have you replaced the low/high beams with.

Have you ever had to fix a flat or puncture on the road/field.If so what was the type of kit used and was it easy and did the repair last.In some of the videos I see what looks like a flat orange gas can on top of the panniers.Is that what it is (gas) and what is its capacity.

Alright that is enough for now.You lady’s look like you know what your doing.That is why I am asking..And I mean that as a complement..Again looking forward to more trip and DIY videos..Good luck lady’s.

P.S. In my last post I mentioned how Cheryl looks sexy when grumpy..I failed to point out that in the video “Olympic Peninsula” Leslie’s growl when cornering is very Femmoto.

advgrrls

January 9, 2012 at 7:52 am

Hi Bob love the questions…the bracket requires no drilling just adding a little bracket that BMW makes to hold the metal bracket in place. Very easy to do.

We just use the spot light lens for the Denali. We never switch them. We are using Philips Moto Vision bulbs. I think I might switch the high beam to this bulb too, right now we just use the new bulb for our low beam. Better than stock and seem to last longer.

The red thing is a roto pax gas container. Holds 1 gallon but because you should not fill the container to the top due to expansion it holds more like 3/4 of a gallon. We brought two one gallon pax on our trip to Alaska and needed them up there.

We have gotten flats and I just got one as a matter of fact. We use a standard plug kit. Do not remember the name. WE also have a Cycle pump compressor to pump up the tires. More expensive then the CO2 cartridge ones, $100 but easy and small enough to stow and you can even pump up a car tire in a matter of minutes. We run the pump off our battery by just plugging it into the Gerbings plug port we have on the bikes. Easy.

More questions? Feel free to ask.

Reply

Leo

February 11, 2012 at 7:04 pm

Hi Leslie and Cheryl,
I am checking your blog every now and I find it really interesting and useful.
I am looking for my first bike and a while ago I decided to buy a used twin F650GS, ABS mandatory. Today I have seen such a bike for sale that I liked so much and had everything I wanted and needed for longer trips… except ABS.
All day I tried to “trick” myself somehow into buying it; and also I tried to find an answer to this eternal question: to be or not to be… an ABS fanatic? I think I already know the answer (it’s pretty obvious), but I have no riding epxerience. What is your experience with ABS?
I’m looking forward for your answer.
Thanks,
Leo

advgrrls

February 11, 2012 at 7:13 pm

Hi Leo…I think you probably know my answer all ready. We are both ABS fans because we ride so much on he street. I do not think we would ever buy a bike without ABS no matter how tempting it was unless it was strictly a dirt bike. We ride in wet conditions a lot and I know for a fact ABS works because of how you are able to stop, maintain control over the bike when something unexpected shoots out in front of you or just have to urgently come to a stop. ABS keeps the bike straight, at least for us instead of fish tailing.

WE used to own Harley’s and one of the biggest reasons among many others as to why we got rid of them was because of no ABS and we both had a few very scary moments riding those bikes in the rain and any loose debris. So, up to you but for us ABS is a must. Good luck and thanks for the question and for stopping by our blog. Leslie

Reply

Philip

February 20, 2012 at 2:41 am

Hi there

How did you find the going offroad without spoked wheels? I’m trying to weigh up purchasing a GS with or without spokes.

advgrrls

February 20, 2012 at 4:24 am

we haven’t broken or dented the rims yet…. 😉

Reply

Animal picpost | Trelittle

April 3, 2012 at 9:48 am

[…] OUR 2010 BEEMERS MEGA PIC POST « CHERYL & LESLIE’S …OUR 2010 BEEMERS MEGA PIC POST. Posted on November 29, 2011 by advgrrls. We have both owned 2010 BMW F650GS aka F798Gsa bikes since 2010. […]

Stuart

May 24, 2012 at 3:42 pm

Hi Girls ! Just a note to say how much I enjoyed reading about your trip and looking through the photos.

advgrrls

May 24, 2012 at 6:43 pm

hey Stuart thanks for your comment! Glad you like photos, I sure take enough lol

Reply

Paladin

August 18, 2012 at 12:57 pm

Grrls: I just put a deposit down on a new F700GS. It is currently in Philadelphia, on the way to Seattle. I live in southern Washington, so we may pass on the road someday. You two are doing exactly what I hope to do. Very nice website! Thank you. — Paladin

advgrrls

August 18, 2012 at 1:06 pm

awesome you have to come back and tell us all what you think of the 700…I am really curious…thanks for your nice comment.

