Rate the F800 GS...
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As a fellow adventure rider, I enjoyed your recent write up of the GS Challenge.
Now - having ridden the route - how do you rate the F800 GS and how does this compare with the larger flat twin machines?
I have an early 1150GS but I rate this as simply too much of a ‘challenge’ off road. It’s a solid, sure-footed machine, but demands a lot of care and attention. For long-haul gravel riding I prefer my 640 Adventure. Apart from being a good deal lighter, it has proper off-road geometry and suspension, and is surprisingly comfortable. It also has a phenomenal fuel range, which no other bike can match - rarely will it do less than 500km before going onto reserve!
Cheers, Jonathan
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Jonathan, I actually rate the
Jonathan, I actually rate the 800GS very highly. The engine might need slightly more revs to get going (relatively speaking), but I can assure you that it is faster than the 1150GS (I've owned one). The secret is power-to-weight ratio.
In sand it is very nimble.
Yes, your 640 has incredibly good WP suspension. You cannot improve on them - they're the bencmark.
What the 800 does offer is a good compromise, ie, it has long legs for the open road - cruising at 160 is no problem - whilst still being able to do relatively tight stuff.
For 80% of the market that's good enough.
Jaco