F650/800GS road test reports by UKGSers

[chrisjk]

These bikes are a far cry from that. But I found the 800 actuaklly very buzzy and vibey! Not what I expected. The 650 was much smoother - silky in fact. No vibrations at all. Has anyone else noticed that? the chain was very loose on the demo bike so I wonder if that was a factor. And Tim is right about something he mentions in passing - the bars feel different on both. I prefered the 650's. But maybe jumping from a VFR they both felt a little odd anyway. The 800 I rode had a taller screen than the 650 and I found it fine up to 100mph. And the 800 is a lot taller - I could see OVER cars and small vans in front! You big GS riders are probably used to that but I was reminded of an old Landrover on lifted suspension I used to have...

I have just bought the 800 - never ridden the 650 so can't compare. However, my bike has very little vibration and I was watching out for it having previously read someone else say the 800 vibrated. For me the tallness of the bike is a plus when it comes to riding country roads - I can see over hedges much better than on my other bike. This adds a lot to the enjoyment of the ride.

 

[Ogmios]

Tim,

thanks for a very readable and easily understood review - no hyperbole and straight talking.
(now if only the Bike journos would write like that )

ANYhow,
i'm wondering just how usable are the new GSs for us two up road tourers with luggage?

as these and the new Guzzi Stelvio (am i allowed say "Guzzi" here? ) are the ONLY New Bikes i've seen in years that make me look at the sums / total up my credit rating and go....... Hmmmmmm....

just wondering.

 

[Keethy]

Rode 130 miles back from Bristol on my shiny new "650". Still grinning. What a wonderful bike!
Eronbak came along for the trip and pronounced it very comfortable - and she's fussy. We did several 2up + luggage Euro tours on the single and it coped fine - so I've no worries about this one. Will need a better screen, though. Hurry up Wunderlich with an Ergo.

 

[Barfly]

Now I'm completely confused! Let's get the Transalp out the way first. Test rode it round the Island the other day and I can tell you it's a great bike. It most certainly is not down on power - 95 with 2000 revs left is not power deficient in my book. Beautifully finished, ABS as standard, flickable, all round exciting machine and I would recommend it. It did not feel overly heavy to me but comparing it to an 1150 GS (I've never owned a 1200) I guess it wouldn't. BUT, the leg length from seat to pegs was just too short for my long legs. That is a length not often cited, it seems to me. The seat height is clearly important for shorter riders but the gap between seat and pegs is what affects us types with giraffe like legs.

Yesterday I tested the 650 back to back with the 800. I will not attempt to out-do Tim's first class, comprehensive and clear descriptions of his road tests except to say I reckon you're spot on Tim. Trying them armed with your road tests in mind actually helped me alot and I'm most grateful to you Tim - I can see what you mean about the 'turn in' of the 21 inch tyre and all the other points you raised. I did not feel any 'added vibrations' on the 800 at all (which another has mentioned). The wind conditions were terrible and both coped remarkably well. I was pretty certain that I would go with the 650 and, in fact, had not intended to even try the 800 until Duncan from Vines suggested I should. I'm glad I did. In many ways, and for the reasons advanced by Tim, I think the 650 would be ideal for me. I found the leg length between seat and pegs very comfortable. Owing to the conditions I did not have an opportunity to realise the engine's full potential on either (but three figures were reached) and I really could not see a huge discernible difference between the power delivery of either.

BUT, BUT, BUT. Now you can call me a shallow, weak, capitalist running dog taken in by hype and the values of the market place (which will hurt as an old, unreconstituted European, 60s socialist) but when puffing on my pipe (yes, a BM man), waiting for the salesman to finish with another potential customer, I kept looking at them side by side. One excited, one brought dreams of sand, burning sun, unknown trails, strange people (the Isle of Wight has all those) and the other brought dreams of er, well, rather a boring looking bike really. I know that appearance doesn't matter - it's all about heart. But I also know that I would probably sell one a long time before the other because I do, pathetically, love a good design and in my view, the 800 has that 'good design' in spades.

So, which wins? I agree with Tim, a draw except for dissolute people like me. The 800 has it...

