800 or 1200?????

[Wizard]

The 800 is about 25Kg lighter than the 1200.
The 800 will do the same distance to a tank as the 1200.
The 800 carries more weight than the 1200.
The 800 is a hundred times better offroad than the 1200.
The 800 is longer and taller than the 1200.
The 800 is harder to lift than the 1200.

Having had a 1200, a 1200GSA, and now owning an F800GS, the 800 is by far the more versatile bike. Unless you're a complete nancy who can't stand a wee bit of wind, buy it.

 

[Gas'd Off]

the bigger bike will be smiles better if you want to head of across europe two up + luggage....

 

[Voyager61]

Having had the opportunity to ride the F800GS on- and off-road last week may I contribute the following:

First gear is too snatchy off-road and needs very subtle control (hard for me to do, but then I'm a complete noob at the off-road thing). But the bike will do just about everything in 2nd.

It's very well balanced (has the same kiind of poise as its bigger GS siblings - it felt no heavier than the G650 Xchallenge I swapped it for on BMW's off-road course, and was rather easier to ride.

But ... on-road? I really wouldn't want to go any great distance on one ... but then I am totally spoiled by my Adventure

My advice? Go test ride on on the road then go and do BMW's off-road school and have a go on one there.

Then spend your cash.

(BTW: I spent over two years road testing and thinking about the GS before I bought one.)

Hope that helps.

P

 

[Comfy Old Boots]

hi all, i know this has probarbly been asked loadsa times, but im gonna ask anyway!!, im in the process of looking for a bike i definatly want a gs, but can i make my mind up?, can i fook!!! a brand new 800 or a used 1200.

I want a bike that i can use on a regular basis for scratchin,day trips and trips away with the missus and i just cant make my mind up whether the 800 as a 2 up tourer is too small, or whether the 1200 is bang on as a 2 up tourer, but does seem to suffer with a few problems...........somebody help!!!!!

cheers Andy

I've got a lovely nine year old 85 series engine. I rode a gs1200a recently and it made me want the 800 more. Prefare my current but would like the new gs f800. Loads of power Chain