F800GS

[jtw000]

I'm the owner of a 1200GS, it's been ok, fairly reliable and has a good turn of power. I've used it for everything from green laning to motorways and it's been pretty good. It was always quite heavy although it carries the bulk well. I've had a long running problem with the fuelling which has always been erratic so in the end I got a single Pegaso 660 which was great. However, the Peg has turned out to be the most unreliable horror stories of a motorbike I've ever had. It was, however just as quick as the Beemer and cheaper to run and handled great off road and was still a pretty bike. Now I'm back with my 1200 and thinking, yeah, it is too big and unweildy. Now I'm thinking of going away in May to island hop around spain for a year but then after that I would probably be going touring some decent distances. Between times I will have between little and no money. I like the F800GS, it loos like a happy compromise between the two bikes I have and looks nice too. The only downside is the fact that it costs a lot of money although I can just about do it. Is it really any good or is it just another glassy product that is just going to dissapoint and let me down.

 

[tastiehastie]

Mate....I have had mine three days, so I might be a little under qualified to answer....but, I love it, Having had the GS1200 and a KTM adventure, this is the best by a country mile, more willing and smoother with very little bulk over the 1200 and not as under engineered as the KTM (Which was a complete waste of my time).

So yes....brilliant, go for it.

 

[Micky]

Plenty of threads about the F800GS. There has been trials and tribulations but the bike is a great machine that does everything well. Riding round Ireland last week with my mate on his R1150GS. Filling up together, a 176 mile day, and I put 9 Euros in less than him, and at no time could he leave the 800 behind

Now done 38,000 miles on mine with no problems

 

[jtw000]

You're bad people. My wallet hates you.

 

[tastiehastie]

Who needs money anyway....so under rated, especially when you cock your leg over an 800gs, there's a beauty down your way, a guy on this site is selling it. I'll see if I can dig the link out for you.

 

[tastiehastie]

Sorry but JTW will have to subscribe to look in the FS&W but nice thought

Bryn

 

[v8legend]

I'm the owner of a 1200GS, it's been ok, fairly reliable and has a good turn of power. I've used it for everything from green laning to motorways and it's been pretty good. It was always quite heavy although it carries the bulk well. I've had a long running problem with the fuelling which has always been erratic so in the end I got a single Pegaso 660 which was great. However, the Peg has turned out to be the most unreliable horror stories of a motorbike I've ever had. It was, however just as quick as the Beemer and cheaper to run and handled great off road and was still a pretty bike. Now I'm back with my 1200 and thinking, yeah, it is too big and unweildy. Now I'm thinking of going away in May to island hop around spain for a year but then after that I would probably be going touring some decent distances. Between times I will have between little and no money. I like the F800GS, it loos like a happy compromise between the two bikes I have and looks nice too. The only downside is the fact that it costs a lot of money although I can just about do it. Is it really any good or is it just another glassy product that is just going to dissapoint and let me down.

I see you live in town, so probably not the best place for a test. If you're out west, then I suggest a trip to North Oxford Garage, and try their demonstrator straight after riding yours. You won't be disappointed. The 800 is much lighter than your 1200, and although it has a smaller tank it is much more economical (that will help your wallet!). It won't feel as rock solid on the motorway, but is far more chuckable (is that a real word?). I've had mine for just over a year now and it's brilliant, everything I want. I have a mate with a 1200, and I know which one I prefer (no penis envy here). You will want to change the saddle though, the standard one's rubbish after an hour or so.

 

[Madame B]

Even though my bumblebee F800 is having another ignition component related moody at the mo I wouldn't hesitate to suggest you go for one...it's a hoot to ride, always, and I use it to commute and to rag around the back roads and to tour and get 55+ mpg when commuting with the heated grips on "hottest" and well over 60 mpg when on longer trips..and it's by far the prettiest of the GSs

G'won...you'll not regret it....

Mme B

 

[GunZenBomZ]

F8GS, they look the bees knees & no 1200 lads have left me for dust. The fuel tank will give you average 200miles->250 if your a pussy with the throttle.

BMW have dealt with all the problems without major questions.

The only thing that can become annoying is the ability to find new items to bling your bike with..

 

[jtw000]

Ok. Doing my homework and have a question. On the 1200 you can extend the warranty for a year. Can you do that on an F800?

 

[BM_donator]

Ok. Doing my homework and have a question. On the 1200 you can extend the warranty for a year. Can you do that on an F800?

I've just received an "offer" to extend my warranty for £25 per month or £275 for 1 year.

 

[sijohnston]

are you going to? mine it out at the end of this month, but i'm not so sure it would be a good investment. the bike seems to be trouble-free now that the niggles are all sorted.

I've just received an "offer" to extend my warranty for £25 per month or £275 for 1 year.

 

[jtw000]

I went and did it. You people talked me into it. I'm a Beemer boy again.