1200 to 800

[SuperTed]

I swapped an R1150GS (which I had previously thought was the Best Bike in the World) for an F800GS and the first trip was from Essex to Orkney with the light and love of my life on the pillion. It went, handled and kept up with a mate riding a K1 and there were no complaints from the back.
Since then I've done in excess of 40,000 miles and it is probably the best bike I've ever owned.
42 kilos lighter but the same power (85hp) as the 1150 means that it takes off from the lights with enthusiasm and over 5000 revs it flies.
Did a trip to Germany in Sept 14 in company with a Triumph Trophy, 1100 Pan Euro, a Rockster, and a modern Bonneville and it kept up with the bigger bikes, was great fun round the Bavarian roads, and used less fuel.
They are a bit tall but that can be changed. There are a variety of threads about lowering the bike; see my thread on the Nitron rear shock; and half the fun can be making yours unique.
If you are thinking of changing to an F800GS all I can say is - Do It, you wont regret it for a second.

And a Happy New Year To All...

 

[Davel]

Thanks for that - my F650GS would have been a single I think.

It was about 14 years ago.

Oh and can you get a lowered F800GS Adventure?

 

[jags]

re the 800 gs, has anyone swapped the front wheel to a 19" one and lowered the rear. if so what is involved regarding abs etc.. apologies for the hijack.

 

[newboy]

You can get:
http://shop.touratech.com/height-lo...-adventure-from-2013-replacement-springs.html

20mm

 

[SuperTed]

Wheel Swap

Hi Jags,
I have swapped my front rim for a 19" and lowered the back. Initially with a HyperPro spring but now with a new rear shock.
For the full info check my thread 'Nitron NTR R1 Rear Shock' which is a bit further down the front page (currently).
There will be some-one (relatively) near you who can assist with a wheel rebuild and a smaller rim.
It doesn't affect the ABS.
I've seen a chap at a BMW rally who had a 17" front rim and some really sticky supersport tyres. I've also seen some-one at a Cadwell Park track day with a similar set up and he was leaving a lot of 600 and 750 sports bike riders behind.
But that might be going a bit far for a road bike.
Also check out a bloke called Chris 'Teach' McNeil on YouTube. The things he gets an F800GS to do are amazing.
Have fun guys
SuperTed

 

[Packer]

I rode for most of a month in company with an inmate from here. I was on an 1150GS he was on a on his 800GS. The 1150 used around 50% more fuel than the 800. I had the standard 24 ltr tank and he the standard 16 ltr. We both needed fuel around the 200 mile mark but we weren't riding hard, 60-70mph most of the time. The BMW 800 twin engine is remarkably fuel efficient. The Tiger 800 has recently been given an engine revision and is now far better on fuel. Supposed to be a much nicer engine to use than the BM twin.

 

[jags]

Hi Jags,
I have swapped my front rim for a 19" and lowered the back. Initially with a HyperPro spring but now with a new rear shock.
For the full info check my thread 'Nitron NTR R1 Rear Shock' which is a bit further down the front page (currently).
There will be some-one (relatively) near you who can assist with a wheel rebuild and a smaller rim.
It doesn't affect the ABS.
I've seen a chap at a BMW rally who had a 17" front rim and some really sticky supersport tyres. I've also seen some-one at a Cadwell Park track day with a similar set up and he was leaving a lot of 600 and 750 sports bike riders behind.
But that might be going a bit far for a road bike.
Also check out a bloke called Chris 'Teach' McNeil on YouTube. The things he gets an F800GS to do are amazing.
Have fun guys
SuperTed

thamks for the info.

 

[kyojitsu]

I had a 2006 1200 GSA a few years back and really loved it although never quite sorted out the buffeting and it did feel very heavy to wheel about. However I'm tall and it fitted me very well. Fast forward to now (and a few other bikes in between) I have a 2012 800 GS and I love it even more. I love the handling, the confidence I get on wet, muddy and bumpy roads at night in the pouring rain, I love its relative simplicity without too many electronic bits to go wrong. It fits me really well as I've got a super tall Rallye seat so it's probably now taller than the GSA. The interesting thing is it really reminds me of my old bike. If I have a problem with the new 1200 GS it's that it's lost a bit of edge and character. A fantastic bike but it's almost become a tall RT and I'd much prefer an RT in that case. The 800 just feels more honest and more of an adventure bike. Just my opinion...


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