Downgrading from R1200GSA to F700GS = foolishness ?

amonteirox

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Hi,

I with 5'7" and 145lbs, my wife with 5'3" and 140lbs touring on a R1200GSA.

The GSA is a fantastic machine, powerful, comfortable 2-up. However it is extremely tall and heavy, which puts me regularly in complicated situations and intimidates me to use in off-road (even light).

The F700GS seems very adjusted to our stature, however would be required the following changes:
- High windshield
- BWM confort or Touratech seat
- Hyperpro springs and shock

Someone made ​​this move?

It is possible to transform a F800GS/F700GS in a tour machine with a comfort level similar to the R1200GS/GSA?

Any info will be greatly appreciated.
 
your biggest issue will be the room available to the both of you going from a 1200 its going to be a tad cosy:augie

that aside the 650-700 really an 800:D is a cracking little bike:thumby:
 
i went from a r1200gsa to an f800gs for similar reasons. the f800 is nothing like the 12 for touring ability, i couldnt even tell my mrs was on the back but the 800 felt out of breath in comparison, however... i did start going off road again with the 800 and rode it like a hooligan on the roadm its great fun and you just end up pushing it. it feels far easier to handle on the rough stuff and i could touch the floor comfortably.
it doesnt have anywhere near the touring comfort of the 12, is slightly slower especially at higher speeds, i missed my 12 when i had my 8 and eventually went back to a 12 and missed the 8 hahaha
 
amonteirox said:
Hi,
- High windshield
- BWM confort or Touratech seat
- Hyperpro springs and shock
Someone made ​​this move?
It is possible to transform a F800GS/F700GS in a tour machine with a comfort level similar to the R1200GS/GSA?
Any info will be greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

I currently have a 650(800) recent previous bikes include a 1200 4 years and 1150 4 years (must be due to change this one soon!)
Your suggested improvements will make a good bike better, never quite a 1200 but better in some ways too - improved fuel consumption, reasonable weight, easier off-road etc
I have a Givi winshield (good, but tall Vario arrives on Tuesday)
Hyperpro spring (good)
rebuilt seat (good for a couple of hours)
Fastway pegs (improve the leg angle with the lowish seeat)

IF plans for this year work out then I will replace the seat with a Comfort.
HTH.
:thumb2
 
If the GSA is a bit big, then get a GS. The height is a lot more manageable and the weight won't be a problem with your feet squarely on the ground.
I think you would find the 700 a bit underpowered for two up touring, especially after the 1200.




.....and eat more pies.
 
Best advice, get a test ride with your better half. It's you who have to decide. I when fron a 1200 GS to an 800, with a few personal touches it's great.
 
The 800 is bigger than a 1200....... go look up the dimensions. Power difference to what you have is negligible, especially given the weight of the ADV. Torque can be manoeuvred by adjusting the gearing (15 47 being popular). Will it ever be quite as good as an ADV for touring? No. Neither will the 1200. You pays your money......
 
:rob Upgrading to something that suits your needs better is never foolish :thumb:D

As already mentioned To suit your needs best and to know for sure you and swmbo should have a test ride together on the F7 and try a standard 12 and the F8.

Your combined weight two up is slight you have got to be well bellow the average tosser combo :D

F8 is the taller bike, but can be lowered some threads here regarding that.

The additions you mentioned screen, seat for a comfort must. Front and rear suspension for handling make a huge change from standard (It is like a different bike:thumb2, biggest transformation being front and rear suspension upgrade) on the F6.5 which I ride I have those changes and a few more:blast.

when I have been given loan F8's, 12RT and indeed F6.5's. I have been glad to give back those and collect mine. with exception to the 12GS had a few of those, that just gelled, amazeballs think a combination, height, torque, BHP, and a sunny day :D

Next weekend mines in for some TLC so I'm having a loan of the F7. Shouldn't have another 12 loaner it may just suck me in to a dark side of foolish questions :D:D:D:D:D

I do pillion on mine but very rare for a few hours, me and my daughter combined we have a greater 4 stone something (about 60lbs) handicap compared to you and yours.


My wife alas, is not into bike so mainly It's solo which I prefer, or I,m used to the selfish hooligan mode, in a tame way of course :rolleyes: but if she was then it's 12gs for me :thumby: (or a 11 fiddy)

So test ride but you will not be able to test ride or imagine the add on's :nenau on the 12 I doubt you would need those additions, what ever your choice, good luck :beerjug:

I bet you would miss the GSA :cool
 
I went from a f800gs to the bigger bro and I'm also 5'7", in stock the f800gs is higher than the standard 12gs but so much lighter, the 800 sips fuel and £14 gets you along way but covering distance i felt the 800 not so good at 85mph it gets vibey and and any more than its well out its comfort zone and screen wise after trying several i was not able to find one to stop the buffeting and I'd say the rear shock ain't up to 2 up riding and luggage by no means .

