Disturbance

[Dan-A]

Well folks I sold my R1150GS and there is an F800GS in my immediate future (on order). Now I am wrestling with keeping the R1200R or selling it. It has some advantages over the 800 to be sure, but there may be too many similarities to keep both.

Comments?

On the way:


My R1200R:

[OlyVR]

The F800 is a fine looking bike and I'm sure quite exciting, and I will probably end up with one as a second bike but not as the only beemer because: No Boxer.
While other bikes may have more power, be faster etc. (i.e. K1200), they don't have the boxer. The boxer engine eptitomizes BMW bikes to me. Is that rational? Hell no, but motorcycles are supposed to be an emotional purchase.

So if you can afford it, keep the R1200R - especially since you have the pinstripes which may be discontinued...

[NeilS]

I don't want to steal your thread, but just out of curiosity, why do you blur out your license plate number in your photo? After all, you ride around with the number displayed for all to see, why would you want to keep it secret here? Am I missing something?

[Dan-A]

I don't want to steal your thread, but just out of curiosity, why do you blur out your license plate number in your photo? After all, you ride around with the number displayed for all to see, why would you want to keep it secret here? Am I missing something?

Privacy.

[qgaex]

Hi Dan

Keep the R!

I only had the F800GS as a service loaner for a day.
It is nicely ergonomic as far as seat and riding position are concerned.
But he motor is nervous and never feels right. (IMHO)
So - while I agree that the bike is not such a bad idea - i would never consider buying one after that ride.

Cheers

qgaex
+wholikesboxersbetteranyhow+

[AllanCook]

You're gonna get tired of cleaning and oiling that chain.

[Dan-A]

You're gonna get tired of cleaning and oiling that chain.

I do it now on the KLR, it is not a big deal.

[Dan-A]

Hi Dan

Keep the R!

I only had the F800GS as a service loaner for a day.
It is nicely ergonomic as far as seat and riding position are concerned.
But he motor is nervous and never feels right. (IMHO)
So - while I agree that the bike is not such a bad idea - i would never consider buying one after that ride.

Cheers

qgaex
+wholikesboxersbetteranyhow+

I think I will keep the R until after I have some time to ride the 800 so if it is a bust, I will sell it and still have my boxer.

[webmost]

"...but there may be too many similarities to keep both."

I fail to see similarities. One's an oil cooled boxer; the other's a water cooled upright twin. One's shaft; the other's chain. One's a thing of beauty, the other's a thing of machinery. One purrs; the other whizes. One is a roadster with a comfy seat; the other's a faux trail bike with a skinny banana. One wears Avons; the other wears Touratechs. One you take West to SFO and pull up to the opera house; the other you take East to the Sierra and pull up to a camp site. I'd keep both and ride twice as much.

BTW, the single word "privacy" does not answer question NeilS politely asked. It only flips him off. What's the purpose of blurring a plate which is publicly displayed every day? Maybe we could learn something useful. I've seen it done other places. Never heard a cogent reason why.

I took a look at your RAHQ web site. Don't see an antenna on your Roadster. I've a J&M CB2003 intercom/radio on my tourer. Do you get into bike to bike and rider to pillion radidios in your business?

[Dan-A]

"...but there may be too many similarities to keep both."

I fail to see similarities. One's an oil cooled boxer; the other's a water cooled upright twin. One's shaft; the other's chain. One's a thing of beauty, the other's a thing of machinery. One purrs; the other whizes. One is a roadster with a comfy seat; the other's a faux trail bike with a skinny banana. One wears Avons; the other wears Touratechs. One you take West to SFO and pull up to the opera house; the other you take East to the Sierra and pull up to a camp site. I'd keep both and ride twice as much.

BTW, the single word "privacy" does not answer question NeilS politely asked. It only flips him off. What's the purpose of blurring a plate which is publicly displayed every day? Maybe we could learn something useful. I've seen it done other places. Never heard a cogent reason why.

I took a look at your RAHQ web site. Don't see an antenna on your Roadster. I've a J&M CB2003 intercom/radio on my tourer. Do you get into bike to bike and rider to pillion radidios in your business?

Wow, a lot to respond to.

Definitely different bikes, and I usually want my bikes to be different. What I was thinking was that both are relatively similar in size and would likely be pretty good at handling the twisties, so perhaps I might not feel the need to have both. I presently have a KLR650 which is a hoot on the dirt roads and camping trips but lacks the legs of a larger bike like a R1200GS for example. The 800 seems like it will have both. I don't think I would call it a faux trail bike, I believe it will be a quite competent enduro. I will find out if I still have the desire to keep the R after I try the 800. Too bad I cannot rent one for a month.

Re: the privacy issue, publishing my license plate number on the web gives too much information as to where the bike is garaged etc. Anyone can see it when I drive, but are unlikely to care. Most seeing it on a website prolly don't care either, but it is easy enough to find out info having a license plate that would be otherwise unavailable. I shred junk mail with my address on it too, perhaps I am too paranoid.

We presently do not carry bike intercom products but thanks for looking at the site.

By the way, none of my bikes take me to the opera house.

[ShinySideUp]

When you say both would probably be pretty good at handling the twisties, it made me want to offer up my experience.

Last year I took a guided tour of the Alps on a F800ST, thinking I wanted to buy one when I got home. 2000 miles in two weeks with about 10,000 hairpin turns.

