Considering the F800 GS, could do with some advice :)

[PRAETORIAN]

Come on then, Matt!

It's gone very quiet on this thread...you bought a Vespa instead or summat?

No. It has gone quiet because I have not had the time to post much of late, sorry guys.

I am also considering other options. I really like the F800GS, but to be honest I think its a big price to pay. At the minute I am trying to balance the good and bad points of several bikes.

Here are some thoughts:

F800GS. £8,140 (including extras)

Good looking, very capable bike with an air of quality in both the design and components. A 'go anywhere' machine and the prestige of a BMW badge. Downside is that it is expensive for what it is and is tall.

2009 Aprilia Shiver GT ABS £6,799 (http://www.aprilia.com/en-US/News/13205/shiver-GT-ABS.aspx).

I have to say this is a real contender for me right now. It looks great, it is reasonably priced and will be very capable. I already know it rides brilliantly because I used to have a naked Shiver. The bike is exactly the same, but with a few added extras like a half fairing, bellypan and 3 mode engine management computer (Sport/Touring/Rain). Out of the box this bike has Radial brakes, ABS, Steel braded hoses, USD forks, Sachs rear shock, Fly-by-Wire throttle and a good onboard computer that includes a gear indicator. It has great design and is something a little different. The downsides are fuel tank capacity is only 16L and the bodywork and tank are plastic and so mark easily (I'm sure oonyack will agree ). The seat is also not very good for longer runs, as it is quie wide and not very well padded.

2009 Kawasaki ER6-F £5,425 (http://motorbike-search-engine.co.uk/2009-motorcycles/kawasaki-er-6f.jpg)

This is a lovely looking bike that has had some incredible write ups. It will be a decent all rounder and will probably cope easily with some european touring, where the benefit of full fairing will come in handy. It has a very reasonable price tag too, which helps. Also the seat is very low, which is nice Only downsides are a 15.5L fuel tank and the budget components. Its easy to find the limit of a bike like this when you are cranked over in a corner. After riding the Shiver, this bike will have big shoes to fill.

2009 Kawasaki Versys Tourer. £5,799 (http://www.motocafe.ru/images/stories/news_motocycles/news_071/kawasaki/kawasaki_versys_2009_01.jpg)

This bike is a contender against the F800GS in my opinion. Its a hell of a lot cheaper, and has performed well in all of the reviews I have read. It has a 19L tank, comes with panniers, and has a flip up screen. It has also go a different look, more akin to a superstrada than any other bike. I think the front light is a bit fugly though! However as an everyday bike and as a touring bike, this has a lot to offer. Only downsides are the seat height and the slightly budget feel of some of the areas on this bike.

So in conclusion, I know the F800 has a few extras that the others dont (centre stand, heated grips etc) but it comes at a premium. I mean, the amount of money I would save just on the price of the bike (if I went with one of the other options) is enough to make me think twice about a BMW. When you add in 0% deals that are available on all 3 of those alternatives it becomes increasingly difficult to justify a BMW over the others. This is the quandry I find myself in right now. My heart would love a BMW but my head (and by proxy my wallet) is telling me that it wont do anything better than the competition and in some cases its over £2,500 more expensive!!

Can someone tell me how I justify a purchase like this? Because as dearly as I would like a BMW F800GS, I cant seem to reconcile the cost involved when I know there are amazing alternatives that are far, far cheaper. It just does not compute! lol.



I will keep looking, reading and thinking and will let you know how I go. I am also trying to sort out test rides, but I wont get another day off work now till I go on holiday in the middle of august. Then I'm away for 2 weeks. So in all fairness it will be september now before I purchase

As always, your comments and thoughts are welcome

Thanks guys.

Matt

 

[everywherevirtually]

Saw this today when I was in having my front axle swapped on recall

http://www.williamsbikes.co.uk/viewbike.asp?SP_ID=1783991&BRA_ID=32

has all the bits and is the same price as the Aprilia

 

[Richie3264]

Saw this today when I was in having my front axle swapped on recall

http://www.williamsbikes.co.uk/viewbike.asp?SP_ID=1783991&BRA_ID=32

has all the bits and is the same price as the Aprilia

Thats been up for sale for quite a while now, I've been keeping an eye on the second hand 800gs and although there have been only a small number of 800's listed on the bike trader they have sold rather quickly and for very similar money.

for some reason this is still for sale

Ive not seen it in the flesh so cannot comment on the condition.

