F800ST v FZ6

[Feasty]

I'm hoping you can help me!

I'm having trouble deciding between these 2 bikes. I've found 1 of each, both 2007's, one has 30k and is £100 less than the other with 25k. Both at good prices - private sales.

The F800 has just had a belt change, comes with a spare belt and has a topbox, fitted heated grips and a top clip on screen protector.

The FZ6 has a good dealer service history but I'd need to find these extras so the cost would be higher and I'd have to find the stuff, but this is a more exciting faster, higher revving bike I think.

The downside is I spoke to a BMW bike specialist who advised me not to touch any F800's before 2010 as they had engine issues due to a weak point on the rods or something (can't quite remember the exact details).
I've been Googling around but not really found this mentioned anywhere, and there's plenty of positives.

They're both miles away, so I'd need to plan a journey to see them in the flesh and either ride 3 hours back home - or hire a motorbike trailer and tow them back.
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Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
Current: Yamaha TDM 900 (Comfy, light but big, power when needed).

[MarJay]

They are totally different types of bike. The F800 is basically a low capacity tourer, the FZ6 is more of a sporty commuter, much more of a 'fun' bent than the F800. However, the R6 engined FZ6's were well known to have quite a buzzy engine so for long distance touring the BMW Might be a better choice.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[Easy-X]

What are you intending to do with the new bike? For commuting I'd take the Fazer, the BMW has more of an ADV vibe.
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Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[Feasty]

I'm planning on using it mostly for commuting and day trips out into the Peaks, taking pillions every now and again. Then maybe occasionally longer trips around the country.
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Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
Current: Yamaha TDM 900 (Comfy, light but big, power when needed).

[MarJay]

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

i'd pay quite strong money to avoid riding any bike w/ that 800 engine - i found it gutless, annoying and severely lacking anything resembling a fun factor
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"Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."

Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125

[xX-Alex-Xx]

Mate had an FZ6 (IIRC 2006 model). Absolutely loved it. Did a fair bit of riding together, and while we were all filling up, he'd be quite happy sat on the side of the petrol station laughing his arse off at us cos he'd still have over a half tank left. Thing just sipped fuel all day.

Never had any major issues with it. Don't think you'd go too far wrong with one.
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DILLIGAF

[MarJay]

FWIW I'd go FZ6 tbh.
____________________
British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[TaffyTDM]

[Polarbear]

I'd certainly go for the Yam. That BMW twin is as bland as school rice pudding.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Easy-X]

I missed the ST bit in the title, was just reading the post. Doh!

Now I've googled it...

I don't know how BMW sells anything.
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Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[ThunderGuts]

A peppy 4-pot (in a good bike) vs a reputedly dull-as twin. Easy choice really.
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TG.

[PotatoHead202...]

Iirc it was piston slap on the F800. Silver engined ones are supposedly worse.

Personally, I'd avoid any BMW like the plague - particularly old ones with high miles.
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Suzuki V Strom 1050XT, Honda CBF500 ABS,

[Feasty]

And that's exactly what I've done!
In fact I didn't even get an FZ6, I went slightly old school and got a great deal on a great condition FZS600. Which leaves me spending money on parts.

Not surprisingly coming from an Aprilia Capo I'm finding the bike a bit cramped, once I'm on it the ride is comfy though. But there's still lots to do - raise forks, wider handlebars, raise shock etc.
I do love the ride though, so smooth and it takes a bit of getting used to using the higher rev range to get the most out of it.
____________________
Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
Current: Yamaha TDM 900 (Comfy, light but big, power when needed).

[trevor saxe-coburg-gotha]

how come you got rid of the caponord anyway?
____________________
"Life is a sexually transmitted disease and the mortality rate is one hundred percent."

Mobylette Type 50 ---> Raleigh Grifter ---> Neval Minsk 125

[Feasty]