BIKES Q & A
Q Very quickly, I’m looking at two bikes. Which should I get: BMW F800ST or F650GS?
A We assume you meant the F650GS that ran from 2008 to 2012, using the same 798cc parallel twin as the F800ST (rather than the older, singlecylinder F650GS). The choice is as much about styles as performance: the ST is a lightweight tourer with a slightly sporty riding position, with lower bars and higher pegs; while the GS is an upright traillie-style machine. Though using the same engine – in a lower state of tune in the GS – the riding experiences are very different. The GS is soft and easygoing, the ST is firmer and frankly more polished. We’d take the ST every time – but if you want the more-upright riding position, we’d get the 2012-on F700GS, which is essentially the 650 but with better twin-disc front brakes. Q After years on shaftdriven bikes I’ve just bought a new Honda Africa Twin, which has chain drive. I really don’t want to have to lube my chain with a can all the time and the bike has no centrestand, so I’m looking at chain oilers. Which one do you recommend?
A You have a couple of choices. The biggest name in automatic lubing is Scottoiler. There are two Scottoiler systems - the V-system uses the engine’s vacum in the inlet system (which we fitted to our Africa Twin last year), or the E-system, which you connect to the battery.
The V-system is very good and Scottoiler makes a specific kit for your bike (year specific, as the 2017 bike has a few changes for Euro 4). A big plus is their instructions are brilliant and easy to follow. It costs £99.95. See www.scottoiler.com
Also consider the Tutoro kits (www.tutorochainoiler.com) which cost from £69-£99, are completely automatic and work by vibration, so don’t need wiring or plumbing in. The kits are universal, so fit any bike.
Finally, there is the Loobman (www.loobman.co.uk). For £20.99 it does the same job as the others but works via gravity – just push a button every so often to activate. It’s a universal kit and once set up is a great piece of kit – and great value.