► Would you trade your 11xx/1200 for an 800/650?

[Der Lustenauer]

- although it looks on paper to be a huge improvement on the previous 650GS.

Fuel consumption is up and the tank smaller. And then the cast wheels.

The German Magazine ‘Motorrad’ had in their last edition a list of the most frugal bikes. BMW’s on place 1 to 3.
Place 3 got shared between the Kawa Versys, F 800 S and the Husquarna SM 610. Test route involved ‘Landstrassen’ only, equivalent to B-roads in England I believe.

First was the G 650 X Challenge which used 3.4 litres / 100 km ( theoretical range 279 km)
Second the F 650 GS with 3.6 litres / 100 km ( theoretical range 481 km)
Third the F 800 S with 3.9 litres / 100 km ( theoretical range 410 km).

I doubt that either F 800 GS or the new F 650 GS will match the F 800 S due to the more upright position of the rider. Theoretical range I expect to be somewhere between 380 and 390 km, but only if one is not using the additional Power.

 

[Rob Farmer]

and of course you can wheelie

And shaft drives don't wheelie?

Better tell my mono that

 

[Der Lustenauer]

Another vote for the XChallenge, glad I bought one

Doubt that I ride it for the theoretical 279km tank range on the plank for a seat

Makes me wonder, your post, if they actually finished their test ride on the X Challenge as it is longer than 279 km. Or if that bike got shoved into the Van and the consumption computed from what it used over the first 80 km.

Which would make the winner…………. !!!!

Seen now in a few forums that people claim the new F650GS to be a big improvement to the old one. On paper. Not sure what they see on paper apart from horsepower and torque. Tank range, weight, tyre life?

Always thought that the tank range of the 650GS is a bit on the small side, rode it a few times for 220 miles before filling up, never felt that comfortable with doing so. Never had a problem either, but still, there is probably a difference of around 60 miles to the new one.

So having now a new touring enduro with a 16 litre tank is just the opposite of an improvement for these kind of bikes. Especially if one intends to use the power gains.

Can not see anybody swapping from a single F650 or a 1100/1150/1200 to a new 650/800GS if they are doing more than commuting and the occasional short ride off tarmac.
Those who swap will soon stand in line for a bigger tank. If that ever comes. And at what price.

 

[birdseye]

so now the 800 is out - whats the conclusion? 800 or 1200?

Before the 800 came out, you only really had one choice (in my view) if you wanted a BMW adventure traillie type tourer. the 650 was just a bit too basic - again IMHO. But now the 800gs is out and the first flush of "its new I've got to have one" is over, I wonder which will be the winner.

Or to put it another way, which will be freely available new at a discount in 12 months time? The 800gs or the 1200gs.

My bet is that it will be the 800 cos its a bit Jap whilst the 1200 is unique. Whats your view?

 

[Monsieur]

Didn't I hear from german motorrad magazine that the 800 on test needed a complete overhaul after only 50000km

I also recall that another test bike needed the same - Austrian?

Get a honda

Not Austria...it was Dutch Motoplus motorcycle magazine

 

[EmmettC]

Does anyone who responded have an 800?????

imho the 800 won't be discounted anytime soon, it will never sell as well as the 1200, but that will also mean waaaayyyy less on the second hand market. I shopped around a bit before buying the 800, and 1200s are losing value as fast as Jap bikes second hand, the 11**s are holding their values better, but most likely because they are rarer.

also imho, I don't buy a bike for economic reasons so how it holds it's value is unimportant.

I like the 800, I don't think it'll make as good a european tourer as the 1200, it's got a smaller range, and smaller capacity, but then it's difficult to beat a 1200gs at this, because it's a great bike. The 800 is lighter, it's is more capable off road, and, I think, a bit more involving to ride because of the "normal" front end.

I don't take pillions, I don't "cruise" around in sixth gear all day, I avoid motorways whenever possible and I really don't have a problem with chains, so the 800 is a great bike for me. Now where can I get a colour-matched petrol can to strap on the back seat.......

 

[snoopy]

idealism.......chains rarely just break and are able to be fixed with a spare link.

what usually happens is the chain breaks then takes out an engine casting, causing all the oil to fallout, then proceeds to wrap itself around an immovable object, say frame or swingarm and locking up the rear wheel.

ask me how i know.....

That has only happened to me on bikes with puny little chains ... like the CG125 I started out on. If it does break it's 50/50 on whether it wraps it's way around the front sprocket or shoots out the back.

I reckon Micky's going to want his Dakar back.

 

[Micky]

That has only happened to me on bikes with puny little chains ... like the CG125 I started out on. If it does break it's 50/50 on whether it wraps it's way around the front sprocket or shoots out the back.

I reckon Micky's going to want his Dakar back.

You can see the demise of a chain, not so a shaft

Noooo Snoops, dun't want mi Dakar back, I'm happy, hope you are

 

[jarax]

any comments from 1150 owners that have changed to the 800GS?

I have had the adventure for 2 years but thinking about a change , will I miss the mid range tourque and road 'presence' of the adventure.

thanks for your comments

I have had GS 1150 for one year. First I rode 800 I felt that i rode a toy for small kids But after couple hours i found i am small kid that wants to play Superfun!!!

For change:
lighter
easier for handling
mid and hi range torque of 800 feels better than 1150


But:
-800 is not comfortable for long journeys, seat is terrible, windscreen small in comparsion to 1150
-no torque in low range!!
-too much electric
-my playmate is not very happy with pilon seat, she loves the 1150s sofa

After 1000 km done on 800 I am glad for the change. I found offroad riding much more interesting, and bike change coresponds to my riding preferences.

