F800ST vs F800GS
Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2011 7:11 am
I'm still thinking of replacing my 1150R with something newer and with perhaps a bit less inertial mass. I love my R but it is ten years old now (almost) and, like me, not getting any younger. I also like the idea of getting something brand new, equipping with some available accessories, and having a known mechanical history.
I also know I'd like a bit more protection than the 1150R provides. The 1150RT is a beautiful bike but provides almost too much protection, though I very much did like the noise levels behind that massive fairing. And the riding position, as I'd been warned, was like sitting up and begging. The visibility was a tad lacking too, and the handling a bit clunky - though I'm sure I'd get used to it quickly. In the end, the 1150RT didn't seem like the right bike for me.
So I've been eying the F800 platform. The engine seems completely suitable for long-distance touring, commuting, or a bit of horsing around in traffic. The ST seems to have a great fairing and a fairly upright seating position. With an aftermarket windscreen I bet it would be very quiet. But I have a serious dirt itch as well, and a group of friends has been egging me to go dual-sporting with them in Colorado for the last few summers. Does the GS fit my requirements better?
How to decide? Am I right about the ST? A great all-around bike that I could jump on and do a 500 mile weekend with mixed interstate/two-lanes without seeming to push the limits of the platform, while at the same time commute to work and have a good time? Is the GS good enough on dirt to seriously consider that approach while at the same time being competent in traffic and for commuting? What about the chain drive? I hear the belt on the ST is lovely, but what are the ramifications of that GS chain for a 500 mile weekend? Or a 2,000 mile expedition? I know there are a ton of accessories for both bikes and I'll admit, I do get tired of perusing eBay to find discontinued accessories for my R - though I always seem to find them.
Any significant known issues on the F800's comparable to the Final Drive and Clutch Splines issue on the R's? What about build quality? I've heard it rumored that BMW has intentionally slipped in the QC department and is catering more to folks who trade up every two years before any problems can emerge. I prefer to keep something for 100K miles. Will the F800 do 100K miles or should I just stick with my oil-head. Everyone knows the motor's good for 200K.
I also know I'd like a bit more protection than the 1150R provides. The 1150RT is a beautiful bike but provides almost too much protection, though I very much did like the noise levels behind that massive fairing. And the riding position, as I'd been warned, was like sitting up and begging. The visibility was a tad lacking too, and the handling a bit clunky - though I'm sure I'd get used to it quickly. In the end, the 1150RT didn't seem like the right bike for me.
So I've been eying the F800 platform. The engine seems completely suitable for long-distance touring, commuting, or a bit of horsing around in traffic. The ST seems to have a great fairing and a fairly upright seating position. With an aftermarket windscreen I bet it would be very quiet. But I have a serious dirt itch as well, and a group of friends has been egging me to go dual-sporting with them in Colorado for the last few summers. Does the GS fit my requirements better?
How to decide? Am I right about the ST? A great all-around bike that I could jump on and do a 500 mile weekend with mixed interstate/two-lanes without seeming to push the limits of the platform, while at the same time commute to work and have a good time? Is the GS good enough on dirt to seriously consider that approach while at the same time being competent in traffic and for commuting? What about the chain drive? I hear the belt on the ST is lovely, but what are the ramifications of that GS chain for a 500 mile weekend? Or a 2,000 mile expedition? I know there are a ton of accessories for both bikes and I'll admit, I do get tired of perusing eBay to find discontinued accessories for my R - though I always seem to find them.
Any significant known issues on the F800's comparable to the Final Drive and Clutch Splines issue on the R's? What about build quality? I've heard it rumored that BMW has intentionally slipped in the QC department and is catering more to folks who trade up every two years before any problems can emerge. I prefer to keep something for 100K miles. Will the F800 do 100K miles or should I just stick with my oil-head. Everyone knows the motor's good for 200K.