just test rode a 1200

[austen_gs]

Cracking bike, size of it disappears as soon as you set off, but its not worth spending £3500 on top of my 650 to get same age and mileage machine, that isnt going to do anything better than the 650, not for how I use the bike anyway. Think it just proved how good the 650 is. Just a shame my GS has lost the grin factor

 

[Paul S]

Why not get a Tiger 800 instead if you cannot justify the cost of a 1200GS

 

[JJH]

test ride a 800gs

 

[austen_gs]

test ride a 800gs

Why, i've done 14k on the f650, if I didn't find much difference between 1200 and 650 I doubt I find what I want in the 800????

 

[Mav]

Why, i've done 14k on the f650, if I didn't find much difference between 1200 and 650 I doubt I find what I want in the 800????

Upgraded front forks, 21" wheel, more suspension travel - should give a very different feel and be that bit more capable off-road...

 

[Tim Cullis]

I've test ridden an F800GS three times and it's a competent bike but hardly any different from the F650GS.

The one that puts a smile on my face is the G650GS single.

 

[SERVDAVE]

I've test ridden an F800GS three times and it's a competent bike but hardly any different from the F650GS.

The one that puts a smile on my face is the G650GS single.

I thought about changing from my twin to the single. Every time I've ridden the 650 single I have a huge grin ony face!

 

[rocky burns]

Why, i've done 14k on the f650, if I didn't find much difference between 1200 and 650 I doubt I find what I want in the 800????

How can you say there is not much difference between the 650 and the 1200?
They are 2 totaly different bikes in all sorts of ways

 

[Malvern_Beemer]

How can you say there is not much difference between the 650 and the 1200?
They are 2 totaly different bikes in all sorts of ways

+1. If you don.'t notice a significant difference then you've taken neither bike anywhere near their limits.

 

[austen_gs]

How can you say there is not much difference between the 650 and the 1200?
They are 2 totaly different bikes in all sorts of ways

They are not totally different at all, where as the speed triple I test rode is totally different. What I mean is there isn't that much difference in the way they would do the job I want it to (everyday all year round commuter). The 1200 has lots more torque and power, but its also a lot heavier, the real world performance on a rutted A road is very little if you keep the 650 revving. Overtaking you just turn the throttle on the big bike, on the 650 you drop it a couple of cogs and overtake at the same pace. If I was doing motorway commuting the 1200 would be worth it, but the back roads and city centre filtering is just aswell suited (maybe even more so) to the 650. IMO the 1200 is better bike but not worth the extra 3.5k to change today.

 

[Dean]

Cracking bike, size of it disappears as soon as you set off, but its not worth spending £3500 on top of my 650 to get same age and mileage machine, that isnt going to do anything better than the 650, not for how I use the bike anyway. Think it just proved how good the 650 is. Just a shame my GS has lost the grin factor

Progression from the F650GS for me would be the 12 but the F650GS does all I want

all that Torque

I've test ridden an F800GS three times and it's a competent bike but hardly any different from the F650GS.

The one that puts a smile on my face is the G650GS single.

I have had four F800GS loan bikes and get the same feeling, never ridden a G650GS single. The next loaner I will give one a try.

 

[Mad_Accountant]

110 bhp plays 71 bhp plays 47 bhp

I went from a 1200 GSA to an f650gs and back to a 1200 GSA in the space of two months.

The f650 is enormous fun but not at its best on motorways. The weather protection was much reduced and it was rather unstable at higher speeds. Moving into the wash of HGVs and coaches was enlightening, something that does not phase my c1 or the r100r or the GSA. My friend was blown onto her side at 70 ish on a German motorway and, I have to say, I was not surprised to hear that.

If you think the bikes are similar try 70 - 100 mph motorway cruising and let me know how you get on

F650Gs is great bike but horses for courses !

 

[austen_gs]

110 bhp plays 71 bhp plays 47 bhp

I went from a 1200 GSA to an f650gs and back to a 1200 GSA in the space of two months.

The f650 is enormous fun but not at its best on motorways. The weather protection was much reduced and it was rather unstable at higher speeds. Moving into the wash of HGVs and coaches was enlightening, something that does not phase my c1 or the r100r or the GSA. My friend was blown onto her side at 70 ish on a German motorway and, I have to say, I was not surprised to hear that.

If you think the bikes are similar try 70 - 100 mph motorway cruising and let me know how you get on

F650Gs is great bike but horses for courses !

Like I said motorway speeds the big bike was defo better, I've always disliked the 650 on mway journeys.

Anyway had to to think about it more, and now my bike is provisionally sold, pending pick up tomorrow, I'm waying up my options, one of which is the 56 plate blue 1200 in the for sale section. Tiger 1050 is my other thought

 

[Mad_Accountant]

Good luck with your search.

Truly there is no best bike, only the one that is best for you.

Of course I hope that turns out to be another BMW

 

[austen_gs]

Good luck with your search.

Truly there is no best bike, only the one that is best for you.

Of course I hope that turns out to be another BMW

Gone for a tiger 1050, just had to have that triple motor!

 

[Nutty]

Gone for a tiger 1050, just had to have that triple motor!

Congrats One of the newly revamped ones?

 

[austen_gs]

Congrats One of the newly revamped ones?

Nah, 2007 model

 

[Bendy toy]

Congrats on the new Tumpet.

Just to add something about the 650 v 1200 on rutted roads. My brother has an Aprilia Pegaso with Wilbers suspension. I have a 1200 GSA with BMW suspension units. On bad roads I actually feel more in control with the Telever than I do with the upside down forks on the Aprilia. The 1200 never seems to get shaky like normal forked bikes often can. The extra weight is only an issue when I stop on uneven ground and cant reach the floor properly.

However I dont do the MX foot out riding technique. Maybe if I did my attitude would change.