Reply

kam

March 22, 2014 at 5:59 am

I am trying to decide if upgrading my stock 19″ front / 17″ alloy wheels is worth it for similar cross country journey. I am curious if you had any issue with the stock 19″ inch front alloys and 17″ on the BMW F650GS? Do you prefer larger 21″ inch front spokes over stock size alloy wheels? Lastly, are your tires Heidenau K60 Scout? How do you like the tires? Thanks.

advgrrls

March 23, 2014 at 2:51 am

Never had any issues with the stock rims on my 650GS. Yes, I have been using Heidenau K60’s since they came out. That has been the only tire on my bikes since 2010 and is presently on my F800GS. I do prefer however the 21 inch front wheel. I like the F800 150 rear too. But, when I rode my 650 cross country the stock rims did fine. I am heading out solo on another cross country venture in May. I will have the K60’s again on my bike and will be getting new one’s when I hit Toronto. By then I should be in real need of new tread.

Reply

Lawrence

November 29, 2011 at 11:55 am

I would be interested in your comments about the 650 BMW versus the Triumph you used to go to the Arctic. I ride a 650 KLR and have put on over 10,000 kms on solo tours and it has done the job quite well. Range, ride, reliability, ease of maintenance and repair, stability, comfort (with corbin seat) are pretty good. It lacks power and pizzazz and it is really a utilitarian approach to adventure touring. How do you like your 650’s in comparison?

1. advgrrls
  
  November 29, 2011 at 12:07 pm
  
  I have never been on a KLR but did a post on your bike as being maybe the best bike for RTW…I have heard from a colleague of mine about the power issues…your bike is a 650 and our bike the BMW and the Tigers we borrowed are 800cc. Personally I like the extra CC’s. I do not think we would go back to a 650cc bike. HP also plays a huge role in the fun factor. Your bike is truly a much easier bike to maintain on the road if you are mechanically inclined. If not than no matter what bike you ride a break down could really be a huge PITA (pain in the ass).
  
  Our Beemer is a great bike but because we ride to work everyday it lacks street comfort. Just a matter of preference. We will be looking into buying the Tiger next year if we see a few changes…like on/off ABS handlebar control. I would also like to see Triumph just add handlebar controls for toggling through the informatics in general. We loved how the Tigers handled on and off road. We are not hard core dirt bikers. We would buy a small dirt bike if we had the money and time but for the larger DS bikes that cost a lot of $$ we rather not dump the bikes by taking them on roads we feel they do not belong.
  
  The gas mileage on the Tigers is a bit of a downer but when ridden right they are sure fun to ride. So, BMW 650 or 800GS versus Tiger 800 or 800XC? We at this time favour the Tiger XC because of the street level comfort and yeah it has more power for sure than your bike as well as our BMW’s.
  
Bob Hayes

November 29, 2011 at 1:18 pm

Curious as to the 2 Red Canisters on the blue bike’s bottom panniers

Thanks

Bob

1. advgrrls
  
  November 29, 2011 at 1:26 pm
  
  You should only see one of the Blue bike and that is for our camping stove fuel. On the Tigers we both had extra fuel for the stove. Our stove is able to take reg gas but we brought white fuel because it burns cleaner. Came home with just a little left over from the Triumph trip and empty on the cross country trip.
  
RichardM

November 29, 2011 at 3:40 pm

I have been thinking of the F650GS both the older thumper as well as the twin. I’ve been looking for models with spoked wheels instead of cast wheels as I’ve been told that they are more flexible. This may be an advantage on less than perfect roads…

advgrrls

November 29, 2011 at 4:01 pm

I like the spoke tubeless rims…they have them on the BMW 1200GSA and on the custom Tiger 800XC that I posted on here…we are not hard core so having tubeless tires are just so easier to plug and ride if possible and the spoke type rims for better durability…yeah…spoke, tubeless rims…that is what we want. LOL

AtMyPace

December 4, 2011 at 4:09 pm

I’m upgrading to sport touring next spring. Have my eye on a BMW F800ST. I’m still newbie enough not to have off-road confidence, but I definitely want to go on longer trips and will start with road trips. Never had a Beemer before. What I hear is that when they work, they’re fantastic. But when they don’t, it’s time-consuming to get parts – a hassle I don’t want while touring. What are your thoughts about touring on a BMW? Any mechanical or electrical issues? Also, what are your thoughts about securing your BMWs at night?

advgrrls

December 4, 2011 at 4:26 pm

Not sure what you mean off road confidence? You gain it by getting a bike and practicing by going off road and maybe taking a course or asking friends for advise…If you are interested in DS ADV riding why not just buy a GS and take it from there? We made the mistake underestimating our willingness to learn and ride off road too and spent way too much money on other bikes.

