Hehe, after having a 123hp kawasaki for four years, last year I changed to the old 50hp F650 Funduro. No problem! Instead of terms like "brutal", "explosive", "insane" and so on, I now have "sympathetic", "chugging along" and "such a trooper". And I ride two-up tours with full luggage on the thing :D
***** I'm glad I got you to smile. Sorry about the soda and choking, of course. :) In november last year the old girl - Erika, I call her - was joined by a 650 Aprilia Pegaso, you know, the new model with the Yamaha engine. I call her Emilia. And she's fine, but not nearly as sympathetic. :D
To me this bike feels crazy fast and plenty powerful. Unless you ride a superbike all the time and never plan to hit the dirt with this thing you wont be disappointed. I can do no clutch wheelies in first gear thats plenty enough for me i dont need it to rare up in every gear.
These bikes are compromising on many facets. So maybe they don't have that extra 10Hp you said it needs so it can be effective off road. Sure the Tiger 800 has more power, but the GS out sells them like crazy. I ride a F800GS and i don't find it lacking at all. If you want to go crazy fast, buy a liter plus, road bike.
If you think that thing is useless in terms of power I could only imagine what you'd have to say about an 'ol KLR on the highway, haha. Definitely a pretty cool off-road bike, but from what I felt the tiger pulls down lower much better, and while I'm no off-road expert, I'm guessing that makes quite a difference down off-road.
The 800gs isn't meant to be fast on the road... it's a badass dirtbike that happens to be comfortable on the road as well. On woodsy trails, it's got way more power than you could ever safely use, and down low where you need it. That being said, the 800 does fall on it's face at higher speeds on the highway, but it's 0-60 time is only 1 second slower than an S1000RR, which is pretty respectable, no? Also, that lack of high speed cruising power is very beneficial to gas mileage, which is desirable in an adventure bike. On a fully loaded 6,000 mile tour to Nova Scotia my 800 consistently averaged over 50 mpg... and I was far from gentle with it. Not bad, I'd say!
f800r has 90hp. bmw could have pushed to 95hp. @ the cost of reving a lot higher, not what anyone wants with this sort of bike. be wanting cast 17" wheels next.
Silly American. I'd most probably stop riding bikes, if I'd live in the boring US. So you're kinda right, the F800GS isn't really fun to drive on a straight. In the US. Almost no bike is. Here where I live, everything is different. I love the F800GS. It fits perfectly and there's no lack of power.
+eMMjunaYschion I'm still trying to figure out how you're a bigot or cowards for simply mentioning that roads in the US are boring. That's 100% accurate and I live here.
+Kyle Normandin Hey buddy, nice to see that you're nice to me, after I've insulted Americans ;-) Don't get me wrong. I like the US. I've been to TN, GA, AL, IL, MO and KY last spring and I'll get back to TN (and surroundings) this November. The US does have beautiful and unique landscapes. You just cannot compare it to any country in Europe, never. It's completely different. I own a F800GS and I love it. But I really wouldn't enjoy it on US or CAN roads. If you want to ride a bike there, get something really fast (and try to get away from the cops everytime) or get a Harley or a similar cruiserbike that's fun to drive on a straight. The F800GS is capable of many things, but it won't keep you entertained on a straight road. Take it off-road or into the alps, that's where it belongs. Cheers mate.
Ive driven across the US and back (northern and southern routes), so if your referring to city road or motorways, they are absolutely boring. Once you find some smaller towns or get into the mountains there are certainly some fun roads, but not compared to Europe. I've driven in the UK, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, and Scotland and I honestly can't wait to drive in Scotland again. There is nothing like it. I already have a Ducati Streetfighter and can't wait to pick up an F800GS (maybe adventure...) in the next year or so. I don't expect it to be a fantastic performer (as far as fun goes) on the road, but it will do exactly what it's suppose to. Though who knows, I may end up with the new Africa Twin. Good day to you, sir and thank you for simply trying to show one of my American counterparts that's the US isn't half as good as everyone thinks it is.
Kyle Normandin Scotland (and the rest of the island) is still on my bucket list. I've never been there. It'd take me a day to get there by bike (and ferry), so it's not really far away. I really should take the time next year and visit them. If you're planning to visit Europe by bike again, I can definitely recommend the south-east part of Germany (specially the Schwarzwald, black forest), almost whole of western Austria (the farther you're in the east, the less alps you'll have) and of course Switzerland. There are many cury roads, some of them stay low, some go through high alpine regions (above 2000m) and you'll really have fun on your bike, no matter what make it is. I live on 1000m above sea level. Of course it gets really cold in winter, but in summer, you have the most beautiful roads right in front of your doorsep. Have a good day, too, and ride safe buddy.
