Pros and cons of the 700 & 800

[marcusfordus]

I'll be after buying one next week, I've had the 800 before and loved it, but the 700 is a touch cheaper so if you had the money, which really is the best ?

The old 800 had a couple of faults, s.t.u.p.i.d indicator switches, nose diving front end and a tall hard seat, all look like they have been rectified in the facelift version.

I've seen one 700 on the road in the past year, but loads for sale on the internet, so what's wrong with them??

 

[Alan R]

I took a 700 out on a test ride immediately after a similar ride on an 800. July this year. Back to back as it were. My impressions of the 700 were that the gearing was softer as was the tuning. The 800 pulled harder and was more fun to ride. The fork dive is still present and the seat is still rock hard. I bought the 800. It's a play thing while my r1200gs twin cam is the serious mile muncher and sits in the garage of a Dubrovnik hotel as I sit in the bar typing this. So, 800 for play rather than 700, 1200 for touring.
Alan R

 

[marcusfordus]

I took a 700 out on a test ride immediately after a similar ride on an 800. July this year. Back to back as it were. My impressions of the 700 were that the gearing was softer as was the tuning. The 800 pulled harder and was more fun to ride. The fork dive is still present and the seat is still rock hard. I bought the 800. It's a play thing while my r1200gs twin cam is the serious mile muncher and sits in the garage of a Dubrovnik hotel as I sit in the bar typing this. So, 800 for play rather than 700, 1200 for touring.
Alan R

Nice one Alan. I did a back to back test ride when I bought my 1st 800, that was with the 1200GS and I hated the thing, too bulky, top heavy, worse on fuel and it just felt dated. I did 6000 miles on my 800 and loved it. I sold it to buy a house, doh !

 

[Mad_Accountant]

I really dont feel that many people would agree with you on that one.

I have had two f650 GSs and "quite a few" R1200GS Adventures and, for me, the 1200s easily win.

The market for the 800s is for a different customer, for people who can't or won't cope with the additional cost or the weight that the 1200s demand. For higher distances and speeds the 1200 is in an altogether different league. If you found the 1200 dated and top heavy I'm guessing you are new to the 1200 GS and you have not allowed enough time to aclimatise to the bike. My impression is that the 800s give a good ride in an altogether different speed range, once I wick it up the differences are all too obvious. If weight and cost are that important why not go the while hog and ride a Honda NC750X ?

 

[marcusfordus]

I really dont feel that many people would agree with you on that one.

I have had two f650 GSs and "quite a few" R1200GS Adventures and, for me, the 1200s easily win.

The market for the 800s is for a different customer, for people who can't or won't cope with the additional cost or the weight that the 1200s demand. For higher distances and speeds the 1200 is in an altogether different league. If you found the 1200 dated and top heavy I'm guessing you are new to the 1200 GS and you have not allowed enough time to aclimatise to the bike. My impression is that the 800s give a good ride in an altogether different speed range, once I wick it up the differences are all too obvious. If weight and cost are that important why not go the while hog and ride a Honda NC750X ?

Coming from the flighty MT-09 that has a pretty damn good power to weight ratio, they are all going to seem heavy and slow Another point is my parking position in the garage I hadn't mentioned. I can park my car in the garage with space for a thin bike (MT and 800GS) but a 1200 would be tight, like really tight!
I doubt the Honda NC750X would do what I want it to do without falling apart.

 

[Deleted account 181015003]

I really dont feel that many people would agree with you on that one.

I have had two f650 GSs and "quite a few" R1200GS Adventures and, for me, the 1200s easily win.

The market for the 800s is for a different customer, for people who can't or won't cope with the additional cost or the weight that the 1200s demand. For higher distances and speeds the 1200 is in an altogether different league. If you found the 1200 dated and top heavy I'm guessing you are new to the 1200 GS and you have not allowed enough time to aclimatise to the bike. My impression is that the 800s give a good ride in an altogether different speed range, once I wick it up the differences are all too obvious. If weight and cost are that important why not go the while hog and ride a Honda NC750X ?

I have just come from a 1200GSA to the 800GS and its so much easier to ride yes the 1200 is the better touring bike but for the other 50 weeks a year the 800 is fine fast enough lighter easier in traffic better on fuel and I can push it around without worrying about a slight hill stopping progress.

Still miss the 1200

 

[JJH]

I have just come from a 1200GSA to the 800GS and its so much easier to ride yes the 1200 is the better touring bike but for the other 50 weeks a year the 800 is fine fast enough lighter easier in traffic better on fuel and I can push it around without worrying about a slight hill stopping progress.

Still miss the 1200

I had a1200 GSA now have a 800 GSA which would I prefer? Without doubt the 1200 but the 800 is cheaper and a lot better on fuel so that is what I have at the moment. I never felt the 1200 to be too big or top heavy or cumbersome I like the power delivery but I love getting 57 mpg and 340 miles from a tank 27 litres they say 24 bmw must have never measured it I know the 1200 can take 36 litres. What would I change? The wheels tubes are a pain in the ass. I know if you are crossing a desert tubes might have an advantage but what's to stop someone putting tubes in if they feel the need? JJH

 

[Mad_Accountant]

I have just come from a 1200GSA to the 800GS and its so much easier to ride yes the 1200 is the better touring bike but for the other 50 weeks a year the 800 is fine fast enough lighter easier in traffic better on fuel and I can push it around without worrying about a slight hill stopping progress.

