I'm reluctantly considering downsizing from my current 17 plate R1200GSA to the 850 variant, as I'm beginning to struggle with my current bikes weight when parking or low speed manouvering etc. I've booked a test ride on the 850, but would appreciate any feedback from any members who have experienced both bikes. Thanks!
R1200GSA versus F850GSA anyone?
- Thread starter Bazzie
- Start date
I recently had an 850gsa as a loan bike. I didn't like it much at all. It felt heavier at low speed, and when manoeuvring, than my 1200gsa does. Very "top heavy".
I couldn't imagine many (any) reasons to buy an 850 over a 1200/1250.
Some years ago I rode an 800gs... I recall that feeling significantly lighter than the 1200. Maybe the new one has piled on the pounds!
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I couldn't imagine many (any) reasons to buy an 850 over a 1200/1250.
Some years ago I rode an 800gs... I recall that feeling significantly lighter than the 1200. Maybe the new one has piled on the pounds!
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1200 lower seat height, as a petite person I also find it easier to ride compared to the 800/850 gsa
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I've just downsized to a KTM 790 adventure.Highly recommended.Lower seat height, much lighter.Does everything the GS does but much less cumbersome.Better dealer as well (compared to my local BMW mob)
Have you tried just going to a normal 1200GS? Few bikes better than GS for low speed manoeuvres.
Have a 2018 R1200 gsa and a 2017 F800gsa,I also have a 2019 f850gs in the garage (not mine) and have test ridden the F850gsa.
The 800gsa has a taller seat height than the 1200 , but is far easier to manouvre when pushing it about and at low speeds it is very easy to live with.
The f850gs is heavy but again feels easier to move around and is fine at low speeds.
The f850gsa felt bulky and top end heavy and was imho less balanced at low speed than the r1200gsa.
Personally I would look for a low mileage high spec late model F800GSA with full luggage from a main dealer (with 2 year used approved warranty).
Quite a few about and a saving of over £5000 or more on a new F850gsa
Have a quick look at dry weights , according to internet
r1200gsa lc @ 230 kgs
f850 gs @ 229 kgs
f850gsa @240kgs
f800gsa @191kgs
The 800gsa has a taller seat height than the 1200 , but is far easier to manouvre when pushing it about and at low speeds it is very easy to live with.
The f850gs is heavy but again feels easier to move around and is fine at low speeds.
The f850gsa felt bulky and top end heavy and was imho less balanced at low speed than the r1200gsa.
Personally I would look for a low mileage high spec late model F800GSA with full luggage from a main dealer (with 2 year used approved warranty).
Quite a few about and a saving of over £5000 or more on a new F850gsa
Have a quick look at dry weights , according to internet
r1200gsa lc @ 230 kgs
f850 gs @ 229 kgs
f850gsa @240kgs
f800gsa @191kgs
OldSteve
Registered user
FWIW I changed from an F750GS to a R1250GS and I find little noticeable difference in weight in real terms but the 1250 is easier to handle physically as it has a lower seat (I have the lowered version) and carries it's weight a lot lower. There was one occasion that I could not get the fully loaded 750 off of its side stand on a slope - a problem I have never had with the 1250 (or the 1200GS I had a few years back). I tried a F900XR for size recently and found that same issue with that - just getting it off the side stand was a heave!
I have a 1200GS (not A), and a F650GS (the 800cc twin)...so a little similar...
The 800 is much more nimble, and a delight on slower roads (i.e. small lanes in the Yorkshire dales), and light and flickable.
But... 2-up and luggage and it's the big brother every time....
The 800 just can't compete in the lower end of the rev scale, at normal A-road speeds, the 800 lacks the type of easy 50-60mph overtaking the 1200 just laps-up. The 800 seems to run out of straight road before you've finished overtaking. Lots more gearbox stirring needed to ride briskly (when the 1200 stays in top gear and rolls on/off the throttle).
Personally I like them both (a lot!), it depends on the riding you plan to do, and whether you usually carry a passenger.
Last year I rode from Amsterdam to Calais, then Dover to home on the 1200 (two-up with luggage). It just breezed along effortlessly. On the 800 it would have been less comfy, and more of a chore.
