Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 22 Jun 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Nottingham
Posts: 49
F800GS vs new F650GS (plus a few old favourites)

Hi all,

I just wondering if anyone had some opinions about the above bikes, although there's a caveat to that below. Basically I'm thinking of doing a trip down to India next summer (2014) and I'm trying to find a suitable bike. I've had a few bikes in the past including the new(ish) Yahama Tenere and a 2004 R1050GSA, but due to an ongoing medical condition I sold them and gave up my overland dreams. The medical situation has now been stabilised, and those dreams have started knocking again!

I liked the Tenere to be honest, it had a lot of character and was a perfectly solid bike, but lacked a bit of power, as has been noted. The R1050GSA obviously didn't have that problem, but I really didn't like the weight of the thing - I'm sure other riders with more experience love them, but it's just too heavy for me.

So...basically I'm looking for something with a bit more grunt than a 660 (and preferably not a thumper to be honest), but not as heavy as a 1050. For reference sake, I'm a shade under 6'4" and 88kg (a bit under 13.5 stone), I like to take less travelled roads but at the moment that means gravel tracks, not wading through swamps but I'm not averse to going along a motorway if it makes sense. So, finally...

1. What's the difference between the Honda F800GS and the new F650GS, aside from the money? For a journey of the type I'm thinking of, would either be acceptable?

2. I've also looked at getting an Africa Twin, or maybe an old XTZ Tenere, so thoughts and opinions there would be appreciated for those too.

Thanks - sorry for the extended post.

Alex (Lagan)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 22 Jun 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Loads of choice is out there

IMO you will benefit from clarifying your questions.

Take a look at the BMW official website and the BMW tech forum in here and you will see that there are these models:-
F650GS single cylinder (standard version and Dakar version)
F650CS (belt drive)
F650GS twin
F700GS twin
F800GS twin
F800GS twin adventure

G650GS single cyl (standard version and Sertao)
G650X challenge
G650 X country

Some of these are new, or very new, models.
By the way, there isn't a 1050GSA, so far as I know - perhaps you owned a R1100GS or a R1150GS?

As for your other bikes under consideration:-
Do you prefer EFI or carburettors?

Hope this helps, as a start point for thoughts/discussion.
__________________
Dave

Last edited by Walkabout; 22 Jun 2013 at 23:53. Reason: Sertao added
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 22 Jun 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Nottingham
Posts: 49
Ah, fair enough, need to do a little more work on the various models. Yah, typo re. the R1150GSA.

Re. EFI or Carbs, I won't pretend to know that much about it, but the general consensus seems to be in the favour of EFI, which I appreciate is more modern tech.

Alex (Lagan)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 22 Jun 2013
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Aus. Qld. Mackay
Posts: 474
Light Bike

I would go for the G650gs they are a thumper but apparently pretty smooth, the twins are heavy bikes, imo to heavy when loaded, & I know I have just ridden mine thru Africa, so go light & go well.
Cheers
Paul
__________________
....rather Die Living.....than Live Dying !
www.globetrekkers.net.au
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 22 Jun 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lagan View Post
Ah, fair enough, need to do a little more work on the various models. Yah, typo re. the R1150GSA.

Re. EFI or Carbs, I won't pretend to know that much about it, but the general consensus seems to be in the favour of EFI, which I appreciate is more modern tech.

Alex (Lagan)
There is a mega-thread somewhere in here about the pros and cons (by advocates of each) of carbs and FI; you should find it easily with the revised search function within here which works well nowadays.
e.g. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/sea...fuel+injection
Then there are the discussions about singles Vs twins which can be just as lengthy.

You could also read into some of the other tech fora, such as "honda tech" which has some interesting, recent discussion about new models produced by that company (500cc and 700cc).

IMO, you are in the right ball park with a bike somewhere around 600/650cc, assuming that you will be riding one-up i.e. no pillion passenger.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
F/S Bristol UK - Aluminium panniers & rack - BMW F650GS Lenz2 TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 2 3 Nov 2013 13:14
F/S UK: Ally Panniers - BMW F650GS Dakar Lenz2 TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 1 3 Sep 2012 18:06
From F800GS to DR 650 SE? wipe-out Which Bike? 15 17 Mar 2012 19:08

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:20.