Adv or not, that is the question.

[stumpi]

So,
I've decided a new 800 is the way to go...
Had 1150s and lots of KTMs and have guided in the Spanish mountains and the Middle Eastern desert so reckon I'm ok to be thinking about taking one of these into reasonably demanding off road situations for some fun.

I want a one bike does it all bike so have to be reasonably sensible, I will want to commute it a few days in the week and get it proper muddy at the weekends. I thought that screw it, if I'm spending $16k AU on one I might as well spend $20 which is the going rate for an Adv here and took myself off to the dealer to go see one. But wasn't prepared for how big it looks compared to the std 800, I mean its a huge difference, but isn't if that makes sense? Now Ive ridden the 800 and loved it, cheeky an flickable in the traffic, easy to handle off road.

Mycommute is 30 kms each way and the weekend stuff wont be any more than a couple of hours ride away so other than the way it looks why would I want the Adv. I don't need the extra range or even the big screen, Truth is I'm genuinely struggling to justify the bulk of the Adv when I start thinking about tracks trails and mud.

Has anyone done any "proper" off roading and compared the two for it? Not much on U toob other than a bit of green laning.

Not sure that I'm even askin you much other than to offer some opinion. Its not the money, I'm actually thinking of its main ability off road....

Thanks

Stumps

 

[REM]

I would go for the 800 and spend the $4000 difference on a suspension upgrade if you are really looking at off road capability. I have done the Shiver conversion to my forks which cost about £400 for new springs and revalving and machining - gives me fully adjustable cartridges and makes a massive improvement. Thinking about the shock next when funds permit. You dont have to go the DIY route you can buy fork cartridges from Ohlins, Touratech. For extra fuel buy a rotopax and attach to your pannier frame or rear carrier.

 

[stumpi]

Thanks,

I think I've decided the same to be fair.....

Now got to find one.

 

[Dean]

Now got to find one.

Plenty F8's here, in the for sale and wanted come and go. (you gotta subscribe to view ) well worth it, with other benefits an all, if your serious

My standard 8 has uprated suspension, screen, etc but don't look at me i'm no Sam Sunderland

 

[Bryn]

Thanks,


Now got to find one.

Wouldn't look anywhere but here

 

[aspiring]

i suspect the OP is in australia

 

[Bendy toy]

I would say the 800 wins by being smaller and lighter. The 1200 is big anyway so might as well go the whole hog with the GSA.
TBH if the F800 had used Hossack or Saxon-Motodd forks (sorry Duolever or TeleLever) I might well have had one.


Sent from a widget that can't spell.

 

[stumpi]

Thanks all,
Yes correct, we now live in Oz.
Thanks for your thoughts, I tried to buy a used 2011 bike today but the guy wouldn't deal.
Looks like it'll be a new one now. Which is pushing me the Adv route as the prices are quite close and I've been offered a decent deal.

By the way I was deliberating between std 800 and Adv 800, wouldn't want a 12.. Too fat for the commute over here...... ;-)