It was time for a new motorcycle around the Okienomads garage and a deal came up on a previously loved 2011 F800GS that was too good to pass up. The Kawasaki Versys was a great intro back into riding, but I quickly outgrew it and its lack of capability off-road left me wanting more.
About the F800
The BMW F800GS is a versatile adventure motorcycle renowned for its exceptional performance on and off-road. With its powerful engine, advanced suspension, and rugged design, the F800GS is designed to conquer almost any terrain with ease. Powered by a 798cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke parallel-twin engine, the F800GS delivers an impressive 85 horsepower and 63 lb-ft of torque. Its six-speed gearbox ensures smooth and precise shifts, while the chain-driven final drive provides reliable power transfer. Weighing around 450 lbs (nearly the same as the Versys 650) and boasting a fuel capacity of 4.2 gallons (16 liters), the F800GS strikes a perfect balance between lightweight agility and long-distance capability. This means you can embark on thrilling adventures without worrying about excess weight or frequent refueling stops.
In short, the F800GS is the same relative size as the Versys 650 with gobs more power, a 21” front wheel, and a world of aftermarket support.
The Build Plan
The initial build plan is a simple one. We are going to install a complete DENALI lighting system, take the bike to a few events and ride around the Black Hills and the front range of the Rocky Mountains before deciding what mods to make. There are a few things that I want to tweak, outlined below:
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- Full DENALI Lighting package with CANsmart Controller
- Kaoko Throttle Lock
- Tusk Tank Bag
- Upgraded suspension…eventually
The bike will be on display at the GetOn ADV rally in Sturgis, SD in a couple of weeks and the Overland Expo Mountain West event in Loveland, CO at the end of August. Stop by the DENALI/VisionX booth and check out the new project!
Once I get the parts installed, I will make a new video and blog post highlighting everything that gets put on the bike. In the meantime, enjoy this walkaround video introduction. Forgive the video quality, I have been out of the GoPro game for a while.
