F800gs or a R1200GSA??

[i8lusaka]

Hi you all I am on my way to part x my Zx10 r-06 to a BMW and I will have a test ride on the 25th on the both bikes.
I just want to ask about your opinion about the two bikes.
I will use it to and from work 30 miles in London every day all year around , week end fun , Europa touring and a trip across Africa in 2010 if Sweden qualifies to the world cup in Sa.
I have read a lot depressing threads about failing suspension, ews, back wheel buckled etc and then i found the My 1200 GS/A has no real problems... Thread and I got happy again .
Shall I what ever bike go for a bike with abs , esa etc or are this only more things that can go hi wire in the bush?


I would be great full for any info
Thanks Tommy

 

[Uinneag]

Hi you all I am on my way to part x my Zx10 r-06 to a BMW and I will have a test ride on the 25th on the both bikes.
I just want to ask about your opinion about the two bikes.
I will use it to and from work 30 miles in London every day all year around , week end fun , Europa touring and a trip across Africa in 2010 if Sweden qualifies to the world cup in Sa.
I have read a lot depressing threads about failing suspension, ews, back wheel buckled etc and then i found the My 1200 GS/A has no real problems... Thread and I got happy again .
Shall I what ever bike go for a bike with abs , esa etc or are this only more things that can go hi wire in the bush?


I would be great full for any info
Thanks Tommy

If it all goes Pete Tong in the Bush, Park lane isnae that far for recovery

1200adv Hands down
I haven't checked your profile so if your a girl the 800 is the way to go

 

[i8lusaka]

If it all goes Pete Tong in the Bush, Park lane isnae that far for recovery

1200adv Hands down
I haven't checked your profile so if your a girl the 800 is the way to go

No I am a male viking purely bread on meed and potato.

An yes I have alredy had a bike HD that reqire more tlc then riding so I dont want to go there again .

Keep it coming lads

 

[(RIP) Shenzi]

1200adv Hands down

But if you have short legs or can't afford the 12Adv join here anyway and criticise it as often as you can

 

[Felters]

Rode my 1200GS in London for the first time this week... it's a big bike to filter through traffic with - at least on a first attempt. If London riding was important I'd go for the smaller model. On the other hand I'm 6'4" and err... generously proportioned. I also tried a Transalp - it was great but a bit small for me.

Plus gazillions of people have gone round the world on the smaller bikes. I'd buy whichever you feel comfy on. Good luck.

 

[i8lusaka]

Rode my 1200GS in London for the first time this week... it's a big bike to filter through traffic with - at least on a first attempt. If London riding was important I'd go for the smaller model. On the other hand I'm 6'4" and err... generously proportioned. I also tried a Transalp - it was great but a bit small for me.

Plus gazillions of people have gone round the world on the smaller bikes. I'd buy whichever you feel comfy on. Good luck.

I see a cuple of 1200 on my way every day and it must be better than my zx in the rain and snow

 

[Jonny_L]

I'd be more inclined to opt for a 12GS, non adventure. Maybe it's coz I've got one, but I think you'd find it a bit less cumbersome than the adventure while filtering through traffic. After all, when are you really gonna need 33 litres of fuel around london

I've not tried an 800 but I've heard good things. Yes it's the new girls bike but the 800 engine is nice, if a bit less powerful than the 1200. I think it's that age old proverb - Go and try both. BMW dealers give out test rides like nobody else I know.

Glad you're not phased by the problems, as has been said you don't get many folks talking about how well their bike's going. Mine's been faultless...
Except maybe for one F$£*!&@ exhaust bolt!

 

[Jonny_L]

Oh and you'll soon find yourself not in the slightest bit bothered about rain/snow if you get a 12

 

[Arsey]

Hi.

Simple really:

Short legs (5'9" or less )-GS800
Otherwise-GSA1200
First name Malcolm/Norman or you have facial hair-GS1200.


Done !

 

[Wizard]

Having had all three:

The 800 probably doesn't have (and won't have even with a taller screen) the weather protection of the GSA, but if your up to about 6' or so, it'll be grand.

If you're over 6', go straight for the GSA. While it may not be as nimble around town as the 800, if I was able to filter mine in Norn Iron, you'll be able to filter around most of England.... where you have two lane main roads where we'd have a 3 lane motorway.

Weight also comes into it, and the ADV will be much more comfortable for anyone over about 12stone.

