You test ride underpants?
F800 or R1200 what GS?
- Thread starter Ormington
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And sell them on the forum. Doesn’t everyone?
How much for two pairs?
I've had a very late TC for 10 years and it suits me fine. It's a GSA so bigger and heavier than the standard GS, I'm 5'10", 13 stone and having been an office worker for the last 45 years am pretty puny but I have no problem moving the bike about.
I had the misfortune to be loaned an 800 when my 1200 was in for a service and it was horrible - the most uncomfortable motorbike I've ever ridden, the seat felt as if it was made out of pure hardinium. It was so unpleasant I turned round after a few miles, handed the loan bike back and sat and waited for them to complete the service.
Conversely a friend has just bought an 800 and absolutely loves it.
As others have said it might be best to take at least one of your options for a test ride and see what you think.
I had the misfortune to be loaned an 800 when my 1200 was in for a service and it was horrible - the most uncomfortable motorbike I've ever ridden, the seat felt as if it was made out of pure hardinium. It was so unpleasant I turned round after a few miles, handed the loan bike back and sat and waited for them to complete the service.
Conversely a friend has just bought an 800 and absolutely loves it.
As others have said it might be best to take at least one of your options for a test ride and see what you think.
I have owned both R1150GS and 800GS, the 800 never really gelled, it cost me more in 50,000 miles than the 1150 did in 120,000.
The 800 had a new clutch and cam chain. also suffered from the very stuck on front sprocket that they are prone to. Maybe I was unlucky but I was glad to see the back of it.
The 800 had a new clutch and cam chain. also suffered from the very stuck on front sprocket that they are prone to. Maybe I was unlucky but I was glad to see the back of it.
I had an 1100 and now have a 1200 TC.
My wife had an 800 and now has a 1200 LC (14 plate).
Obviously everyone is different so this is just our experiences and opinions.
Even though she did 30K miles on the 800, she never gelled with it - especially off tarmac. I didn’t like it either on or off road, compared to my 1100. It’s a very tall bike so not easy for her to wheel around - she’s 5’9” and it’s tip toe when on the bike.
To compare the TC with the LC:
The most important difference for me is the ergonomics - the LC, you sit in. This is what my wife prefers and was used to after 10 years with a TDM - the opposite to the 800. I have a taller seat on my TC as I like to sit higher on a bike and I’m tall.
The engine in the LC is faster, more revvy and a bit more Japanese than the TC but it’s great.
Of all the bikes the LC is by far the easiest to wheel in and out of the shed and that includes a Himalayan.
It has a low seat and she can just about flat foot but she does have long legs - 32” roughly.
Road riding with the odd gravel track just about sums up her riding and she loves the LC.
Lots of people say the early LCs have problems but it’s been fine with 37K miles on the clock - just routine stuff.
My wife had an 800 and now has a 1200 LC (14 plate).
Obviously everyone is different so this is just our experiences and opinions.
Even though she did 30K miles on the 800, she never gelled with it - especially off tarmac. I didn’t like it either on or off road, compared to my 1100. It’s a very tall bike so not easy for her to wheel around - she’s 5’9” and it’s tip toe when on the bike.
To compare the TC with the LC:
The most important difference for me is the ergonomics - the LC, you sit in. This is what my wife prefers and was used to after 10 years with a TDM - the opposite to the 800. I have a taller seat on my TC as I like to sit higher on a bike and I’m tall.
The engine in the LC is faster, more revvy and a bit more Japanese than the TC but it’s great.
Of all the bikes the LC is by far the easiest to wheel in and out of the shed and that includes a Himalayan.
It has a low seat and she can just about flat foot but she does have long legs - 32” roughly.
Road riding with the odd gravel track just about sums up her riding and she loves the LC.
Lots of people say the early LCs have problems but it’s been fine with 37K miles on the clock - just routine stuff.
Another clue, OP, that YOU need to ride the bikes on YOUR shopping list, to decide on what suits YOU.
We also need a picture of gspod’s wife’s legs
In addition to a legs photo we need to know which bike is eventually bought, following all the helpful advice
I initially had the F650 Dakar but always wanted the R1200GSA (2006 - 2013) at that time 2011.
I took out the R1200GSA for a test ride and was fairly intimidated by its size, was actually bricking it as i manovered it out of the dealers parking area.
Literally 500 meters down the road, i knew i just had to have it, It was so easy to ride, impeccable road manners and great suspension.
I tested manovering it around on foot which seemed fairly easy, then parked it up into my garage on the test ride to make sure there were no problems getting in and out. Went straight back and bought it and never regretted it.
