800GS to 1200GS ADV

[paulrollings]

Hello - I'm late in life (45) to motorbikes, passed my test about a year ago (no previous bike experience) and since then have clocked 15,000 miles on my 63 plate BMW F800GS. It's mainly commuting miles, although did a fab trip thru France and Germany to Black Forrest this year, mines the blue one in the middle

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulrollings/21381276095/in/dateposted-public/" title="1911124_10152957377206464_3589194509507722760_o"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/692/21381276095_62f87acea3_z.jpg" width="640" height="312" alt="1911124_10152957377206464_3589194509507722760_o"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I love my bike and its perfect for my 30 mile ride into work (country lanes and zipping through city centre traffic), I seem to average about 65 mpg, so very cheap to run. However, having said all that, I had a 1200GS as a loan bike while mine was in for a service ...... the 1200 was smooth and very comfortable and blasting along motorways it was very easy. Besides the daily commute I would like to do some longer trips next year down to Spain, Nordics, Italy, Transfagarasan etc etc.

Would really appreciate your thoughts, should I upgrade to the 1200 .....

Cheers

Paul

 

[Somanybikes..so little]

Hello - I'm late in life (45) to motorbikes, passed my test about a year ago (no previous bike experience) and since then have clocked 15,000 miles on my 63 plate BMW F800GS. It's mainly commuting miles, although did a fab trip thru France and Germany to Black Forrest this year, mines the blue one in the middle

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulrollings/21381276095/in/dateposted-public/" title="1911124_10152957377206464_3589194509507722760_o"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/692/21381276095_62f87acea3_z.jpg" width="640" height="312" alt="1911124_10152957377206464_3589194509507722760_o"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I love my bike and its perfect for my 30 mile ride into work (country lanes and zipping through city centre traffic), I seem to average about 65 mpg, so very cheap to run. However, having said all that, I had a 1200GS as a loan bike while mine was in for a service ...... the 1200 was smooth and very comfortable and blasting along motorways it was very easy. Besides the daily commute I would like to do some longer trips next year down to Spain, Nordics, Italy, Transfagarasan etc etc.

Would really appreciate your thoughts, should I upgrade to the 1200 .....

Cheers

Paul

Paul,

I've done almost the same as you but 5 years later in life (I wish now I'd done it when I was 30 not 50!)

Passed my test last year and bought an F800 used it for trips and commuting and a few months back bought a 10 plate 1200GS (Twin cam) - if anything its slightly lower and yes its a wee bit heavier but within a week I was incredibly comfortable with 1200 - its smoothness / torque / sound / "presence" etc etc.

You can be as hard or gently on the bike but with its lower gearing and ample torque its a lovely bike to potter along with when the mood takes you or ......

Mine's a standard bike with Premium Dynamic etc but I've put on bigger Aluminium panniers - I work in the North of Scotland and use it for day / overnight trips with tools etc.

I'm probably going to sell this one too next as I think I'll go for the full blown adventure soon for its range

Economy will not be so good - I'd count on a real 53 / 54 on a long run but not much lower for short / spirited rides.

Wouldn't go back to an 800, thoroughly enjoyed it but love the 1200

With the exception of economy (and capital cost) I can see no advantage of the 800 over the 1200.

The short answer therefore is Yes - do it (I'll even sell you the bike !!)

Happy to discuss more - don't worry I promise not to mention my bike again!

 

[grin factor]

Go for it. In my book life is too short not to. I'm pushing 60 now and about to change my bike again after 2 years.

 

[Reggie P]

I'm in a similar "boat" to you.
Have enjoyed my F650GS , then F800GS ( 2013) . It did everything I needed. Cheap to run and fun.
Importantly for me; its easy to filter through traffic.Not dissimilar to riding a pushbike ( mountain bike ).

I'd ridden 1200's owned by friends and 2016 dealer demo's but they didn't really capture my heart. They always felt a tad "floaty" and "disconnected".

However a few days in South Africa really changed my mind. I think the 1200 is a bike that doesn't immediately impress. However the long distance capability and "friendly" nature meant that after a few days I knew I had to own one.

I'm collecting my 2016 triple black in 10 days, gearshift pro, panniers and free Nav GPS.
Only you can make the choice. I think you may have already made it .

 

[paulrollings]

Thanks everyone.

Yes I'm about 80% mind made-up, my only nagging doubt is filtering through rush hour traffic, my 800GS is great at squeezing through the gaps but a bit worried about doing the same on a 1200GSA, does anyone have any experience of commuting on a 1200GSA ?

@stuartw - oooh very nice post some pics

 

[seahorse]

Plenty of people commuting on 1200s. I have done so myself, but have recently bought an F650GS twin for the commute. Fantastic bike for that, much better than the 1200 and 65mpg into the bargain! I just use the 1200 for non-commuting stuff now.

 

[paulrollings]

OK I've done it. I'm trading in my 2 year old F800GS and have just placed an order for a racing red R1200GS Adventure TE with Gearshift Assist Pro and keyless ride. Will be ready at end of November ...... :-D