Going Down

[fatbastard]

Has anyone gone from the R1200GS to the 800GS, whats your thoughts pros and cons. I'm thinking lighter bike easier to throw about bit more fun. As for using it off roasd my Off roading is dirt tracks is about as hard as I go.

Any advice would be great

 

[Tim Cullis]

Take a look at this link from the sticky 'popular threads'

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=128064

The F650/800GS is lighter but only by about 20 or so kg. Fuel economy is fantastic though.

 

[maddaddy]

I took the dive

I went from the 1200 to the 800 and never looked back. I like riding off road, and the 1200 is like riding a farm tractor compared to the 800.

If I was just an asphalt kind of guy, I would have stuck with the 1200.

 

[colint]

Upgrade

I changed from a less than a year old 1200GSA to an 800gs I now consider this an upgrade and have never looked back.
The 800GS does everything the 1200 did more but more economically even 2 up with luggage it is fine, you just have to work the engine a bit more, but it thrives on revs. The seat is the same length as a 1200 but standard I found the comfort was poor for me so had memory foam put in at MotorCycleSeatWorks in Bradford and it is fine now.

http://www.motorcycleseatworks.co.uk/

 

[jtw000]

I changed from 1200 to 800. The 800 is a more fun bike but it's a lot less comfortable. It purely depends what you want it for. If you're plodding along long distances the 1200 is probably the way to go, if you want a fun bike then the 800 is the one for you. It feels lighter and quicker. It is still a heavy machine though and while it can handle off road I still prefer a 650 class bike like the g650 range.

 

[richie]

Possibly the best "dual purpose" bike ever, just do it.

 

[Enduroman]

I recently bought an 800. I test rode this and the 1200, but the 800 felt far more flickable and fun! It isn't as comfortable, no, but I've just ordered a Corbin seat, so that should be all day comfy. It's also far easier to move around the garden!

 

[Cuprinol Man]

I had two 1200's which I did 30,000 miles on then I changed to an 800.
I have had my biggest mileage year to date on my 800 cos I love riding it.
I had a loan 1200 fully loaded for three weeks while I had a new clutch in mine and I couldn't wait to get mine back.
You will miss the mid-range of the 1200 though.
I have geared mine down (1 off the front and up 3 at the rear) and it is now even better.
I proplaby ride it faster round corners than any other bike I have owned (I had lots) because I feel so confident on it.

It did take me a while to adjust though and I nearly sold it after 2 months of ownership but I am so glad I hung in there.
CM

 

[GunZenBomZ]

Had the use of two 1200's for around a week. Couldn't get on with the side-vibrations of the boxer engine. However the power was beautiful, so easy to ride