2 up touring on an F800GS?

[waynem325]

Hi all

Having previously owned an F800 ST, I know roughly how capable the GS variant would be for touring solo, but I never got round to taking a passenger and wondered if any owners often partake in riding long distances with a pillion and full luggage?

I currently have an R1100GS (and an R1100RT) but I'm starting to think I want something a little more nimble and may sell the R11GS and get an F8GS?
With the RT in the garage I don't know if I'd ever use the F8GS for 2 up touring, but I also want a sports bike again so may sell the RT for one sometime in the future...?
If a sports bike came along, it would leave the F8GS as the better 2 up option.

It's important that I have a bike capable of taking a pillion and enough luggage for both for a long weekend somewhere - my wife has finally succumbed to the fact that she can enjoy more foreign holidays with me if we can ride somewhere rather than fly! (I desperately hate airports!).

So what's the verdict?
Would it be possible for 2 people to travel into europe on an F800GS and still be talking upon arrival?
Would the engine cope with the strain? Would the seats be friendly over such long distances? Would the panniers cope with a woman's packing requirements?

Or is it simply, a bike that one enjoys exclusively to ones self?

 

[Wapping]

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/which-bike/bmw-f800gs-with-pillion-62889

http://www.adventurebikerider.com/f...ormance-of-bmw-f800gs-with-pillion-rider.html

 

[slparry]

Can't see any reason why not, my first two tour of Europe via the Bol d'Or, was two up on a Kawasaki KLR600, I put a larger gearbox sprocket on, to ease the autoroute section down to the Bol, then at the campsite on the Cote d'Azur popped the original lower geared sprocket on as we were going over tiny alpine roads. Sounds a faff but in reality only took a few minutes.

The metal panniers hold much more than the varios, with previous non biking girlfriends I've just handed them a pannier inner bag and said you can take anything that fits in here. Initially there's a pouty face when they realise they can't take their entire wardrobe and shoe collection but that soon passes.

I'm assuming you're not camping so that saves a load of space and hassle.

With the panniers, top box and tank bag you can pack a surprisingly useful amount and the 800 will manage it.

The figures for the 11 and the 8 are quite close, sure the 11 has more torque but also has more weight to lug. The Adventure version of the 8GS has far more range than the standard but being honest I'm getting around 180 miles to reserve on mine easily enough and don't mind topping up whenever I stop for a coffee etc.

F800GS
85 hp @ 7,500 rpm
83 N·m (61 lbf·ft) @ 5,750 rpm
421 lb

R1100GS
80 hp (60 kW) @ 6,750 rpm
97 N·m (72 lbf·ft) @ 5,250 rpm
536 lb

 

[waynem325]

Wapping - thanks for those links. A wealth of information. I totally forgot about the HUBB and adv rider.

Slparry - thank you also. It's great to hear how others have got on.
My wife is getting better at packing a pannier bag, though I reckon she could do better still and not to look at the top box as an expansion!

We're looking at a trip to Belgium next year and I think secretly she is actually excited at the prospect?! However, the plan is to use the RT and I'm not sure she'd relish the thought of doing it on an 8GS? She always chooses the RT over the 11GS so I may have a struggle?

Definitely not camping. I've tried it solo on a bike and I think I have a lot to learn before I do it again, let alone with my wife. (I pack like a boy scout - prepared for every eventuality!!!)

Power wise, it was this weekend whilst out on the RT that I began to mentally compare my old ST against the performance of the RT, and I doubt there'd be much in it. At the time the ST felt underpowered, and after 18 months I wanted something with a bit more grunt. I got that with the 1100's but I doubt the performance changed much?
Also, I once managed 245 miles out of a tank on the ST!

 

[v8legend]

You need to really wind the preload up when 2 up, otherwise it won't turn in. If you've got short legs, it can make the getting/off tricky.

 

[JJH]

Why not. I have the adv version and it's grand. Jjh

 

[slparry]

Wapping - thanks for those links. A wealth of information. I totally forgot about the HUBB and adv rider.

Slparry - thank you also. It's great to hear how others have got on.
My wife is getting better at packing a pannier bag, though I reckon she could do better still and not to look at the top box as an expansion!

We're looking at a trip to Belgium next year and I think secretly she is actually excited at the prospect?! However, the plan is to use the RT and I'm not sure she'd relish the thought of doing it on an 8GS? She always chooses the RT over the 11GS so I may have a struggle?

Definitely not camping. I've tried it solo on a bike and I think I have a lot to learn before I do it again, let alone with my wife. (I pack like a boy scout - prepared for every eventuality!!!)