I've always had the GSA, don't get bogged down with cam issues as something that may put you off. I've never ridden an F800 so can't comment in that respect.
But the 1200 and1250 are fantastic bikes, the GSA has great weather protection and fuel range. If you think it looks too big, it's an optical illusion the fuel tank is aluminium (or plastic on the Hexhead) with plastic fairing surrounds its just a GS with a bigger tank effectively. If that is a concern dont fill it up unless your touring, otherwise go for the GS.
I took out the R1200GSA for a test ride and was fairly intimidated by its size, was actually bricking it as i manovered it out of the dealers parking area.
Literally 500 meters down the road, i knew i just had to have it, It was so easy to ride, impeccable road manners and great suspension.
I tested manovering it around on foot which seemed fairly easy, then parked it up into my garage on the test ride to make sure there were no problems getting in and out. Went straight back and bought it and never regretted it.
I've always had the GSA, don't get bogged down with cam issues as something that may put you off. I've never ridden an F800 so can't comment in that respect.
But the 1200 and1250 are fantastic bikes, the GSA has great weather protection and fuel range. If you think it looks too big, it's an optical illusion the fuel tank is aluminium (or plastic on the Hexhead) with plastic fairing surrounds its just a GS with a bigger tank effectively. If that is a concern dont fill it up unless your touring, otherwise go for the GS.
I've had 1200LC, 1250 and 850.
1200 I loved and wish I'd never sold it really. My least favourite was the 1250 (traded for a V4S Multistrada). Something about it stopped me bonding with it.
850 I've taken across Africa and through South America. It's been utterly reliable and a good tool for the job. I've invested quite a bit in it to make it suitable for proper long-distance, dual-sport trips - suspension, seat, screen, lights, pegs, bar risers etc etc etc.
It does the job very, very well. The only major weakness, once you've farkled it to suit, is the tank range. Consumption over 10,000 miles in South America was almost exactly the same as my mate's 1200. Trouble is the 850 tank is too small (15l FFS). So, what about the 850 Adventure I hear you say? Well, apart from the fact it's plug-ugly (IMHO of course) the additional weight defeats the object - might as well have a 1200/1250.
The big issue with the 850 is exactly what Wapping says. Does the job but it's a hard bike to love. It has zero character - not even in a bad way. It's the Nissan of adventure bikes.
I still have it though and will probably take it on my next big trip, wherever that might be...
1200 I loved and wish I'd never sold it really. My least favourite was the 1250 (traded for a V4S Multistrada). Something about it stopped me bonding with it.
850 I've taken across Africa and through South America. It's been utterly reliable and a good tool for the job. I've invested quite a bit in it to make it suitable for proper long-distance, dual-sport trips - suspension, seat, screen, lights, pegs, bar risers etc etc etc.
It does the job very, very well. The only major weakness, once you've farkled it to suit, is the tank range. Consumption over 10,000 miles in South America was almost exactly the same as my mate's 1200. Trouble is the 850 tank is too small (15l FFS). So, what about the 850 Adventure I hear you say? Well, apart from the fact it's plug-ugly (IMHO of course) the additional weight defeats the object - might as well have a 1200/1250.
The big issue with the 850 is exactly what Wapping says. Does the job but it's a hard bike to love. It has zero character - not even in a bad way. It's the Nissan of adventure bikes.
I still have it though and will probably take it on my next big trip, wherever that might be...
One thing’s for sure; it will have been bought without a test ride.
From what you say, especially the touring vibe, I’d strongly advise that you try a 1200RT. Surprisingly sprightly low speed dexterity in the handling stakes, all day comfy and a good un is not too dependant on mileage but condition. I ride an RS now and love it but have owned an RT, an R and a GSA. The two I got most riding enjoyment from were the RT and the RS.
The definitive reply to the OP's dilemma is of course Wappers .... ie ride 'em both 
But this will create more problems and serve to confuse even more ... because they are both superb 'bikes'. I've owned and ridden both over considerable mileages, but the favourite was the 2008 F800GS. As has been said, the 1200 better for two up touring, the 800 better off road. (but then I'm a muppet off road)
I'm not convinced that shaft drive is a 'must' ... chains and sprockets and lube have come a long way since I first rode them in the 1960's
.... and the few shaft drives available back in those days never failed
My 2008 did 150,000 miles in the ten years I owned it. Was still on the original clutch and timing chain. The valve clearances had never required adjusting and were bang on halfway between max/min tolerances and it didn't burn any oil whatsoever. There was no corrosion anywhere and it slept out in the rear garden all its life, under a couple of covers. But then it was a Rotax built engine
The F800GS has tubed tyres ... these were never a problem and I was never left stranded!