 

[Tim Cullis]

Testing back-to-back on the same day meant you had a better chance than me to judge the performance of the two bikes, and it's interesting you couldn't discern much diference either.

I think Barfly's conclusion might be typical of many buyers who are hovering between the two bikes, are long enough in leg to take either, and don't mind the extra cash. The 800 looks real real good.

But you could also tart the 650 with side spoiler and nose. Check out the Touratech catalogue: http://www.touratech.com/shops/001/index.php?cPath=2_35

PS: BMW's price for the beak extension is cheaper than TT

 

[how much]

didn't like the new 800!

ok! big thanks to Dave at Williams Manchester..... did a back to back 650 - 800GS test ride.. 2 2hour slots

rode there on my 1150

650 twin... what a very very nice bike to ride! light compact very balanced feel to the whole package. didnt rev it passed 5k as it was very new. the 800 motor really is a peach, it oozes grunt with a very pleasent bark from the zorst.
lazy gearing meant 75 on a dual c/way was a breeze, roundabouts were great fun, despite the new tyres you could just chuck it on its ear with total confidence, a little twist of throttle and its away again instantly
didn't like.. the screen is too short. lack of hand guards, the brakes were just a little bit lacking with only a single front disc (would be interesting two up with luggage) they work.. you just have to squeeze hard

looks!....... you just have to feel this bike is the nice looking girls ugly mate!

800GS... low seat and lots of electonicy bits... seat is really uncumfy espescially when stationary, it has two hard edges that press on your inner thighs. its a lot taller than the 650 so i would need the low seat. the engine.. geared differently to the 650 it revs higher for the same speed, 75 on a dual c/way it was buzzy and vibey and i kept wanting to go for 7th gear! which of course it doesn't have.
Brakes (both were abs) much better with the twin discs
handling this bike suffers for its 21" front wheel, it just doesnt want to drop into a turn like the 650 and i just didnt like it, yes i have had bikes with 21" wheels before only selling my last one in 2005. yes it will go round corners its just noticeably not as "willing" as the 650 and yes you would get used to it.
it looks great unlike its ugly mate


soooo
i will not be buying an 800
i will be keeping my 1150 thankyou very much

would like to own a 650 as well as my 1150
just my opinion, i dont want a fight over it

how much

 

[Barfly]

Tim, I like the side spoiler and nose. I didn't realise you could buy them as separate entities?

How Much: I value your opinion, mate. To be honest, the wind was so bloody awful yesterday that I'm not sure I could tell what was a vibration and what was a howling gale! I only took them to high speed pretty briefly. I'm sure you're right in your observations and I wouldn't contradict any of them. I think things like the 21" front and the 'turn-in' are matters, just as you have said, that you get used to. After all I guess most people here have owned loads of different bikes and you do learn to adjust your riding to take into account different handling characteristics. You are much more experienced than me in 21" fronts - I've never owned one. To be honest, I'm still thinking and Tim's post about tarting up the 650 and yours have not made my decision any easier!

 

[Wizard]

hi to all you guys and girls who have bought the f800gs. i am thinking of buying one myself but would like some real world facts and figures before i take the plunge, what is a good motorway cruising speed what mpg are you getting as its only got a 16ltr tank whats the around town handling like what are the oe tyres like wet and dry conditions what are the mirrors like and is the oe screen upto the job ive sold my r1100gs and want something similar but without the weight any info gratefully recieved

I doubt anyone's done a lot of miles on one as yet, so there's still going to be a certain amount of new bike enthusiasm in any judgements. But my opinion, for what it's worth, at 1250 miles:-

Mirrors are grand as long as you position them correctly.... the teardrop shape means they can be a bit futtery.

The screen is OK, but not great. The airflow is very smooth, but you're still getting wind in the face. There will be plenty of options to change it within the next few weeks.

You can cruise in excess of the speed limit without any issues.... there's little difference between 60 and 90, due to the smooth airflow mentioned above.

Tank range is around 200 miles, but of course that will vary with riding type & style. Suffice to say that it's pretty frugal.

The Battlewings are great in the dry, but lack feedback in the wet. There's plenty of grip in the wet, but you're just never quite sure exactly what's going on.

