guys,

planning for a trip starting from london to stans/pamir/kkh/SEA this summer, seeking some opinion between this two machine to ride thru this part of the world.
i am 5'9" and i just sold my old 1995 r1100gs. quite used to riding boxer engine make me thinking of 1200gsa, but going thru this part of the world the gsa might be to tough for me to handle. tried the 650gs afraid i will not enjoy much on europe leg as going thru nice tarmac with less powerfull engine of the 650.
anyone?

thanx

I have a GSA and love it, but think that you would be nuts to take one on to the pamirs. I also think that the 800 is too big.

Frankly, I don't see why you would need anything more than a 650. As to the Europe leg, there are plenty of wonderful small roads where anything more than a 650 would be a waste, and if you are planning to ride though Europe via expressways I would rethink that part of your trip and take a smaller bike.

I have a GSA (ridden through China, Russia, Morocco, etc.) and a BMW G650X XChallenge (ridden through Siberia, Road of Bones, etc.) so have actually done both.

Obviously, everyone is different but that is my two cents.

Hello,

I have the same concern... I actually have a 1200GSA 2008, and I'll plan a RTW for septembre 2013.
Most of the parts I will be alone, but my wife joined me for some parts. I'm not sure if I switch with an 800GS or not. Each time I test for a little ride the 800GS, it's seems to be to small for me. My concern is about the weight of the 1200GSA but I know that it's more confortable for 2....

So.... still in reflexion

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well, sometimes the GSA is the best bike to take RTW, like if you already have one, and if you will be doing two up. Knowing your bike is super-important, so if you know the GSA well I'd stick with it.

Also really depends on where you're going...since you're starting in September, I guess you'll be in the southern hemisphere/tropics for at least part of the trip?

Does it imperatively have to be one of the 2/3 BMWs? Any chance to go for another bike maker... even a Japanese one???!!!

I'd say next subsequent/coherent question should be "I hesitate between Rally 2 and Santiago BMW jackets". (couldn't stop that thought!)

I don't mean they are bad, I just say the array of options is more limited.

Anyway, on any bike you choose, enjoy the trip!

Esteban

EDIT: Uppps, didn't notice it's in BMW Tech section, not in Which Bike, so my questions are already answered...

I have an F800GS and love the bike, but I would agree that it's overkill in a lot of ways and I'm a big dude. Only time I really need the "800" power is on the super slab. For all the other riding a guy would do on an extended trip a 650 is more than enough power. Hell as we all know guys are doing it on 90cc's!!

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Clearly everyone's experiences are different, but I think mine are more positive! The only think wrong with my 800 has been the gear display on the 'computer'. Originally, the dealer thought this was the potentiometer, which they changed under warranty, but it was still an issue - 5th gear would display then go away, then flick between 5th and 6th! After a little head scratching, they reset the computer and all works fine. I've moved gear-lever positions and since bought a folding lever, and they've reset it every time for free to avoid further ussues. In fact, every time I've been in to ask for advice / help / support, they've always been willing to spend time discussing it, even when my questions have, at times, been rather simplistic! I rarey get charged for minor issues; they've even refused to take money off me when I've offered it! Balderstones in Peterborough are excellent, and I've had nothing but great service from them.

No, I'm not on retainer!

I do agree that these, and more serious issues, should not occur in the first place, though.

As to the original post, it's well documented on here (and others) that smaller bikes can often = more fun / easier riding life / etc, so it makes sense to go for the smallest bike with which you're comfortable. If it's a choice between the 1200 and 800 only, then go for the 800. Test ride first, obviously. I love mine.

I have considered a smaller cc bike for the future, though . . . . .

+1 for the Beemer dealerships that I have encountered.
They are a pleasant change from the back street garage and the 17 year old trainee mechanic with an oily rag and a vacant expression on his face; nevertheless, no matter which bike garage it is, I always have a good look at the workshop standards and get to talk with the staff who work in there - those at the front of the house are less important in this assessment.
I've walked away from businesses that don't want me to enter their workshop area.

again!!

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Dave