1200 to 800

[Ted]

Any one taken the step from 1200 GS to an 800? Have 2 2009 1200 gs at moment. My wifes bike is a factory lowered one. Just back from a long trip and she is starting to find it a bit of a lump so thinking of changing to a 800 or 700 gs. Any thought on the change? I will still keep mine and she is used to the power/torque etc of the 1200 and is worried it may be struggle on some of our longer trips. Thanks

 

[jags]

aye buy a tiger 800

 

[brut33]

Was out on a Tiger 800XRX for a tset ride. Did 70 miles around the Skipton/Ribchester/Blackburn area. First thing, I noticed how light it was after riding a 1200GSA. Found my way into the countryside, then found how quick it was. It accelerated strongly and smoothly from 30mph in 6th up to illegal speeds with gusto. Passing traffic was a blast. Handling was superb. Took it on the M65 for a ten mile thrash. No problems here, mile munching was effortless at ..mph. Roll on from 70mph was instant and lusty. What a great bike.
BTW topped up with petrol before handing it back and managed to squeeze in 5.2L. Yes its frugal and I didn't spare the horses.

 

[seahorse]

800 is quite tall so maybe a 650/700? I have a 1200 as well but wouldn't hesitate to take my 650 commuter on a long trip. Its a great little bike and really good on fuel.

 

[jully@fr]

I met a girl (about 50) who rode a 1200 GS. (her husband a 1200 GS 2008)
She's riding bikes for more than 25 years, sold the 1200GS after 5 month because she never felt relax with it. (two heavy in certain conditions and a bit too tall for her)
So she swapped for a F650GS (800cc) and is really happy with her choice. (they drove from Brussels to Cahors on the highway, passed the Parisian traffic jam where she appreciated the lightness of the bike comparing to the 1200GS)
For your information I had to ride a F650GS BMW Avignon lent me for a day when my 1200 GS-Adv was undergoing maintenance work, first I was a bit dissapointed.What I wanted was a R1200RT.
Then after a few km on my way back to Salon de Provence I started to like that bike.I liked it so much that I rode the whole day through the region back to Avignon. (Smooth engine running, less shifting required, very easy handling on very small roads, enough power to follow a 1200)
The 700 GS now could only be better, I loved it but will she love it ?
Happy shopping

 

[Shunt]

My missus has a 700. No trouble keeping up until triple figures.
Pretty fun ride when I occasionally steal it.

 

[Micky]

Any one taken the step from 1200 GS to an 800?

Aye, seven years and 116,000 miles ago

Never looked back, no regrets, no problems, no corrosion, no issues

 

[ymfb]

I love my F800GS, both the 2011 and now the 2015, great fuel economy, great handling.

 

[Micky]

I love my F800GS, both the 2011 and now the 2015, great fuel economy, great handling.

I'm still on my 2008 model

Can't seem to wear it out, can't seem to find a reason to change it ...

 

[Bilko]

I upgraded from a 1200 GSA to an F800gs Adv 15 months ago with no regrets, I've done just short of 18,000 miles and love the bike, couple of weeks ago in Corsica the bike returned 69 miles to gallon. just before I bought the bike I had the pleasure of riding Micky's bike when it had 105,000 miles on the clock, I was amazed at how well it went and that ride sealed the deal for me.

 

[PeterNI]

I upgraded an 1200GSA for a lightly modified X Country - no regrets

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Aye, seven years and 116,000 miles ago

Never looked back, no regrets, no problems, no corrosion, no issues

About time you bought a new'un................you'll have worn it out

 

[Micky]

About time you bought a new'un................you'll have worn it out

No sign of that JB ... doesn't burn any oil at all, the valve clearances have never been adjusted and are still mid way between the max and the min permitted! Maybe a wee rattle from the timing chain but nothing serious as yet

 

[karlp]

Sent from a 2015 GSA to a 2015 F800

No regrets - the F800 does it all

 

[dippy]

I know the title is 1200 to 800 so apologise if anyone thinks I've hijacked the post!