Town riding is great..... the height is a great advantage on any GS, but the compact size of the 800 makes filtering a breeze. Add to this that the bike has a very low stall speed, and will pull from 1500rpm in top, it's a very useful commuter tool if you're tall enough. If you have any difficulty getting a foot down on camber, you'll have issues at some point.

All this is, of course, purely my own opinion. As Tim says, get yourself a good long test ride before making any decisions.

 

[how much]

Hi to all. New to this site. I'm just wondering about 800 with lower seat, is it still too big bike for me since i'm only 171cm. At the local dealer is one bike only to look at, not to sit, because it's allready bought by someone and dealer, rightfully, don't want any scratches etc to the new sold bike. And secondly testride with all this snow wouldn't be possible, maybe after two three weeks. Can I get my feet properly to ground with lower seat or is it on tiptoe since I would use bike in streets also.

Hello Mik@

welcome to the madhouse
i am 171cm and rode the 800 today, with the low seat, it was a one foot tiptoe experience.... but it was ok the bike is quite slim and light weight so i never felt like i was going to fall off

the 650 (800) is a lot lower the one i rode today was standard with standard seat and i could comfortably touch the floor with both feet, heels just of the floor... seat was much comfier too


as for the snow.... i was out riding in it today!


how much

 

[blackie]

AND I noice today, an Akrapovic exhaust... now I'm back to being interested in the 650! Tim, I have the details of the optional equipment from BMW (the Akrapovic is included) but I can't find any website with the prices on. Any ideas (as you have become the expert on all things 650 and 800!) on where I could look? And thanks for pointing me to the Touratech on-line catalogue, I gave up trying to download the version I found - massive). You're obviously a good bloke as we share the same first name!
Tim (Barfly)

Barfly go here....

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/mcn/2008/march/1-9/mar0608bmwaccessoriesrange/?&R=EPI-99069

 

[Tim Cullis]

One of the biggest expenses in buying new bikes for touring is the luggage, so ideally chose panniers and topbox that you can move from bike to bike (and not just within the BMW range).

I chose MetalMule panniers and topbox knowing the company had the necessary frames for other BMW bikes plus the Honda Transalp and Africa Twin, the KTM 640/950/990 Adventure, the Suzuki VStrom, the Yamaha XT660 plus the forthcoming Ténére.

As well as developing frame for the F650/800GS twin, MetalMule has also developed an offroad bashplate, radiator protector and some other parts.

 

[twisticles]

The Battlewings are great in the dry, but lack feedback in the wet. There's plenty of grip in the wet, but you're just never quite sure exactly what's going on.

I think Wizard sums it up very eloquently. The only thing I can't agree on is the feedback in the wet - but then I am not a very good rider, so perhaps not attuned to the subtle differences. I ride like I always do in the wet with no problems.

And as for this nonsense about the 21" wheel on other threads...well again, I wouldn't know 'slow turn in' if it hit me in the face. All I know is that I can take corners faster, lean over further and have much more confidence I know what the bike is going to do than my old Deauville. Big thumbs up from the Battlewings from me.

I'm amazed at how much pull there is in top - even from 80mph+. Keeping below 4k rpm for the run-in is no problem on my commute, I don't get the chance to rev higher. 160mpg on my first tank communting under 30mph with an indicated 46miles left, and I filled up after 210 miles on A and B roads, with an indicated 16 miles left in the tank.

And the big seller for me? Well my dad lives half a mile up an unpaved road in Derbyshire. Its rocky/gravel and mud, with large ruts and a trickle of water. On the Deauville it's like trying to steer a pig on marbles, to be honest the honda spat me off a couple of times on that road. Over the Easter weekend I went up on the 800GS...the bike skipped up the lane like a spring lamb. I'm an absolute beginner in the green lane stakes, but even I can tell that this bike is serious about off-road.

 

[Mrs Radar_UK]

I rode it, I loved it, I bought it!

I finally test rode the new 650 today, it was supposed to be last Thursday but my current bike had a flat battery and the AA were crap so I gave up and rescheduled for today.

Oxford BMW very kindly let me play on it for the whole day and what fun I had despite the freezing cold, torrential rain at one point and 'orrible wet slippery roads.

