What to do, what to do????

Ok, so after riding the F800GS on Sunday to Rooiberg, I am ready to sell my trusted F650GS and upgrade to bigger and better things.

I had my mind set on the F800GS, but the more I thought about it, the more I started to think of a 2nd hand R1200GS.

The two will cost more or less the same, but I will get more bike for my buck with a 1200. Having said that, I found the 800 easier to ride and handle than my current 650. I am scared that the 1200 will be too “big” for me and that my off-road riding skills will develop “slower” on the 1200 than the 800.

I spoke to Roger Smith today regarding the TopBox that went AWOL on the way back from Rooiberg, and I told him how much I liked the 800, and about my 1200/800 dilemma. He then said that the same 800 that I rode will go onto the floor soon. That bike is fitted with the Akrapovic pipe and a bashplate, and handguards.

So now I am thinking 800, no, 1200, no ..... WTF ??????????????

easy, buy a K1300S

MadnohB wrote:easy, buy a K1300S

I looked at that option, but could'nt find TKC's that will look nice.

And it is a bit too fast.....

You know the answer.....

Remember that the 800 with the extras will be priced accordingly.

Rejuvenated DaveS wrote:You know the answer.....

Remember that the 800 with the extras will be priced accordingly.

+1

And I still need to test-ride the 1200.

If you fall a lot, take the 800 - it's easier to pick up!!!

I am not an "Off roader" but I still think in the thick a lighter bike will be better.

The 800 fits nicely between the perfect 650 (sand/mud) and the 1200, heavy and difficult to keep over the COG. If it goes you cannot keep it up.

Some might admit that if the 800 was there at the time they wouldn't have chosed the 1200.

But then the 1200 power is sooooo nice on the open road! Or is it really faster/torquer that the 800?

Shucks, I'm glad I don't have to make this decision.

Sterkte Sharkie. Whatever you decide upon, you'll love it!

Sharkie, if you still have the Honda CRF230F, you already have something to play with - go for the 1200 to compliment your collection

I’ll try to be a bit more constructive this time

First and foremost, the bike will choose you not the other way around. Test ride them both - preferably back to back – and see which one talks to you deep down………both are exceptional products so whatever your choice, no serious mistakes to be made here.

from my perspective ……..

I have toured somewhat limited (about 15 000km) on the R1200GS and did limited off road on the bike. Beauty for touring – especially if you are 2-up – there is just no substitute for engine capacity. Not the best choice for serious off road and sand although it was never designed for serious off road. With this bike you will cover most bases and unless you have extreme needs to be satisfied, it won’t disappoint you. Bit of a contradiction but the latter is also in my opinion one of the negatives – very good at most aspects but not excellent in any specific area…….lack some excitement.
A big league all rounder par-excellence who commands repect with it's sheer size and appearance.


I have only test ride the 800GS (and loved it ) and toured (with) the 800ST for about 15 000km. Before actually “meeting” the parallel 800 twin I was fairly negative about the capability of the bike especially in the performance stakes……….I was dead wrong and happy to admit it. Although not a BMW machine, I’m simply amazed by the 800 Rotax. It’s performance ability has exceeded my wildest expectations even when fully laden. 2-up it’s not in the same league as the 1200 and the chain is a bit more (ok a lot more) messy than a belt or a shaft. I have never been off road with the 800GS but fancy it to be a superbly capable bike. In fact I can see one in the future but don’t let the Mermaid hear about this
A greatly balanced exciting bike and it certainly looks the part too

ps. wif a (Akra) pipe is applicable to both

Must say the 800GS & ST both have a special place in my heart. I think the GS is probably the bike that gives you the best of both worlds. But as MadnohB said it the bike that will choose you, not the other way around. I will definately not mind having a 800GS next to my RT for those special trips

Thank you to everybody who contributed to this thread, sadly I don't think I will be buying either of the two.

It is amazing how fast your work situation can change/deteriorate.

Hopefully I will still have the 650.

Sorry to hear - does not sound very good. Hang in there - sure things will look up soon.

I hate it when that happens!!! But whatever goes up must come down, so whatever deteriorates must surely improve Good luck!

not good to hear.

I also hate the downs but ever so often, a new opportunity presents itself during one of those phases

aww... sorry to hear Sharkie - maybe the time will allow you now to make the best decision in future.