F700 GS v F800 GS

grez · Sep 24, 2019

Hi Guys,

Final planning for a trip to OZ and it comes down to buying a bike v renting one.

Buying has the hassle of registering it in one state (Perth) and then reregistering it another and the associated pain of getting a road worthy certificate in Victoria.

Renting has merit as it gets rid of the hassle but is more expensive. The issue is there are good deals on a higher mileage F800 GS (2017 model) and F700 GS (2014 model). Planning on doing 2 trips with a break in the middle and each trip is around 3, 500 miles over 14 days.

Question is, how is the F700 GS over distance, say 350 miles a day, with the smaller screen? I am around 5 ft 10 so not massive. Both bikes come with hard panniers and I will sling a bag on the back seat, and a spare fuel can. Any advice welcome.

stonehenge · Sep 24, 2019

The 700 will be fine for those distances. 800 will cope with unmade or poor roads better. Seat comfort might be a problem on both for long rides.

grez · Sep 24, 2019

Cheers, its more the wind blast on my neck although I don't want to be doing over 60 mph if possible so I can see the scenery. My Africa Twin seat is not the most comfortable I have ever had but I can manage 500 mile days on it when needed so hopefully I have an acclimated arse.

Cost difference between a 700 and an 800 for my trip is close on £300 so worth it, plus easier to fix punctures.

Ash · Sep 24, 2019

I agree with stonehenge.
700GS are really road biased, the 800GS being both & certainly much better on any track, path, unpaved Road.
I have done 450 mile days on my 650GS / 700GS s many times with no problems.
Just make sure an 800GS is not too tall for you as they are a bit taller..
And too be honest both OEM screens are shite..
But a higher used one on here & take it with you..
Most 650GS /700GS /800GS twins will fit.

OnHellas · Sep 25, 2019

grez said:
Hi Guys,

Final planning for a trip to OZ and it comes down to buying a bike v renting one.

Buying has the hassle of registering it in one state (Perth) and then reregistering it another and the associated pain of getting a road worthy certificate in Victoria.

Renting has merit as it gets rid of the hassle but is more expensive. The issue is there are good deals on a higher mileage F800 GS (2017 model) and F700 GS (2014 model). Planning on doing 2 trips with a break in the middle and each trip is around 3, 500 miles over 14 days.

Question is, how is the F700 GS over distance, say 350 miles a day, with the smaller screen? I am around 5 ft 10 so not massive. Both bikes come with hard panniers and I will sling a bag on the back seat, and a spare fuel can. Any advice welcome.

How long are you planning your trip to be?
How long will you be staying in Victoria?
Why would you need to reregister? I think you only need to reregister after 6 months in a different state.

grez · Sep 27, 2019

6 1/2 week trip
Staying in Melbourne for 7 days
Need to re-register in order to sell, can do it on WA plates but need to take a $ 500 hit (approx cost of re - registering) and becomes a lot less attractive to potential buyers.
Probably rent as a 700 GS with high kilometres is available and overall is the same cost as buying without the hassle.

SuperTed · Sep 27, 2019

Have you considered taking your Africa Twin with you?
Shipping costs might be cheaper or at least on par with buying/renting a bike in Australia, and negates the hassle of buying, taxing, insuring (with no permanent address in Australia) and then selling a bike in a market you don’t know.
Last time I looked the break even point for America was two and a half weeks. Shorter, rent; longer, ship. As you are in Oz for 6 1/2 weeks shipping your Honda could well be the best option.

F700 GS v F800 GS

grez

Registered user

stonehenge

Well-known member

grez

Registered user

Ash

Oh Yes....

OnHellas

Still trying.

grez

Registered user

SuperTed

Active member

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