Power wise, it was this weekend whilst out on the RT that I began to mentally compare my old ST against the performance of the RT, and I doubt there'd be much in it. At the time the ST felt underpowered, and after 18 months I wanted something with a bit more grunt. I got that with the 1100's but I doubt the performance changed much?
Also, I once managed 245 miles out of a tank on the ST!

I must admit, on my recent Scottish tour I took the K12GT in preference to my other bikes purely because the GT is just better at the motorway slog. Once in the highlands any of the others would be great, and yes all of them could do the motorway bit it's just the GT is an uber comfy place to be ... I keep promising myself that one year I'll take the BoxerCup or the GS mind

 

[waynem325]

Now the K1200S (and the 13) has always intrigued me but I've never had the chance to take either for a spin. Last night whilst trawling ebay I came across the GT, which I'd never considered before, and after reading several reviews I now wonder if it would tick my sports bike box, and therefore be a suitable replacement for the RT?

Throughout my motorcycling life I seem to have been looking for that non existent Swiss-army-bike. You know, the one that does everything, and have a character?
I change bike every year or so, jumping from a sportsbike (zxr/R1/Ducati etc) to a sports tourer and then back again.
A big thing for me is being able to tour in decent comfort (hence the RT) but I also want something that's fun, fast and flickable. I find sports tourers okay at both but never particularly excel at either. Sportsbike are great at doing what they're designed to, but aren't practical for long distances.

In an ideal world I'd have a double garage with half a dozen bikes, but in reality I can only afford, and justify having 1 bike. (2 at a push).

It's all about compromise I know, and at the moment having 2 R1100's was never the plan.
I love them both and will struggle to get rid of either, but in reality the GS is the fun bike, but for me is too cumbersome as I will be changing jobs soon and need something able to commute and filter. I also fancy trying out greenlaning, but don't feel confident doing it on this GS due to the size/weight.
The RT is great at touring, albeit a little old, but isn't a speed machine. It can cruise all day at 70 or 80, but when those moments of madness creep in and more power/speed is needed, it lacks dreadfully.
It has introduced my wife, who isnt in to bikes at all, to motorcycling, and in a level of comfort that has enabled her to really enjoy being a pillion. This in turn has opened up great opportunities of me gaining more hours on the bike as we can now seriously consider short breaks on the bike where once we'd have driven or flown.

Maybe a K12 or K13 is the answer for single bike ownership, or possibly an F800GS and a cheap sportsbike???

 

[slparry]

Now the K1200S (and the 13) has always intrigued me but I've never had the chance to take either for a spin. Last night whilst trawling ebay I came across the GT, which I'd never considered before, and after reading several reviews I now wonder if it would tick my sports bike box, and therefore be a suitable replacement for the RT?

Throughout my motorcycling life I seem to have been looking for that non existent Swiss-army-bike. You know, the one that does everything, and have a character?
I change bike every year or so, jumping from a sportsbike (zxr/R1/Ducati etc) to a sports tourer and then back again.
A big thing for me is being able to tour in decent comfort (hence the RT) but I also want something that's fun, fast and flickable. I find sports tourers okay at both but never particularly excel at either. Sportsbike are great at doing what they're designed to, but aren't practical for long distances.

In an ideal world I'd have a double garage with half a dozen bikes, but in reality I can only afford, and justify having 1 bike. (2 at a push).

It's all about compromise I know, and at the moment having 2 R1100's was never the plan.
I love them both and will struggle to get rid of either, but in reality the GS is the fun bike, but for me is too cumbersome as I will be changing jobs soon and need something able to commute and filter. I also fancy trying out greenlaning, but don't feel confident doing it on this GS due to the size/weight.
The RT is great at touring, albeit a little old, but isn't a speed machine. It can cruise all day at 70 or 80, but when those moments of madness creep in and more power/speed is needed, it lacks dreadfully.
It has introduced my wife, who isnt in to bikes at all, to motorcycling, and in a level of comfort that has enabled her to really enjoy being a pillion. This in turn has opened up great opportunities of me gaining more hours on the bike as we can now seriously consider short breaks on the bike where once we'd have driven or flown.

Maybe a K12 or K13 is the answer for single bike ownership, or possibly an F800GS and a cheap sportsbike???

The K12/13GT's are stunningly fast machines, given they're the same setup as the S and R variants. OK the GT version is slightly retuned for better low and mid range but still they're approaching 160hp and I've found are a match for many a sports machine on the north Wales roads Which really upsets the sports riders as of course they see huge fairing, huge panniers and BMW badge and assume lardy slow tourer.

However, there is a caveat .... don't consider a K44 K12/13 of any variant without the extended warranty. I have it, it costs me £36 pcm and includes the euro wide recovery and has been a God send. K44's are complex beasts with some expensive parts, thankfully because of the warranty BMW have had to pick up the tab on ABS pumps, ESA units etc. Things that to mere mortals with finite bank accounts would wince at

However, I love my K to bits, it's comfy enough for the dull motorway slogs, and will return 60+ mpg at legal motorway speeds on the cruise control, handles superbly on the fast empty sweeping Scottish roads, and yet is nimble enough for the smaller single track routes such as the road over to Applecross.

