1200gs

[Annegret Haldiman]

TheBMW R1200gs is one of the most popular motorcycles in the world and for good reason. These are my thoughts on the differences between owning the BMW R1200GS and the BMW F800GS after a few years with each one and why I am pleased with my choice to downsize.

The bike is simply a joy to ride all the time. In traffic, on country roads, on the interstate, on forest service roads, and mountain trails it is always great. The power the 1200cc engine puts out above 60 mph is the thing I miss the most. When you need to pass a car, you hit the gas and are around the car in no time. It is very comfortable at even 90mph. You may not go 90mph very often, but those of us who live in the Midwest know that to get to the mountains or great outdoor areas in the US, you will be required to hit the Interstate at some point and can do 85-90mph for extended periods of time.. The boxer engine is one of the best ever produced and it delivers smooth yet aggressive power to the operator. Because of the engine weight and distribution, this bike feels rooted to the road and is a dream to ride for long periods of time. Once you get off-road, it holds its own like few other bikes its size. Having ridden the comparable KTM 1190 and 990, I can say that those bikes feel like HUGE dirt bikes compared to the BMW. They feel powerful and nimble in the wide open dirt, but they punish the rider at HWY speeds relative to the 1200GS. The 1200GS will also carry all the gear you can throw at it, without effecting the performance much at all. Throw on your camping gear and fill those panniers with all your personal supplies and you will hardly notice any difference in performance.

To summarize, I am not attempting to give a moto magazine style review of brand new bikes and the latest changes and technology they bring to market. Instead, I am sharing my real world experience of owning both these fantastic bikes for a period of multiple years. Running them through the paces and maintaining them properly to boot. Both were between two and three years old when I bought them. I use them as they were intended. As motorcycles that are capable of touring large stretches of highway, but also having the durability and off-road process to take you down difficult tracks to remote locations. I have yet to experience issues with either bike that you might see on forums or aftermarket product sights. Both bikes preform as advertised.

While I truly think the BMW R1200GS is a better overall motorcycle and will certainly make the owner happy with the purchase, I have also found that for the trips I take and riding I do, the BMW F800GS is the better fit for me.

Great article. As a fellow writer, even though in a totally different field, I loved the read. Came across your article purely by chance looking for recommendation on both these bikes. Thanks for the hands on review versus technical bullshit details.

Thanks for all that info and advice, I have experienced exactly the same as you and moved from the 2013 1200 GS LC to the 2016 F800GSA. I much prefer the 800 because I do a lot of dirt road riding and found the 1200 GS lacking in that area. Otherwise it was an awesome bike!!!

I rode a KLR for 3 years. Every add on I bought & installed is basically a stock item on the 800 GSA. I loved my KLR. I went with a F GS 800 Adventure. Granted it cost 3 times more than a KLR, it honestley performs 3 times better.

All that said either bike will be a great companion for you trip. The important thing is to feel comfortable while riding. I admire you plans to ride to Patagonia. On a ride like that you may also consider the larger fuel range and how much weight you plan to haul in your luggage. This might tip the scales towards the 1200/1250.

My wife and ride two up and enjoy long distance camping tours. Currently we are riding a 2001 RT but would like to change to a GS I am attracted to the idea of the lighter 800 for gravel roads but am concerned that it might be under powered for all the long distance pavement riding continental riding involves. Of the two bikes which do you think is more suitable

Excellent information!!! Thanks for sharing. I was debating on whether to buy a 1200 or 800 and I this info is very helpful. I have shared your comments with others experienced BMW riders and they 100% agree with your thoughts.

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