mumfy
Registered user
i am thinking of choping my 1150gs in for a new 800gs this year (sept) but after seeing all the problems with them i am now not so sure so all the help with my dilemma will be appreciated
800gs how good
- Thread starter mumfy
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Some of the older problems have been sorted (e.g. stalling at traffic lights, radiator top hose); the chain issue looks like it will be sorted soon with a recall. And it's worth stressing that some owners have had no problems at all.
What you would certainly notice is a massive decrease in fuel bills. Riding with a mate on a 1150GSA, he was sticking in €30 of fuel each stop when I was sticking in €18.
What you would certainly notice is a massive decrease in fuel bills. Riding with a mate on a 1150GSA, he was sticking in €30 of fuel each stop when I was sticking in €18.
I changed from an 1150GSA to the 800, brought it with 7K now has 12k and had no problems whatsoever, however it had recall work done prior to my ownership.
The front end will seem soggy compared to the telelever of the 1150 but you'll soon get used to it and you won't miss the weight, the 800 will feel like a 125 by comparison. As Tim says they have fantastic fuel economy and I have found servicing to be cheaper than the 1150 too.
On the twisties and bumpy back roads you will probably find you are riding quicker without actually trying. The throttle is like an on off switch compared to the 1150 which has a huge amount of twisting by comparison and can catch you out on the rough bits with unintentional openings until you get used to it. This bike will turn you into a hooligan it just encourages you to hoon around on it.
Its more than quick enough but I find you have to work a little harder as the engine is peaky and I feel it lacks the torque of the GSA, therefore you use the gearbox a bit more to keep it on song. For long distance or two up work i'm not so keen on it, weather protection is poor but a bigger screen helps, so avoid motorways. The seat is crap and can only be described as an instrument of torture, I use an airhawk, the rear is small too and no better for the pillion.
Overall i've no regrets but I am picking up a new 1200GSA next month, I'm lucky enough to be able to keep the 800, I couldn't bare to part with it, I will use it for solo work and the 1200 for big distance or 2 up touring etc.
Thats my experience, others may differ, hope it helps.
The front end will seem soggy compared to the telelever of the 1150 but you'll soon get used to it and you won't miss the weight, the 800 will feel like a 125 by comparison. As Tim says they have fantastic fuel economy and I have found servicing to be cheaper than the 1150 too.
On the twisties and bumpy back roads you will probably find you are riding quicker without actually trying. The throttle is like an on off switch compared to the 1150 which has a huge amount of twisting by comparison and can catch you out on the rough bits with unintentional openings until you get used to it. This bike will turn you into a hooligan it just encourages you to hoon around on it.
Its more than quick enough but I find you have to work a little harder as the engine is peaky and I feel it lacks the torque of the GSA, therefore you use the gearbox a bit more to keep it on song. For long distance or two up work i'm not so keen on it, weather protection is poor but a bigger screen helps, so avoid motorways. The seat is crap and can only be described as an instrument of torture, I use an airhawk, the rear is small too and no better for the pillion.
Overall i've no regrets but I am picking up a new 1200GSA next month, I'm lucky enough to be able to keep the 800, I couldn't bare to part with it, I will use it for solo work and the 1200 for big distance or 2 up touring etc.
Thats my experience, others may differ, hope it helps.
everywherevirtually
Registered user
Pretty much what fatbaldbob says. You can improve the motorway wind protection a lot. I added Nippy Normans winglets and a Touratech screen with an MRA spoiler. That made it as good as the 1200GSA. Again I used an airhawk. With fuel, crash bars, other farkles and luggage the bike is still in the 200+ kg bracket. Looks can be deceptive.
I've done 35,000 miles on mine and had I been able to afford it I would have kept it.
I've done 35,000 miles on mine and had I been able to afford it I would have kept it.
parrot
Registered user
Have had an 1150gs (briefly) in the past, now on an 800gs.
Only problem has been a failed ews, everything else sorted under warranty, before it was, or would have ever been a problem.
More or less what fatbaldbob and Tim have said.