So, any bike you should choose traveling and securing the bike no big issue. Camping the bike is right there. If you motel/hotel it, the front desk is usually willing to let you park near the front door or by them for night watch. Beemers get better with mileage on their engines. Our bikes are going strong but had warranty issues in the beginning. Never had to wait for parts though.I have 48,000 KM on bike and Cheryl has 34,000 KM. They have been predictable and reliable for a long time.

Oh and with the right seat the 650 or 800GS can be made into a more comfortable touring bike…not perfect…not as comfy as the Triumph Tiger 800XC but doable. Our cross country trip was done on our Beemers and done well. 😉

Bob

January 8, 2012 at 2:09 am

Hello lady’s.I have been watching your travel videos over the last few days and I am impressed.Impressed to the point that I’m getting envious.But in a good way.You lady’s are to be complimented on what you have achieved.Ok now to some bike questions.

On the back of the windscreen I sometimes see what looks like a bracket.Did this come with the screen or was it added later.I’m guessing it is to keep the screen from fluttering.Does it work and is it part of the Cee Bailey screen you use.On the seat I have seen a comfort pad.What kind is it and does it work.Was the Kaoko throttle lock easy to install and how has if performed.And have you ever run on regular street tires.

Again much impressed lady’s and looking forward to your further adventures.

P.S. On your video “Cross Country Tour Barrier Dam” Cheryl looks sexy when shes grumpy.

1. advgrrls
  
  January 8, 2012 at 5:58 am
  
  Hi Bob glad you are liking the Blog..thanks for the nice words!
  
  As for the Cee Bailey shield…the bracket is a BMW bracket that Cee bailey now sells with their shield called the Enhanced shield. We got the bracket after we bought the shields and yes it is solely for more stability and you can even use it to mount stuff like a ram GPS mount or some other items you might want. We so not use it for anything else but what you see.
  
  On the seats you will see at time an Alaska Leather Sheep pad. It works well to help with friction and overall comfort for long trips. Just have to fluff it up every once in a while. We have Renazco seats which are better than stock but the pad sure adds just that extra bit of to help. when it gets wet you just need to strap it onto the bike and let the wind dry it out or find a dry place over night after shaking the crap out of it to get water out and see if it would dry that way too.
  
  We ran the stock tires when we got the bikes. Tourance and Battlewings. Took them off at about 8000KM and never looked back after we got our first set of Heidenau’s. We like to know we have some “knobby” under us when we do wonder off road and they are decent commuting tires.
  
  The Kaoko throttle lock we have only used in States like Montana,the Dakota’s and the prairie lands in Canada. Places when you kinda need “cruise control” without worrying about cars jumping out at you so much. I never use it while we are home and riding around here. Is it worth it? Not sure…is it at times convenient? Yep. Easy to installed yes just make sure you get the right one for your handguards and bike.
  
  Hope this answers your questions and if you have anymore feel free to ask away. Thanks for stopping by and we hope to get away this summer after I get through my training period of my new career/job.! leslie
  
Bob

January 9, 2012 at 2:46 am

Hello again lady’s.Thank you for your quick response to my questions.And to show my gratitude I now have more.

A fallow up on the windscreen.When the bracket was added to the screen did it involve any drilling or cutting.And if so was it a DIY or was it implied that it should be done by someone qualified.With the Denali lights do you prefer one lens over another or do you change them based on the conditions.What kind of bulbs have you replaced the low/high beams with.

Have you ever had to fix a flat or puncture on the road/field.If so what was the type of kit used and was it easy and did the repair last.In some of the videos I see what looks like a flat orange gas can on top of the panniers.Is that what it is (gas) and what is its capacity.

Alright that is enough for now.You lady’s look like you know what your doing.That is why I am asking..And I mean that as a complement..Again looking forward to more trip and DIY videos..Good luck lady’s.

P.S. In my last post I mentioned how Cheryl looks sexy when grumpy..I failed to point out that in the video “Olympic Peninsula” Leslie’s growl when cornering is very Femmoto.

1. advgrrls
  
  January 9, 2012 at 7:52 am
  
  Hi Bob love the questions…the bracket requires no drilling just adding a little bracket that BMW makes to hold the metal bracket in place. Very easy to do.
  
  We just use the spot light lens for the Denali. We never switch them. We are using Philips Moto Vision bulbs. I think I might switch the high beam to this bulb too, right now we just use the new bulb for our low beam. Better than stock and seem to last longer.
  