I've ridden a 1200 for 6 years now, recently got back from riding 650 from Cape Town back to the uk. Better half has had a 650 twin for a few years and thought it would be prudent to take the same bike on such a trip (same spares, tools, experience etc.) so purchased 650 twin for myself. Initially I missed the power that came with the 1200 but soon got used to the lightness. Now I'm back? actually thinking of selling the 1200 although I've done over 100K on it and would be sad to see it go, the 650 seems to be more fun. granted I wouldn't like to commute 100 miles a day on it as it seems it has to work hard to stay up there on the motorway trips where the 1200 holds it's own but after fitting an endure seat there's actually more room on the 650 as well so get less aching legs, i'm lanky, 6'5.

 

[earthmover]

Denise would be happy to let Sue have a test ride on her 650 if she'd like Ted.
Mark

 

[vRSG60]

800 is quite tall so maybe a 650/700? I have a 1200 as well but wouldn't hesitate to take my 650 commuter on a long trip. Its a great little bike and really good on fuel.

I've just done 2078 miles on mine and it returned 80 mpg. I do dawdle though ;-)

 

[DesertStormer]

I px'd my 61 plate 1200GS for a new F800GS Adv in April. I went for a 'basic' model with no computer or ESA, so in my opinion having put 2500 miles on the thing now....

1. I miss the low down grunt of the 1200
2. I don't miss the worry over ESA/ASC etc..going wrong out of warranty
3. I am really impressed at how the 800 goes once you hit 5000rpm
4. It's nowhere near as vibey as some reports I've read, I can sit at 80mph with barely a tingle through the bars or pegs (see 11)
5. It's more cramped than the 1200 two up, but my pillion reckons the seat/suspension combo is more comfy
6. The riders seat is more comfy over the standard 1200 seat
7. The engine and the exhaust noise is not boring, I think it's powerful and torquey enough for real everyday riding and has a lovely 'burble'
8. I find it easier to control than the 1200 at walking pace as I'm happy to slip the clutch more than I felt comfortable in doing with the 1200
9. The seat height is just about manageable although my pillion finds it pretty difficult to manoeuvre onto the saddle with a full set of luggage in place.
10. The screen is superb (I'm 5'11)
11. It's nimble and fun to ride on sweeping A roads and B roads and ok for trundling along on motorways at 70-80mph. It does get vibey over 5000rpm though.

Overall, I'm happy with my purchase!

 

[Davel]

Having just rejected my Dec '14 R1200GS I've been looking at the F800GS and really quite fancy one. I did my DAS many years ago on my F650GS and, apart from the lack of power at the time, really liked it.

I've looked at the 700 but much prefer the looks etc of the 800 and understand that you can buy a lowered version. I know that the 700 has the 800 engine and is easier to turn on corners but, somehow, I feel drawn to the 800 more.

I commute most days on the bike, about 15 miles each way and know that the bike is more than capable of that - and any days out etc.

I like to tour once a year with a couple of mates, all riding solo with luggage. One has an 1100GS and the other has just swapped from an older 1200GS for a Yamaha 1300 cruiser so am I going to be able to keep up with them? I realise it'll mean more fuel stops but what is the tank range of the 800 please?

It's this or the other extreme an S1000 XR.

After the problems with my 12 month old LC GS, I'd prefer something different this time.

 

[v8legend]

I've been looking at the F800GS and really quite fancy one. I did my DAS many years ago on my F650GS and, apart from the lack of power at the time, really liked it. I've looked at the 700 but much prefer the looks etc of the 800 and understand that you can buy a lowered version. I like to tour once a year with a couple of mates, all riding solo with luggage. One has an 1100GS and the other has just swapped from an older 1200GS for a Yamaha 1300 cruiser so am I going to be able to keep up with them? I realise it'll mean more fuel stops but what is the tank range of the 800 please?

It's this or the other extreme an S1000 XR.

Was the 650 a single or twin? The twin's are completely different. You're right, there is a lowered version, there is also a low seat option, you might get away with that. The 800 is taller than your 1200. You'll easily keep up with your mates on an 800. The only area you'll be lacking is a bit of torque. Fuel consumption is the real bonus for the 650/700/800. You'll have to be trying very hard indeed to get less than 160 miles to a tank. 180-190 is the norm. I once managed 225 before the light came on. However, this was on a trip to Normandy with a mate while he was running in his new Harley.

S1000XR looks lovely, but I don't think my license would last too long though.