Only down side for me has been the seat, fixed with a gel pad courtesy of Tony Archer.
Would I go back to a boxer gs... no
would I get another 800..yes
Only problem has been a failed ews, everything else sorted under warranty, before it was, or would have ever been a problem.
More or less what fatbaldbob and Tim have said.
Only down side for me has been the seat, fixed with a gel pad courtesy of Tony Archer.
Would I go back to a boxer gs... no
would I get another 800..yes
Kaze
Registered user
I'm pretty much in agreement with fatbaldbob. Bought min in Oct 08, never had any problems other than the fuel gauge being inaccurate, but that's hardly a big problem.
I've had an 1100GS before, not tried an 1150 but assuming they're fairly similar. I agree on the distance particularly motorway riding the 800's not as good, wind protection isn't up to much and it's a bit buzzy, could do with an overdrive.
Good news - it's fantastic on the b-roads, excellent handling and will have you grinning from ear to ear even within legal limits.
The seat is'nt as comfy as the 1100, but I don'y find it as bad as some here say, I've ridden up to 7 hours in a day and find it bearable.
I took one out for a decent test ride and was hooked, done just over 5k in total now and still love it, certainly wouldn't want to move back to the 1100, even if I was doing distance work.
I've had an 1100GS before, not tried an 1150 but assuming they're fairly similar. I agree on the distance particularly motorway riding the 800's not as good, wind protection isn't up to much and it's a bit buzzy, could do with an overdrive.
Good news - it's fantastic on the b-roads, excellent handling and will have you grinning from ear to ear even within legal limits.
The seat is'nt as comfy as the 1100, but I don'y find it as bad as some here say, I've ridden up to 7 hours in a day and find it bearable.
I took one out for a decent test ride and was hooked, done just over 5k in total now and still love it, certainly wouldn't want to move back to the 1100, even if I was doing distance work.
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That's the fault of the idiot who thought sticking the close ration gearbox from the 800S/ST into the GS was a good idea.
The different sprockets on the F650GS twin means its gearing is far better for high speed but even more overgeared for low speed than the F800GS.
(RIP) Ewan
Registered user
How good?......
.....Very good, IMHO. Mine is actually the smallest bike I've owned (Varadero 1000 then Tiger 1050, now F800GS), and I haven't put that many miles on it yet, but I love it so far! Seat isn't great but doesn't kill me either, if I'm riding more than a tankful in one go I use an airhawk.
Wind protection and comfort not a match for the Varadero, but then it's much more nimble and easy to handle, more fun in the twisties and livelier on the throttle.
Wouldn't buy it for two up touring, but me and the missus (to be) are taking a pair of F800s on a trip for our honeymoon, and I can't wait!
Good luck, take the plunge!
.....Very good, IMHO. Mine is actually the smallest bike I've owned (Varadero 1000 then Tiger 1050, now F800GS), and I haven't put that many miles on it yet, but I love it so far! Seat isn't great but doesn't kill me either, if I'm riding more than a tankful in one go I use an airhawk.
Wind protection and comfort not a match for the Varadero, but then it's much more nimble and easy to handle, more fun in the twisties and livelier on the throttle.
Wouldn't buy it for two up touring, but me and the missus (to be) are taking a pair of F800s on a trip for our honeymoon, and I can't wait!
Good luck, take the plunge!
Test rode one today - liked it a lot. Power when you need it.
The only downside for me was the low screen at the front - at 70 it was a bit "buffety" - just that Im more used to the 1200's bigger screens. Other than that, a cracking bike!
The only downside for me was the low screen at the front - at 70 it was a bit "buffety" - just that Im more used to the 1200's bigger screens. Other than that, a cracking bike!
As all the above 
40,000 plus on mine and with every mile a smile. Economy ... riding with a pal on an 1150, 170 to 180 miles in a day, I will be putting eleven to thirteen Euro's less in at the refills. Tankful to push 73mpg
But economy is just one reason, it's a helluva package in my book.
