F800GS alternatives

[jparke]

I like all the characteristics of the 800GS but it's somewhat out of my budget (even used). What alternatives are out there in the US market? The characteristics I most like are, in order of importance: decent for 2-up touring at ~250 miles per day, more than ~60 or 65 hp, high clearance for rough roads/tracks, thin profile (sidewalk parking flexibility, squeezing through closed gates), less than 500 lbs wet, ideally 19 or 21 inch front wheel. Other things like electrical output, age, ABS, mechanical complexity, final drive, etc are somewhat less important.

I'm open to fairly straightforward customizations too. For example some inexpensive way to add a 19"/21" wheel to a Multistrada 1100 -- maybe a bad example but hopefully illustrates my point.

Thanks for your suggestions and advice. I really appreciate it.

Jeff

[Dodger]

If the 800 is beyond your means ,then a used VStrom should just about tick all your boxes .Ground clearance will be the only potential problem ,but a raising kit and an upgraded suspension will go a long way to help .

[travelHK]

My friend Sanjohn build a Dirt ninja starting with a 650 ninja and did over 20000 miles with it , with some very rough off road , great bike to built if you are up to it , he does have build report.

[jparke]

Originally Posted by HendiKaf

My friend Sanjohn build a Dirt ninja starting with a 650 ninja and did over 20000 miles with it , with some very rough off road , great bike to built if you are up to it , he does have build report.

That sounds a bit beyond my mechanical ability but do you have a link to his report?

[Jtw000]

My brother had a Strom and it's far, far more comfortable than the 800, more reliable too and only the ride height and fuel economy compromise on what you're looking for. I have to say, it is ugly but then aesthetics mean a whole let less when it's packed up with gear.
Have you thought about a bargain r1100gs? They're pretty cheap now and good machines for travelling. Failing that you're going to have to look towards something like an Africa twin or old model Tenere for the power you're looking for. Do you really need it? I had an 800 and although it has some go at peak its geared awkwardly for economy so ringing the power out is not actually any fun. It rides like a big single with a little bit more go.

[travelHK]

Here is the link
Sanjohsaki the Build - ADVrider

I had many bmw and now ride DL650 across South America , we change the shock and fork and the bike is now a perfect ride with a better clearance than before ,

[jparke]

Originally Posted by Jtw000

My brother had a Strom and it's far, far more comfortable than the 800, more reliable too and only the ride height and fuel economy compromise on what you're looking for. I have to say, it is ugly but then aesthetics mean a whole let less when it's packed up with gear.
Have you thought about a bargain r1100gs? They're pretty cheap now and good machines for travelling. Failing that you're going to have to look towards something like an Africa twin or old model Tenere for the power you're looking for. Do you really need it? I had an 800 and although it has some go at peak its geared awkwardly for economy so ringing the power out is not actually any fun. It rides like a big single with a little bit more go.

Not sure I need the power but I've tested an F650GS Dakar. While it's a really fun bike I don't know that it has the pull for highway speeds, 2-up with panniers.

I have been looking at the R1100GS more recently. One concern with that is the size. I saw an 1150GS in person and it is an impressive bike. In fact after sitting on it and pulling it up off its side stand, it's so physically impressive that I'm fairly certain I wouldn't enjoy it. That's why I started focusing on smaller, lighter, thinner, but still with some decent power... like the 800.. but cheaper.

How about the Tiger 955i?

[jparke]

Originally Posted by Dodger

If the 800 is beyond your means ,then a used VStrom should just about tick all your boxes .Ground clearance will be the only potential problem ,but a raising kit and an upgraded suspension will go a long way to help .

Thanks Dodger. I was thinking about the VStrom although I haven't examined it closely. As silly as it might sound, I was never keen on the looks. I'd love to get a bike that I like aesthetically almost as much as functionally and mechanically. I will say though that the longer I look the better the VStrom looks.

Any other options?

[ta-rider]

Hi,

All bikes are better then BMW F800 GS. Friend of my who did not listen to me now have there engine broken after only 65.000 km. Its unbelievable that BMW is still not able to produce the same quality like honda or yamaha do scince 1980. Google is full of threads with people having engine trouble with this bike.

Even the old AfricaTwin, Transalp or Tenere engines lasted for mor then 20 jears and up to 200.000 km and still where much cheaper. The newer models are not much cheaper as BMW anymore but still much better if you want a trust full, long lasting bike.

I dont understand why people still by BMW or Ducati bikes but its like Apple Products: People these days rather go for design as for function. Sad story...

Tobi

[Tom-Traveller]

Originally Posted by ta-rider

Hi,

All bikes are better then BMW F800 GS. Friend of my who did not listen to me now have there engine broken after only 65.000 km. Its unbelievable that BMW is still not able to produce the same quality like honda or yamaha do scince 1980. Google is full of threads with people having engine trouble with this bike.

Even the old AfricaTwin, Transalp or Tenere engines lasted for mor then 20 jears and up to 200.000 km and still where much cheaper. The newer models are not much cheaper as BMW anymore but still much better if you want a trust full, long lasting bike.

I dont understand why people still by BMW or Ducati bikes but its like Apple Products: People these days rather go for design as for function. Sad story...

Tobi

Well said Toby

the problem is, in the US they never sold the AfricaTwin, Super Tenere 750, only 2 years the 600 Transalp .... so the choices are limited

As for Northamerica, I would opt for

Honda XR 650
Kawasaki KLR 650
Suzuki DR 650 SE

all these bikes are fairly cheap, easy to fix and tons of farkles available

Happy trails
Thomas