Anyone here gone from a 1200/1150 to the 800?

[SpyInTheCamp]

Just wondering if I should consider the 800 as a potential replacement for my age-ing 1200GS (Over 5 years old and 48,000 miles on the clock). If anyone else has done the change or considered it then I'd appreciate your views.

Ideally, I'd like another 1200 but the price is becoming hard to justify and to be honest it'll mostly be used for commuting anyway. So it would arguably be a bit of a sledgehammer to crack a walnut.

There are many aspects of the 1200 that I like - riding position, grunt, balance/handling and its practical touches. To what extent would I be missing out if I went for an 800? I suppose that it's relative lack of power is my biggest concern.

Kai

 

[SpyInTheCamp]

Ah, just saw this...
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=128064

 

[GunZenBomZ]

Good stuff

 

[dogman]

Yes I did. I had a GS1200 08 and Adventure 09 but went for a GS800 in the end and now settled nicely. Feels just like the 1200 in size, ride and performance, but smoother, better handling and much much more economical - 20 mpg more for every gallon... Oh and did I mention £3k cheaper? Plus did a lot of comparison reading between the two bikes on every forum there is and I can conclude as far as you can that the 800 is suffering with far less problems than the 12's. Only time will prove me right or wrong on that one, but overall the 800 suits me better. If you are serious a long test ride is essential but forget the stock seat as it's shite!

 

[robinpinkney]

Yes I did. I had a GS1200 08 and Adventure 09 but went for a GS800 in the end and now settled nicely. Feels just like the 1200 in size, ride and performance, but smoother, better handling and much much more economical - 20 mpg more for every gallon... Oh and did I mention £3k cheaper? Plus did a lot of comparison reading between the two bikes on every forum there is and I can conclude as far as you can that the 800 is suffering with far less problems than the 12's. Only time will prove me right or wrong on that one, but overall the 800 suits me better. If you are serious a long test ride is essential but forget the stock seat as it's shite!

Just wondering what aftermarket seat you went for Dogman?

 

[dogman]

Just wondering what aftermarket seat you went for Dogman?

Went for the BMW comfort as the showroom had one ready to slot on the day I picked it up. It felt a hell of a lot better than the wooden plank standard fitment, although I have not sat on a Sargent so cant tell if that is any better.
I'm happy with it and it is softening up a bedding in now.

 

[Dean]

I should imagine a fair few people have gone from the 12 to the 8, but mainly for financial reasons, but i bet they realy miss it

I mean the well planted feel, the road presence, the boxer engine pulling with that huge torque anvantage over the 8, 3rd gear is often like auto through the twisties, and going far fully loaded with pillion surely its a no brainer for comfort levels

Mind if yr buying new and want to save a few grand and your a single one up soloist yeah its fun its like the f650 but prettier, change the seat and the screen etc . then you can ride it and pretend you do not miss your 12

 

[HR0]

i have changed from the 1150adv to the f800gs and really enjoy the bike its really fun and flickable yet is also suited to 2 up ride outs . i have also done european trips (one up with bags) and its great. i've posted stuff on this before and all i can say is i've not regretted the swap in fact i love the lightness. but its a personal choice and you need to find a dealer that will give you a LOOOOONg test ride.

good luck with the decision

h