I originally wanted the 800 but being 5'2" with a 29" inside leg ruled that out, I was rather disappointed at not even having a chance to test ride it and initially thought the 650 would "have to make do" but I couldnt have been more wrong, it was so much more than I expected, great fun, easy to ride, it handles beautifully and the engine has lots of grunt much much more than my old 650

I sold my Ducati Monster 900 back in January to help pay for a new bike, I've been pineing for it ever since but now I know the new 650 will be just as much fun whether I'm bimbling through town or hooning about on a Sunday morning

The engine and clutch are so smooth, not what I expected at all, it's much easier to ride through town at low revs than my monster, no more slipping the heavy clutch!

I took the bike out on the twisties with no problems at all, it corners really well even in the wet (no idea what the tyres were TBH) then I took it up and down the M40, A40 and got it up to 100mph with no effort at all, in fact it was a little too easy (I'll have to keep an eye on that! LOL), being on the petite side I found the short screen fine, it was quite windy out there today especially on the motorway but it didnt bother me at all. I made good use of the heated grips too which kept my hands lovely and warm even though no hand guards were fitted.

The only things I would change are the mickey mouse indicators, why somone thought putting an indicator button on each handlebar and then a 3rd button to cancel them out below the RH grip was a good idea I dont know, the cancel button is at such an awkward angle everytime I tried to switch them off I twisted the throttle, OK I have small hands and short thumbs but that really that has to be one of the worst designs I've seen on a bike!

The seat is really uncomfortable, with hard ridges down the sides which dig into your thighs and after about 90 minutes in the saddle my bum went numb so I'll be looking for an aftermarket seat.

Other than that I loved it, so yes I put down a deposit for one today with all the factory extras and it should be arriving on the 10th April, I can't wait!

 

[Wizard]

Wizard, you've got me a little worried here. After being messed around by the Scottish dealer I've bought from, the bike has finally arrived and I'm due to fly over to collect next weekend. When I saw you at the launch at Hurst's on the 8th after your couple of hours out on your new bike, your words were 'I'm going to write to BMW to complain...that it took them so long to built something so magnificent'. Now that you've got to know it a bit better, you're not waxing quite so lyrically!!! Obviously your thoughts are significant given unlike most, you've owned and ridden the range of GS'.

Not in the least Si, I still think that it's an absolutely fantastic bike..... I'm just trying to temper my own enthusiasm to give a thoughtful review with reference to others needs

It won't tour like and Adventure, it won't commute like a 12GS (until someone comes up with a taller screen), but it's a hell of a sight more fun on the trails. It's perfect for what I do, and I absolutely love it, but not everyone is the same.

 

[Wizard]

Hi there,

I am new to the forum and gladly writing you from Istanbul, Turkey.

I was about to buy a 800 gs however really get confused after reading the threads. My point was to find bike suitable for long distance as well as paved roads. Upon reading your posts I am not quite sure whether 800 gs is suitable for my aim or not.

Please help me...

Thank you all

There is no reason whatsoever that you can't tour on the 800. In fact, it can carry more extra weight (pillion, luggage etc.) than the R1200GS, and will do about the same distance on a tank of petrol as the R1200GS.

Some people have said that the F800GS is slow to turn into corners because of the large front wheel. I ride with some very competant riders on various other bikes including 12Adv and 1150 Adv, and I do not lose any ground in corners.

Yes, the standard screen is a bit small when compared to the 1200 & 11xx GS's, but many people have toured on bikes with no screen. And there will be a selection of taller screens available any day now.

If you like it, get one. No motorbike you buy will be perfect for you as it leaves the showroom, but the F800GS will be very close to perfect for very very many people.

 

[Ogmios]

Tour Two up?

