F800Gs Brilliant but leaving you for GSA

[snaponphil]

Looking back from the 1200gsa to the bumble bee

Somewhat nervous about the decision as my F800GS has been a brilliant bike during the 2.5 years & 17k miles I've owned it. Totally reliable, unbelievably economical, low servicing costs from BMW dealer and hugely capable. It is without doubt the best all round bike I've ever owned (apart from the hard seat - sorted with comfort seat) and I will be sorry to see it go. Very. But I can't afford two bikes hence it's been PX'd for a 2011 GSA which I collect tomorrow. Reason for the swap is simply wanting a change and the fact that my other half said she would come pillion occasionally if I had a big comfy bike. Looked at Multistrada as seems so good on paper but I just can't trust my hard earned cash on a bike which in my heart I believe will fall apart and give me no end of trouble, thus depreciate heavily too. Looked at 1200RT SE and while it looks perfect for touring and a dream for a pillion, I just can't bring myself to go that route just yet despite it's incredible track record and hardcore following. Beside the GSA it just seemed a bit too refined and frumpy for my liking.

I've never really fallen in love with the 1200GSA but it's a big comfy bike with a big squashy pillion cushion, now well sorted as it nears the end of the current model production life and everyone tells me it's a bike that grows on you. Time will tell.

As I have had my new 1200GSA for 6 months & 7500 miles, I can say your comments match mine pretty accuratly, the little bumble bee I had I now look back on with passion, the GSA is not so easily to fall in love with, although with a few farkles it's now got its own personality, I've fitted a set of hids & the road 'presence' is impressive.
I can see me owning another f800 again.. Fantastic bike(s)

 

[Blobby]

I'm not long into GSA ownership but I'm not falling in love with it. As a long distance cruiser/tourer it probably excels as it's very comfy, wind protection is good, luggage space is vast and it's all very refined and hugely competent. It just doesn't have that slight edge/attitude of the 800GS which you can really chuck around. I'd come back on the 800GS with a grin on my face after pushing it & myself. On the GSA I come back feeling very grown up and pampered. Both outstanding bikes, just depends what you're looking for. Objective is to do a week tour up north on GSA in summer then decide if it's a keeper or time to change to something with more attitude. KTM 990 SMT perhaps or the Multistrada if long term reports are positive.

Have a good weekend

 

[v8legend]

I'm not long into GSA ownership but I'm not falling in love with it. It just doesn't have that slight edge/attitude of the 800GS which you can really chuck around. I'd come back on the 800GS with a grin on my face after pushing it & myself. On the GSA I come back feeling very grown up and pampered. Have a good weekend

I guess you're not quite ready for the pipe and slippers then! Don't get me wrong, the 1200 is a great bike, but if you've still got any youth left in you, then it's the wrong bike.