Off-Roader

Adventure / Commuter / Motorcycles / Off-Roader — No Comments
3
Sep 10

2010 BMW F800GS – III

Things that bothered us the most about the F800GS were the wide rear end, the non-adjustable brake pedal height and the tricky-to-use turnsignal controls. At highway speeds of 75 mph, wind buffeting gets gnarly, especially if you’re wearing motocross gear. Ridden on the street, the firm saddle, motocross footpegs and motocross handlebars might even be too dirt-bikey to be truly comfortable for long trips. But if we had to choose a bike to ride from coast to coast, using only dirt roads, an F800GS with a few simple mods and some non-essential items trimmed off to reduce weight would be totally up to the task!

2010-BMW-F800GS-1 Our feelings for the F800GS are obvious. Despite our initial misunderstandings, we came to really like this bike! This motorcycle has fun doing stuff no other streetbike would dream of doing, yet will run down the highway with a level of comfort, speed and fuel range a dirt-based 600cc single cylinder dual-sport bike can’t possibly approach. The F800GS may not suit hardcore adventure riders, and it retails at a fairly lofty $11,395. But if you’re looking for a very capable street bike that rides and feels like a dirt bike, you’ll love the F800GS.

Adventure / Commuter / Motorcycles / Off-Roader — No Comments
31
Aug 10

2010 BMW F800GS – I

This BMW, while not the biggest two-wheeled SUV on the block, still makes something like 85 horsepower and weighs a scale-crushing 455 pounds. That’s average by street standards, but compared to even a big fat Honda XR650L or KTM 640 Adventure single-cylinder dual-sport bike, it seems huge.

BMW-F800GS-2010-Alpinweiss-001 We think exploring on mega dualies is a riot, and apparently many people agree, since the F800GS is one of BMWs top-selling motorcycles. But riding overstuffed dualies does require a level of maturity not generally associated with hardcore dirt bikers…

Adventure / Motorcycles / Off-Roader / Racing — No Comments
5
Aug 10

Husaberg FE570 – Part III

Our Vet off-road guy loved it but thinks it’s too soft. Our second Vet tester also loved the bike, thinking it would make a great hardcore dual sport bike. Our motocross guy wants an FE570 to use for ice racing. The slow guy likes it better than the KTM530 for trail riding, but even he wants the suspension a little stiffer.

husaberg-fe-570-dirt-bike-2010 The new-school Husaberg FE570 represents a huge technological leap and ushers in a new wave of dirt bikes. Husaberg’s take on the mass centralization theory makes the similarly designed YZ450F look a little archaic and the BMW G450X look homemade. The FE570 is a really, really cool bike; a conversation piece that just happens to be able to win races.

Motorcycles / Off-Roader / Racing — No Comments
3
Aug 10

Husaberg FE570 – Part II

An amazingly effective EFI system feeds the laid-down engine via a straight shot into the cylinder head. The engine measures 565.5cc and has 12.2:1 compression. A hydraulic clutch feeds power to a smooth shifting six-speed transmission. The bike has electric start only, and weighs a claimed 252.4 pounds dry. The forks and non-linkage rear shock are made by WP.

husaberg-fe-570-dirt-bike-2010-1 As you study the bike you’ll see lots of quality KTM parts, but not always where you’d expect them to be. It’s an odd sensation that turns your whole concept of what a dirt bike should be upside down. From an enduro rider’s viewpoint the 2010 Husaberg is well designed. Fragile items are up and out of harms way and the airbox and electrics are placed high and dry. Just about every normal service item on the bike is easy to access. The no-link suspension is simple and has been proven on KTMs for decades. The saddle is both wider and softer than most other modern race bikes.

Adventure / Motorcycles / Off-Roader — No Comments
2
Aug 10

Husaberg FE570

Husaberrg_FE570_380 Husaberg motorcycles may not be mainstream, but they are cool. In an era of fat, slow four-stroke play bikes Husaberg became famous for effective, yet agriculturally simple, racing thumpers. Long before Yamaha ushered in the four-stroke revolution Husaberg was capturing world titles. In fact, the company has something like 20 FIM World Titles, in various disciplines, to their credit.

Adventure / Commuter / Concepts / Cruiser / History / Motorcycles / Naked / Off-Roader / Racing / Safety / Scooter / Superbike / Vintage — No Comments
29
Jul 10

Batmobile

DgWKw I have absolutely no idea how this became possible. This is not the same batmobile that was seen at various places of the city when the movie The Dark Knight was screened. It looks like a completely useable one and the rider appears to be respecting the State’s helmet laws and wears one too. Whatever it is, it looks awesome and cool. Would be great if they made more of these.

Adventure / Commuter / Motorcycles / Off-Roader — No Comments
25
Apr 10

BMW F 800 GS

BMW created a niche for itself in the adventure riding segment, a segment created and nurtured by BMW itself. The BMW F 800 GS is a new kid on the adventure block. The machine fills the gap in the middle weight adventure motorbike category.

The engine displaces 798 cubic centimetres and is a four stroke, two cylinder motor. The distinctive feature of this engine is that it employs a balancing connecting rod. This rod helps to reduce engine vibrations  and enables the manufacturer to use a semi dry oil sump. Technical details on how the rod works apart, but it works well to keep the vibrations low.

The GS also has a high mounted air intake snouts which helps the machine to easily tackle mud and deep waters. The motorcycle can be ordered with the BMW usuals such as ABS and heated grips. The bike provides both the agility for off road and comfort for long distance adventure rides.