There is no reason whatsoever that you can't tour on the 800. In fact, it can carry more extra weight (pillion, luggage etc.) than the R1200GS, and will do about the same distance on a tank of petrol as the R1200GS.......

really?
can you see me and Mrs Og - after 2 weeks in France - loaded to the gunnels - still smiling - after comparison to the sofa with handlebars that is my Guzzi?!

o.k - not a fair comparison perhaps. but the F800gs would have to do everything from touring to rider training to commuting.

i just dont feel it's possible it could.
but would love to be proven wrong

 

[OneTrack]

Press Kit: http://www.infar.co.uk/tim/gs/f650gs-f800gs-presskit.doc


Moto-station are describing the F650GS as the German Africa-Twin:
http://www.moto-station.com/article3912-p2-bmw-f-650-gs-la-bonne-surprise-.html

Also

http://www.moto-station.com/article3914-interview-les-petits-secrets-des-bmw-f800gs-et-f650gs.html

[use Google translate if you've forgotten your school French ;-} ]

 

[Keethy]

Ok, 600 miles so far (650Gs) & lets get the Bloody Moaning Whinger bit out of the way....

Seat a bit hard after an hour and a half.
Needs a bigger screen.
Eronbak gets a brown stripe up her back on muddy roads (no, it's not my riding!)..shame they did away with the funny little thing around the back wheel.
Er, I'm struggling now.....
At least I can plan "fettling" it now.

Otherwise amazing

 

[GS800NR9]

Well i have two days of wet n windy weather riding the 800GS under my belt now, basically two journeys totalling 120 miles and this is what ive found:

Time to numb bumb is about 45 mins for me. Not that much meat on my backside and that's where the vibes were coming through. The bars and pegs were totally vibe free as were the mirrors which were superb.I could see way behind me at 80mph, clear as anything.

When i picked the bike up the trip computer was showing 100 miles to empty. 120 miles later and its showing 130 to empty with no extra fuel put in. I have been taking it easy,short shifting at 5000rpm as recommended, but it looks like it will have a useful fuel range. (Trip computer showing 62mpg average.)

The battlewings in the wet were much as described elsewhere....vague. Locked the back wheel twice approaching roundabouts, guess i'll get a feel for the rear brake but conditions were awful.

The motor quit once on me today. I felt a hesitation, grabbed the clutch and checked the instruments. Speedo was showing 50mph and the tacho was on 0 rpm. Hit the start button and carry on. Luckily i was pretty upright when it happened and not overtaking. It was pretty wet, but nowhere near as bad as yeasterday.Hasn't happened since so im not sure what caused it.

Gearbox is slick, as good as any ive ever tried.

Indicators are ok to activate but more than once i struggled to cancel without losing revs. Do Germans have extra long double jointed thumbs?

The screen was fine for me at 5'10. There's not a whole lot of protection but i had no buffeting from it whilst riding alone (ie not in traffic) and after my last bike that's a relief.

 

[sijohnston]

Another New Bike

5am yesterday and my two sets of neighbours in this sleepy north coast of Ireland village were starkly awoken by the deep rip of David Gibson's Akra can. Sleepily I hopped on the back and we were off for a 7:30 ferry from Larne to Troon. We made it to Dundee for midday, where my new 800GS was sitting awaiting my arrival.

Once the necessary transactions took place, I gave David the virgin ride as he's a seasoned 1200 rider and could give me an objective opinion on it. I'll let him write his own reaction. A short time later, we were off. With a few slight detours, we moved from brilliant sunshine to driving wind and rain down through Perth and Stirling. The bike was utterly stunning.

After a full tank and then some in really gnarly conditions, I felt completely fresh and just wanted to keep going. I got in at 12:30 am last night and had fallen in love. The bike had loads of power, was predictable, stable in the winds, and felt very comfortable. Strangely, at 6"1' I found there to be negligible buffeting from the small screen. I think I was most impressed by the smoothness of the power delivery and the crispness of the gear selection.

If I had to be critical, I'd say:

- the saddle is definitely less comfortable than a 1200. It's narrow and firm, but even with my scrawny butt, it didn't feel too uncomfortable. Pillion might get it worse though.
- i think i'd like the tank to have a bigger range. It'd be good to get >200 without much trouble.
- the headlamps aren't satisfactory. i don't know much about them, but david was saying GS' are notorious for crap candles and consequently he's fitted HID's. Over Shane's Hill from Larne, where there's no light pollution or street lights and in the rain, I found the lights weak, and will be investing in upgrades before long...after the SW Motech luggage, engine bars, bash plate, hand guards etc. Anyone interested in a good condition Irish kidney?