2013 BMW F700GS and F800GS specs released

[goodtimes]

So does the 800 finally have real suspension?

That all depends on your definition of 'real'.

[tbared]

Would some be able to point me in the direction of the board BMW moto experts. I do believe i have decided to commit on finding a good used 650/700/800 and would like to get some input on them.

Regards,

Thomas

[Cody1771]

i don't think there a whole lot of BMW riders on here, i've seen some people with the DAKAR 650's and the 1200's, while never owning one i ride with lots of guys who do, and not one of them ever regretted buying a BMW, pending you can afford the maintenance and parts ect. if your a big guy skip the 650, you will run out of power on it, and the 800's are hard to find used, mainly because people don't want to sell them.

[Rightovercrest]

I have an F800 and may be able able to answer some of your questions but if you go over to ADVrider.com there is a wealth of BMW and general bike knowledge available. The F650/700/800 GS has it's own dedicated section where countless hours can be spent researching.

I love my 800 but I will warn that the factory seat is torture! All bikes have their quirks and problems though. It sort of depends on what you would like to realistically do with them and what you can afford. There is no perfect bike in my opinion. That's why guys who can, often have more than one.

[goodtimes]

I have an F800 and may be able able to answer some of your questions but if you go over to ADVrider.com there is a wealth of BMW and general bike knowledge available. The F650/700/800 GS has it's own dedicated section where countless hours can be spent researching.

I love my 800 but I will warn that the factory seat is torture! All bikes have their quirks and problems though. It sort of depends on what you would like to realistically do with them and what you can afford. There is no perfect bike in my opinion. That's why guys who can, often have more than one.

^^^I'll second pretty much all of that.^^^

I don't have a huge problem with the factory seat - but I do wish I would have gone with the standard seat instead of the low seat. The low seat is pretty wide, so you are standing a bit bow-legged over the bike, which makes it feel taller than it does with the standard seat.

I've got somewhere north of 20,000 miles on my F800, & had my share of problems with it. Most of the stuff I've had go wrong is fairly common on the 2009s (first model year), & I haven't had any problems that BMW did not take care of (even after the warranty expired). It's not a "perfect" bike - but it is pretty versatile, a lot of fun, & returns a bit north of 50mpg - which isn't bad for a loaded bike with 85hp.

[tbared]

Thank you for the responses.

I am looking to start on a 650, just to see if i like the brand and to not spend a lot of cash initially. Mainly, right now for getting around school, and then throw on the hitch carrier to take as a second vehicle for kayaking or camping to get around a bit. Nothing heavy duty or with serious use. I would like to compare to Honda's dual sport 650 dakar as well. I am looking for my moneys worth for easy riding, and basic transportation.

[Rightovercrest]

Thank you for the responses.

I am looking to start on a 650, just to see if i like the brand and to not spend a lot of cash initially. Mainly, right now for getting around school, and then throw on the hitch carrier to take as a second vehicle for kayaking or camping to get around a bit. Nothing heavy duty or with serious use. I would like to compare to Honda's dual sport 650 dakar as well. I am looking for my moneys worth for easy riding, and basic transportation.

Again, all you could ever want to know and more is over at ADVrider for adventure bikes. Are you talking about getting a twin (798cc badged as a 650) or single cylinder BMW 650 as they are completely different animals in my opinion? If the Honda XR650L is also an option consider the KLR650, DR650, DRZ400, and WR250R too. All are reliable and have their positive attributes.

Back to BMW's..... I had my seat redone by XPC and absolutely love it now compared to the stocker. Nice work and not too costly.

[cchoc]

Another recommendation for ADVrider, lots of info there. My 2013 F800GS came with the comfort seat and it is pretty comfy, but the seat is pretty tall. The seat on the F800 is actually a bit higher than the F1200GSA.

[tbared]

Again, all you could ever want to know and more is over at ADVrider for adventure bikes. Are you talking about getting a twin (798cc badged as a 650) or single cylinder BMW 650 as they are completely different animals in my opinion? If the Honda XR650L is also an option consider the KLR650, DR650, DRZ400, and WR250R too. All are reliable and have their positive attributes.

Back to BMW's..... I had my seat redone by XPC and absolutely love it now compared to the stocker. Nice work and not too costly.

I am looking at the singles, just for longevity and simplicity. I actually just signed up on ADVrider. The website looks a bit overwhelming, and a bit unorganized, so i will have to spend a bit of time to get through it.

My main concern is on road ability with a splash of light off road. Everything i read is that the KTM, XR650, and such are more off road and less forgiving to on road. But the Honda, and KTM have better reliability. So i am just a bit torn.

[Rightovercrest]

I am looking at the singles, just for longevity and simplicity. I actually just signed up on ADVrider. The website looks a bit overwhelming, and a bit unorganized, so i will have to spend a bit of time to get through it.

My main concern is on road ability with a splash of light off road. Everything i read is that the KTM, XR650, and such are more off road and less forgiving to on road. But the Honda, and KTM have better reliability. So i am just a bit torn.

Go into Thumpers under the Bike category for single cylinder info. Find some folks in your region and meet up with them to pick their brains. buying someone dinner or a beer costs a lot kess than buying the wrong bike!

Honda and KTM being more reliable than the others isn't necessarily true or false and I am certainly not opening up that can of worms.