F800GS first impression

[AlanH]

I took an F800GS out for a test ride today on a mixture of motorway, city, B-roads and unpaved track. I came back from the test ride with a nice big grin

What a superb piece of kit. It goes where you point it. It's got nice amounts of torque (obviously no match for an R1200GS - but good in its own right) and can be really chucked about (don't tell the dealer!).

Where it really excelled was carving lazily through town traffic, blasting through the twisties rolling on and off the throttle, and messing about standing on the pegs on mud and gravel. The only negative as far as I was concerned was the gearing seems to be a bit low for motorway getting a bit vibey at the 80mph mark in top. It's not bad but it is noticeable because it's pretty smooth the rest of the time. It may get better as the motor loosens up so it may resolve itself anyway.

So, has anyone got one of these and what's fallen off it so far?

I don't expect many replies 'cos if you've got one you're likely to be out riding it rather than wasting your time on the forum

[doglegdon]

So, has anyone got one of these and what's fallen off it so far?

My money would be on the top box first, at least that's what came off my mate's 2005 1200GS, then later his 2007 1200GSA!
Are you buying one of the 800's then?

[AlanH]

Are you buying one of the 800's then?

Not at the moment - maybe used in a year or two if Honda can't come up with something suitable.

[phil w]

Not at the moment - maybe used in a year or two if Honda can't come up with something suitable.

And the BMW has ironed out teething troubles. Nice looking bike. Surprised to hear of the vibes at 80 thought it would do that smoothly

[Chad]

And the BMW has ironed out teething troubles. Nice looking bike. Surprised to hear of the vibes at 80 thought it would do that smoothly

this is a problem thats afflicting the F800 as well so its no supprise apparently it doesnt get any better with age on that bike so dnt get your hopes up its a shame as its the only fly in the ointment that is a very good bike...but if they made it corking on a long run as well then it would murder the sales of the 1200 so they are not going to do that

[AlanH]

Maybe going for the F650 twin gearing on it would shift the vibes slightly further up the speedo - just 5mph difference would do it for me.

[Chad]

Maybe going for the F650 twin gearing on it would shift the vibes slightly further up the speedo - just 5mph difference would do it for me.

that could work also that bike is bloody good value for money

[AlanH]

I saw the pictures of the F650GS twin and hated the wheels and overall look of it. It seemed a bit too tame. They actually look much better in the flesh but I wouldn't want less power as that's something the F800 does right. It's certainly more value for money but not for me.

I figure a two year old F800GS would be the best value so I'll wait for a bit and see how they stand up to abuse and get the factory recalls and software updates out of the way

[Chad]

I saw the pictures of the F650GS twin and hated the wheels and overall look of it. It seemed a bit too tame. They actually look much better in the flesh but I wouldn't want less power as that's something the F800 does right. It's certainly more value for money but not for me.

I figure a two year old F800GS would be the best value so I'll wait for a bit and see how they stand up to abuse and get the factory recalls and software updates out of the way

i was tempted by the F800GS but didnt go for it for the same reasons as you


i then went to the KTM and its the best thing ive done

[StumpyFingers]

I saw the pictures of the F650GS twin and hated the wheels and overall look of it. It seemed a bit too tame. They actually look much better in the flesh but I wouldn't want less power as that's something the F800 does right. It's certainly more value for money but not for me.

I figure a two year old F800GS would be the best value so I'll wait for a bit and see how they stand up to abuse and get the factory recalls and software updates out of the way

I felt the same I like the bike but it is too new and has not had the teething troubles sorted yet.

i was tempted by the F800GS but didnt go for it for the same reasons as you


i then went to the KTM and its the best thing ive done

The katie seems to have teething problems as well, maybe you should have gone for the horse and cart.