If not an F800GS then what would you ride?

[everywherevirtually]

I've been thinking about the future and what bike I will get next year. I do like the 800 for my needs and I'm wondering if I should buy another one when the time comes or tailor the next bike a little closer to what I use it for. (long distance / sometimes two up)

I've done some off roading but I find the 800 a little revvy and weighty to manage in the dirt. It's not a real off roader. 95% of the time I like overlanding. Long distance riding with the option for the odd fire trail or rough road in Eastern Europe (that said they are sorting those out pretty quick).

If you were not allowed to buy the F800/F650GS what would you choose as the next best/equal?

 

[macpherson]

Tiger 1050, or a new Multistrada if I won the lottery.

 

[ide508]

I do like the 800 for my needs and I'm wondering if I should buy another one when the time comes or tailor the next bike a little closer to what I use it for. (long distance / sometimes two up)

I know that you like the 800, Jon. You have taken yours long distance, and if it's only "sometimes" two up... it's a good bike.
You will certainly be able to buy another one, used & in good condition with low mileage when the times comes.

Plus, you will be able to recuperate all the farkling that you have on yours now. Quite a money saving

I've done some off roading but I find the 800 a little revvy and weighty to manage in the dirt. It's not a real off roader. 95% of the time I like overlanding. Long distance riding with the option for the odd fire trail or rough road in Eastern Europe (that said they are sorting those out pretty quick).

Correct but again, the 800 is good for long distance and as for 5% of off roading you have proofed to manage it well.
If the 5% is that important for you, I would choose a 650 single or a lighter bike...

If you were not allowed to buy the F800/F650GS what would you choose as the next best/equal?

Hth
Cheers
Bernard

 

[v8legend]

Tiger 1050, or a new Multistrada if I won the lottery.

Me too, and possibly a 1200GS

 

[mechcanico lee]

If you where buying to a budget the suzuki vstrom are a good bike ..very under rated 650 or 1000 you could buy a good one for £3.5k and thers loads of extras availiable and un bustable reiliability, i have had 3 1000s and 1 650.
Fo me the 650 didnt have enough grunt but most of the owners love them.
There not a serious off roader but can do trails and green lanes pretty well.

A have read on the other thread that you have had to give your 800 back due to fianacial issues Jon , so fo the future there definatley worth a look.

Its about getting the best bike for the money you can afford and for the money you pay there a good package.

 

[lapin]

Yes, second vote for the v-strom 650; I will admit to being a bit nervous of the F800GS given the scare stories on this and other forums and now find myself negotiating for a Wee.

For the sort of riding I will be doing - road and a few fire trails - it seemed like a better bike than the F8 and just over half the price, with tubeless tires to boot as well as legendary reliability.

I'll let you know how I get on with it once the deal is closed.

Good to see you looking positively into the future, Jon.

Kind regards,

Sean

 

[everywherevirtually]

Yes, second vote for the v-strom 650; I will admit to being a bit nervous of the F800GS given the scare stories on this and other forums and now find myself negotiating for a Wee.

For the sort of riding I will be doing - road and a few fire trails - it seemed like a better bike than the F8 and just over half the price, with tubeless tires to boot as well as legendary reliability.

I'll let you know how I get on with it once the deal is closed.

Good to see you looking positively into the future, Jon.

Kind regards,

Sean

The Wee has a big support base on ADVrider and the tubeless tires are a real plus.

A friend of mine got one last year and I have to say I was amazed at what he got bang for buck compared to my 800. I don't feel so bad about the 800 now because I walked around it the other day and realised that most of the kit is mine anyway and without it the bike is just OK.

e.g

handguards
bashplate
bar risers
GPR can
crash bars
rear rack
pannier rails
centech fuse box
MRA spoiler
Touratech screen
GPS
Kriega fork seal socks
rear shock sock
number plate crud protector thing
heated vest controller
rear brake extrender
sidestand big foot
front brake reservoir holder
wunderlich vario clutch lever
HID lights
airhawk cushion

That's a lot of kit just to make the bike comfortable and protected for long distance overlanding. Some things are 800 specific but a lot can go on the next bike

I reckon the Wee is a bit lower too and better two up. hmmm choices choices.

 

[v8legend]

Yes, second vote for the v-strom 650; I will admit to being a bit nervous of the F800GS given the scare stories on this and other forums and now find myself negotiating for a Wee.

For the sort of riding I will be doing - road and a few fire trails - it seemed like a better bike than the F8 and just over half the price, with tubeless tires to boot as well as legendary reliability.

I'll let you know how I get on with it once the deal is closed.

Good to see you looking positively into the future, Jon.

Kind regards,

Sean

Yes, it's half the price. Don't kid yourself that it's as good.

 

[v8legend]

The Wee has a big support base on ADVrider and the tubeless tires are a real plus.

