F800GSA

Chewie2112

Registered user
Joined
Apr 19, 2014
Messages
92
Reaction score
0
Location
Horncastle, England
Love my R1150GS to bits, and it's immaculate. I always thought the only bike I'd change it for would be the new LC version, either GS or GSA. Then I spoke to someone who has changed a R1200GS for the F800GSA, and it got me thinking.

For £6K less than a 1200GSA LC, I can get a low mile 800GSA and more importantly my 1150 can be kept rather than need to sell it to swing the deal.

All the reviews say the 800 is a good bike, are people on here who have one happy?

cheers
 
Do it, best of both worlds

Plus you'll still have the best modern post 2000 BMW Boxer ever built
 
A bit more love mpg hate tubes in tyers front a bit vauge needs better springs oil whatever tall bike not a problem. JJH
 
Had mine since July 14, 08 vintage, very happy. 8k miles since then, no problems. Few things improved it, including comfort seat, extra tooth front socket, did chain. Suits me great as I'm tall!
 
Swapped my 1200GSA for the 800GSA two years ago. Fine bike, very economical and fun to ride. I had a lot of wind roar from the screen (I'm 6'4") and found it bloody annoying. I believe you can get aftermarket screens for them now. Personally I didn't like the way the front disappeared under heavy braking but I suppose springs and oil would change that.

It was an excellent bike all round but unfortunately I just didn't get on with it and after 18 months went back to a TC 1200.


Ps if you buy one I've got a BMW bash plate I'm trying to sell
 
If you are going to keep the 1150 Id consider the standard 800, it's great fun and it would give you a better reason to keep and use the 1150
 
Good responses, a little short on detail maybe...... But nice to hear they are liked.

You didn't say you wanted detail! I've moved from an 800 to the adventure this year. The adventure has all the characteristics of the 800, light, manoeuvrable, reasonably quick, circa 60 mpg, plus a better screen, better wind protection overall and a massive tank range. It also comes with most of the stuff you need on a so called adventure bike with the exception of the standard bash plate supplied which is naff.

It would compliment your existing steed nicely. Then all you'll need is a track bike, an enduro, a trials bike and a classic for the weekends sir:cool:
 
I'm happy:D

I thought you were on holiday? Or is that why you're happy :D

If the OP wants detail there's lots of info for and about the F800GS just underneath the search button :thumb

Suffice to say that the 800, either standard GS or GSA is all that you could ever want. 110,000 miles on mine now (just back in to action after two new knees) with no problems to speak of, no corrosion, just smiles of happiness :thumb

Go try both, have a good look round them. I much prefer the looks of the standard 800GS over the Adventure. Larger tank uneccessary unless you're going round the world. 200+ miles to a tank easy on the standard bike .... I need a pee and a coffee and a bacon butty long before I need petrol :D

JB .... the best post 2000 BMW?
F800GS and G650Xcountry, in equal measures :P nah nah

:beerjug:
 
Go try both, have a good look round them. I much prefer the looks of the standard 800GS over the Adventure. Larger tank uneccessary unless you're going round the world. 200+ miles to a tank easy on the standard bike .... I need a pee and a coffee and a bacon butty long before I need petrol :D

Stock 800GS would be my vote and spend a few of the pennies saved on fitting the GSA screen. GSA brake lever is also nicer to use that the stock GS one IMHO (2 height settings available and more sturdy).

Like you say, the extra range isn't really necessary most of the time (though it would be nice to do a weeks commute on one tank which for me is about 250 miles).
 
I have had 1200GS and more recently 1200GSA for the last 9 years.
On the GSA I have done about 70,000 km of long distance touring to far and obscure places, often on roads of dubious quality. While very good at covering vast distances in relative comfort and with great reliability it is now getting too heavy and difficult to manoeuvre on rough trails and hills.
I was lucky enough to be lent a 800GS for 2 weeks while visiting San Francisco and was pleasantly surprised by its zippiness and manoeuvrability on the very steep hills there. Also did some great mountain roads in Marin County and around La Honda.
My dislikes were the front diving under heavy breaking and the very uncomfortable stock seat on rides over an hour. I also note they have tubed tyres which could be a disadvantage over tubeless after 140,000km puncture free.
I think it is time to test-drive a few lighter bikes.
Any other suggestions?
 
If weight is an issue the std GS800 is the one to go for,
1200 GSA 260 kg
1200 GS 238 Kg
800 GSA 229 Kg
800 GS 214 kG.

We have never found the 800 needed a larger tank touring in Europe, and for normal day to day riding less weight means much easier manovering.
 
If weight is an issue the std GS800 is the one to go for,
1200 GSA 260 kg
1200 GS 238 Kg
800 GSA 229 Kg
800 GS 214 kG.

We have never found the 800 needed a larger tank touring in Europe, and for normal day to day riding less weight means much easier manovering.

It's not always just the weight but where the weight is... 1200GS/GSA are pretty easy to balance because of where the weight is despite the 50kg headline weight difference between a 1200GSA and 800GS.
 
I have had a 1200gs 1200gsa f800gsa and ridden a f800gs and never found any problem with them full of fuel half full or empty. I don't know how anyone has a problem. The weight is insignificant. Maby it's just me. I have always found that the more fuel you carry the less often you have to stop and that just gives you more options re fuel stops. JJH
 


Back
Top Bottom