i have a 1200gs at the moment, however i had a new knee a few months back which isworking well. in view of my advanced years (69 ) i was thinking of going for something a bit lighter with a bit more weather protection. so was looking at a 800gt but the pegs are too high for my knee. has any body fitted lower and further forward pegs ( an inch down and an inch forward ). realise there may be issues with the gear shift and rear brake. opinions please. tia.
f800gt
- Thread starter jags
- Start date
If I might say the gt is probley the wrong bike. When you have the foot rests in the right position the bars might be wrong. It's a pity BMW don't make a f800rt but a good bike would be the f800r which would give a more comfortable riding position. I have seen these with a screen and they look well. JJH.
Yeah, I'd second the opinion of the GT being the wrong bike. Not sure that the F800R would be able to get enough weather protection though but I agree, it would definitely be my choice out of the two. How about an F800GSA or F800GS with the GSA screen fitted? There's always the lowered suspension option if you need it to be easier to hop on to.
On a non-BMW front, something like the new MT-09 Tracer might be worth considering?
On a non-BMW front, something like the new MT-09 Tracer might be worth considering?
thanks guys, the 800r is a none starter as i had a courtesy one when my bike was getting serviced. it almost crippled me with the cramped position, didn't think i would manage to ride it back to the dealer. likewise the tracer, too cramped for the knees.i am 6ft with 32" inside leg. may have to go the versys or vstrom route or persevere with the gs.
I've just reread your post. Have you tried the 800 gs? I have the gsa or as you say a vstrom or versus JJH
yes tried a 800gs, but was wondering about something with more weather protection and not too keen on 21" front wheel.
thefooleryoftom
Registered user
Doesn't sound like BMW make a bike for you. Honda trailie thingy?
bmw does make a bike i like, i enjoy riding it every time i go out on it but was thinking of something lighter.
What about the r1200r? Isn't that the all rounder almost same riding position as gs but not as high. JJH
What about F700GS, it's on my list as a possible, like the 800 but not sure about the 21" wheel either. Need a bike that'll be OK in strong winds as they have been known to occur on the barren arctic coast of scotland. 
I don't think the f700gs has a 21 inch front. Is it 19? JJH
The 700 is a great road bike. Like all the F series, it needs a bigger screen but other than that IMHO it's much better set up for road use than the 800GS/GSA having ridden all the latest GS range for a decent amount of time.
It's down on power compared to the R1200GS/GSA obviously but that just means you need to work the 'box a bit harder. It'll cruise quite comfortably at 80-90 especially with a better screen.
To be fair though, the boxer engine makes the R1200 pretty easy to ride / balance on the move but the F700/800s are 30+ kgs easier to push around.
It's down on power compared to the R1200GS/GSA obviously but that just means you need to work the 'box a bit harder. It'll cruise quite comfortably at 80-90 especially with a better screen.
To be fair though, the boxer engine makes the R1200 pretty easy to ride / balance on the move but the F700/800s are 30+ kgs easier to push around.
thanks for your opinions guys. i did wonder about the 700. as jjh says it is a pity bmw don't make 800rt, doesn't need to be all singing dancing like the 1200rt but a bit rangier than the 800gt with good weather protection and the vibrations smoothed out. was out yesterday on my1200gs, bloody cold but shit i love that bike so keeping my options open at the moment,just have to man up and build up my muscles.
I had a F800GT fastest colour of course, orange, buzzie bike, heavy on the wrist due to position even with risers on, loads of wind noise around the head and to top it all roast's your nuts off. really nice looking bike though
earwig
Registered user
The 650/700 gs ... road versions of the 800
lighter and the weight is lower than the versys or vstrom
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