Anyone Go From a R1200GS to a F650 / F800GS?

[shropdog]

I have had a few air / oil / hex head GS' and thinking about "downsizing" to either a F700 or F800GS. I am curious who has done this and what their overall impressions are - good and bad.

Like others, I notice as I get older, I get weary of the weight of the boxer GS' and the efforts to sling a leg over when the bike is loaded. The high seat heights are not an issue, just the efforts of mounting up and overall weight of the 1200GS.

I do not ride two-up with my wife as she rides her own (F650GS - single) but am curious the thoughts / opinions from the folks that went from a R12GS to the F650/800GS - especially highway travel. My wife test rode a 2012 F650GS last Saturday, really liked the bike then ordered a 2013 F700GS. I should have test rode one too while I was at the dealership!


From those who have made the switch, let me know of your experiences and thanks!

 

[LngRdr]

downsizing

I don't have a GS but I do have an RT and recently got a F650GS. I really like riding it as well or better than the RT, especially around town and the lake. I thought about a 1200 GS but the weight and price kept me looking at the 650. I'd do the same thing again.

 

[eugene]

800

I went from a 75/6 to a r11500r and like ita lot. Sold it and bought a f800st, two years ago more fun too. If you PM me I will tell youmy good experinces.

 

[eugene]

800

I do have in - laws that own r1200gs and r1150rt. I have ridden them both. PM me.

 

[stkmkt1]

I have an '09 GSA. But have plans to get a low-suspension 700 or 800. Partly for my wife. But I think I will end up riding it more than her. The smaller bike will come in handy for some trips overseas and such where I don't need the big GSA.

 

[CourtFisher]

I have had a few air / oil / hex head GS' and thinking about "downsizing" to either a F700 or F800GS. I am curious who has done this and what their overall impressions are - good and bad.

Like others, I notice as I get older, I get weary of the weight of the boxer GS' and the efforts to sling a leg over when the bike is loaded. The high seat heights are not an issue, just the efforts of mounting up and overall weight of the 1200GS.

I do not ride two-up with my wife as she rides her own (F650GS - single) but am curious the thoughts / opinions from the folks that went from a R12GS to the F650/800GS - especially highway travel. My wife test rode a 2012 F650GS last Saturday, really liked the bike then ordered a 2013 F700GS. I should have test rode one too while I was at the dealership!


From those who have made the switch, let me know of your experiences and thanks!

For same reason, I "downsized" in '08-'09, from a 12 GS to an 8GS + 658GS.
Loved the 12GS; it just got heavier as rider got older.
Personal ergonomics meant also lowering suspension on 8GS (not 658 twin).
Have never looked back. Both replaced dog-awful OEM seat w/ Sargent (or anything that fits your butt). Newer OEM seats may be better ?
Only "regret" is I that I have been quite happy with 658 twin, one-up on combination highway/autobahn + Alps twisties and would suggest looking seriously at new 700GS. The 8GS is really unnecessary unless you do a lot of offroad; 658GS has less low-end punch than 8GS, is notably smoother running on highway up to ~100mph, but looses some straight-on stability > 100mph (compared to 8GS). For most onroad use, 658GS tubeless tires also more functional than 8GS tubed tires. No experience with new 7GS.

 

[rjzinc]

I am going from a 1200GS to a GSA...

 

[lkchris]

Before I went from a 1200GS to a 700/800GS, I'd go instead to an R100GS or maybe even an 1100GS.

 

[shropdog]

Before I went from a 1200GS to a 700/800GS, I'd go instead to an R100GS or maybe even an 1100GS.

I have owned both (R100GS, R100GS/PD and the R11GS) and a R12GSA and am curious why you make the recommendation. If you have experience with the F series twin, I am really interested in hearing your thoughts. Thanks!

 

[shropdog]

For same reason, I "downsized" in '08-'09, from a 12 GS to an 8GS + 658GS.
Loved the 12GS; it just got heavier as rider got older.
Personal ergonomics meant also lowering suspension on 8GS (not 658 twin).
Have never looked back. Both replaced dog-awful OEM seat w/ Sargent (or anything that fits your butt). Newer OEM seats may be better ?
Only "regret" is I that I have been quite happy with 658 twin, one-up on combination highway/autobahn + Alps twisties and would suggest looking seriously at new 700GS. The 8GS is really unnecessary unless you do a lot of offroad; 658GS has less low-end punch than 8GS, is notably smoother running on highway up to ~100mph, but looses some straight-on stability > 100mph (compared to 8GS). For most onroad use, 658GS tubeless tires also more functional than 8GS tubed tires. No experience with new 7GS.

Thanks for the details and is exactly the kind of feedback I am looking for. I am really looking for specific model to model thoughts (R1200GS or GSA to F Twins). I am really leaning towards a F700GS given the tubless tires as I do occassionally ride gravel roads but not any extreme off road riding. Thanks again CourtFisher!

 

[av8npa]

The 800 engine sips gas WRT the 1200. There's a bit more of a buzz on the Rotax at highway speeds though. I haven't ridden the 700 but the 658 was a kick to ride and if I did more off-pavement time, I'd pick one up in a heartbeat.

-a.

 

[sddinnh]

I'm 66 and I recently went from a R1200GS / R1200RT combo to an F658GS / R1200RT combo for just the reason you cited. Having had all 3 bikes, and to be honest with myself, the F658GS is probably my favorite. The RT has much better weather protection for the long trips, but the 658 really performs just as well as a practical matter and is much easier to handle in the corners and at slow speeds. The engne is a little buzzier than the 1200's, but it does burn regular gas and gets 62-65 mpg and you give up very little in luggage space.

I don't do a lot of "off road", but I have taken it on some dirt roads and forest service roads with no problems. I got a lowered one and put a Sargent seat on it, so for the first time in my BMW ownership, I can get both feet firmly on the ground and when commuting in traffic and stop and go situations, that means a lot to me at my age.

The bike corners well and is great on the back roads, but I would only rate it so-so on the 4 lane stuff. It has plenty of power, but you do get blown around a bit by the big trucks. The suspenion could use a little work, but it is acceptable out of the box and Wilbers are available for it. Also keep in mind that I'm a solo rider.

All in all, I rate changing from the R1200GS to the F658GS one of my better motorcycle moves and could live happily with it as my only bike if I had to.

 

[shropdog]

I'm 66 and I recently went from a R1200GS / R1200RT combo to an F658GS / R1200RT combo for just the reason you cited. Having had all 3 bikes, and to be honest with myself, the F658GS is probably my favorite. The RT has much better weather protection for the long trips, but the 658 really performs just as well as a practical matter and is much easier to handle in the corners and at slow speeds. The engne is a little buzzier than the 1200's, but it does burn regular gas and gets 62-65 mpg and you give up very little in luggage space.

I don't do a lot of "off road", but I have taken it on some dirt roads and forest service roads with no problems. I got a lowered one and put a Sargent seat on it, so for the first time in my BMW ownership, I can get both feet firmly on the ground and when commuting in traffic and stop and go situations, that means a lot to me at my age.

The bike corners well and is great on the back roads, but I would only rate it so-so on the 4 lane stuff. It has plenty of power, but you do get blown around a bit by the big trucks. The suspenion could use a little work, but it is acceptable out of the box and Wilbers are available for it. Also keep in mind that I'm a solo rider.

All in all, I rate changing from the R1200GS to the F658GS one of my better motorcycle moves and could live happily with it as my only bike if I had to.

I believe you and CourtFisher have "hit the nail on the head" re: going from a R12GS to a F700GS! Thanks guys and good feedback!