Still miss the 1200

You are absolutely bang on with what you say. I loved my 800 but high speed motorway stability was not as good and road presence was also lacking which overall made the 1200 much easier to drop in my drive/ garage but MUCH safer once on the move. I know which incident I would prefer!

But the OP asked about 700 v 800. For me the 800 was immediately ruled out as I avoid riding bikes with tubed tyres like the plague, I have twice experienced full blow outs on two wheels. The F650 is higher geared compared to the 700. I prefer the paddle switch gear to the single switch (another reason why I won't upgrade my twin-cam 1200 to the LC).

Overall the 650/700/800 twins are excellent, reasonable weight, economical viable bikes. For me the 1200s have it but not everyone can make it to the 1200s (price/height/weight) and I do not look down on them.

I would have kept my last F650GS (Twin) as it was almost everything I wanted. What I certainly did not want was unreasonable engine corrosion and multiple changes of the steering head bearings! What killed it for me was the heavy cable clutch which inflamed an injury in my left hand, so a hydraulic clutch (or a C650GT scooter) it had to be.

However there is a hydraulic clutch kit available (made by a German firm) for the 800s which costs £329 and I would have gone down that route had I known about it in time.

The bottom line is they are all great bikes and I would happily own any of them.

Enjoy and ride safe.

 

[Dave Ett]

Heavy clutch? Pop round and take my FJ1100 out for a ride, that will re calibrate your left hand!

I've done 27000 on my 800 and loved them all. Nothing has failed, the crap bits (bearings and seat) have been swapped for aftermarket and otherwise it's perfect for 90% of my riding.

Not tried the 700, but the 650 ride like a very different bike - easier, less aggressive, lower! Very nice bike and spot on in town, but I'd miss the extra oomph of the 800 on the open road.

 

[Micky]

I'll be after buying one next week, I've had the 800 before and loved it, but the 700 is a touch cheaper so if you had the money, which really is the best ?

Well you musta have lotsa money ... you had an 800 and let it go and now looking at a 700 'cos it's cheaper

You had the best bike by far there with the 800 You shoulda kept it

110,000 miles, no corrosion, no issues, no faults ... still loving mine to bits

 

[daytripper!]

Have the reliability issues with the 800 series been resolved by now (peeps often do not mention age of their bikes when the prob occurred)? Also any advice on what upgrades there are for the seat (I note 800 adventurer T has bigger seat but is it any better than the aftermarket options)? Thanks!

 

[marcusfordus]

Not quite Micky, I sold the Anniversary end of 2011 when I bought my house. It was a needs must affair. Always regretted selling it and lusted after another ever since. I've had some much cheaper bikes in the meantime, saved my cash and bought a new MT-09 back in January as there were ZERO secondhand 800's when I wanted one, I've agreed a sale on my Yam but it gives me 6K in cash, so the question was do I put a fair bit more towards the 800, or a smaller amount at a 700???

What I have noticed over the past couple of weeks is the 800's are selling on ebay/bikemart/trader, but the 700 seem to hang around unsold, and keep being dropped and dropped again in price. The BMW dealers are asking silly money for used 700's which to me, is not the best move if they watched how the sales markets are moving if they want to shift stock!

I DO NOT want a 1200, no matter what everyone says about them. THEY WILL NEVER do the same mpg as a well ridden 800/700 and that is my running cost budget I want to stick to.

I'd have liked to have known what the two same engines do to the gallon, how their suspension matches up, can the smaller in height bike cope fully loaded and carry a passenger, is the 700 underpowered for motorway work.
As it stands the 800 is looking the better of the two as I've experience of running one and know it can cope with all I asked of it, plus they do sell easier should I want to swap for a newer one in a year or two?

[/QUOTE]

 

[Bigboy]

My two pennies worth

Hi

In the last few years have had many BMW's (2 x 1150GS 1 X 1200GS 1 X 1150R 1 X 1150RT 1 X 1200RT) .........I now ride a F700 GS

Its a bit of a revelation and all my views of going to a smaller bike have been changed.

The 700GS is a great bike don't let any body tell you otherwise, it light, nimble, Fun to ride, very economical (220miles on a tank....reserve light comes on at 200miles) comfortable if you change the seat ( Ive got an Sargent Enduro on) and the screen,

It tours fairly well, I had reservations but on a recent tour to Scotland 1800miles I have no trouble keeping up and many other riders were amazed by how well it rides. On every tank I was using £5 less to fill up compared to the other bikes, all Bemmer's and Triumphs & Honda's. My speed was around 60/70 on average, and vibes wise if you keep it below 5000revs it ok ..........but it does really pull well in all gears and range.


You will be surprised at how good it is.

Enjoy

 

[Micky]

Not quite Micky ...

As it stands the 800 is looking the better of the two as I've experience of running one and know it can cope with all I asked of it, plus they do sell easier should I want to swap for a newer one in a year or two?

