BMW F800GS - A Small Adventrue

[OneWheelDrive]

I ran into some folks from DualsportBC.com at the motorcycle show, who were asking me about the F800GS I was testing at the time. Unfortunately I've misplaced a lot of contact information, but I've captured the essence of my experience on video. This is the sum of two months spent with the F800GS before BMW snapped and demanded it back.

Of course winter here on the wet-coast buggered all that up a bit, so I decided to embrace my environment and shot the video anyways:

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8d5gl_bmw-f800gs-review-small-adventure_auto

All in good fun, hope folks enjoy it. Little PSA in the pre-roll for Riders for Health, http://riders.org , I figure while I'm loosing my shirt shooting this stuff I may as well do some good.

Comment and criticisms welcomed, still refining this video stuff.
Cheers,
Neil
:D

[michelangelu]

Thank you for the video!!!! Thats sooooo cool!!!
I own a 800gs and cannot whait to put knobbie tires on!
Thanx again!!!

[OneWheelDrive]

Yes! Get knobbies! It was telling that every time I went to return the F800GS I found an excuse not to. Not sure BMW will ever believe me again when I say, "I can't return your bike it's to icy out."
Cheers,
Neil

[tomcycle]

Thanks for posting the video. I am looking at getting one of these for my street ride.

Tom

[OneWheelDrive]

I'm more partial to the F650GS for the street, feels a bit less vague up front, but the F800GS is still aces. Especially commuting, parses through traffic like nobody's business. Faster on it in rush hour than the KTM RC8 I'm testing now. More usable power at the low end, less concerns about road quality, and great visibility and steering lock.
Cheers,
Neil

[Backcountryboy]

Great report! And I loved the humour laced throughout the it.

[joker650]

Nice report........I specially liked how the ski's draged the ground on that right-hander...;)



I was looking at the 800 before I bought my 950 , there were a few reasons I went with KTM, andtoo long of a wait for the 800 was one of them. I heard they took the deposits but could not deliver for about 8 months or more.

[JavaJude]

Nice video :tup:. Thanks for sharing.

I have the F650GS and you're right, it is a nice street bike (with the occasional gravel road for variety). I think I made the right choice (for me) between the 800 and the 650.

-Judy-

[Hooligan]

joker650 wrote:
I was looking at the 800 before I bought my 950 , there were a few reasons I went with KTM, andtoo long of a wait for the 800 was one of them. I heard they took the deposits but could not deliver for about 8 months or more.


Joker,

There's 4 Grey F800GS's at Southwest at the moment......Nice bike, well priced and with that I think KTM has missed the bus on the 690 Adventure....:mad3:

Pitty, :tup:

Same here, I was also looking at the 800, I use to be a Beemer boy, taken my old 1150 lotsa places most won't take 5tons of bike. Held up very well. Not sure about the new generation BM's. My idea was to go for a 690 Adv....but, who knows, maybe my kids will get one when I am long gone....:mad3:

So, I ended up with the Super E...now I am happy.....:dr:

:hb:

[Roaddane]

Top notch video.

Bill The Cat headlights :tup:

[swandog]

i think for the cost of the gs 800 there are more options out there . i have read the water pump dosnt last and there are not replacements availible at dealers . if i was into more dirt rideing i would get the aprilla 550 twin . and if i was into more road the honda varadero would be what i would spend 12 grand on .

[OneWheelDrive]

I agree that there are other options for much more reasonable cost. Don't think the Varadero is one of them if you're looking for offroad-ability. Reviewed it last year and it's heavy as all get out - don't much fancy it off the beaten track.
I'm personally taken with the Aprilias, but leery of parts availability and dealer support. At least with the Honda you know if you throw a stick you'll hit a honda shop ;)