 

[HR0]

I have changed from an 1150 ADV to the F800GS.
handed over the adv to the dealer mid december as a deposit and have had the F8GS for a week and 1st service all out the way.

the only thing i miss is the tank range of the Adv.

i had the low seat on the adv and it was THE most uncomfortable seat ever. i had it re upholstered which fixed it tho.

i have the low seat on the F8GS whilst it feels hard, i can manage many hours at a go.

as for road presence........ same style riding position gives very similar road presence (which i think is a matter of mind set)

the F8GS pulls so well in 6th even from 35mph ish.

I am not going to overload the F8GS with panniers but tour with a tank bag and roll bag on the back.

the 1150Adv was fully loaded with all the bits ali panniers, top box, Y, extra lights X4 etc etc etc etc

because i had the space, boxes etc i always over packed the 1150 Adv which made matters worse, and a Wet (fuelled) F8GS weighs some much less than a fuelled 1150 ADV but has the same power.

and i'm off to Montelimar on the 16th May for 10 days

F8GS ............I'm very happy with mine

 

[Adventure Stu]

I'd say it depends what your after. I took an 800 out for a spin recently and didn't too excited about it. Handled well enough but the bottom end of the rev range was useless, as has been pointed out. I was looking for something more user friendly off road than the ADV but without losing too much road capability. Long story short, I ended up keeping the GS and have just picked up a 650 XChallenge. If you like long runs, and mostly if not all on road, then I'd say keep the GS.

 

[IanT61]

I upgraded my 7 year old 1150GS to the 800 and I'm very happy. Never had the 1200 but I had a loan one when the 800 was in for its service and I was glad to get back onto the 800. I find the 21inch wheel much better off road and in no way does it seem a problem on the tarmac. My other bike at present is a KTM 690SM but it hasn't seen much use since the 800 turned up as the 800 is so nimble.

 

[Brian ROSEN]

1200GS to 800GS

After almost four years on my 1200GS (following two on an 1150GS) I was somehow persuaded to change it for the 800GS. I had a test ride of the 650 and the 800 whilst my 1200 was having its service. Afterwards I discussed the possibility of changing 'down' next year - but there was a new 800 in the showroom with all the options so somehow I (very stupidly) bought it.
I soon found out that you cannot compare these two bikes - apart from all the obvious reasons. The 800 is much more sporty in feel, can be easily thrown through the corners and I am pretty sure will out perform the 1200 on or off road. Hoever my wife on the pillion was NOT happy, apart from it being a bit tricky to get on with the baggage in place; It is not as comfortable as the 1200 and is certainly much noisier (some will like that.) Moreover she said that i was going round the corners much faster than before (perhaps it just sounded like that!) I found it did not have that planted feel of the 1200 and over rough roads the front forks seemed to be working much harder than on the 1200.
The 800 is a very good bike - but not for me. After three days I rang the dealers to try and buy back my beloved 1200GS - bu it was already sold! I made an expensive mistake and the 800GS has gone back to the dealers to be sold (at a great loss of course) and I will have their demonstration model 1200GS - but not until September unfortunately.

 

[Bora20]

I put down a deposit today on a F800GS and will be trading my 1150GSA. I have been doing much more off-road riding, closer to home and feel that the reduced weight and traditional suspension will be easier to work with. Although I know that I will have to uprate the springs and shock.

I will be looking for a R1150RT for road and pillion use and I really like the boxer and my wife would appreciate it more.

 

[L]

800 or 950SE

Just test rode the 800 this morning and am seriously considering it... but I'm thinking its also not a million miles away from a 950SE in terms of specs.

Anyone considered this?

 

[Deleted account D]

ive ridden both

trust me the se is a million miles away

 

[L]

and judging by your username... you went for the 800???

Main concerns about the 950 is a) too much power and b) fuel tank range

 

[twisticles]

I am wanting the 800GS as my 2005 1200GS has had a few problems as late(fuel pump controller + righthand switch gear) so i am asking yous' as owners is it a worthy replacement.

I am wanting cheeper services, better fuel economy and well something that makes you grin.

Whether or not its a worthy replacement is entirely down to the kind of riding you do. Motorway miles? Pillion?

Don't know about servicing costs, not many on here have had more than the 600 miles service so far.

Fuel economy is good, around 60mpg in regular riding, though it can dip a bit off-road or around town. I've had nearly 65 mpg at a steady 60mph.

Certainly makes me grin everytime I ride it

 

[Micky]

I am going to use it for the local windy twistys and some off road. Thanks for your reply. I honestly though more people would have something to say about there new bikes so who else has traded there 1200 for the 800?

Give everyone a chance matie... it is Saturday night Sunday morning

Doesn't come with hanguards but available from BMW and Touratech.

Whether the bike is a worthy replacement is down to many things as said. I've had the 1150GS 1150GS-A and a 1200GS-A and did at least 150,000 miles on 'em. Now have the 800GS and done 4,000 miles. It's been caught in a blizzard in the Schwarzwald and razzed round der Nürburgring (had to wait for the 1200's) ....

.... and I think the 800GS is a great replacement. I am 61 years of age and to be honest the 1200's were getting a tad too heavy for me of late, especially getting it out the back yard from my mid terrace house.

In real term its as quick as the 1150/1200's and most certainly more economical, I'm averaging 63 mpg and at the end of each days ride will take possibly up to a fiver less to fill than the 1200's... and we've been riding speed for speed, overtake for overtake

Go and have a test ride and see....



www.adventure.gs

 

[Deleted Account GS]

Test ride tomorrow it will be good to get back on the my 1200 again it had been sitting the corner waiting for a new Fuel pump controller thing.

Who knows my bike might be in the FS&W tomorrow