I'm looking through the threads to find information on the BMW F800 GS. But I can't find much. Why is this? I'm thinking of getting one for my big trip but don't know much about the BMWs (or motorbikes in general really!) I know it's an impossible question but what are the strengths/weaknesses of the F800 GS.

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I currently have an R1200R, but am also interested in what people have to say about the F800GS... too complex for a long trip?

Peter

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Wherever you go, there you are.

I don't think its too complicated.

A Czech couple rode one from CZ across Russia, and up the Road of Bones to Magadan last year, 2-up.

And then rode it back.

Plenty of R1200GS's ride around the world these days and they are even slightly more complicated than the F800GS.

Don't automatically buy into the "don't get a modern bike" argument. It's mainly used by people who like working on their own bike, to justify their choice, usually without logical reason and often ignoring the "empirical evidence" of the hundreds of people at an one time going RTW, Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, or London to Sydney on 1200 GSs.

If you like working on your bike, get an old bike, if you don't like working on your bike, get a modern one.

I can only speak for myself, I looked an F800GS and didn't get one. Too heavy, and engine is not suited to off road riding (too revvy, not enough torque). On top of that, you do still need to develop a fuel solution too for some parts of the world, and the front suspension is pretty much unadjustable.

I suspect other people who don't choose them also are conscious of the weight (once you compare like for like with an R1200GS by adding handguards, bash plate etc, its less than 10 kgs (5%) lighter) and the fuel capacity issue. (though really the fuel issue is a pretty small one in my book).

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I haven't read many RTW reports featuring the F800GS here on HUBB. But I haven't looked that hard. I know on ADV there are hundreds of threads about the bike, but few reports of very long trips that I've noticed.

I'm sure it's been done, and I'm sure the bike has done well. Far fewer issues than the Boxer's.

I've ridden the bike and was quite impressed. But I didn't go far off road and only on easy fire roads and a bit of fun two track. It did fine. Felt lighter than it was.

On our twisty California paved roads it was really good, much better than expected. This was a totally unloaded bike. The problem most BMW guys have is they over pack. I felt immediately confident on the F800GS, was riding it HARD after only 10 minutes on board. Go light, soft bags and not too many TourTwat farkles and it should be a joy.

I liked the lack of massive torque, less chance to break the rear tire loose and lose control on loose surfaces or slippery hair pins.

It IS a heavy bike but you just don't feel it. Cliche' I know. Has nice balance off road. (or course I didn't pick Fu*£@er up off me either Seems a great bike to me and if I could afford one I'd jump on it.
Out of my price range.

I'm happy with DR's, KLR's, and XR's for now. Very inexpensive, reliable and easy to work on. Mostly you do not have to work on them at all.

I'm not sure which other bikes you compare with when you say that the F800GS "lacks" torque.

This graph is a comparison between F800GS, F650GS, V-strom, Versys and Transalp.

You listed all bikes that are road bikes, not suitable for proper off road conditions ... and all twin cylinder bikes. You need to compare with big single cylinder engines. If you want to know what to compare it to - thats your answer.

I did say in my post that I felt the engine was not suitable for serious off road touring ... so you show me a graph of equally (or actually MORE) unsuitable for off-roading bikes? :confused1:

And how much torque you have at 5000 - 6000 rpm is also irrelevant when talking about how much torque a bike has for off road riding (which I think is clearly what I was talking about) ... you need to know how torquey it is at 1500 - 2500 rpm - straight from idle - not what is the maximum torque figure up at 6000 rpm.

I was interested in getting the bike. I tried it. And I came to the conclusion, the engine is no-where near as suitable for dirt roads and off road riding as the big single cylinder bikes (and its too heavy).

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I see what you mean about the seat but i bought a sheepskin for a tenner for lambland and it seems to be working ok.

As far as the chain and sprocket goes. i'm getting a new one in KL, i want to replace it before i head off to indonesia.

Good luck with finding a bike that suits you.

Russ

Am looking at a BMW 800GS tomorrow. May even get it!

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I've got one. As Walter says its bloody heavy when you drop it. It is too revvy for off road but I like it for long distance stuff. Get an air hawk and the seat will be fine.

I post everything about it here

Everywhere Virtually — The adventure begins in your head

Once you get into second it's much more compliant off road but i guess it depends on your riding style. You just have to use your clutch a bit more in first.

