GS 800 (09) OR GS 650 Dakar 05

[Crumpets]

Hi,
So i've read a lot of comparisons of the older 650 and the gs 800 but i'd appreciate everyones point of view.

So my situation. I'm 22 getting a restricted licence unfortunately as i couldn't get time off work to get a Direct Access license last year. I want to go on small tours with my friends probably no more then just crossing parts of western europe for now.

I love the gs 650 dakar and it will be cheaper to buy and cheaper to insure however, i think the gs 800 might be a better choice in the long run especially once i get the restriction off. For now though the 650 will be cheaper and probably a little more fun.

Has anyone owned both? or either? and could provide a little bit of insight.

[Rogerborg]

I own a 2012 F650GS, which is the cheaper road-oriented version of the F800GS twin.

Before I got it, I test rode a 2013 G650GS, the single cylinder 650 that used to be sold as the F650GS.

The twin suits me very well. It's torquey, economical, and easy to ride. The under-seat tank keeps the weight down low. Watch out for the paint flaking away on the engine and sump, and as with many modern BMWs, if it gets any electrical gremlins you might as well flog it as throw money at it. I actively sought out a "650" (now branded as "700") version because it's more honestly road oriented, as well as being cheaper. A very short skitter across some wet grass convinced me that this is not a bike that I'd want to take off road on its standard road tyres.

As a tourer though, sure. Shortly after getting it, I rode from Glasgow to Liverpool and back to pick up a jar of Marmalade, and honestly felt like I could go straight back out and do it again.

The G650GS single was decent enough. It was similar to ride, i.e. very stable and confidence inspiring, with good pull up to the legal limit. I decided against it though because of the vibes from that big piston at sustained motorway speeds.

As a commuter or not-in-a-hurry bike though, I could see it working well. It's also 35kW native, so no dicking around with restriction. Touring in company with bikes that will push your 35kW to the limit, probably not.

Ride them both though, I reckon. I'd throw the Versys, V-Strom and NC700X in there as well. Maybe a Tiger 800 too if your budget can run to it.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Crumpets]

Thanks for the tips.
The people im touring with are on gs 800's and 1200's so keeping pace is important and the fact that off roading is defiantly a yes it seems like the gs800 might be a good shout. I liked the idea of versys i just think they are really ugly bikes. (vain i know).

The gs650 dakar was more of a love then a need but it makes my insurance dirt cheep and it looks pretty cool. I'll just think i'll struggle to find one to properly test drive.

[Rogerborg]

Give the single a try, but your prostate will take a pounding. You'll want to wind it up to motorway speed and hold it there as long as possible to get a feel for the vibes. I was tingling in under an hour. Hands and feet, I mean.

How "offroad" are we talking? There are plenty of people who buy "GS" bikes whose idea of "offroad" is a compacted gravel drive at Shagwell Towers.

If it's properly loose or muddy stuff then you're going to want to think about tyres more the bike perched on them.

The stock "Battlewing" on the 800GS is marketed thusly: "these tyres combine a rugged off road look with higher on road sport performance, longer wear life and more comfortable ride." I can assure you that "looks" are all they'll provide off of tarmac.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Polarbear]

I agree totally with Roger about the single. It might be OK for short commutes but long distance touring on it, god no.

An acquaintance has one that he asked me to take to get some new tyres put on it, about a 30 mile round trip. I really couldn't get any enthusiasm for it. The 800 is a much better all round bike IMO.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Crumpets]

[Rogerborg]

I would venture that you're unlikely to get the ideal bike on your first try, so planning that far ahead is probably premature.

For a first A2 bike, if you actually restrict it to 35kW, and especially in That London, I'd fairly strongly suggest that you consider something generic and cheap.

Think one of the older 500 twins, a Diversion, Bandit, ER6 or similar. Ride out your A2, or at least get a good feel for what you like and don't like about the bike, then you'll be in a much better place to make an informed decision about a longer term ride.

I'll just mention the GPZ500S. It's not the answer to every question, but as a "sports commuter", it does offer a little top end rush, and a moderately leany-forwards position. There are other bikes that do that, I single out the GPZ because I had one and do rate it as a decent bike that you're unlikely to dislike, and which will go a good job of letting you find out whether you want to go low down torque vs peaky power, and lie-flat vs upright on your next bike.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[Crumpets]