Any vibration at motorway cruising speeds was solved by fitting a seventeen tooth gearbox sprocket in place of the sixteen. Made no difference to off road riding as my skills were a very limiting factor
I always used genuine parts, brake pads, oil filters and sprockets. DID Gold Professional chains only.
It never missed a beat
But this will create more problems and serve to confuse even more ... because they are both superb 'bikes'. I've owned and ridden both over considerable mileages, but the favourite was the 2008 F800GS. As has been said, the 1200 better for two up touring, the 800 better off road. (but then I'm a muppet off road)
I'm not convinced that shaft drive is a 'must' ... chains and sprockets and lube have come a long way since I first rode them in the 1960's
.... and the few shaft drives available back in those days never failed
My 2008 did 150,000 miles in the ten years I owned it. Was still on the original clutch and timing chain. The valve clearances had never required adjusting and were bang on halfway between max/min tolerances and it didn't burn any oil whatsoever. There was no corrosion anywhere and it slept out in the rear garden all its life, under a couple of covers. But then it was a Rotax built engine
The F800GS has tubed tyres ... these were never a problem and I was never left stranded!
Any vibration at motorway cruising speeds was solved by fitting a seventeen tooth gearbox sprocket in place of the sixteen. Made no difference to off road riding as my skills were a very limiting factor
I always used genuine parts, brake pads, oil filters and sprockets. DID Gold Professional chains only.
It never missed a beat
It was Micky that inspired me to get another 800 with the mileage he did.
I had the 800 gsa,great bike but hideously tall and tubed tyres.
I changed to the 700:gs,most reliable bike iv ever owned and tubeless wheels
.33k and only a headlamp bulb failed..
Triumph 800 nice but not the service costs
.
I had the 800 gsa,great bike but hideously tall and tubed tyres.
I changed to the 700:gs,most reliable bike iv ever owned and tubeless wheels
.33k and only a headlamp bulb failed..Triumph 800 nice but not the service costs
.
I'm 5'-6" 65kg I ride a factory reduced height R1200GSA the 800GS is quite a bit taller.
It was the inspiration for me buying my f800gsa (approved used bmw ) , ,full bmw service history, one owner, less than threee years old and just over 10,000 miles. The engine turned out to be f#cked with damaged bores, pistons , big end and balancer shaft bearings. Needed a new crate motor ...... go figureIt was Micky that inspired me to get another 800 with the mileage he did.
I had the 800 gsa,great bike but hideously tall and tubed tyres.
I changed to the 700:gs,most reliable bike iv ever owned and tubeless wheels
Triumph 800 nice but not the service costs
And what did the 'Approved Used BMW' people have to say about all this?
BMW dealer forgot to pay the £500 to BMW UK for the 2 years BMW Approved Used Warranty even though they sold the bike with the Warranty (and paperwork) .
BMW UK made them stump up for the repair and Warranty . a final bill in excess of the market value of the bike .
You just have to go and try them as they really are different bikes.
I've got a high mileage 1200 which is great and I've done some serious long haul trips and she's been totally reliable and dependable.
I've retired her from the long haul stuff so 3 years ago bought an 800GSA after ridden one for a couple of weeks in Alaska. They are impressive and very capable bikes and will do everything that you need. I'd changed the factory chain and sprockets which are made of cheese with good aftermarket kit and it would have been good for many miles.
The only thing which bothered me was tubed tyres and I was looking at sorting that when a new girl walked into the bar and stole my heart on the spot.
My Yamaha Super Tenere is a superb all round bike and it feels like an 1150 but with all the bells and whistles. It's a big lump of a thing but balance is good, shaft drive, economy is excellent and has virtual bombproof reliability.
Point of this is try a number of bikes to see what suits you and remember, no matter what you ride you are always welcome on this site which is a font of knowledge on just about anything you need.
I've got a high mileage 1200 which is great and I've done some serious long haul trips and she's been totally reliable and dependable.
I've retired her from the long haul stuff so 3 years ago bought an 800GSA after ridden one for a couple of weeks in Alaska. They are impressive and very capable bikes and will do everything that you need. I'd changed the factory chain and sprockets which are made of cheese with good aftermarket kit and it would have been good for many miles.
The only thing which bothered me was tubed tyres and I was looking at sorting that when a new girl walked into the bar and stole my heart on the spot.
My Yamaha Super Tenere is a superb all round bike and it feels like an 1150 but with all the bells and whistles. It's a big lump of a thing but balance is good, shaft drive, economy is excellent and has virtual bombproof reliability.
Point of this is try a number of bikes to see what suits you and remember, no matter what you ride you are always welcome on this site which is a font of knowledge on just about anything you need.
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