View Full Version : Anyone tried the F800GS yet ?
Jelster
07-12-08, 09:06 PM
Yes I know, I once swore I'd never own a BMW, but I quite fancy one of these for some reason. I've got a test organised for Thursday, but I'd like to hear if anybody on "the Org" has actually ridden one yet.
I've tried the 1200 and didn't like the engine.....
800's meant to be a good medium i'm sure it's a parellel twin isnt it cant you blag a go on one.
Jelster
07-12-08, 09:16 PM
800's meant to be a good medium i'm sure it's a parellel twin isnt it cant you blag a go on one.
I've got a test organised for Thursday......
And yes, it's a parallel twin. Not sure if I can handle the drop in power though :-k
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A friend has a F800S but traded it in for a Hond@ because it kept refusing to stop (ABS), which was a little embarrasing and not a little dangerous. After ending up in the middle of a junction one too many times he'd had enough.
BMW apparently haven't heard of this issue, even though it's all over the owners' forums.
...............otherwise it wasn't a bad bike to ride.
dont knock it till youve tried it not exactly a performance machine but it should have some guts to it.
northwind
07-12-08, 09:54 PM
I had a wee go on one of the other 800s... Nice enough bike, the engine felt a bit flat and it felt heavy, but then my SV is lighter than most bikes so that's not very fair. I liked it though. Not tried this exact model but I'd like to. The "650" seemed to get better reviews though, despite the name it's got the same engine (though detuned)
Jelster
08-12-08, 09:47 AM
I had a wee go on one of the other 800s... Nice enough bike, the engine felt a bit flat and it felt heavy, but then my SV is lighter than most bikes so that's not very fair. I liked it though. Not tried this exact model but I'd like to. The "650" seemed to get better reviews though, despite the name it's got the same engine (though detuned)
Yeah the 650 is a little down on power, and has a smaller frame, giving a lower seat height. I'm keen to get a naked type bike but really fancy some wind protection. Although it gets good reviews, I found the CBF1000 a bit dull, although to be fair, I wasn't on it for long. I think I'll have to give it a 2nd visit, especially in it's "GT" format (in fact I'll pop into the dealer today to see if I can get a decent spell on it).
Being vertically challenged, I don't feel that comfortable on many of the other trailies. The VFR would still be on the cards if the running costs weren't so expensive.
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the white rabbit
08-12-08, 12:03 PM
Don't discount any of the taller bikes until you have tried them with a toe down. It's surprising how you get used to them, and I am shorter than you IIRC.
Coming from a 1200GS the 800 doesn't do it for me as its nearly as heavy (ok there's a difference but we are over the lardy threshold with both) and for me if I wasnt interested so much in trails I'd try a Buell Ullyses amongst others. I have come to worry about the complexity of the BMs re. long term costs. But if I were getting another big traillie I'd probably get a KTM 950 Adv. The 990 is FI and lower. You'd get one used for same as a new 800GS. Ok trail oriented but a fun allrounder.
Hello btw
Rich
Ceri JC
08-12-08, 12:16 PM
Yes, I had a reasonably long/varied roads/unsupervised test ride on one. Screen does more than it looks like it should, didn't get to test it in rain, but I got the impression it would keep a lot off. Riding position was excellent, very comfy, nice and high, great visibility. Easy and safe to ride standing up too, if living out Dakar fantasies is your thing. I've never really subscribed to the "wide bars=great in town" school of thought, on the grounds that the gain in ease of turning is never worth the increase in effective width of the bike. Although I still generally adhere to this idea, the F800GS is the exception that proves the rule for me. I never normally filter as aggressively as I do on the SV when on other people's bikes, but on this I was carving through traffic, even on crowded muddy roads very quickly. Despite the height/weight it was probably the bike I've felt most comfortable with at low speeds out of everything I've ever ridden. BMW style indicators are a bit gash, but you soon get used to them. Linked brakes aren't intrusive and work well, I didn't try one with ABS, so can't comment on that.
I came very, very close to buying one (waiting list time put me off and by the time this was reduced I no longer needed one). I can definately see myself buying one as a working bike when the SV finally goes bang.
Jelster
08-12-08, 02:37 PM
Sounds interesting, let's hope the weather is suitable on Thursday then. I'll report back after.
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let's hope the weather is suitable on Thursday then.
Suitable? For an F800GS? You hoping for snow / rain / mud / hail then?! You can't have one of them and limit its use to sunny Sundays! :-D
northwind
08-12-08, 07:26 PM
The naked 800 is finally due this year isn't it? Think I saw some show pics. Chain drive, telescopic forks, switchgear that makes sense, it's almost like a real motorbike! :mrgreen:
A friend of mine test rode it for his TV program (something on the lines of TopGear but on a much tighter budget). He rode it from London to Stratford-upon-Avon and back and he totally loved it. The weather was quite bad but he still managed good time and had a great time especially since his model was fitted with heated grips and very well performing ABS brakes. He had nice weather heading back, where he took country roads whenever posible. Came back raving how good it is especially if you regualarly commute. It's on my bucket list too :) Particularly good if you like to take touring holidays and use not so smooth roads as well.
Jelster
08-12-08, 10:28 PM
The other thing is that I'd like to get something that the Mrs will get on. An 800GS, with a topbox, will allow my Mrs to lean against something, have a reasonably comfortable seat, and at the same time, be a half decent commuter and still offer some fun at the weekend.
Weather looks cold but clear for Thursday, so I'm looking forward to having a few hours on it.
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Ceri JC
09-12-08, 09:22 AM
The other thing is that I'd like to get something that the Mrs will get on. An 800GS, with a topbox, will allow my Mrs to lean against something, have a reasonably comfortable seat, and at the same time, be a half decent commuter and still offer some fun at the weekend.
Weather looks cold but clear for Thursday, so I'm looking forward to having a few hours on it.
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I didn't get a chance to test it with a pillion, but I had a good look at the seat as this was also a factor for me. The pillion seat looked fairly comfy and wide, although it is pretty high up, even by sportsbike standards. If your missus isn't particularly tall/confident clambering onto a bike, getting on/off might be a bit tricky.
Littlepeahead
09-12-08, 01:00 PM
Unlike the new F650GS they haven't started making one low enough for me yet though I'm sure that will come.
I ride pillion on the back of a BMW 04 Dakar - once I'm on it it's fine and comfy - but to get on it while wearing my tight leathers I could really do with the sort of winch they used to use to put knights in armour onto horses - it's just so high!
gettin2dizzy
09-12-08, 10:01 PM
Unlike the new F650GS they haven't started making one low enough for me yet though I'm sure that will come.
I ride pillion on the back of a BMW 04 Dakar - once I'm on it it's fine and comfy - but to get on it while wearing my tight leathers I could really do with the sort of winch they used to use to put knights in armour onto horses - it's just so high!Bugger off! They make ever other bloody bike for short arses! ;)
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