Good evening

[GB.]

I am totally new to this forum and have joined because I'm seriously considering a F800GS. I'm not new to motorcycling, been riding for over 30years, done the jap multis of the 80s, Ducatis and a few Brits chucked in there somewhere as well. Done a fair share of trackdays and some instructing too, been riding a Buell for the last six years and still not sure if I want to let it go, but my daughter now wants to come out with me on the back and the Buell is not a good bike two up, also we are getting interested in Geocaching, so I was thinking it would be good for that too, and I want to use it for a 30mile commute to work because I'm led to believe they are very economical. But what about servicing, I can strip my Buell myself right down to the crank with few or no special tools, with servicing costing me £40 every 2500miles, how does the F800gs fair in the servicing department?
I love the rugged looks of the GS and the thought of the versatility of being able to go off the beaten track really appeals to me,even though I have no off road experience(unless you count a crunchie around the local flied 30 years a go)
I would use this bike everyday, come rain or shine, whats the quality finish like? It's all very well listening to the dealer salesman waxing lyrical how wonderful the bike is,but what are they like to live with on a daily basis? Are they a good bike two up? What extras are really worth having? Are they that good off road?

So is it time for a change?

I've just realised I've been rambling, sorry

 

[Bounce]

Greetings & salutations, welcome to the site...

Am sure you'll find plenty of info here to help you make your decision....plenty of test rides will help, and be inquisitive

 

[ghiribizzo]

Ditto Keith B...
You may find the 800 also a bit small for a lot of two up work. Go test ride some bikes. Don't blame me if you end up shelling out for a 1200...

 

[v8legend]

You'll find the F800GS a good choice. Very economical, so ideal for commuting etc. Servicing is actually quite easy, but not many of us do it ourselves.

If you follow the threads, you'll find plenty of high milers out there, so rest assured. It's not without it's faults, but most should have been sorted by now.

 

[Micky]

Welcome GB ... now get stuck in and enjoy

The F800GS is a corker ...

 

[STUBBS]

ello good luck with the bike hunting

 

[Gundog]

Ullo GB......

 

[GB.]

Thanks for the welcome, going to pop into the local stealer today.
Is it a case of the 2011 is going to be a lot better bike than a 2009 with say 3000-7000miles,is there a big difference in year models, can stuff be retro fitted?
As for two up riding, my daughter is still at school so I wont be doing massive miles two up, under a 100 a day I would think to start with so I'm not looking for Pan-euro two up comfort.

 

[v8legend]

The bike hasn't changed at all since it was launched. Just colours. There has been a slight change to the rear sprocket mount, but nothing major. Any bike you buy should be up to date with mods and recalls. All the early ones came on Battlewings, the later models came with all sorts. Trail Attacks are the best (IMHO). If you're looking at a low miler, try and get one fully loaded. If buying new, try and get the dealer to throw in a top box, or panniers.

 

[GB.]

Just popped in to the dealers, a bit windy on the Buell but good to be out. Bumped into a mate who now has a S1000rr and he said the build quality is really good, he is used to jap stuff so it doesn't mean anything to me but they looked well put together. Sat on two different model 800gs, one had a dual seat on the other was quite straight, neither felt particularly comfortable, been spoilt by my Corbin I reckon. Grabbed some literature so now going to sit and read.

 

[Morticia]

Hi GB, I have the yellow and black F800... great bike, and all the write ups are right. When we do 2 up it does have to work harder, 1200s leave us standing at 80.

Test ride the 800 and 1200 back to back, that will help you decide.

Have fun and enjoy the forum

Morticia

 

[GB.]

Thought about that Mortica, my Buell will happily hold 100-110mph uphill downhill all day long, can I expect that from the F? The dealer doesnt have one on demo yet so I couldnt try one, could have took the 12 but time was running short, no worries, no rush

 

[GB.]

I have now put my Buell up forsale and I'm taking the plunge with a GS, still not sure if its gonna be a 800 or 1200 yet, but I'm pretty sure its gonna happen.

 

[v8legend]

Just popped in to the dealers, a bit windy on the Buell but good to be out. Bumped into a mate who now has a S1000rr and he said the build quality is really good, he is used to jap stuff so it doesn't mean anything to me but they looked well put together. Sat on two different model 800gs, one had a dual seat on the other was quite straight, neither felt particularly comfortable, been spoilt by my Corbin I reckon. Grabbed some literature so now going to sit and read.

I'm assuming by 'the dual seat' that it actually had the 'Comfort' seat fitted. That is what I have. The standard plank hurts after about 90 miles. The 'Comfort' seat feels quite strange at first, because it brings you further forward, and you can't slide back and forth. However, you soon get used to it, plus you can ride all day.

 

[GB.]

Had a look at the Triumph the weekend (didnt ride it) and I came to some conclusions,

1. The Triumph is a bit cheaper (well £300 cheaper)
2. The Triumph is it seems on first impressions of just sitting on it, more comfortable
3. The Triumph is a good looking bike, with the extras reasonably priced.
4. I wasn't impressed with the build quality, it seemed as if they have used lots of plastic to cover bits and pieces up, just felt if you dropped it it would do a lot of damage.
5. The GS seemed to ooze quality, and pedigree to some extent, so at the moment the GS is nudging ahead especially with the mpg figures.
6. Got a friend who writes for Ride magazine, he hasn't rode the Triumph yet, but has the BMW, his lasting thought on the BM was the engine was very linear to the point of boredom, but was very good off-road.
Need to ride them both now, preferably back to back.

 

[demandcurve]

Grabbed some literature so now going to sit and read.

GB, make sure you test the F800 before you convince yourself with the literature. I test-rode an early F800ST after early praise in the press. My wife hated the pillion - felt like there was no bike around her - which was fine since that 800ST was easily the nastiest bike I've ever ridden in 35 years. clearly the F800 has many loyal fans but I found the engine incredibly flat, the transmission dreadful (crunching gear change, popping out of gear under power), and the bike exhibited a weird surging/boinging motion in heavy traffic. Each to their own but I'd buy a 12 over a 8 in a heartbeat, and a Triumph. The look of the plastics may be different but the ride is important too. Strongly recommend testing the options with daughter on board.

Good luck

Tony

 

[GB.]

Thats interesting and does solidify what my friend says about the engine, I have now booked test rides on each back to back. I have another mate with a 1200gs who loves it but had to change the seat because it was so uncomfortable! Which surprised me on a long distance bike. Fuel economy is important to me, I havent really looked into the economy of the 1200 to be honest, so that is something I need to look at.

 

[GB.]

Right, looks like the Buell has sold, being collected Saturday. Going to have a look at a secondhand 1200Gs tomorrow.

 

[Deleted account 230523001]

Right, looks like the Buell has sold, being collected Saturday. Going to have a look at a secondhand 1200Gs tomorrow.

You twat.
You would hate the 800, wheezy little f uckshite it is too
More vibrations than your Buell with much less power.

1200 if you must, but don`t make the decision before riding the 1150.

Of course the purists ride the 1100...Ask Steve @BB, he will tell you the same

Oh yeah, welcome

 

[GB.]

Been waiting for you to turn up you midget deal is done, found a low mileage 1200gs hoping to get all sorted over next few days. Can't see him of the blackbear giving me any advice, he's never forgiven me for not buying an X1 off him As for purist and all that, if I was a purist I would have ridden an S1, I have somewhat been forced to change my bike, but I also felt a change was in order, I will now ride all year round as it will be used for commuting, can't tell you how much I am looking forward to that my Yorkie eating little friend