I rode an 800 and a 1200 Adventure yesterday. I quite liked the 800 but (campared to my Tiger) it seemed quite naked up front. i guess that's the off-road bit. The 1200 Adventure was, obviously, a delight to ride, but far too big. This has got me thinking that I'd really like the standard BMW 1200GS. I'm planning to go on my trip in July and i STILL haven't settled n getting a bike (I'm still thinking of just flying to Canada and getting one there) Decisions, decisions.

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Im mid-trip in south america with a F8 with 21000km on it. I have had 2 bolts fall out, and few drips of water from the pump, but Im thoroughly pleased with it. Seat and windshield upgrades for a long distance trip would be a good idea, but a not necessity.
This bike is relatively new to the market, hence the lack of long distance trip reports, but they are out there if you dig. Heaps of info on ADV, but I'd recommend you take what you read with a grain of salt. A lot of whining, people jumping on the band wagon and blowing problems out of proportion. Its by no means perfect, but most of the problems/recalls are for the early production runs and have since been dealt with. AFAIK, the 2010 models have been problem free so far.
As far as strengths/weaknesses go, its all relative to how you use it. As an all round , long distance adv tourer - which is what it was designed for - I think it is well balanced and an all round excellent bike.
If you spend alot of time in demanding off road situations, I think you will find its a tall, heavy, high geared pig, but quite manageable with practice. I think this could be said for most bikes in this category. It seems to really excel at high speeds on gravel roads.
On road, the seat/windshield tend to be lacking and you are reminded of the cushy susp. on hard braking.
Strong points are excellent brakes, the engine, the lava filled grip heaters, and overall versatility. To be able to go street bike speeds and drag the pegs on road one minute, and then negotiate mud holes the next without changing a thing is very impressive if you ask me.
I think the key to appreciating/liking this bike is to use it for its intended purpose - since you're on this site, you probably will - and I don't think you will be disappointed, apart from the wad of cash you have to depart with to buy it.

Look for MVRTV on youtube. There is an 8 part video review that is pretty accurate and informative.

Excellent comments overall!

Having ridden both the R12GS and F800GS, I would go with the F800 every time. (I can't afford either)

To me, riding the F800GS, it felt HALF the size and weight of the R12GS. The F800 rides light for its weight off road. I found it very easy to control on loose dirt roads. No, not a Trials bike but very good for a RTW tourer, IMHO. On road, it vibrates a bit up over 75 mph or so, but not a deal breaker at all. Wind management was OK for me, only rode for an hour so seat comfort unknown. Both of these are subjective and fixable.

My only concern with the G800GS is it's crash survival. I would most definitely buy all the guards/crash bars.

I witnessed a crash where the F800GS was virtually destroyed in a 25 mph slide off the road into a barb wire fence. Not pretty. This bike was Brand New, had no guards fitted.
I was first on scene and just did not have the heart to photograph it as the unhurt owner was devastated. The bike low sided after the rider ran wide on a downhill, off camber corner on a fast dirt road.

The bike slid on its side, hit a dirt ditch (soft dirt) and berm, was kicked up, flipped and went into a barbed wire fence. Hit a fence post (small, wiggley one) but it was the wire that just tore everything off the bike. I could not believe what happened, nor could anyone else on the ride.
Tore off Oil filter, ripped off radiator, wind shield and instruments, brake caliper, bent forks and much more. Bike was totaled. Had to be taken away in a truck. Estimated $7500 in damages.

Set the bike up to survive a crash, get Pro-Taper type handle bars with Bark Busters (stock bars bent badly), and for sure every other guard made. They need it.

100%
Crash protection for this bike is a necessity, not an option and you should factor this into the initial purchase price.

When I bought the bike, I wanted to take some time choosing the many options of protection. Of course, in the mean time I did a low side on gravel at low speed. Much to the satisfaction of the dealer, I found out that the rad is very vulnerable. I was able to repair the radiator, but for the cost of one side panel and a few other pieces of plastic, I could have outfitted the bike like a Touratech employee.
I would highly recommend to anyone buying this bike that you install crash bars, belly pan and metal hand guards the day you buy it. The first thing you will want to do is go tear-ass up some trail, when your experience with the pig (and likely stock, street slicks) is minimal.

Having said that, once outfitted properly, I consider it be quite well protected, having tested that personally several times.

See them all here: MVRTV Review

Lots of info here: Links

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Paul "Every county of England, every country of Europe and every (part of every inhabited) continent of the Earth" 94% done! What's left? Central America, East, Central and West Africa, Australia & New Zealand