650 to 800 upgrade

[gwigglesworth]

OK OK I am sure it is here somewhere.

the GS650 is £1100 less than the GS 800...
So can a 650 be 'chipped' to be the 800... I know an extra front disc is handy but then again money in the bank is nice too..

Any thoughts.. or stop being tight and get the 800?

 

[samuelsnow]

I think if you added the costs of all the extra parts up you would have trouble getting them for £1100 so its worth the extra cash but really its about what you want out of the bike. The 800 is more capable off road and has a bit more grunt on road but if your not doing lots of dirt then its not much of an issue - the brakes are not all that so don't let the extra front disc fool you!

 

[mitch]

650/800

The difference in tune i'm told is the head so you can not re-chip as for get up and go not a lot between them till you get up the top end.

Mitch .

 

[Deleted account AWRT]

I'll most probably get abuse for saying this but IMHO it's a no brainer. The 650 seems to be aimed at the female market and the 800 at the male market. The differences are quite plain to see, so for me it wasn't a matter of cost it was a matter of look and feeling right on the bike.

 

[Buz]

I'll most probably get abuse for saying this but IMHO it's a no brainer. The 650 seems to be aimed at the female market and the 800 at the male market. The differences are quite plain to see, so for me it wasn't a matter of cost it was a matter of look and feeling right on the bike.

Unless of course you're like me, a short arse, then the sensible option is the 650

 

[Tim Cullis]

The main power difference is down to the cams and comes in mainly above 7000 revs which is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. Do you want to pay more for USD (but still not adjustable) front forks? Would you notice the different handlebars?

Both bikes are perfectly adequate for most people's skill levels offroad. The F650GS has better gearing for road touring, the F800GS is lower geared but still not low enough for control on steep downhill offroad sections.

 

[Ludlovian]

Buz has a point

Hi gwigglesworth,
I rode the 650 last year and had a recurrent quality issue with it so I've tried the 800 this year. I am only 5'8" and whilst not a big deal, the 650 was easier to manoevre. This is of course academic if you are 6'6"!

 

[BM_donator]

I had a 650 loaner while my 800 was in for service.

The extra power is not just noticeable above 7000 - it is noticeable right through the rev range (and yes, I have see the dyno results that claim different).

Torque is closer, but there is still noticeable extra shove in the 800 .

2 bike tests have shown the 800 actually making nearer or over 90bhp

Ride them back to back - you will see a difference.

(PS. I don't subscribe to the girls bike theory - the 650 is a great bike for new riders or those stepping up from something smaller)

(PPS. I do subscribe to the theory that Mag Grey ones are loads faster than yellow ones)

 

[Maxxx]

Hi gwigglesworth - they are 2 different bikes and you can't really compare them on paper - it depends on what kind of a bike you are looking for - take a look at my post here for a full explanation of what I mean as I've just taken both bikes for a back to back test ride.

 

[gwigglesworth]

All,

Thanks for the help... think I will have to make the trek to a BMW dealer... and find one open late into the evenings... or skive off work might be tricky....

Cheers

Graeme