ok, to cut through the rubbish I have both bikes. I had the 800 first and yeah it's great but it isn't as good off road as the Country, it is a lot more money on the second hand market and it's a tourer with a lousy touring seat. I had my 800 stolen and bought the country as a prop to run about on while I decided what to do but I have another 800 in the garage as well as a Yam-powered 660 Aprilia. I only ever ride the Country now. It's quick enough, even 2 up and handles anything you throw at it. It's more reliable than the 800, it's easier to work on, cheaper to keep on the road and built on proven technology. It's cheaper to run as well and doesn't have an overly complex wiring system so adding accessories is easier. Doing so doesn't stress the battery.
The 800 is a great bike to have but it's a toy, it's not the real thing and people buying them are sucked into the pretty colours and better performance while the G650 continues to be the real thing. That's my impression and I own and ride both. My pillion prefers the 800 as it's a bit quicker but is safer and happier on the X over any distance. She's not a biker at heart and buys into the marketing. My second 800 is going to ebay and the payout on the stolen one is going in the bank. I don't need an 800, nobody does. The question is, do you want one... have they made you want one?
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