They appear big but once riding the mass disappears and they can really hustle. Add in the luggage and pillion carrying and that the engine is from a Hayabusa/ZZR1400 performing class machine and, for me they are a fantastic package.

As for a Swiss army bike ..... I recently test road the 1290 KTM adventure thingy ..... now if pennies allowed THAT would be my Swiss army bike, it had the performance of the K and the adventure styling of the 800. Handled well, stopped well and went like hot snot

 

[waynem325]

The K12/13GT's are stunningly fast machines, given they're the same setup as the S and R variants. OK the GT version is slightly retuned for better low and mid range but still they're approaching 160hp and I've found are a match for many a sports machine on the north Wales roads Which really upsets the sports riders as of course they see huge fairing, huge panniers and BMW badge and assume lardy slow tourer.

However, there is a caveat .... don't consider a K44 K12/13 of any variant without the extended warranty. I have it, it costs me £36 pcm and includes the euro wide recovery and has been a God send. K44's are complex beasts with some expensive parts, thankfully because of the warranty BMW have had to pick up the tab on ABS pumps, ESA units etc. Things that to mere mortals with finite bank accounts would wince at

However, I love my K to bits, it's comfy enough for the dull motorway slogs, and will return 60+ mpg at legal motorway speeds on the cruise control, handles superbly on the fast empty sweeping Scottish roads, and yet is nimble enough for the smaller single track routes such as the road over to Applecross.

They appear big but once riding the mass disappears and they can really hustle. Add in the luggage and pillion carrying and that the engine is from a Hayabusa/ZZR1400 performing class machine and, for me they are a fantastic package

Oooh...I like the sound of that!
From the reviews yesterday I got that the performance was right up there, but I never take the reporters word for granted, but more so an indication that it could be what they describe.

I reckon I shall try and get a test ride...and of course the warranty is an absolute must! My ST developed piston slap but fortunately BMW picked up the tab - over £3k! The bike wasn't worth too much more than that.

 

[slparry]

Oooh...I like the sound of that!
From the reviews yesterday I got that the performance was right up there, but I never take the reporters word for granted, but more so an indication that it could be what they describe.

I reckon I shall try and get a test ride...and of course the warranty is an absolute must! My ST developed piston slap but fortunately BMW picked up the tab - over £3k! The bike wasn't worth too much more than that.

Let me know what you think when you do get the test drive, it'll be interesting to hear if someone non biased concurs

The gearbox in first is a bit clunky, but I've got used to that. Brakes are excellent, they go like billy-o and if you wind them past 7K the induction note changes to a roar and it's off like a scalded cat (but is still damn quick before 7 too )

To put things into perspective the ST1300 is a mere 125 hp, but weights 5 stone more than a K13GT which is 160 hp (the 12GT is 152 hp) .... and the Triumph Trophy at 132 hp is 7 stones heavier ... heck that's almost a permanent pillion passenger

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/bmw/k1200gt/2006/

 

[DesertStormer]

I've the 800GS ADV and often ride two up with full metal luggage and a tankbag. Performance is adequate, in fact very much like my old 1100GS with a bit less weight. Downsides are my pillion finds it very difficult to get off the bike because of the width of the panniers. We have to be careful to balance the bike whilst I get off first, so she leans outwards as I climb off with it on its side stand. She can then climb off with me holding the bike to stop it tipping over towards me. It's more tricky with a full fuel tank so I only ever half fill it two up.

 

[ferrol]

I go 2 up with the missus on my f650gs twin. Vario panniers and top box. If I was camping I'd replace the top box with a roll bag.

I can still have fun with us both plus gear (Though we both aren't massive ). Think people have travelled with smaller bikes just fine so I'd expect the 800 to not OK.

You ARE touring not racing.

Go do shake down weekend somewhere local.

 

[redtape]

No problem at all.
Two up all around Europe and even done Morocco two with full ali luggage.
I had to get the comfy seat upgrade for the pillion after the first trip to South of France but after that she was fine.
I just stand with the bike up and pillion using the footpeg climbs off.

You don't have to ride fast all the time, but easy to do 80mph two up, and very nimble.

 

[ferrol]

Yer forgot to add I too use pannier inner bags. Hand to your other half "this us yours, pack what you want "

 

[waynem325]

Thanks for your comments guys!

If I can find one local (K12/13GT) I will get a test ride and let you know my thoughts. Other than for commuting, it seems like the perfect bike. (The commute I think I'll be having would be gridlocked dual and single carriageways). Having said that, I wonder how thin the bike will feel without the panniers?

