Time for a change? 1200-800?

[v8legend]

Just to throw in my tuppence worth.

I've got an 800, and have ridden the 1200 several times. BMW were very careful to make sure there wasn't too much overlap between models. If the 1200 suits your needs, then stick with it.

The 800 is lighter, and much more involving to ride. It's also way more economical. You've already noticed the shortcomings (seat and screen) which are easily fixed. The 800 is a bit taller, but as it's so light, it's just as manageable.

The 1200 has a lot more torque, and is better suited to a relaxed riding style. It's also better two-up. Performance wise, there is nothing between them. On a recent Sunday morning ride out with my mate on his 1200, we went for it coming out of a 40 zone, and right up to 120 there was absolutely no difference between us. Until we hit the first bend, that is. The 800 has much better handling!

In summary. If you commute, and go for Sunday morning blasts, then the 800 is better. If you do a lot of long distance fully loaded, then you need a 1200.

I think I've just talked myself into a 1200!

 

[Jonnie Boy]

Just to throw in my tuppence worth.

I've got an 800, and have ridden the 1200 several times. BMW were very careful to make sure there wasn't too much overlap between models. If the 1200 suits your needs, then stick with it.

The 800 is lighter, and much more involving to ride. It's also way more economical. You've already noticed the shortcomings (seat and screen) which are easily fixed. The 800 is a bit taller, but as it's so light, it's just as manageable.

The 1200 has a lot more torque, and is better suited to a relaxed riding style. It's also better two-up. Performance wise, there is nothing between them. On a recent Sunday morning ride out with my mate on his 1200, we went for it coming out of a 40 zone, and right up to 120 there was absolutely no difference between us. Until we hit the first bend, that is. The 800 has much better handling!

In summary. If you commute, and go for Sunday morning blasts, then the 800 is better. If you do a lot of long distance fully loaded, then you need a 1200.

I think I've just talked myself into a 1200!

Again a similar thought process that occured with me! For pretty much the same reasons I talked myself into the 800GS!

The 800 will do distance chugging up and down a motorway/A roads but not as well as the 1200. However........

Do you spend days riding up and down motorways 2 up with luggage for fun? get the 1200

Do you ride here there and everywhere willy nilly short miles with the odd 2-300 miler thrown in? Get the 800

Have a good look at the type of riding you do day to day.

 

[jolyon_russ]

I recently had a 1200 for a day while my 800 was being serviced.

Personally I hated it...

I think people get seduced by the power/torque and put up with it's idiosyncrasies and foibles.

It was interesting getting back on the 800 afterwards, it's more vibey for sure and once you start pushing past legal it's not as stable as the 1200, but the 800 is more nimble, lighter, sharper, gentler, better looking and I think the better bike.

 

[sijohnston]

with micky on this one. wouldn't have a 12 about me now, but as usual, it depends on the kind of riding you want to be doing. i've 40k on mine (one of the first batch) and aside from early warranty issues, it's been fantastic.

The 800 is every bit as quick as the 1200 on the road, and on a 150 - 180 mile day ride you'll be putting 6 to 8 Euros less petrol in at the end of the day

51,000 miles on mine now and I still think it's bloody great

You can safely consider it to be a move up

 

[Stretchamus]

I was suduced by the 1200's power

 

[iaindoha]

I went into my local dealer this morning to have a look. Thought it might help me clear my head - maybe I wouldn't be so keen on it after a good long look. I didn't have time for a test ride but did spend some time looking at, and sitting on, the bike.

Bit high for me with the standard seat (tip-toes) but I could live with that. With the low seat I'd have no bother.

I think it looks much more purposeful than the 1200. Looked at the new 1200s and definitely not for me. Just don't like the look of the bike, it doesn't excite me and I've never liked the metal front side panels on the >08 bikes. I love function over form and I think compared to the older 1200 I have and even the new model 1200s the 800 looks more edgy and aggressive.