Best mod was changing the fork springs and oil and upgrading the rear shock, so if you can live with its little faults there a cracking tool.
 
Have you thought about an r1200r?
Low ,and with a bigger screen, whats not to like,power and torque .

Not much use if you plan taking it off the tarmac.
 
Dean said:
:rob Upgrading to something that suits your needs better is never foolish :thumb:D
Click to expand...

...the man speaks wise words indeed :bow

Definitely get a test and make sure you take the wife. I would try and clear your mind before you take the bike out. If you go into it thinking you're 'downgrading', well, you might be looking for things to put you off.

Less is sometimes more, it doesn't always have to be bigger, faster.. :thumby:

Good luck.
 
I have had three 1200's 06 GS, 08 GSA, 20IOGSA, Before getting my 800 GS And have never thought of it being a downgrade,
It is different it's much easier to move about and put to bed of a night :)
It feel's physically the same size when you are aboard, with the comfort seat and higher screen, along with the bm alloy pizza boxes.It is similar but quite different, great on fuel but with a smaller range,
You need a long test ride to adjust after the 1200 but it sound's to me it could be what you want Good luck
 
Four bikes in Morocco last year, three 1200's and one 800 two up. He never struggled to keep up. They were good at packing and travelling light but had touratech zegas full. His range was obviously different. I was impressed by his bike but I bet it's a very different ride and feel and would take some getting used to. In the real world the bike is very capable. I test rode one when I traded in my RT and loved it but I loved the 1200 more.
 
I test rode the 1200 GS four times, each for 2 or more hours, because I wanted to want one, I rode the 800 once and was hooked. I've done 7000 miles on it it about 10 months and still love it. When its time to change I will undoubtedly try the new 1200 but I don't imagine it will be significantly better to persuade me to change from an 800.

The only downside I have us it's not big enough for e and Mrs YMFB, but we are more typically tosser sized than you and your wife.

Good luck and enjoy
 
I have owned 3 Gs's an 1100 and 2 !200 Gs's and have changed to an F800 GT and what a revelation. It has all the kit incl the comfort seat. It is as quick as my last 1200, much quieter at speed handles better especially on motorways, just as much fun on the twisties, great brakes and average of 60 mpg. Totally underrated, I am 5-7" and weight 13.5 stone and it is much better commuter, I don't miss the GS 1200. The rubber belt is silent, great round town with all the advantages of chain and cleanliness of shaft. Brilliant!!!
 
I would not say the 800 is a downgrade, it's different to the 1200. I have done ride to Germany and France on both. I don't think there is an issue with power. Both are adequate. I do however like the extra mileage I get from the 800. I also really appreciate the weight difference.
 
:beerjug:Done something on the same lines from RT1200 to F650gs twin .Think the best bet is to test ride two up for at least a half day .I don't tour 2 up but normal 150 mile stuff no problems .Very different and certainly more manageable .In short I love the thing ought to have had one instead of the RT !Chain drive is a pain in the arse though. Higher screen fitted raised bars and comfort seat works well .ATB Hughie :beerjug:
 
After one standard 1200 and four 1200 Adventures I am returning to an 11 plate F650 30th Anniversary Edition.

Less is certainly more in my case (I can ride the adventure but I'm never relaxed in uneven car parks etc)

The Liquid Cooled GS is undoubtedly a great bike. In the spec I would want its in the region of £16,000 my 650 will be £6,000

Much as I love the new 1200 it cannot be £10,000 better. I should never have sold my SE but all mistakes can be corrected, I get enough practice at that !

Or buy well and have one of each? :hide
 
Mad_Accountant said:
After one standard 1200 and four 1200 Adventures I am returning to an 11 plate F650 30th Anniversary Edition.

Less is certainly more in my case (I can ride the adventure but I'm never relaxed in uneven car parks etc)

The Liquid Cooled GS is undoubtedly a great bike. In the spec I would want its in the region of £16,000 my 650 will be £6,000

Much as I love the new 1200 it cannot be £10,000 better. I should never have sold my SE but all mistakes can be corrected, I get enough practice at that !

Or buy well and have one of each? :hide
Click to expand...

Welcome back! I was thinking of changing to a 1200GS but decided to stay with my 650GS twin as I still enjoy riding it after 40,000 miles of great riding!

Having one of each sounds like a great idea!
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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