The F800GSs at the South Africa press intro were mostly shod with
Bridgestone Battle Wings, and most of the riders thought they were
fine on the street and way to streety for the dirt. We aired down to
20psi for the difficult dirt section and they did OK until we got to
the rutted hill covered with tall, wet grass. With other riders
stalled in front of us, the Tres Americanos had a tough time getting
going again. You can see how well the bike goes - until the ruts -
here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HK3uayuoheE&NR=1. At about 8
minutes, the American contingent shows up the background.
A few of the 800s had Anakees fitted. No word yet on what they'll
show up with here, the bikes aren't due till late August/September.
Finding tires might be tricky for awhile because the bike uses an
uncommon 150/70-R17 size on the rear. TKC-80s will probably be a
popular choice for anyone taking the roads less traveled. There's no
doubt that the bike is up to it. Slightly heavier than a KLR, it has
real suspension, real brakes, and real horsepower.
If your son would consider a dual-sport for saving gas, have him look
a the 250s. The KLX is pretty cool, much easier to ride than a KLR
has decent power. Honda and Yamaha make very noob-friendly models.
__Arden
--- In
DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Jim Douglas
wrote:
snippp....
> Lastly, anyone know what type of tire the BMW GS 800 comes with? I
have
> started saving to get one when they becomes available here, still
need
> 90% of it though, I love the BMW
> dual sports, the big one is just TOO BIG for me and the 800 seems
to be
> perfect.
> Crap, I am now waiting on the BMW and a Kawasaki Ninja 250 for my
son,
> which seems even harder to find,
> the local dealer indicates he gets about (6) every few months and
they
> are sold before they get there. From what
> I have read about those they are one of the best bikes to start
with and
> he's starting to feel the $$$ associated with
> the weekly fillup of his car! Anyone know of either a new or used
on in
> the Dallas area either new or couple of years
> old let me know. He's already signed up for the safety course and
is
> going to pay for me to do it again.
>