Bugger it. Sort of hoped I'd be put off one by having a good look. Instead I'm even more wound up. Might take a test ride when my 1200 is ready for collection (after the current drawn out surgery). Even without the ride the 800 is pulling at me more than ever.

No 'spare' money until end of December, then should have just about enough to trade in against the spec I want (I hope). Of course depends what I'm offered for the current bike.

In the meantime I can use my 1200 as much as possible to see if I feel any different in a few weeks. Some very good almost used approved bikes over in GB with £1,500 saving versus new. Good alternative to buying new I think. If I had the money to hand I'd probably be over for one in a second, then worry about selling the 1200 later, unfortunately I have to live in the real world: 1 wife, 2 kids, 2 cars, 1 bike.

 

[Richie N]

I came from a lardy Transalp - I wanted a 1200 but couldn't justify/afford.

I think the 800 is the best looking of its type, but (after having owned mine for a few weeks) it does have its flaws. The seat. I am 5 11 and its a tall bike for me. I do a lot of riding in central London traffic and I think the height takes away the weight advantage over the 'alp and 1200,. I find the 800 tricky to filter on.

The back brake - how does anyone reach that?!

The side stand - difficult to reach on the bike.

The electrical socket for accessories - you can't plug heated clothing into it! wtf???

The screen. I get blown all over the place, its like riding my old Monster.

The light weight/height - stability. Means that on the m/way compared to the other two the 800 is easily blown around in cross winds.

The fuel injection. Very on/off. I can't believe BMW couldn't get this area spot on. It makes constant throttle a little difficult, especially between 3 and 4k.

The 800 does have a cracking engine, which together with the long gears and exhaust note makes an addictive ride. You just can't relax and cruise along it, the bike is much happier and smoother ridden harder.

I love the 800 (so far) but if I'm honest I would probably (at my age!) prefer a relaxed ride on the 1200. Would I go back to a Transalp - definitely NOT!!

Rich

 

[GunZenBomZ]

The electrical socket for accessories - you can't plug heated clothing into it! wtf???

Bmw f800 power socket to standard lighter socket, £10 or there abouts.

 

[iaindoha]

I love the 800 (so far) but if I'm honest I would probably (at my age!) prefer a relaxed ride on the 1200. Would I go back to a Transalp - definitely NOT!!

Rich

'At my age' is part of it.

Maybe an early midlife crisis but I'm thinking that as a 38 year old outdoor sports type I should go with the edgy rather than the obvious; functional versus comfortable. I want a GS that does the GS job and doesn't just look (a bit) like it could. I suppose I think the 1200 I have is maybe just a bit too compromised to give the great motorway cruising ability at the risk of losing some spirit. Before the GS I lived in India for a couple of years and managed to do some pretty long rides on my Enfields (700km in one day). I know the 800 won't be the cruiser that the 1200 is but I suppose that's the point - I don't need a sofa.

I'm probably not being fair to the 1200. It's been in the workshop for 2 weeks. That's made me fall out with it somewhat and I now have roving eyes. Who knows, maybe I'll get it back, do some mileage and fall back in love. Seems unlikely though.

 

[Jonnie Boy]

I had a test ride on the 800 not long after they came out, and it niggled away at me for the next 18 months!

Having got one 3weeks ago wish I got one sooner! Gives me a grin everytime I ride it even in the persisting rain! Shoulda listened to the voices earlier

Then them pesky Triumph lot just invented their 800 type bike .............. mmmmm maybe worth a look!

 

[Michael R1150GS Adventure]

800 has a really highly 'geared' throttle if you are thinkin of green laning etc on it and that don't do you any favours.
gorgeous bike though - great sound etc

 

[Dean]

I came from a lardy Transalp - I wanted a 1200 but couldn't justify/afford.

I think the 800 is the best looking of its type, but (after having owned mine for a few weeks) it does have its flaws. The seat. I am 5 11 and its a tall bike for me. I do a lot of riding in central London traffic and I think the height takes away the weight advantage over the 'alp and 1200,. I find the 800 tricky to filter on.

