Considering a 800gs, over a 1200gs.

[s1lVa]

Hello! I just discovered this forum, and i would like to start off with some questions i've been thinking about.

I love to travel, and I love bikes. In the past I've rented bikes on holidays to get the experience, but now i want to do it like it should be done.
And ofcourse ive been watching Boorman & McGregor on their 1200s, which takes me to the question.

1. A 1200gs is a heavy bike, and im 183cm and 78 kg's. Would a 800gs just go fine? I'm thinking about a 2008'ish model, unless the new 2013 has some good advantages?
What is important for me is to travel light, and it would also be easier on difficult terrain.
2. There are other options as well, like the KTM Adv 990, Triumph Tiger 800, and the KTM adv 1200, which is kind of heavy again.
3. fuel capacity/mpg. Big difference between the bikes?

 

[Big Nick]

Solo and more off road- get an 800

Passenger and more road - get a 1200

 

[Yellow Peril]

I think if I was solo I would be looking at the new 800 adv, in mind solo has a number of advantages over the 1200's

 

[Biffabacon]

Test ride a 800gs at your local BMW dealer, and your decision will be made great bikes and very economical

 

[snappo]

Unless you're going to be 2 up with loads of luggage, the 800 will do everything you want, and it's better on fuel than the 1200.

If mine got nicked or written off tomorro I'd go straight out and buy another, bloody brilliant bike!

 

[jtw000]

The 800 is a pretty bike but it's flawed, very flawed. For serious travel it's just not up to it. I had two mates who crossed South America, one broke down 27 times, the other had many issues, usually the same ones. I had one, I loved it but it showed many of the common problems before I even used it for travel. Just be aware it's built to sell bikes and they know that 99.9% of the buyers use it to go to the coffee shop instead of crossing the desert. I met a couple of Europeans who had just crossed Pakistan on 800s and both said it was hard going on such a heavy bike.
KTM990 - no, just no. I rode with a guy on one and it was painful. On open stretches, he had the edge, everywhere else it was far too heavy. Also it broke down a lot. A lot... I had to tow him through a village in India when it just refused to work.
Triumph? If you even have to ask then you've not done your homework yet.

 

[karlp]

The 800 is a pretty bike but it's flawed, very flawed. For serious travel it's just not up to it. I had two mates who crossed South America, one broke down 27 times, the other had many issues, usually the same ones. I had one, I loved it but it showed many of the common problems before I even used it for travel. Just be aware it's built to sell bikes and they know that 99.9% of the buyers use it to go to the coffee shop instead of crossing the desert. I met a couple of Europeans who had just crossed Pakistan on 800s and both said it was hard going on such a heavy bike.
KTM990 - no, just no. I rode with a guy on one and it was painful. On open stretches, he had the edge, everywhere else it was far too heavy. Also it broke down a lot. A lot... I had to tow him through a village in India when it just refused to work.
Triumph? If you even have to ask then you've not done your homework yet.

so which bike then ???

 

[jags]

800?

so which bike then ???

Yamaha 660 tenere..?

 

[sijohnston]

The 800 is a pretty bike but it's flawed, very flawed. For serious travel it's just not up to it. I had two mates who crossed South America, one broke down 27 times, the other had many issues, usually the same ones. I had one, I loved it but it showed many of the common problems before I even used it for travel. Just be aware it's built to sell bikes and they know that 99.9% of the buyers use it to go to the coffee shop instead of crossing the desert. I met a couple of Europeans who had just crossed Pakistan on 800s and both said it was hard going on such a heavy bike.
KTM990 - no, just no. I rode with a guy on one and it was painful. On open stretches, he had the edge, everywhere else it was far too heavy. Also it broke down a lot. A lot... I had to tow him through a village in India when it just refused to work.
Triumph? If you even have to ask then you've not done your homework yet.

You seem to be down on everything here pal? You're obviously riding the bike that Jesus built??? My 800 was bought when they came out in early 2008 and did 40k miles in 2 years, which included a trip to Mongolia and Siberia not to mention jaunts into Europe. I couldn't disagree more with you on a) reliability and b) heaviness. Everything mechanical will have horror stories, and you cite one example out of many overlanders who are more than happy with their steed. Also, your Europeans, were they 3 feet and suffering with eating disorders, because if so, then I can understand their problem with it. Funnily, I met many riders on my trip, and nearly all of them were going to go home and trade in their African Twins (heavier), 1200's (heavier), and KLR's (lighter) for the F8.

Sorry, just had to offer some balance and first hand experience to contextless anecdotes.

 

[Time Traveller]

Yamaha 660 tenere..?

Italian built. Italian wiring. After my rectifier went twice and it broke down for the third time all in the space of three months, I got rid of mine.

Oh.and when it rained the water that passed trough the frame left a "sunrise orange" puddle on the floor. Italian metal too, me thinks.

 

[s1lVa]

I went to the KTM dealership and got a look at the new 1190 Adventure, and im sold really... I am probably going to be hated for saying this at a BMW forum, but please, be open-minded