800 or 1200 ?

[scowler]

what do reckon on the new 800gs fellas ? the new 800 really appeals to me, did anyone read last weeks mcn with 1200gs v ktm ? the new 800 has the lighter weight / better handling re the ktm and the looks / build quality etc of its big brother ? best of both worlds ? discuss ! cheers. craig.

 

[loueye]

what do reckon on the new 800gs fellas ? the new 800 really appeals to me, did anyone read last weeks mcn with 1200gs v ktm ? the new 800 has the lighter weight / better handling re the ktm and the looks / build quality etc of its big brother ? best of both worlds ? discuss ! cheers. craig.

when does the 800 come out though?

Plus it's down to size................................that's what my lass keeps saying

 

[Mr K]

For me the 800 is lacking a couple of things that make the 1200 attractive to me:

1) The tele-lever front end: I borrowed the "courtesy" 650 Dakar last time I had the 1200 service and was mortified by the fork-dive under braking, upsetting cornering etc.

2) Shaft-drive - or even belt drive: What a luxury not to have luggage coated in chain-lube or to have to check/lube/adjust a chain every couple of days on a tour.

That said, it's a lighter bike and prolly just as fast, if not faster than the 1200 and it does look superb (IMHO)..

Just my 2p.

 

[Magwych]

I'm going to wait another 2 years for the F800GSA...

 

[Mort]

I have a 1200GS and a F800st, I am with Chris on this. The 800 is a smashing engine though.
If I was to take the bike off road more than once or twice a year I dare say I could be tempted.

 

[snoopy]

People forget you can run chains dry these days. Gone are the days of scot oilers and filth being flown everywhere. You've just got to put up with the surface rust.

Proper suspension will always feel planted and give more feedback than the tele-lever. The 650's suspension is not exactly wonderful out the box. Unfortunately the 800GS will no doubt come with crap budget suspension... maybe...

For me the 800 is lacking a couple of things that make the 1200 attractive to me:

1) The tele-lever front end: I borrowed the "courtesy" 650 Dakar last time I had the 1200 service and was mortified by the fork-dive under braking, upsetting cornering etc.

2) Shaft-drive - or even belt drive: What a luxury not to have luggage coated in chain-lube or to have to check/lube/adjust a chain every couple of days on a tour.

That said, it's a lighter bike and prolly just as fast, if not faster than the 1200 and it does look superb (IMHO)..

Just my 2p.

 

[ianboydsnr]

would have been better, if they had kept the belt and enclosed it a la Mz


I used to like that bit of my Mz

 

[Mort]

People forget you can run chains dry these days. Gone are the days of scot oilers and filth being flown everywhere. You've just got to put up with the surface rust.

Of course you can run chains dry.....just don't expect them to last very long. Even o-ring and X-ring chains need regular lubrication, try getting a warranty claim sorted out if you leave em dry.

 

[Borderraider]

Proper suspension will always feel planted and give more feedback than the tele-lever. The 650's suspension is not exactly wonderful out the box. Unfortunately the 800GS will no doubt come with crap budget suspension... maybe...

So crap budget suspension isn't as good as tele-lever which isn't as good as proper suspension..which is what?

 

[Mr K]

I remember trying to chase Metal Man and Panzer Patrol and going way hot into a bend which went off camber and tightened.....

....I was heading off for Romania the following week ..in my mind's eye I could see me and the 12 cart-wheeling into the forest with bits flying off both of us.....

As my toe kissed the deck I pulled on the front brake...........



...and my super - duper 'kin fantastic "un-reliable" gorgeous 1200... simply pulled into a tighter line..

...and we rode -on...all be it with a slightly elevated heartbeat

PS: I really hate chains - lube/wax ..whatever.. they ming if it's dusty, wet or dirty...

You can't do a 5,000 mile tour without furtling a chain...

 

[yalcrabm]

800 or 1200

cooper/mill bmw are having a launch day for the 800 in march (more grub) thats what they told us last saturday at the new 1200 launch

 

[Micky]

Nowt wrong with the chain drive... spray it, adjust it, spray it, replace it... £120 max. If the shaft lets go then you're down (up) the creek without a paddle

Going places on my F800GS I wouldn't wanna go with a shaft drive, unless I had a couple of 4x4's following, a minder or two, and satelite 'phone



www.adventure.gs

 

[snoopy]

So crap budget suspension isn't as good as tele-lever which isn't as good as proper suspension..which is what?

Proper suspension ... cartridge forks, everything adjustable, long travel.

 

[scowler]

my minds made up

after much deliberation and research , i'm going for the 800 , i won't be crossing the african desert or south american jungles for a few years yet so the 800 will do very nicely.just hope the waiting list isn't silly.

 

[Davy F]

I'm going to wait another 2 years for the F800GSA...

You'll be waiting much longer than you think..........

 

[snoopy]

The wind protection is going to be crap with that tiny screen. Bet loads of people whine when they get them that it's not as good cruising as the 1200GSA. A 'no shit' response will be in order...

 

[Mort]

The wind protection is going to be crap with that tiny screen. Bet loads of people whine when they get them that it's not as good cruising as the 1200GSA. A 'no shit' response will be in order...

So, so tempting




Agh, bugger it.... No Shit!!