The back brake - how does anyone reach that?!

The side stand - difficult to reach on the bike.

The electrical socket for accessories - you can't plug heated clothing into it! wtf???

The screen. I get blown all over the place, its like riding my old Monster.

The light weight/height - stability. Means that on the m/way compared to the other two the 800 is easily blown around in cross winds.

The fuel injection. Very on/off. I can't believe BMW couldn't get this area spot on. It makes constant throttle a little difficult, especially between 3 and 4k.

The 800 does have a cracking engine, which together with the long gears and exhaust note makes an addictive ride. You just can't relax and cruise along it, the bike is much happier and smoother ridden harder.

I love the 800 (so far) but if I'm honest I would probably (at my age!) prefer a relaxed ride on the 1200. Would I go back to a Transalp - definitely NOT!!

Rich

Good points, But

your not suposed to be honest are you! Now you ride the f800gs the best motorbike in the whole world , your suposed to fall in line be billy big balls inflate your ego pretend you live in that same town called delusional the one with the river denial that runs through it where all the F800Gs riders hail from and they all chew Toffo's



but I can see why you miss your 12










Oh so Very

 

[ARMA]

Ok, the 800 does have some weak points. The electrical system us under powered so the end result is it's unwise to ask too much of it. The heated grips are warm, never hot even on full power.
ABS is dangerous on this bike. It cuts the brakes when you need them. Use them only in wet conditions or when suicidally depressed. The beak is quite poorly mounted and vulnerable in a crash, side plastics are also vulnerable and costly/difficult to replace. As mentioned the screen is too low but can't be much higher without metal support of it will just shake around. It can't really be high enough. Seat is torturous after 60 miles, it does not compare to the 1200. There have been common reliability issues, weeping head gaskets, various rods and the chain/sprockets. Probably worth investing in a good aftermarket set. Could do with more protection, engine and bash plate as the only shield is a plastic baking-tray suited only to making small cakes. Headlight is silly, cockpit is cramped.
It's still probably the best all-round ADV bike on the market and the Triumph looks set to fall flat on its face. My only doubt would be for a long trip I would prefer a Rotax single for pure reliability. It' better than the 1200 in every way and far cheaper to run.

 

[GunZenBomZ]

What do you wanna do..

 

[Micky]

Ok, the 800 does have some weak points. The electrical system us under powered so the end result is it's unwise to ask too much of it. The heated grips are warm, never hot even on full power.
ABS is dangerous on this bike. It cuts the brakes when you need them. Use them only in wet conditions or when suicidally depressed. The beak is quite poorly mounted and vulnerable in a crash, side plastics are also vulnerable and costly/difficult to replace. As mentioned the screen is too low but can't be much higher without metal support of it will just shake around. It can't really be high enough. Seat is torturous after 60 miles, it does not compare to the 1200. There have been common reliability issues, weeping head gaskets, various rods and the chain/sprockets. Probably worth investing in a good aftermarket set. Could do with more protection, engine and bash plate as the only shield is a plastic baking-tray suited only to making small cakes. Headlight is silly, cockpit is cramped.
It's still probably the best all-round ADV bike on the market and the Triumph looks set to fall flat on its face. My only doubt would be for a long trip I would prefer a Rotax single for pure reliability. It' better than the 1200 in every way and far cheaper to run.

It's not a weeping head gasket Arma, merely the cam cover gasket ... easily sorted

 

[Richie N]

I have only had mine for a few weeks and 500 odd miles. However, on the way home tonight (i'd forgotten about this thread) I wanted to show the bike to a mate that hasnt seen it yet - I was thinking (for my purposes, and mostly year round commuting into London) this bike is spot on, perfect in fact, as good as I could wish for.

Its reliable, lots of grunt, cheap to run, 200 miles on a tank, goes anywhere, looks great, sounds great, etc etc, and I'm even getting used to the funny indicators already, what more do you want?!!