F800GS Offroad, how capable?

[The Real Uncle Dave]

Seemingly unlike most people on here I am considering a GS (800), not coming from a sports bike but from an enduro bike. Though I will be keeping the KTM!

The 800 seems the ideal bike for what I would like to do. Some touring, some gentle off road and the UK Big Bike Challenge (or at least a few rallies.) It seems like a reasonable allround offering? (whilst accepting it is not an enduro bike. But I have one of those already.)

But, how capable is it off road? Is it just an off road styled road bike?

I would love to get the views of anybody who has ridden off road.

Would I be better off getting a KTM690? Again the BMW seems a better bet - smoother with it's twin cylinders, and much better availability of aftermarket kit.

I have done a test ride (on road) and loved it.

I would love to hear your views.

Thanks
UD

 

[kazntone]

MVRTV BMW F800GS Video Test - Part 1 of 8

MVRTV BMW F800GS Video Test - Part 1 of 8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HsP32uel68

When I was first looking at the F800GS I spent hours on the internet looking for the good and bad points.
I came across these 8 films on youtube.

The presenter is very good and tests the bike on all types of terrain, and it provides good watching.
I now own the GS and very pleased with it.

I hope this helps you make up your mind.

Let me know what you think?

Regards

Tony

 

[john_aero]

not to be stating obvious or sounding like a smart arse.....

its as capable as the rider.

buy what your comfortable on and like. nick sanders took an R1 off road.

i was told always by other riders that a f650 is just a road bike in enduro covers.

i have happily taken it off road and up some hard trails where both enduro up to 1200 riders struggled.

bike is only as good as you are.

all the bmw's seem handle off road realy well.

downside is picking the feckrs up when you drop them

 

[The Real Uncle Dave]

Thanks guys, good stuff.

I am a riding god, so what could possibly go wrong...?!

Cheers
UD

 

[(RIP) pastyman]

Just for another view.My lad Syco on here entered the GS motorad challenge last year and came in a very creditable 5th so no slouch off road. He used to own a 1200 Adv, which he loved but tod me how impressed he was with the 800 they used on the competition. Only real fault seemed to be on the fueling at low speed where it had a tendency to stall.
reconed he would definately consider one if he was in the market.

 

[sijohnston]

I had it through 2 days of desert in Kazakhstan and the central route of Mongolia. It's a great bike and a real all-rounder. That was all on stock suspension too. If I could choose either, I'd probably choose the KTM690 enduro as the realistically the 800 is still too heavy for proper dirt work. It's just unfortunate that in Ireland, you've got to ride a lot of tarmac before you get to the dirt, which makes a single less attractive to me. But if you're going for a twin and want to throw it around on the trails, you'll be happy enough. Yes, snatchy throttle at low speeds is true and therefore a bit prone to stalling.

No dealers would want it now with the high miles on it, so I'm upgrading the suspension front to back and will continue to abuse it in the years to come ;-)

 

[rudiemoto]

http://<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/6462063" width="400" height="220" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/6462063">F800 GS Down</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user910681">everywherevirtually</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
my advise if you r going off road wear a lid
as for offroad bling
<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TraArrzpnRs?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TraArrzpnRs?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

 

[fireman]

heres my honest opinion
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/14361530" width="400" height="300" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/14361530">bmw f800gs review</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2752699">paul hayes</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>