I still like the idea of an F8GS, which will fill a lot of my requirements and be great for both commuting and using as an introduction to green lanes, though I would need to test with a pillion before committing.

At the moment I reckon that the K12/13GT would be the better choice, but I can't help but think that if I had them both in my garage, then I'd probably make a beeline for the F8GS for most of my riding???

A test of both is needed!!!

 

[Phil-H]

It sounds like you are over thinking/complicating things.

Most bikes are suitable for most uses if you want them to be.
I went 5k, 2up camping to Greece for a month on a Transalp, a month after our return, a 3k 'lads' trip to Romania (the bike performed great btw), if an 800gs can't do a leisurely weekend to Belgium 2up or scratch with the sporty ones there's really no hope.

Forget sporty, adv, mega hp etc - it's the rider that'll determine what a bike'll do, so buy what you fancy and ENJOY IT

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

It sounds like you are over thinking/complicating things.

Most bikes are suitable for most uses if you want them to be.
I went 5k, 2up camping to Greece for a month on a Transalp, a month after our return, a 3k 'lads' trip to Romania (the bike performed great btw), if an 800gs can't do a leisurely weekend to Belgium 2up or scratch with the sporty ones there's really no hope.

Forget sporty, adv, mega hp etc - it's the rider that'll determine what a bike'll do, so buy what you fancy and ENJOY IT

Exactly

I saw a young couple (in their 20's) last week in the Dales, on a CRF 250 L, 2up with some throwovers on & a tent strapped across the headlamp cowl

Adventure touring is all about mindset not the size of bike

 

[waynem325]

It sounds like you are over thinking/complicating things.

Most bikes are suitable for most uses if you want them to be.
I went 5k, 2up camping to Greece for a month on a Transalp, a month after our return, a 3k 'lads' trip to Romania (the bike performed great btw), if an 800gs can't do a leisurely weekend to Belgium 2up or scratch with the sporty ones there's really no hope.

Forget sporty, adv, mega hp etc - it's the rider that'll determine what a bike'll do, so buy what you fancy and ENJOY IT

I might be over complicating things, but I don't think I am.
For me a bike has got to work in the areas I need it to. I concede that I may have too many boxes to tick for a single bike, but I've been searching for over 24 years now and I'm getting tired of changing bikes all the time. There must be a bike that ticks more boxes than any other, or maybe to really get the best ticks in all boxes a second bike needs to be considered?

The K bike seems to be a much improved, better equipped bike than my RT is. The engine has the power whilst the bike has the comforts. I know it'll be a heavy bike and filtering won't be quite as easy as I'd like. Until riding I won't know how it performs at slow speed manoeuvres, and how stable it is?

I love the whole range of GS bikes, and especially my 75th anniversary edition. But it is heavy and I will probably never off road with it. It is fun on the twisties, but it's not a sportsbike.
I once had an F8GS as a courtesy bike and loved every minute of riding it. It felt much faster and safer through the corners than my 11 does but felt much the same on straights. It's a much lighter bike and one which I would love to try off roading on. On paper and in my head it seems to be a fun bike, which can be serious when needed. I don't know if the power would give me the buzz I seem to be looking for, but all other boxes could be ticked?

Maybe a should write a list of all my needs so I can see a hard copy of ticked boxes???
Maybe I'm just someone who is hard to satisfy?

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I might be over complicating things, but I don't think I am.
For me a bike has got to work in the areas I need it to. I concede that I may have too many boxes to tick for a single bike, but I've been searching for over 24 years now and I'm getting tired of changing bikes all the time. There must be a bike that ticks more boxes than any other, or maybe to really get the best ticks in all boxes a second bike needs to be considered?

The K bike seems to be a much improved, better equipped bike than my RT is. The engine has the power whilst the bike has the comforts. I know it'll be a heavy bike and filtering won't be quite as easy as I'd like. Until riding I won't know how it performs at slow speed manoeuvres, and how stable it is?

I love the whole range of GS bikes, and especially my 75th anniversary edition. But it is heavy and I will probably never off road with it. It is fun on the twisties, but it's not a sportsbike.
I once had an F8GS as a courtesy bike and loved every minute of riding it. It felt much faster and safer through the corners than my 11 does but felt much the same on straights. It's a much lighter bike and one which I would love to try off roading on. On paper and in my head it seems to be a fun bike, which can be serious when needed. I don't know if the power would give me the buzz I seem to be looking for, but all other boxes could be ticked?

Maybe a should write a list of all my needs so I can see a hard copy of ticked boxes???
Maybe I'm just someone who is hard to satisfy?

Offroading a F800GS, still too heavy