Some Advice Please - F650GS or F800GS?

[AKMN]

Looking for some advice please. I have dabbled in bikes in the past in the military and have been riding a 125 scooter around London for 7 months and have done 750 miles. Also did the scooter safe course run by the Met Police and the assessment of my performance was flattering.

I have now passed my test and am looking at either an F650GS or the F800GS. I am 6' 1" and will use it to commute (min 15m round trip in London) 4 days a week and to go to Wiltshire (100m each way) most weekends and will probably go to France once a year for 4-5 days. So the questions:

1. Are the F650GS and or the F800GS ok for beginners (i.e. me)?
2. Would you go to a secondhand F650GS at circa £5.5 - 6k or a new F800GS? BMW seem to have a good finance package offer on a new F800GS over 2 or 3 years which makes them affordable
3. Is it worth haggling or shopping around if going for new on a finance package?
4. Is it worth going to a main BMW dealer for approved used?
5.No great hurry so will I get a better deal if I wait till Oct?

All opinions and thoughts welcome.

Many thanks

 

[gerarddwatts]

Hmmm.

I don't have either. I have been looking at them. I have an 1150 but I'm getting old...... I'm a shortarse and found the F800GS too tall....you probably wouldn't. The F800GS is more powerful by 14 hp.
The F650 seems to be more road biased and probably better for novices....however my mate has one, is a very good rider and has made it hustle two up all over Europe.

I would go for an F650 myself. Probably be cheaper too.

Hopefully some-one with some real experience will pop up.

My 2pennorth anyhow.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Neither, I'd go for a proper Boxer GS

 

[earthmover]

My girlfriend has an F650GS, very capable bike, easy to ride, and quite quick if you rev it. As standard it is a low bike, I'm 5'7" and the riding position is great, but I stub my toe whenever I put my foot down as I'm used to being on tiptoe! . I haven't ridden an 800 to compare the power delivery, but I think you might prefer the extra height.
HTH
Mark

 

[Mrs Puffer]

Think about what you need rather than what you want. I've had an F650GS for some time and find it plenty quick enough, light and easy to handle, very economical and slim enough to get through traffic easily. If you're only going to stay on tarmac, it''s probably a better choice than the F800GS

 

[ferrol]

I have the 650gs twin. Love it to bits, I do take it offroad but nothing too serious just a few green lanes.

Been to France on it 2 up and I ride with other bigger GS bikers and can keep up just fine. So it's more than capable.




--- This post represents the official views of the voices in my head.