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Old 07-12-08, 09:06 PM   #1
Jelster
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Default Anyone tried the F800GS yet ?

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.....
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Old 07-12-08, 09:08 PM   #2
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Default Re: Anyone tried the F800GS yet ?

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.
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Old 07-12-08, 09:16 PM   #3
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Default Re: Anyone tried the F800GS yet ?

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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.
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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

.
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Old 07-12-08, 09:19 PM   #4
embee
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Default Re: Anyone tried the F800GS yet ?

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.
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Old 07-12-08, 09:19 PM   #5
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Default Re: Anyone tried the F800GS yet ?

dont knock it till youve tried it not exactly a performance machine but it should have some guts to it.
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Old 07-12-08, 09:54 PM   #6
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Default Re: Anyone tried the F800GS yet ?

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)
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Old 08-12-08, 09:47 AM   #7
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Default Re: Anyone tried the F800GS yet ?

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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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Old 08-12-08, 12:03 PM   #8
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Default Re: Anyone tried the F800GS yet ?

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
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Old 08-12-08, 12:16 PM   #9
Ceri JC
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Default Re: Anyone tried the F800GS yet ?

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.
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Old 08-12-08, 02:37 PM   #10
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Default Re: Anyone tried the F800GS yet ?

Sounds interesting, let's hope the weather is suitable on Thursday then. I'll report back after.

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