Richie

 

[everywherevirtually]

Thats been up for sale for quite a while now, I've been keeping an eye on the second hand 800gs and although there have been only a small number of 800's listed on the bike trader they have sold rather quickly and for very similar money.

for some reason this is still for sale

Ive not seen it in the flesh so cannot comment on the condition.

Richie

It was in mint condition so I don't know why it hasn't sold

Credit crunch perhaps?

 

[Ducksbane]

Praetorian ...

To be honest ... none of the other bikes have the all round ability of the 800GS, its really fairer to compare them to the F650GS (Twin) because of the road orientation.

If you aren't going to use the extra off road abilities of the 800GS then why spend the extra money?

I have an 800GS and I do use it's "off road" abilities ... so I wouldn't even consider the other bikes you mentioned ... they are all too road focused.

So ... to the point ... do you want much off road ability? ... if the answer is no and you are concerned about money, then substitute F650 Twin for F800GS.

I haven't ridden an F650, but I imagine that the engine will shine in comparison to the others, and it will still have more off road ability than any of them.

 

[sijohnston]

I agree entirely. you are not comparing like for like here. i was recommended by an experienced friend that the versys was the bike to go for given it was my first bike. knowing myself, i figured i'd want to swap out of the versys pretty quickly, so i decided to go for the bike i wanted straight off the bat. however, you don't want to put yourself under financially, and the versys is a cracking bike. but for the price of a new one, you will be able to pick up a cracking 2nd hand 650 (which it sounds to me would be the better bike for you??). anyway, i'll finish posting on here and let you get on and make the decision when the time comes. it sounds like you'll have done all the homework there is to be done...so all the best buddy

To be honest ... none of the other bikes have the all round ability of the 800GS, its really fairer to compare them to the F650GS (Twin) because of the road orientation.

If you aren't going to use the extra off road abilities of the 800GS then why spend the extra money?

I have an 800GS and I do use it's "off road" abilities ... so I wouldn't even consider the other bikes you mentioned ... they are all too road focused.

So ... to the point ... do you want much off road ability? ... if the answer is no and you are concerned about money, then substitute F650 Twin for F800GS.

I haven't ridden an F650, but I imagine that the engine will shine in comparison to the others, and it will still have more off road ability than any of them.

 

[old-man-andy]

Gotta echo sijohnston and ducksbane above. If you're not really going to do much off-roading then the F650GS (twin) is probably the more suitable road bike especially if cash is an issue (and it usually is!!). The F650 is pretty capable offroad as well - ask Tim Cullis and check out some vids on YouTube!

I picked up my 13 month-old F650GS from a (non-BMW) dealer for £5k using a 0% (for purchases) credit card. My initial card re-payment was £135 (the minimum) and this will fall over the course of the year. At the end of 12 months, I'll do a balance transfer to another 0% deal that'll cost 3% for the transfer. It's a lot cheaper than a loan (typ 7.9% for >£7000) and the bike is yours from the outset unlike PCP or HP.

My F650 came with computer, heated grip, ABS, vario top box, clear indicators, and only had 3500 miles on it and had been serviced a month before I bought it.

I had test-ridden a Versys before the BM and can say after the BM test ride there was no way a Versys would do !!!!

I think like most folks, my heart (and my liking of chunky, rugged, offroad looks) said F800GS, my head and wallet said F650GS. I have no regrets about my F650GS!

 

[Blobby]

Can someone tell me how I justify a purchase like this? Because as dearly as I would like a BMW F800GS, I cant seem to reconcile the cost involved when I know there are amazing alternatives that are far, far cheaper. It just does not compute! lol.

With so many bikes out there to choose from and each one offering fun of one sort or another, I think you should buy whichever bike on your list fits your budget right now. Don't stretch yourself since in my experience it's more fun to spend less on a bike but change more often rather than stretch yourself and have to stick with a bike. Buy something else right now (I support the 650 theory) then buy an 800 in a year or so when prices have dropped a bit more. Also, don't buy new as there are some cracking almost new bargains out there as others have already highlighted.

Best of luck.

 

[Micky]

Can someone tell me how I justify a purchase like this? Because as dearly as I would like a BMW F800GS, I cant seem to reconcile the cost involved when I know there are amazing alternatives that are far, far cheaper. It just does not compute! lol.


As always, your comments and thoughts are welcome

Thanks guys.