FWIW, I've also found stoplight loop sensors to be absolutely immune to the small amount of iron in the F800GS. A couple of hard drive magnets on the center stand don't really help.
Just got my first adventure bike and am beginning to realize that these bmw guys are a lot like Harley guys. Aggressively defend the brand as if it is the only bike worth riding.
Your missing the point why this bike was made. It seems like you are looking for a road bike, and yes, the F800 wasn't made to be a crotch rocket, but rather giving you controlled power offroad with some on-roads capabilities
Good video and I like the term jump the light! For some of us slow enjoy the scenery riders, your description of the F800GS makes it sound perfect as I’m looking for mellow, capable and comfortable. Anyways, I think I met you at ur shop, keep the videos rolling.
You are completely missing the point of the bike I am afraid.The motor is quite capable and according to the nature of the bike. It has very useable power where it is needed. I know that all those riding crotch rockets will disagree but the trick is to grow old riding and become wiser.. Thanks for the content anyway.. P.S whoever wants an f800gs does not want it because he cannot afford an r1200. Try filtering the latter one amongst tight city traffic...
Thanks for the content , I appreciate the time you took to make it. Try to bear in mind a more rounded view of what attracts people to these bikes. I like a litre bike as much as any hot blooded man, but the hp has been getting ridiculously high, is completely unusable on the streets and most of all it becomes an adrenalin rush and not an enjoyment of biking itself. Take care! :)
I disagree with the gutless, especially when you take it off road as thats where the lowered top power for better torque pays off, but I definitely agree that it's good idea to take it in adventure spec.
Thanks CM, 'enjoyed your video but I've decided to get an 800GS anyway. I test-rode one on the motorway on the weekend and it was adequate - not spectacular but good enough since I'm going to be doing a lot of my kms on dirt roads and tracks, which I'm told is where it comes into its own. That's why I'm getting it - to do a lot of outback touring and camping in the bush and the desert while I finish writing the book. Not keen on the 800GSA - too big and heavy to be carting through the bush on my own. The 800GS feels nice and nimble, easy to pick up if (when) it goes down.
Despite my arrogant American attitudes, BMW has sold quite a few of these machines;) Ps. there is no finishing the book, there's simply no giving up on it. Cheers!
Great video. I bought a 2012 BMW f650gs (nearly the same 800cc Rotax engine) and don't find the power to be a problem at all. For me, the issue is all of the many, many quality defects I have had and the incredibly bad service from BMW. My latest issue is the plastic fuel tank has split from front to rear on the filler side. I also have two Suzuki GSX1250's - ZERO defects, cheaper cost, better performance. Nie Wieder! Never again shall I buy a BMW product.
Your review just cracked me up, i just left my BMW dealer and test rode the F800 Adventure......I put 150 miles on it....Haha i don't think they expected that long of a test ride...I'm buying one though! Rubber Side Down!
William Huston Atta boy! I'm sure you'll enjoy every minute of owning that machine. I've taken a ton of heat for my opinion of the power; that said, it's only my opinion, and congratulations:)
I ride a tiger xrx 800, but I have test rode a 800gs and I thought it was fantastic, the only reason i did not buy is because it was way more expensive, i thought it was brilliant on road needless to say even better off it.
love your comments, so American. Great vid, stay safe and consider other drivers out there. Happy 2015 Btw, 700 or 800 GS ? Need 80 percent on road and 20 percent bad road with off-road, your advise required.
Well not every bike is for everyone but the BMW f800 is an awesome bike for what I use it for and your quite funny with some the rants. But needless to say your lucky you didn't test ride the f650 which was bad. Personally I'll forgo some power but it rides much smoother than my Kawasaki versys
It's your call to jump a light or drive into traffic. Perhaps BMW even thought of this when they painted it red. You know, it matches the colour of your blood. But honestly, I hope that there is not a car driver around that steps on the gas because he/she wants to make the green light before it turns red. Then the BMW would be small inconvenience enroute. Just saying, take care and wait a few seconds longer. You never know...
Cal Moto No worries. Regardless though, nice video! I currently have a KTM 990 SMT. Want something more off-roady / adventure. In your opinion... Tiger or GS (800)?
Borre Moolenaar I'm such a huge fan of the Tiger that I would want to see and ride the new and enhanced 2015 models. That said, if Triumph has not addressed the Stepper motor dirt issues, I would have to go with the GS.....1200.