As said elsewhere, if you're medium-sized, why not take a look at the 1200GS?

 

[i8lusaka]

Having had all three:

The 800 probably doesn't have (and won't have even with a taller screen) the weather protection of the GSA, but if your up to about 6' or so, it'll be grand.

If you're over 6', go straight for the GSA. While it may not be as nimble around town as the 800, if I was able to filter mine in Norn Iron, you'll be able to filter around most of England.... where you have two lane main roads where we'd have a 3 lane motorway.

Weight also comes into it, and the ADV will be much more comfortable for anyone over about 12stone.

As said elsewhere, if you're medium-sized, why not take a look at the 1200GS?

I will find out on the 25th and I am 6´exactly
But what about abs etc is it worth it I have never riden a bike with abs and I dont se the point. Is it not just one other thing that can go wrong?
How about the suspension Is both front and back fully adjustable?

 

[TheStig]

ABS

if ABS saves you once from an accident then its more than paid for itself !!

Plus I've heard most people expect ABS when they come to buy these bike's second hand !!

ESA seems to be getting great reviews and when your paying 1200 plus for a bike whats an extra 500 quid

And of course my vote is for the 1200 GSA onyack

Cheers

Steve

 

[i8lusaka]

if ABS saves you once from an accident then its more than paid for itself !!

Plus I've heard most people expect ABS when they come to buy these bike's second hand !!

ESA seems to be getting great reviews and when your paying 1200 plus for a bike whats an extra 500 quid

And of course my vote is for the 1200 GSA onyack

Cheers

Steve

It is true but how about when it f***s up can u still brake normal or?

 

[Jonny_L]

ABS shouldn't cause any problems. You might be thinking about servo assisted brakes which have apparently failed on very rare occasions, they've dropped them now.

 

[i8lusaka]

ABS shouldn't cause any problems. You might be thinking about servo assisted brakes which have apparently failed on very rare occasions, they've dropped them now.

Yes that I have heard of the servo playing up.
So ABS should be fine the. Is it a big difference to brake with abs ? I have never tried it on bikes.
What about the forks are they adjustable? Cant see any adjuster on them or went

 

[Jonny_L]

Touch wood I've never had the ABS kick in so I'm not actually sure what it's like while at work. I don't think there's really a difference in feel as such though, it's just a circuit that kicks in when it senses that the wheel has locked up.

If you don't have this new fangled electronic suspension which I know little about The rear is adjustable for spring rate and preload, and the front is adjustable I think just for preload which is adjusted with a special spanner. I'm afraid I don't know about the F800 though.

If you opted for the ESA which sounds pretty sweet to me, you can do it all from the comfort of the seat. Click here to watch a more thorough description of that.

 

[Captain GSA]

Hi you all I am on my way to part x my Zx10 r-06 to a BMW and I will have a test ride on the 25th on the both bikes.
I just want to ask about your opinion about the two bikes.
I will use it to and from work 30 miles in London every day all year around , week end fun , Europa touring and a trip across Africa in 2010 if Sweden qualifies to the world cup in Sa.
I have read a lot depressing threads about failing suspension, ews, back wheel buckled etc and then i found the My 1200 GS/A has no real problems... Thread and I got happy again .
Shall I what ever bike go for a bike with abs , esa etc or are this only more things that can go hi wire in the bush?


I would be great full for any info
Thanks Tommy

Given the choice I'd go for the GSA IMHO, filtering in traffic no problem without panniers maybe not as nimble as the 800 of course but it stops you riding like a twat and could save your life.

You don't have to fill her up every time you fuel but when touring or going to Africa you will welcome the extra capacity. I'm glad you found my thread made you happy- The F800 GS looks a stonking bike but the GSA is so different and it could do what the 800 does but easier better except the serious off road stuff.

I ride my GSA in traffic and in the twisties like an extension of my body. It takes time to get your confidence with as at first as it seems and is a big bike, but when you become one there is no better bike on the planet.

I personally wouldn't go for the 12GS, you'll wish you had the GSA after a month or so, especially if you are a 6 footer.

What ever you decide enjoy it and safe riding.....

 

[TheStig]

So in Summary

Tossers with female tendencies = F800GS

Short arse Tossers = GS1200

Big man size Tossers = GS1200 adventure onyack

Of course I disagree with the above but just making a summarised version of this thread

The Stig