Found my next bike! F800gs!

DELETE-PLEASE · Jul 4, 2010

After the FJR is paid off, I plan on getting the commuting, part-time tourer. Seems to have everything I need for an easy, fun commute to and from work, with some light touring duties on weekends or days off.

Now the only thing, do I get rid of the FJR when I buy this one? Or keep it and own two bikes? It'll be paid off by then, so it won't be a burden by that cost, but it won't get used much (unless I just plan on riding it into work one or two days a week), and I don't see myself going on long touring at that point (I think by the time the FJR is paid off, my wife and I will be looking into starting a family, which will limit the touring time we have).

Any thoughts? And for those who have bought the 800gs (which I know are a few), how's it doing with two-up and touring? Still enjoying it?

Alexi

DE OPPRESSO LIBER · Jul 4, 2010

Alexi said:
After the FJR is paid off, I plan on getting the commuting, part-time tourer. Seems to have everything I need for an easy, fun commute to and from work, with some light touring duties on weekends or days off.
Now the only thing, do I get rid of the FJR when I buy this one? Or keep it and own two bikes? It'll be paid off by then, so it won't be a burden by that cost, but it won't get used much (unless I just plan on riding it into work one or two days a week), and I don't see myself going on long touring at that point (I think by the time the FJR is paid off, my wife and I will be looking into starting a family, which will limit the touring time we have).

Any thoughts? And for those who have bought the 800gs (which I know are a few), how's it doing with two-up and touring? Still enjoying it?

Alexi

Why wouldn't you use your FJR for commuting?

Personally for me, I'd never buy the F800GS with the intent to do ANY two up riding, but that's just me. It doesn't seem to fit into that type/style of bike, or maybe that's just the advertisements working on me. I do not own the F800, however, do have the 650.

rockmurf · Jul 5, 2010

If you can sell it for a good price then that would be your best bet rather than have it sit in the garage taking up space and paying insurance on it. Most of the time we can't sell our bikes for a fair price so it makes more sense to hold on to it but that is just my .02.

Bounce · Jul 5, 2010

Make sure they've done the final drive recall. Seems BMW can't do chain drives much better than they do shafties.

MojaveFJR · Jul 5, 2010

Bounce said:
Make sure they've done the final drive recall. Seems BMW can't do chain drives much better than they do shafties.

800 is chain drive and the FD issues have been resolved if you get a 2007 or newer 1200.

I wouldn't be pulling two up duty on the 800. If you want that, get the 1200 GS. Before you do, know this. Your pillion will be really high up in the air and the step to get up and over is not for the weak of heart or those of mass. Also, your pillion will sacrifice comfort and room. I know the wife was not happy up there and she is a size 4. The 1200 is a PIG in all regards. Think they are up to 110 HP now which is nothing compared to the FJR. The FJR is a much more confortable tourer that offers you handling that is unsurpassed by the bigger tourers. The F800 has its uses, mostly open desert riding and open single track. To find out more about te F800 go to advrider.com. You will find more information than you ever wanted to know.

NOW, if you want a fun little commuter to hooligan on, try the KTM 690 SMC. If you want the dirt capability get the 690 enduro R. You can put SM wheels on the R. Don't know anyone that went from SMC to dirt tires.