Understand your reasoning

I have ridden the 700 (when it was a 650) and was delighted with it, and surprised just how nice the engine was and how well it rode

But if I'm honest I preferred the looks of the 800, more 'macho' ... more me

You've nearly answered your own question above

Regularly riding with the 1150's and 1200's I will constantly put €10 to €15 worth less petrol in at the end of a days riding on the continent or across in Ireland .... and never been left behind

Not to be sneezed at

 

[Deleted account 181015003]

I have had the F800GS for 2.5 weeks now done about 450 miles so still getting to know it what I have noticed the weekend just gone is it gets blown about in side winds quite a lot. I rode a F650GS on the same day same roads and noticed it did not get blown about as much this is something you should consider before deciding. I think its the larger front wheel and longer suspension travel that is the difference that catches the wind between the bikes.

 

[Deleted account 181015003]

Understand your reasoning

I have ridden the 700 (when it was a 650) and was delighted with it, and surprised just how nice the engine was and how well it rode

But if I'm honest I preferred the looks of the 800, more 'macho' ... more me

You've nearly answered your own question above

Regularly riding with the 1150's and 1200's I will constantly put €10 to €15 worth less petrol in at the end of a days riding on the continent or across in Ireland .... and never been left behind

Not to be sneezed at

Micky you have done a few miles more than most on the 800 have you ever noticed a wobble on the bars on overrun slowing down at about 40mph I think mine might have a bad tyre I am going to see what the dealer says when it goes for its 600 mile service I did not notice anything on the demo I rode. It feels like the Conti Attack wobble on a 1200 but its on the 800 has the Pirelli Scorpions fitted.

 

[Micky]

Micky you have done a few miles more than most on the 800 have you ever noticed a wobble on the bars on overrun slowing down at about 40mph I think mine might have a bad tyre I am going to see what the dealer says when it goes for its 600 mile service I did not notice anything on the demo I rode. It feels like the Conti Attack wobble on a 1200 but its on the 800 has the Pirelli Scorpions fitted.

Yes .... but not a wobble on the bars. On perfectly smooth tarmac, 30 to 40 mph, it felt as if the front wheel is out of balance. Usually when the front tyre is about half worn. An up and down movement as if there is a flat on the rim. This has happened several times. Taken the wheel out and had it checked ... still in perfect balance

I always use Tourances

A new tyre sorts ... until half worn. More prevalent on tyres sourced from the cheaper outlets

 

[Deleted account 181015003]

Yes .... but not a wobble on the bars. On perfectly smooth tarmac, 30 to 40 mph, it felt as if the front wheel is out of balance. Usually when the front tyre is about half worn. An up and down movement as if there is a flat on the rim. This has happened several times. Taken the wheel out and had it checked ... still in perfect balance

I always use Tourances

A new tyre sorts ... until half worn. More prevalent on tyres sourced from the cheaper outlets

Most likely a problem with the tyre or balance then its a new bike and did it from the off on the way home I will see what the dealer says at the first service thanks Micky

 

[Alan R]

Micky you have done a few miles more than most on the 800 have you ever noticed a wobble on the bars on overrun slowing down at about 40mph I think mine might have a bad tyre I am going to see what the dealer says when it goes for its 600 mile service I did not notice anything on the demo I rode. It feels like the Conti Attack wobble on a 1200 but its on the 800 has the Pirelli Scorpions fitted.

I have both a 1200 twin cam and an f800gs. After years of riding 1200's with their famously forgiving suspension characteristics, I found the 800 something of a wake up call and reminder of fork suspension bikes of my acquaintance from many years ago. If I hold the bars on my 1200 loosely and waggle them gently while doing almost any speed, the feeling is that all the weight is low down and the bike does not shake or lose its composure. Do the same thing on my 800 and I know straight away that the ballance/ CoG is higher up the bike and it feels like I could easily induce a tankslapper.
Do this while cornering: 1200, no effect; 800, a yawing corkscrew effect as the long travel and softly damped forks react to the high CoG.
In my opinion both the fork springs and the damping need firming up. Still it's doable and the engine is a peach so it's definitely worth doing, (different non plank seat too).
Just my random thoughts
Alan R

 

[Micky]

I have both a 1200 twin cam and an f800gs. After years of riding 1200's with their famously forgiving suspension characteristics, I found the 800 something of a wake up call and reminder of fork suspension bikes of my acquaintance from many years ago. If I hold the bars on my 1200 loosely and waggle them gently while doing almost any speed, the feeling is that all the weight is low down and the bike does not shake or loose its composure. Do the same thing on my 800 and I know straight away that the ballance/ CoG is higher up the bike and it feels like I could easily induce a tankslapper.
Do this while cornering: 1200, no effect; 800, a yawing corkscrew effect as the long travel and softly damped forks react to the high CoG.
In my opinion both the fork springs and the damping need firming up. Still it's doable and the engine is a peach so it's definitely worth doing, (different non plank seat too).
Just my random thoughts
Alan R

Got Wilbers front fork springs and oil in, Wilbers rear suspension unit fitted
Still wobbles at the bars hands off though ... but for the most I'm hanging on tight so no problem