Any problems are relevant to personal likes/dislikes and so can be sorted with aftermarket bits to suit yersen
40,000 plus on mine and with every mile a smile. Economy ... riding with a pal on an 1150, 170 to 180 miles in a day, I will be putting eleven to thirteen Euro's less in at the refills. Tankful to push 73mpg
But economy is just one reason, it's a helluva package in my book.
Any problems are relevant to personal likes/dislikes and so can be sorted with aftermarket bits to suit yersen
again as all above
put 4000+ miles on mine in the last 2 months of ownership (09 - 2nd owner)
including a 700 (rtn) miles visit to London via motorway trip (which I wasn't
looking forward to, motorway = dull), last weekend, but bike was a lot better than I anticipated,
I even went out for dinner on arrival & didn't fall asleep
.
On twisties/offroad(ish) I'll freely admit to: I'll run out of talent/skill before the
bike does. The fuel economy is pretty impressive.
Disclaimer: I come from a thumper background. XT's,
F650 (singles).. darn it's smooth. Seat is getting better (for me) at first it
was hell, but longest single day A/B roads 420 miles, I guess it is breaking me in.
Cheers
rml
put 4000+ miles on mine in the last 2 months of ownership (09 - 2nd owner)
including a 700 (rtn) miles visit to London via motorway trip (which I wasn't
looking forward to, motorway = dull), last weekend, but bike was a lot better than I anticipated,
I even went out for dinner on arrival & didn't fall asleep
. On twisties/offroad(ish) I'll freely admit to: I'll run out of talent/skill before the
bike does. The fuel economy is pretty impressive.
Disclaimer: I come from a thumper background. XT's,
F650 (singles).. darn it's smooth. Seat is getting better (for me) at first it
was hell, but longest single day A/B roads 420 miles, I guess it is breaking me in.
Cheers
rml
I have just got a new 2010 GS800 after having a R1200GS then an F800R. The GS let me down badly with 300 miles and the R just felt a bit small. This is the way to go for me. The bike has everything, size, comfort (BMW comfort seat big improvement over stock seat) and also use an airhawk on a long drive which is like relaxing in an armchair! Lovely. Economy is superb compared to the boxer and It feels just as fast to me. Handles like a dream. The chains have now been upgraded and all the teething problems have been sorted. Have a decent test ride but dont be put off by the awful standard seat.
All of the problems are well documented, and should have been sorted by now.
If you've got any life left in you, then you'll love the 800GS. This bike is definately for the 'young at heart'. I looked at both, and even though I was fast approaching 50, I just wasn't ready for an 1150.
The 800 is way better for everyday riding, lighter, quicker, more chuckable, and much better economy. It can also do the long distance stuff well. It's only real shortcomings are to do with the screen and seat, and both are easily fixed.
If you're rich (and can afford the fuel), and only ever do long distance trips, then the 1150 is probably better for you. If you live in the real world, with only one or two big trips a year, then the 800 is far better.
If you've got any life left in you, then you'll love the 800GS. This bike is definately for the 'young at heart'. I looked at both, and even though I was fast approaching 50, I just wasn't ready for an 1150.
The 800 is way better for everyday riding, lighter, quicker, more chuckable, and much better economy. It can also do the long distance stuff well. It's only real shortcomings are to do with the screen and seat, and both are easily fixed.
If you're rich (and can afford the fuel), and only ever do long distance trips, then the 1150 is probably better for you. If you live in the real world, with only one or two big trips a year, then the 800 is far better.
Dave Ett
Registered user
Love mine to bits. I ride it for fun, for long trips, to nip to the Welsh coast for a cuppa, wherever I wanna go it's up for it.
Was fantastic in Morocco, and never missed a beat riding 1800 miles in three days back from the Saraha across Morocco, Spain and France.
Change the seat for something like the Touratech one and you can ride it all day. Other farkles depend on what you want to do, but bear inmind everything you fit adds weight!
I average 60mpg, though rarely top 85. Engine is a peach - the best part of it in my opinion.
