BMW F800GS Adventure

[Dogdaze]

Well it was going to happen, took a F800GS out for a quick 2 hour jaunt. It was the Adventure version (219kg), fit and finish was not bad, felt light an nimble, managed to throw it around surprising well, almost too easy!! Unfortunately it was a little cramped for me, and the engine was buzzy all the way from 40mph, too much for me to bear. Probably due to the 360° crank!!
I meant to add that the fuelling was fantastic though, super smooth, no jerkiness or hesitation even at walking speed. What a shame about the ergos, I really wanted to like this bike.

 

[Magdump]

Those are such great looking bikes! The lights, the beak, etc. just awesome. Too bad the negatives outweigh the positives. I REALLY wanted a GSA badly but reliability is top priority for me-hence the S10.

 

[Squibb]

I had one on loan for 48 hours a while back, when my disaster of a K16 was having major transplant surgery. Does the job OK, but that motor reminded me of a sewing machine - lacks grunt & is somewhat underwhelming IMHO. Plenty of cheap finishes when you poke around too.

Having said that, I met a couple from Yorkshire when touring in N.Italy a few weeks back. 2-up, their F800GS was loaded high with camping gear, bags strapped on everywhere, having just come over the Stelvio & various high passes that morning. They were having a ball. Just shows that these are more than capable machines, if a bit characterless. Still, a good stepping stone on the way to something more meaningful possibly.

Ride Safe ....................... KEN

 

[Checkswrecks]

Not that we want to lose you, but have you tried Triumph's 800?

 

[Ron Earp]

What he said. The Tiger 800 XCA is a great machine. Except chain.

 

[silvergoose]

DD, buy what fits you and your needs, hate to lose your input to the forum.

Before you jump you may want to read the AdvRider. AdvRider has topics that list the BWM and the Triumph. Some of the stories may open your eyes to the real world problems of the two brands. My first bike was a Triumph, no love. Three BWM later and not again, I am staying with the UJM. I can change handlebars, seats and pegs and ride it until I get tired with out much of a worry.


Good Luck

 

[greg the pole]

Ive spent time wrenching on a GS700, and took it for a brief spin. For what you pay, it's not finished well. Lots of cheap components. Motor was decent, no real vibes that I noticed.

Reliability is still the #1 question with the little GS. A friend of mine has one. He brought it into the dealer before his warranty ran out. My friend had a list of 20 odd items that needed to be fixed. The dealer found a further 20. No thanks

 

[johnbob]

The older the BMW, the more reliable they are. My 2004 1150 RT was bullet proof. Seems the newer they get, the more problems they have. If you buy a new one, MAKE sure you get the extended warranty.

 

[HBLQRider]

I really like the F800GSA and R1200GSA. The 1200 has better ergonomics for my height and it looks great. However, I am not a roadside mechanic and priority one is getting back home. Therefore, I have a Super Tenere. I must say, my S10 has grown on me and I can't see getting rid of it...unless it's a newer ES version.

 

[Cycledude]

One big advantage the 800gs has over the Tenere is the 21 inch front wheel

 

[EricV]

even at walking speed.

Glad you didn't like it. Ownership experiences vary, but I wouldn't suggest it to a friend. And wow, I mean WOW...you walk really, really fast. I don't know too many people that can walk 17 kph.

 

[Dogdaze]

Glad you didn't like it. Ownership experiences vary, but I wouldn't suggest it to a friend. And wow, I mean WOW...you walk really, really fast. I don't know too many people that can walk 17 kph.

Hey, what can I say, I have young kids, I can't run so I have to walk fast.............. really really fast.
But I did find that with the clutch out and no throttle in 1st, it would creep along at about 7-9kph.