Best All Roads (Adventure) Bike Between 700-1000cc?

[SteveW]

This sector is hotting up.
The 1200cc stuff is all a bit too bloated and unnecessary for some of us.
I'm a fan of the GS800, but the Africa Twin is possibly better, the new 950 Ducati must be fun and the Triumph Tiger 800 is great to ride.
The replacement Yamaha 660 will fit into this category and that 700 twin is a cracking motor.
1000cc Offerings from Kawasaki and Suzuki are a little heavy and road focussed for my tastes.
The KTM 1090 I'll allow into this category and it's probably the Daddy.
But there's a new GS850 in the pipeline.....which just may move the game on a bit.
The Adventure sector has been growing in popularity and bulk over the last 10 years, is anyone thinking about trading down 200cc or so from their 1200cc machines?
I think I'll wait for the new GS850 before I move on from my GSA800.

[Andy A]

I really liked the Africa twin and still do, all the naysayers about hp, quality and warranty have gone a bit quiet and to be honest it sold only a few less than the 1200GS so they have shifted plenty, I will still look at this but due to circumstances won't be doing anything until next year now so am also keen to see what the T7 looks like when it is actually released.
For some reason i didn't really get on with the gs800 when i had one for a couple of days when my 1150 was in but I think the 850 will be considerably more expensive than the yam.

[herman]

I am having the do I change the 1200 struggle at the moment probably because I am sat on my arse overlooking the Adriatic so my mind is wandering. Part of me wants a tourer as yesterday with pillion and lots of shopping we were wheelying out of corners but for 90% of the time an 800 would be more fun on this trip. Ho hum

[PHILinFRANCE]

We've got to much time on our hands :laugh: ive been looking at this for something differant
https://img2.leboncoin.fr/ad-thumb/ec3e ... 88fb03.jpg

[johnnyboxer]

I'm seriously thinking about a BMW F800 GS Adv this week and will sell one of my 1150 GS Adv's to use the F8GS Adv as my main bike

I can get one for around £10k or just £99/month with a couple of grand down and BMW are offering a £450 deposit contribution on top and 5.9% apr over 3 years

My plan is to ...........

a) Test Ride one this week............. for a day

b) Speak to the 3 Yorkshire dealers, to get their best price on a base Adv with Heated Grips and Centre Stand only (prob comfort pack)

c) Nail a deal with whoever is cheapest

If I like it

I think I'll put the couple of grand down, that I have from a sale of another bike/savings and go for it

PCP will work this time, as I'll pay £99/month for 36 months at 5.9% apr and the residual price is £4900, in month 37

If I sell the 1150GS Adv privately now (over summer) at my leisure, it's worth about £4500, so that would cover the £4900 final payment if I put it away in a ISA bond for 3 years

Seems like a plan

Tell me why I shouldn't get a F800 GS Adv (I know SteveW is a fan)

[SteveW]

GSA800.....Lighter, less thirsty and a bit more power than an 1150.
GS1150 is Quirky/Characterful.....undoubtedly a future classic.
GSA800 is more mainstream, no doubt BMW will be offering incentives as people's ears prick up about the new model.
Go for it Johnny, you don't need two 1150"s.

[johnnyboxer]

Go for it Johnny, you don't need two 1150"s.

Power is the same for both 1150 and 800, at 85 bhp..........but the the 800 is 26kg lighter fuelled and ready to go

Boxer has more torque though

You're right I don't need both 1150's...........but I've had 2 1150's since 2010 and it's the only bike I like riding (so far) and I've tried some more modern alternatives like the KTM Adv and more modern 1200 GS/GSA both twin cam and WC

I did try a F800 GSA a few years ago and only had 30 mins on it, so really need a good full day on familiar roads, that I can benchmark against the 1150 GSA

[Bluebird]

I too am looking to downsize next time, currently ride a 1200 GSA, but looking at KTM 1090 and Ducati Multistrada 950. I think theses will give me all the power I need, and are not overladen with electronics. There is also the cost factor, I am in my sixties and still want to keep riding and 17K for a new 1200 GSA is hard to justify when your income is getting reduced.

[Mike54]

Come on Steve the F800 has to be the most boring bike to ride ever made!
Africa twin - I don't get it. Also boring. I tried one and couldn't get over how dull it was.
I reckon if most of your trip is motorway with some hardpack and some gravel, a big bike is great - ktm 1190R. If you want more offroad and only small amounts of tarmac, get a husky 701 or similar.
Oh, and the new diet coke version of the multistrada? Its like a porsche boxster, there is only reason for buying one which is can't afford a 911!

[OnHellas]

F800GS boring? How very dare you!! :laugh:
Just add a Ural sidecar, that spices it up a bit, believe me.