F800GS

[Davel]

Well I’m sad to say that, at almost 71, I’m going to get a lighter bike and torn between the F800GS and the 900 Scrambler

I think the GS is the better option for touring etc but I’d appreciate any thoughts from folk who have considered the same.

The Rocket GTR is a brilliant bike and, much as I hate to admit it, I think it’s time.

Feel free to take the piss

 

[steve hughes]

Depends what you are coming from but the F650/800/700 range do feel lighter than the full fat 1150-1300 GS’s . Some of that is due to the fuel being stored below the riders seat. The F800 will be taller due to its offroad wheels than the F650/700. I have toured on my F650 two up , a three thousand mile trip to Lake Garda plus lots of passes. I havnt toured on my F700 ( as its a lowered model so limited gross wt) but done thousands of miles two up.

These twins are nice and torqy off the line , then get a bit buzzy above 75 , so if you want high speed continental performance look away. They are however very frugal with 65 mpg an all day reality and often 70+ mpg.

Both mine have been reliable and Micky on here took his f800 from a crate upto 130K plus miles with little or no issues.

The later F750/850’s are a different animal, more power, fuel tank in the conventional place and chain drive down the LHS. From memory they may also be a tad taller.

 

[Old Codger]

I went from a 1200gs to a 24 F800 ( previously rode a 1200rt ) it’s the upgraded F750 with more horsepower. It has more than enough for everyday sprightly riding .
Bonus is the vario,s off the 1200 fit for touring. All it really needed was a decent screen
You’re not the only one the wrong side of seventy I find it lighter to handle
and pleased with my choice so far. Don’t give a monkeys what others think
Best to go for a test ride on one The 900 seems weighed to more off-road riding. The 800 road biased.

 

[Davel]

I do like the F900 but its way too tall for me now.

I was thinking a lowered 800 but with a comfort seat.

Thanks both

 

[Northern jock]

I do like the F900 but its way too tall for me now.

I was thinking a lowered 800 but with a comfort seat.

Thanks both

I have an 800 that I’ll be selling soon, I’ve got two seats, the comfort and a standard that I removed a fair amount of foam from to make it lower. It will go with the bike but I’d recommend removing the rest of the foam and putting a gel pad of thickness to suit instead, that reduces height a fair bit.
It’s a very capable, all round bike

 

[Old Codger]

I do like the F900 but its way too tall for me now.

I was thinking a lowered 800 but with a comfort seat.

Thanks both

The newer 800 isn’t that tall with a 29in inseam I can get both feet down comfortably that’s with a standard Wunderlich comfort seat .
Best go and try one

 

[steve hughes]

I do like the F900 but its way too tall for me now.

I was thinking a lowered 800 but with a comfort seat.

Thanks both

If you go low chassis ( factory lowered) check the max gross weight as my lowered F700 has a significant reduction over standard. No issue if you tour solo, but if you take a pillion and luggage then check the numbers before you buy.

 

[Rover]

I’m 76 and downsized from a 1250GS to an F800GS. It’s a bit lighter, a bit lower and easier to push around.
I have no problem keeping up with my mates who are still on 1250’s. I miss the suspension on the 1250 but that’s about all. I had forgotten about fork dive.
I was a bit doubtful but haven’t regretted it at all.

 

[gspod]

My wife went from a lowered 800gs to a lowered 1200gs LC.
For her the lowered 1200 is much easier and nicer to ride and it’s way easier to move around - which is usually my job so I know this for a fact. The lower centre of gravity is what makes it so user friendly - she has ‘saved it’ on a camber a couple of times and said that the 800 would have gone down.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

My wife went from a lowered 800gs to a lowered 1200gs LC.
For her the lowered 1200 is much easier and nicer to ride and it’s way easier to move around - which is usually my job so I know this for a fact. The lower centre of gravity is what makes it so user friendly - she has ‘saved it’ on a camber a couple of times and said that the 800 would have gone down.

Does the chain bother you?

 

[gspod]

She has always had an automatic oiler on her chain bikes but she much prefers shaft drive now.
Doesn’t bother me, I’ve had shaft drive bikes since 1988

 

[Davel]

Test rode the F800GS yesterday at Williams Manchester and surprisingly impressed so deal done and hope to get it next week..

Chose the stealth black version

 

[Davel]

Looking for a comfortable seat now but not too high.

Any recommendations please.

Great bike but not all day comfortable sadly

 

[Davel]

Bought one from Nippy Normans. Much better

 

[Captain jack]

Well I’m sad to say that, at almost 71, I’m going to get a lighter bike and torn between the F800GS and the 900 Scrambler

I think the GS is the better option for touring etc but I’d appreciate any thoughts from folk who have considered the same.

The Rocket GTR is a brilliant bike and, much as I hate to admit it, I think it’s time.

Feel free to take the piss

No reason to be sad imo