Round the Dales, the 800's a delight (no pillion).
Planning long rides on both this summer, but 2-up (in a hurry!) it will always be the 1200...
The 800 is much more nimble, and a delight on slower roads (i.e. small lanes in the Yorkshire dales), and light and flickable.
But... 2-up and luggage and it's the big brother every time....
The 800 just can't compete in the lower end of the rev scale, at normal A-road speeds, the 800 lacks the type of easy 50-60mph overtaking the 1200 just laps-up. The 800 seems to run out of straight road before you've finished overtaking. Lots more gearbox stirring needed to ride briskly (when the 1200 stays in top gear and rolls on/off the throttle).
Personally I like them both (a lot!), it depends on the riding you plan to do, and whether you usually carry a passenger.
Last year I rode from Amsterdam to Calais, then Dover to home on the 1200 (two-up with luggage). It just breezed along effortlessly. On the 800 it would have been less comfy, and more of a chore.
Round the Dales, the 800's a delight (no pillion).
Planning long rides on both this summer, but 2-up (in a hurry!) it will always be the 1200...
Those weights are aren’t entirely correct. BMW also quotes wet weight for the standard bike without the optional extras.
Actual quoted weights:
R1200gs LC 238Kg (once you add ESA etc it’s north of 250Kgs)
F850GS 229Kg
F800GSA 229Kg
F850GS 244kg
So the 750/850 are almost all 15Kg more than the outgoing model. For reference a 1250gsa is about 270Kgs, but in reality closer to 285Kg with all the scaffolding and optional extras
I’m picking up an 850GSA at the weekend. The seat height is about 1.5” lower than the 800 but it is a bit wider at the front as the tank has moved from under the seat. I had (and loved) the 800GSA but the 850 has noticeably more poke and a much nicer engine and clutch. Personally I’ve come to the conclusion that I don’t like the boxer engine and rubbish clutch on the bigger model. I considered KTM but no decent dealers within 70 miles and my local BMW dealer bends over backwards to help. All just my opinion of course!
Agreed! more awkward than my R1200RT.
There have been well documented issues with the first edition F850GS having a side stand that was too long, pushing the bike too upright. It was replaced with a curved stand but IMHO it tilts the bike over too far. The 750 has the straight stand and I don’t have any issues even loaded up. It’s all down to amount of tilt and seat height. The 750 and 850 benefit from a side stand foot to lift the bike up a touch. However they will always be more top heavy than a boxer engine as it’s lower down - but I’m happy with that compromise ��
Yes OP; I have had both the R1200GSA and F850GSA as an owner, not just on test rides. The 850GSA is a lump, too heavy for what it should be - significantly lighter than its big brother. In reality there is no real difference between the two getting them out and back into a garage. Both are large heavy lumps. The riding position of the 850GSA is near identical to the Boxer. You say you are reluctant to change, I would advise not to. The 850 engine isn't really up to shifting the GSA (its ok on the 750 and 850GS) and needs more work than a 1200. Therefore the ride is not so relaxed. The 850 is very efficient however and gives great fuel consumption and with the 24 ltr tank can easily achieve a 330 plus mile range (I once saw 400!!). As ever, a test ride is advised. Regards. Steve
So we want power/torque of the 1200/1250...
We want the CoG of the 1200/1250...
We do NOT want the bulk and weight of the GSA...
= only one answer: a standard GS.
We want the CoG of the 1200/1250...
We do NOT want the bulk and weight of the GSA...
= only one answer: a standard GS.
i changed from a 09 gs to a 650 vstrom. if you are solo the tiger or the strom will do the job although the strom is a bit slower. if you carry a pillion a lot go for a lowered gs. i sometimes think i should have gone that route but am very pleased with the strom. mark shelly on here is another keen stromer.
I did the opposite, went from a '09 650 Strom to a lowered GS. The GS is lower than the Strom and a far more stable platform especially two up.
Of all the bikes I have owned the GS is the easiest to manouvre despite its weight.
yes i'm more or less agreeing with you. my son has a street triple which is nice and light but is an awkward sod to push.