Matt

It's quite simple my friend... two questions

1) Do I want it?
2) Can I afford it?

If the answer to both is yes then go get it

If there's a 'no' to one then walk away

It really is that simple

 

[bradders]

1200GSA vs F800GS

Just thought I'd write my thoughts on a test ride I had this Monday on a 1200GSA.
My bike had 2 recalls outstanding so rather than twiddling my thumbs for a few hours AJ in Shipley offered me a test ride on a GSA. Now this is a bike I have longed to ride and thought why not.
The bike took a while to get used to due to height and weight but after an hour or so I was into the swing.
I took the bike on A & B roads, twisties and also on a motorway run.

Verdict :
I haved to say I was disappointed, the bike's front end felt vague at times and it wasnt flickable in and out of the twisties. There was an amount of vibration around 5000 revs that wasnt comfortable. It wasnt quick off the mark either and as for comfort, well IMHO I dont think there is a lot in it.
In and out of traffic the bike becomes clumsy and cumbersome. On the motorway she felt fine and you could easily get to a ton up with comfort.
I was glad to get back on my 800 and feel quicker accelearation, being able to flick it in and out of the same twisties and have a similar amount of comfort. The only area where the 1200 beats the 800 is top end speed but to be honest, I wouldnt want the GSA despite lusting after one for years. I was ready to trade up too, now I shall lavish some more cash, time and attention on the best bike in the GS range the awesome 800gs !

 

[nikp]

Just thought I'd write my thoughts on a test ride I had this Monday on a 1200GSA.
My bike had 2 recalls outstanding so rather than twiddling my thumbs for a few hours AJ in Shipley offered me a test ride on a GSA. Now this is a bike I have longed to ride and thought why not.
The bike took a while to get used to due to height and weight but after an hour or so I was into the swing.
I took the bike on A & B roads, twisties and also on a motorway run.

Verdict :
I haved to say I was disappointed, the bike's front end felt vague at times and it wasnt flickable in and out of the twisties. There was an amount of vibration around 5000 revs that wasnt comfortable. It wasnt quick off the mark either and as for comfort, well IMHO I dont think there is a lot in it.
In and out of traffic the bike becomes clumsy and cumbersome. On the motorway she felt fine and you could easily get to a ton up with comfort.
I was glad to get back on my 800 and feel quicker accelearation, being able to flick it in and out of the same twisties and have a similar amount of comfort. The only area where the 1200 beats the 800 is top end speed but to be honest, I wouldnt want the GSA despite lusting after one for years. I was ready to trade up too, now I shall lavish some more cash, time and attention on the best bike in the GS range the awesome 800gs !

+1 from me Bradders (see my post from earlier this week on excatly the same scenario) I too was ready for the trade up but now spending more on farkles for unarguably the best GS in the range... Somebody stop me!!!!!

Also... thanks for the details for Tony Archer that you passed on at squires cafe earlier this year - copied your seat exactly except with yellow piping - Top job

 

[ILMV]

+2, I was loaned the 1200 whilst my 800 was being services, to be frank at no stage did I feel the 12 was better than the 800.

 

[PRAETORIAN]

Many thanks for everyones input regarding the F800 GS.

I am still thinking about what bike to get.

I wasnt trying to make a direct comparison between the F800 and the other bikes I listed. I was only really trying to highlight that there are bikes out there that will do what I want for a lot less. I would like to do some offroading, and as such would like a bike to be able to cope with it. However, offroading can go on the backburner if I have got to pay £2500 for the privelage!

I know what you are all going to say.......try the 650 GS. I have a major problem with that. Call me insecure, call me a sucker for the male outlook on machismo, call me plain stupid if you like (you wouldnt be far wrong! ) but I just cant seem to get my head around buying a bike with only 1 front brake disk!!

I have tried and tried and tried!!! But I know if I did buy one, EVERY time I looked at it I would be thinking "dammit that single front disk looks crap"

I know its no way to go about making a decision, but I somehow feel emasculated when I think about riding a bike with only 1 front brake disk!! In my mind it is a truth as plain as day following night........bikes are supposed to have TWO front brake disks! lol

I guess I am just not secure enough to buy a 650 GS

Right now I am still sorely tempted by the 800 GS. But I have decided to leave it till I get back off holiday before making any decisions.

Thanks again for all of the input. Believe it or not, it has helped a lot

I will post back and let you all know what I decide

Cheers