A friend of mine got one last year and I have to say I was amazed at what he got bang for buck compared to my 800. I don't feel so bad about the 800 now because I walked around it the other day and realised that most of the kit is mine away and without it the bike is just OK.

e.g

handguards
bashplate
bar risers
GPR can
crash bars
rear rack
pannier rails
centech fuse box
MRA spoiler
Touratech screen
GPS
Kriega fork seal socks
rear shock sock
number plate crud protector thing
heated vest controller
rear brake extrender
sidestand big foot
front brake reservoir holder
wunderlich vario clutch lever
HID lights
airhawk cushion

That's a lot of kit just to make the bike comfortable and protected for long distance overlanding. Some things are 800 specific but a lot can go on the next bike

I reckon the Wee is a bit lower too and better two up. hmmm choices choices.

I didn't realise all those extras were standard on the Wee. That makes it a bargain. I'll have two.

 

[everywherevirtually]

I didn't realise all those extras were standard on the Wee. That makes it a bargain. I'll have two.

. at least I don't have to buy all that stuff again.

 

[Packer]

Why not look at the F650 twin?

A bit more road orientated with 19" front wheel instead of the 21". The same engine although lower state of tune and more of your farkles are likely to fit than any other machine. lower seay height as well and will cope perectly well with the odd unmade road.

There is also the small matter of it being a cool £1,000.00 cheaper

 

[freeloader]

Why not look at the F650 twin?

A bit more road orientated with 19" front wheel instead of the 21". The same engine although lower state of tune and more of your farkles are likely to fit than any other machine. lower seay height as well and will cope perectly well with the odd unmade road.

There is also the small matter of it being a cool £1,000.00 cheaper

True, but to paraphrase someone or other, you buy a motorbike with your heart, not your head.

It's why I bought the 800 instead of the 650. Haven't had any regrets yet.

 

[Loiq]

650 single...

cheap, reliable, got two wheels what more do you need...

I'm also strangely attracted to small trail bikes at the moment I'm sure it'll pass with time...

 

[Blobby]

Tiger 1050 would be high on my list too. More road biast but totally capable of a few tracks. If you need nobby tyres on the 800GS for what you currently do & expect to do, then the 1050 may not suit but otherwise it is an interesting choice/change. Bit dull to have the same bike twice when there are so many to choose from and getting to know new bikes is, in my view, part of the fun. 800GS is a fantastic all-rounder though and for that reason, quite hard to top. Fascinated to know what you decide!

 

[macpherson]

Yes, it's half the price. Don't kid yourself that it's as good.

You wouldn't expect a VStrom to be just as good as an 800GS for half the price, but if its half as good, then surely you're quids in...

 

[Packer]

True, but to paraphrase someone or other, you buy a motorbike with your heart, not your head.

It's why I bought the 800 instead of the 650. Haven't had any regrets yet.

You are right of course but the OP had to sell his bike to juggle finances at a difficult time. I was meaning that he could get most of the benefits from a cheaper bike and that it might even be better suited to the intended use.

Mind you if he sells all those farkles he could probably buy a new bike for cash

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

i just made my choice - 660 tenere.

 

[freeloader]

You are right of course but the OP had to sell his bike to juggle finances at a difficult time. I was meaning that he could get most of the benefits from a cheaper bike and that it might even be better suited to the intended use.

Mind you if he sells all those farkles he could probably buy a new bike for cash

Yep, I knew about the reason for the question, and I realise my post wasn't very helpful. You're right about the 650 too, I don't doubt that its capabilities would be up to the task.

It's just that if I were in the same position (and it might yet happen) I might buy a 650, but I'd be wishing I could buy the 800. I might even be tempted to look at something completely different so as to avoid having to make that particular choice, daft as that might be.

 

[lapin]

You wouldn't expect a VStrom to be just as good as an 800GS for half the price, but if its half as good, then surely you're quids in...

I think it's a different bike with a different marketing strategy; cheaper does not always mean not as good; you pays your money and you takes your choice - for me, over here, the F800GS does not stack up for the sort of riding I want to do or even value - the V-Strom is better for me.

 

[Richie3264]

I've been thinking about the future and what bike I will get next year. I do like the 800 for my needs and I'm wondering if I should buy another one when the time comes or tailor the next bike a little closer to what I use it for. (long distance / sometimes two up)

I've done some off roading but I find the 800 a little revvy and weighty to manage in the dirt. It's not a real off roader. 95% of the time I like overlanding. Long distance riding with the option for the odd fire trail or rough road in Eastern Europe (that said they are sorting those out pretty quick).

If you were not allowed to buy the F800/F650GS what would you choose as the next best/equal?

Not too sure about best/equal or financial situation, however, worra 'bout the Varadero, KTM Adventure/950 SE, or Lc4. Or...................dare I say it........






1150/1100 Gs