Was fantastic in Morocco, and never missed a beat riding 1800 miles in three days back from the Saraha across Morocco, Spain and France.
Change the seat for something like the Touratech one and you can ride it all day. Other farkles depend on what you want to do, but bear inmind everything you fit adds weight!
I average 60mpg, though rarely top 85. Engine is a peach - the best part of it in my opinion.
sijohnston
Registered user
used to want a 1200, but now i wouldn't want one about me. was out with a mate yesterday on his 1200 with 10k miles on it and the final drive oil seal blew out on it. i'd rather lube a chain every 350 miles.
the 800 is big enough for me (I'm 6"1') as i want something that can do everything reasonably well (i'm a one bike bloke). have toured two up for 10 days on it and camping - comfortable and still composed.
have done 25k on it and i use it only for recreational purposes (ie don't commute etc). as it was one of the first batch there were a few problems but those have all been sorted. i leave for mongolia/siberia in a few weeks, so will be better placed to answer your question when i get back. if i could go for anything else, i'd consider the 650 x-challenge, but as it is, i'd buy another 800 tomorrow if i wrote mine off.
the 800 is big enough for me (I'm 6"1') as i want something that can do everything reasonably well (i'm a one bike bloke). have toured two up for 10 days on it and camping - comfortable and still composed.
have done 25k on it and i use it only for recreational purposes (ie don't commute etc). as it was one of the first batch there were a few problems but those have all been sorted. i leave for mongolia/siberia in a few weeks, so will be better placed to answer your question when i get back. if i could go for anything else, i'd consider the 650 x-challenge, but as it is, i'd buy another 800 tomorrow if i wrote mine off.
chas820
Registered user
I`ve had mine a couple of months now and have just done a 1000miles round Normandy.No problems with the seat which suprised me no end as my other bike (R1100rt)usually gives me gip after a couple of hours.This bike makes me smile every ride,i love the exhaust bark and the lightness when moving through the twisties.Just need to sort out some luggage and then i`m selling the rt as it feels like a barge now.
Had mine since septemer last year and I still love it, having had a 1200GS a couple of years ago and several airheads in the past.
Mine hasn't missed a beat yet (Opps that'll do it then!) and I agree with everything that has been said except about the seat, which i find quite comfy but then again I switched straight from a CCM 604E which has an Acerbis motocross seat as standard... the 800 is bliss in comparison.
Mine hasn't missed a beat yet (Opps that'll do it then!) and I agree with everything that has been said except about the seat, which i find quite comfy but then again I switched straight from a CCM 604E which has an Acerbis motocross seat as standard... the 800 is bliss in comparison.
Love mine to bits
10,000 + miles by way of commuting, touring, blasts on horrid lumpy, bumpy, gravel covered muddy East Anglular back lanes...anything asked of the bee dealt with happily...!!
Failing ignition electronics were a bit of an issue but I seem to have been massivley unlucky in that respect but sweet as a nut other than that
OK, the seat is, well, firm but never caused me any real problems and now much improved by a £12 "lambie" (a piece of sheepskin to the rest of you..!)
Lumpy drive-train feel sorted by replacing the shitty, shitty, shitty (did I mention it was shitty...?) original chain
Mme B
10,000 + miles by way of commuting, touring, blasts on horrid lumpy, bumpy, gravel covered muddy East Anglular back lanes...anything asked of the bee dealt with happily...!!
Failing ignition electronics were a bit of an issue but I seem to have been massivley unlucky in that respect but sweet as a nut other than that
OK, the seat is, well, firm but never caused me any real problems and now much improved by a £12 "lambie" (a piece of sheepskin to the rest of you..!)
Lumpy drive-train feel sorted by replacing the shitty, shitty, shitty (did I mention it was shitty...?) original chain
Mme B
12000 miles, in all weather, brilliant bike. only problems leaky rocker gasket & the starter button fell out somewhere! all sorted under warranty.
Fitted scottoiler myself and have no chain problems... yet...
F
Fitted scottoiler myself and have no chain problems... yet...
F
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