En la revista on-line americana MOTORCYCLEUSA.COM han realizado la prueba de nuestro modelo favorito, en su versión 2009 (ahora que comienzan a venderla por aquellos lares...).
También adjunto algunas de las fotos del reportaje (están reducidas en su tamaño para ahorrar espacio):
F800 GS Amarilla (por supuesto).ABS, Puños calefactados, Alarma, Ordenador, Paramanos BMW altos con spoiler, Caballete central, Bombillas Philips Power Xtreme. Touratech: Tapón para aceite con llave, Protección del depósito de líquido de frenos del manillar, Cubierta del depósito de líquido de frenos trasero, Refuerzo del radiador, Ampliación de la bandeja del caballete lateral...
Interesante prueba, además los americanos tienen fama de ser los más objetivos cuando prueban motos...
destacar los siguientes comentarios,
sobre la relación del cambio:
"We heard several comments about a desire for shorter gearing, but we didn't share the opinion. The vast majority of our day was spent in second and third gear for the off-road sections. Up to roughly 3500 rpm is extremely mellow delivery, safe to use in slippery terrain. In the dirt, once the tach needle reaches the 4K mark, the tire starts to spin easily with any degree of lean. We short-shifted most of the morning, but once we tried to find the rev-limiter it just wasn't the same bike anymore."
sobre las ruedas:
"Our bikes were outfitted with Continental TKC 80 tires to replace the less aggressive stockers. Our day proved that the Contis should come standard with great wear despite excessive spinning. They saw time on dirt, sand, gravel water crossings and wet and dry pavement, all with encouraging performance. We noticed a little squirming at triple-digit speeds, but otherwise they were exceptional all-around rubber. Speaking of which, we hit an indicated 120 mph before running out of nerve, but the motor still had a little room."
sobre el freno delantero:
"he amount of power available is tremendous, but a small degree of initial sponginess at the lever keeps riders from getting too much too soon. It's most effective at modulating in the dirt, but a firm grip will provide excellent performance on the pavement as well."
sobre el trasero:
"The rear end is just the opposite. It uses a 265mm rotor and single piston caliper that would be a great feature if the pedal was more accessible. It's placed very low which left us searching desperately as corners approached too quickly. We had such a hard time finding it that by the time our toes reached the pedal it was usually too late and our panicked stomp would cause a slide. Unfortunately, BMW does not offer an adjustable, fold-down lever as with the 1200GS."
en definitiva:
"Essentially the bike behaves itself in every situation. It doesn't crawl over rocks like a Montesa or eat curvy pavement like a R1, but it can tackle everything in between and will challenge or outperform rider skill in many areas. It's easy to stand on and comfortable to sit, the Bosch EFI never misses a beat, the chassis and suspension are predictable, motor is versatile and fun, wind protection is adequate, amenities plentiful, and the fuel range looks to support touring. The 2009 F800GS fits perfectly into the GS concept."
Familia GS:
"As fans of the big GS model, there were things we wanted to keep with the smaller version. The F800 is distinctly related to the BMW adventure family. From the styling, sound and performance, there's plenty of familiarity despite having never ridden it before."
The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.