  The red thing is a roto pax gas container. Holds 1 gallon but because you should not fill the container to the top due to expansion it holds more like 3/4 of a gallon. We brought two one gallon pax on our trip to Alaska and needed them up there.
  
  We have gotten flats and I just got one as a matter of fact. We use a standard plug kit. Do not remember the name. WE also have a Cycle pump compressor to pump up the tires. More expensive then the CO2 cartridge ones, $100 but easy and small enough to stow and you can even pump up a car tire in a matter of minutes. We run the pump off our battery by just plugging it into the Gerbings plug port we have on the bikes. Easy.
  
  More questions? Feel free to ask.
  
Leo

February 11, 2012 at 7:04 pm

Hi Leslie and Cheryl,
I am checking your blog every now and I find it really interesting and useful.
I am looking for my first bike and a while ago I decided to buy a used twin F650GS, ABS mandatory. Today I have seen such a bike for sale that I liked so much and had everything I wanted and needed for longer trips… except ABS.
All day I tried to “trick” myself somehow into buying it; and also I tried to find an answer to this eternal question: to be or not to be… an ABS fanatic? I think I already know the answer (it’s pretty obvious), but I have no riding epxerience. What is your experience with ABS?
I’m looking forward for your answer.
Thanks,
Leo

1. advgrrls
  
  February 11, 2012 at 7:13 pm
  
  Hi Leo…I think you probably know my answer all ready. We are both ABS fans because we ride so much on he street. I do not think we would ever buy a bike without ABS no matter how tempting it was unless it was strictly a dirt bike. We ride in wet conditions a lot and I know for a fact ABS works because of how you are able to stop, maintain control over the bike when something unexpected shoots out in front of you or just have to urgently come to a stop. ABS keeps the bike straight, at least for us instead of fish tailing.
  
  WE used to own Harley’s and one of the biggest reasons among many others as to why we got rid of them was because of no ABS and we both had a few very scary moments riding those bikes in the rain and any loose debris. So, up to you but for us ABS is a must. Good luck and thanks for the question and for stopping by our blog. Leslie
  
Philip

February 20, 2012 at 2:41 am

Hi there

How did you find the going offroad without spoked wheels? I’m trying to weigh up purchasing a GS with or without spokes.

1. advgrrls
  
  February 20, 2012 at 4:24 am
  
  we haven’t broken or dented the rims yet…. 😉
  
Animal picpost | Trelittle

April 3, 2012 at 9:48 am

[…] OUR 2010 BEEMERS MEGA PIC POST « CHERYL & LESLIE’S …OUR 2010 BEEMERS MEGA PIC POST. Posted on November 29, 2011 by advgrrls. We have both owned 2010 BMW F650GS aka F798Gsa bikes since 2010. […]

Stuart

May 24, 2012 at 3:42 pm

Hi Girls ! Just a note to say how much I enjoyed reading about your trip and looking through the photos.

1. advgrrls
  
  May 24, 2012 at 6:43 pm
  
  hey Stuart thanks for your comment! Glad you like photos, I sure take enough lol
  
Paladin

August 18, 2012 at 12:57 pm

Grrls: I just put a deposit down on a new F700GS. It is currently in Philadelphia, on the way to Seattle. I live in southern Washington, so we may pass on the road someday. You two are doing exactly what I hope to do. Very nice website! Thank you. — Paladin

1. advgrrls
  
  August 18, 2012 at 1:06 pm
  
  awesome you have to come back and tell us all what you think of the 700…I am really curious…thanks for your nice comment.
  
kam

March 22, 2014 at 5:59 am

I am trying to decide if upgrading my stock 19″ front / 17″ alloy wheels is worth it for similar cross country journey. I am curious if you had any issue with the stock 19″ inch front alloys and 17″ on the BMW F650GS? Do you prefer larger 21″ inch front spokes over stock size alloy wheels? Lastly, are your tires Heidenau K60 Scout? How do you like the tires? Thanks.

1. advgrrls
  
  March 23, 2014 at 2:51 am
  
  Never had any issues with the stock rims on my 650GS. Yes, I have been using Heidenau K60’s since they came out. That has been the only tire on my bikes since 2010 and is presently on my F800GS. I do prefer however the 21 inch front wheel. I like the F800 150 rear too. But, when I rode my 650 cross country the stock rims did fine. I am heading out solo on another cross country venture in May. I will have the K60’s again on my bike and will be getting new one’s when I hit Toronto. By then I should be in real need of new tread.