Cal Moto I go to as many adventure rides in the north east as I can, from PA to Berkshires, & there are usually loads of f800gs with scratched up engine bars, gnarly tires and big bash plates with gouges from rocks... where I park my GS in town, there are several "dual sport" Tigers all shiny and looking good, with tough-as-nails headlight grills (and nothing else). It gives the impression that the GS is actually used off road, and the Tiger is used to look like it goes off road.
Road riding is better left to the road bikes. Offroad, however, the lighter bike with more tractable power comes into its own. Trail riding is not always roosting the guy behind you and can entail careful picking of line and judicious application of power to climb rocky hills and pick your way across flowing creeks. It's not always about brute, ear flapping power.
I had my heart set on one of these till I rode a Tiger 800XC. I bought the Tiger with the Arrow Pipe and tune. It is like riding a dirt bike with a sport bike motor. You just don't get much value with the bmw.
I wondered if I would see any other"douche on the bike" sentiment, only took a few comments in to second my opinion. I pick up my 2017 F 800 GS tomorrow. unregrettably.
i have been looking at the 1090 ktm. but to be honest the f800gs is cheap compared with the ktm. i think the adventure version makes it even worse now it weighs even more 505lbs and still only has 85hp.
Hmm, sorry I know this is an old video but I was just interested in your comment about the fact that if you had to get one you'd get the adventure model for the range + protection, which is fair enough... But why not get the tiger? With the already larger surface area and better engine that would be better as a road touring bike. The only reason I kind of like the idea of this bike is because it's lighter and has a lot lower centre of gravity which is more suited to off road riding! If you're not into off road riding or not with 'adventure' bikes then fair enough I get that, but personally I think this is the best compromise in terms of genuine off road ability. Oh and before you suggest the Yamaha xt660z Tenere which I USED to really want as a genuine off road bike then consider the vibrations from the single cylinder, they are horrific, so it looses pretty much any touring credibility in that area. Oh and yeah I know the engine isn't the best for on road.. That's why it would only ever be a second play bike type thing if I earn my millions ;) first would be something like a Multistrada or something with a shit ton of power
I knew you would! The only reason I would have the BMW is for the off road ability, then I can get my performance hit from my primary bike ;) couldn't have both bikes though as they're a little too similar
well I agree its good looking , but thats where it ends! Dreadful road-craft. As others have observed... you are giving motorcycling a bad name ... and you are seriously at risk of hurting yourself.
Hey Slick, you just did a review on a dual sport bike without even taking it off-road. This not only makes your entire so called "review" irrelevant, it makes you look like an idiot for failing to understand the bike's design brief. You say the GS has no stretch-your-arms-out-of-their-sockets power? Well thank you Captain Obvious, but we already know that; a supersport it is not. You are attacking one aspect of this bike that is not a major factor to the people who buy them and ride them. This is a case where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Respect your right to an opinion man, free speech and all that, however if your going to bag something about a bike, at least do it in the right context.
How about comparison in category for power? -No perspective for your comment at all. You saying it is a gutless wonder without any comparison, except supposedly to a sports bike is plain stupid. It is clearly not a sports bike, and if BMW had make the mistake of putting their inline 4 sports bike engine in, it would suck for its duel purpose use. How about performance for WHAT IT IS, compared to any competing bike in the category?
This bike is obviously a demonstrator and brand new,,,,,,, if this rider had any brains he would know that the engine is still tight. As for his comment towards the car driver at the lights he was thinking about jumping ( lovey responsible thing to do!!!!!) about having no respect for the bmw, i dont think he has any respect for it either. The bloke is talking out of his backside.
JULIEBETH HUNT Well, you've certainly disappointed me. Sadly, with only one negative aspect, my opinion mind you, you've come off the rails. Why would you care what I think about this bike; even though, 95% of the review is positive? Did you buy? Are you bummed? What is your problem? You don't like that I jumped the light? Malfunctioning traffic lights are treated as though they are stop signs. I chose the title of this video very carefully, and it has not failed. The haters like you have come out of the woodwork.
Cal, I watched this video, then I test rode one, and I have to agree with you that the motor is lacking(I wouldent call it gutless but only because I wouldnt want all these people on my ass lol) but all in all it is a nice bike and the fact you can take it off road if you dare. Also I would add that they have a reputation of extreme reliability which is great. Its a beautiful bike but I just expected a little bit more punch. I will now broaden my search to the aftrica twin which has 20% more HP and possibly others.
Well, to each his own...but I would not want it. As all know (who know moi), I do prefer the vintage machines, of the era's prior the CB750.: My '68 BSA: i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa413/zuzulo56/zuzulo56001/BSAThunderbolt1968_zps86edf621.jpg