Like this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10852133@N ... 5/sizes/o/

Then, upon the recommendation of a German friend who joined me on the tour, I came home and bought the R12R. Instantly, I knew it felt more sure-footed, not only in the twisties but in slow-speed parking lot maneuvers. I just look. And it just goes. I never have the feeling that I'm fighting with it. The F800ST always felt somewhat like I had to hope it would go where I wanted it to. Not sure why, but aside from the MUCH better ergos on the R12R, I think the lower center of gravity has a lot to do with it. I never felt "one with the bike" like I do with the R12R, and I think I gave it a good test ride!

On another aspect: I really never liked the fact that I had to buzz out the F800 engine to get the kind of power I was used to with a liter+ bike.

So I think your idea of keeping both for a while is a good one.

[romanr]

I ride an F800ST today, counting minutes and badgering my dealer until my 2009 R1200R gets trucked from NJ to Wisconsin.

The F800ST and the F800GS have a lot of differences, but they share the Rotax engine, and that may be second half of the reason I decided to trade the F800ST off. (the weight distribution being the first). I simply don't believe the early engines will last as long as you'd expect from the brand name (and purchase price).

I believe that the company has finally got the engine right in 2008. As a word of caution, however, it seems that some of the issues on the F800S/STs have been repeated on early F800GSs. F800riders.org is a GREAT website and full of lots of information - although it may have a higher number of negative comments than I perceive that this website has...

After making my decision, I noticed that there seem to be a number of F800 riders going to the R1200R. In fairness, there are also a number of people who have purchased a second F800S/ST.

Summary: I realize it isn't an easy decision, but you may want to keep the R1200R until you've spent some time on the F800GS and reached your own conclusion about the quality.

Either way you go, you will have fun and enjoy your ride. You're fortunate to have the choice.

[Dan-A]

I ride an F800ST today, counting minutes and badgering my dealer until my 2009 R1200R gets trucked from NJ to Wisconsin.

The F800ST and the F800GS have a lot of differences, but they share the Rotax engine, and that may be second half of the reason I decided to trade the F800ST off. (the weight distribution being the first). I simply don't believe the early engines will last as long as you'd expect from the brand name (and purchase price).

I believe that the company has finally got the engine right in 2008. As a word of caution, however, it seems that some of the issues on the F800S/STs have been repeated on early F800GSs. F800riders.org is a GREAT website and full of lots of information - although it may have a higher number of negative comments than I perceive that this website has...

After making my decision, I noticed that there seem to be a number of F800 riders going to the R1200R. In fairness, there are also a number of people who have purchased a second F800S/ST.

Summary: I realize it isn't an easy decision, but you may want to keep the R1200R until you've spent some time on the F800GS and reached your own conclusion about the quality.

Either way you go, you will have fun and enjoy your ride. You're fortunate to have the choice.

I have been reading F800riders.org as you suggested, and it is illuminating. There do in fact seem to be more problems reported on the 800's than here, though mostly on the S models. I am waffling at this point about buying the 800GS, but I will keep the R. They are discontinuing the black with white pinstripes so I have a bike I love that is IMHO an instant classic. If the GS turns out to be a turkey, I will sell it.

RE: The Rotax motor, I have no issues there. I owned an Aprilia Caponord which had a 998 Rotax V-twin. Rotax motors have a good reputation and are even used in some flying contraptions, I think ultra lights.

They (Rotax) do seem to have hinky fuel injection mapping though, at least compared to the current boxer motors. My R is flawless.

[Dan-A]

Got the bike, it is quick and nimble, a lot different than the R1200R. A lot of fun.
For now, keeping both.

[Graf]

great looking bike Dan......if you don't mind me asking....what is the package you got and how much did the bike cost.....
SF BMW does not have one yet....they get them....but saying that as soon as they get one they sell it.....so for now I am out of luck on test riding one....which BMW dealet in Sac did you purchase yours and do they have a demo?
alex...

[Dan-A]

great looking bike Dan......if you don't mind me asking....what is the package you got and how much did the bike cost.....
SF BMW does not have one yet....they get them....but saying that as soon as they get one they sell it.....so for now I am out of luck on test riding one....which BMW dealet in Sac did you purchase yours and do they have a demo?
alex...

A & S BMW, and no demos yet. Sent you a PM.

[Bheckel169]

To each his own. Tried the GS and instantly thought I should stick with my 07 Kawi Versys. I found the Versys to be more nimble and punchier. Have the 08 1200 R and absolutely think it's the best bike on the road. Like a rail, low center of gravity and a Boxer. Sometimes I think we have too much time on our hands and are always looking for the next best bike. I think we just should stop and smell the roses.
Bruce

[Dan-A]

To each his own. Tried the GS and instantly thought I should stick with my 07 Kawi Versys. I found the Versys to be more nimble and punchier. Have the 08 1200 R and absolutely think it's the best bike on the road. Like a rail, low center of gravity and a Boxer. Sometimes I think we have too much time on our hands and are always looking for the next best bike. I think we just should stop and smell the roses.
Bruce

They are supposed to start selling the Versys in CA this next model year, so I will be interested in seeing it. I have a KLR but was looking for having more comfort and power for getting the edge of the pavement, which the KLR lacks. The Versys looks like a nice commuter, but not an enduro, so I am hoping the GS meets my expectations on the dirt roads. It cruises good, but definitely lighter than an R1200R or R1200GS.

I guess there is no perfect answer.