Brilliant bike ,bought mine brand new 7 years ago.never had any trouble whatsoever.brilliant for touring,carries loads of weight no problem,camping gear,nice big fuel tank 24 litres,the only thing I changed which is for the better was the chain,the Bmw chain I must say is rubbish.needs adjusting regularly.I put a gold DID chain on & done loads of miles,never needs adjusting,brilliant 👍
Nice congrats. Yeah plenty of space for bags and a tent without over burdening this machine. Haven't tried the maintenance free chain. Will check it out soon.
I have a2017 gsa recently completed 4k ride in NZ 500 k metal road ,same ride mate had the newer 850 i felt mine was the more robust bike.Thanks for info confirmed my thinking
Hi Ben.. Thank you for your video. I enjoyed watching it. Makes me reaffirm my decision of getting a 2014 F800GS Adventure. Ride safe mate.. Hello from 🇸🇬
I've had a 2013 GSA since new, done 55k including a lot for dirt. Head stem bearings at about 35k, otherwise zero issues. No high speed wobbles, but as most 21 inch adv bikes have, a bit of an "larger wheel effect" in the twisties. You did not mention the screen, I think it's one of the best I've sat behind. 800 engine does not have the grunty feel of some of the later mid size offerings, but you have to like that Rotax quality, and it's all round capability. If not expecting any steepish country on a trip, I use a 17 tooth ( 1 up) on the front just to get a vet relaxed 4000 rpm at about 110k, but it's a personal quirk, not a necessity. I have the ESA rear shock, and regularly swap between modes ( normal, sport and comfort), but ride with mates that have the standard rear, and no complaints. The F800 is a handful in mud or sand, a KTM might do it a little easier, but it does feel well balanced, and will generally get you through.Other likes are that 24 litre tank, and heated handgrips (not that common in 2013) f you an an acceleration junkie, this bike is not for you. But as a comfortable and inexpensive to own all rounder Its a winner. Thanks for the report, I was already thinking I might keep it another 10 years, you have reinforced that.
sorry for the delay. wanted to leave it for a few days to make sure i go over everything. yeah i haven't come across any issues yet, certainly major. no speed wobbles is another note. yeah the grunt is great at the mid range but once you start to push it, it fades out. My ESA haven't given me any issues and i barely use it to be honest. generally i just leave it at Normal or comfort. yeah in wet mud its a bit over the place, not much mud around here but still something i avoid. for me its comfortable, long range and it can carry a load. Its a bike you can tour with although most think it isn't. For me its too close to the F850GSA to warrant a change based on this comparison. it will be few years yet before that happens... if it even does. thanks for the comment.
Hi, excellent video! I own a 2015 F800 GSA and I say that the bike is really very competent. However, when traveling with a pillion and luggage, it tends to suffer with maximum load, especially the Brazilian model, which until 2017 did not have electronic suspension (ESA).
Hey Ben, I much appreciate the awesome info you’re giving us.. Which would you choose 2013 F800GS or 2016 Multistrada 1200s ? I know they are different bikes but I can’t make up my mind and I feel so much pressured cause it’s going to be my bike for life.. I wouldn’t mind that the Multistrada won’t go off-road as much as the GS
Hi there, bikes tend to be emotional buys. The 1200 has a great engine. Not rarely a direct comparison. Depends on your budget too. The multi strada is going to be more comfortable. Also has a fair amount of equipment. Ducati is a great name and I'm sure one day we will all like to have one. The fact your looking into one.. I would definitely consider it over the F800GS. Ensure there is a good service history with it and see what the dealer network is like.
Hi there, thanks for the message. I did confirm I had done a review at the start and included the video at the end screen. This will include the information you are looking for and a test ride.
Most engines will last forever with the right level of maintenance. Service it when it needs it and replace what needs to be replaced and you should be just fine.
I had the 2018 F800GS Trophy, absolutely great bike and I used to be able to chuck it around fairly well. I always had that skinny front tyre in the back of my mind though going into every bend. My biggest dislike was the way the front suspension dives down under heavy braking. Having said that, that's not what this bike is made for. Now I'm a tad older and a bit more sensible, I've been looking at the 850GSA as a next bike, but thought is it really that much better than the 800GS and what you can pick them up for now. probably not watching this. Good in depth video that, thank you.
Yeah I've noticed the dive too but it hasn't really bothered me. The F900GS would probably be a better replacement to the F800GS. I find the F850GS too close to compare to the F800GS. Hence why I wanted to do this video. Thanks for the comment. 👍🏻
Great review, have been looking at this GS and the 800 Tiger, strongly leaning towards the GS, you say the 13 model does that include 14, 15 etc? Thanks.
@@EireRider.motorcycle.adventure What's your experience with the vibrations on road at speed limits, also the apparent steering wobble issues at speed? Thanks
@@HW100 steering wobble?? Haven't noticed that now. There is a fine vibration that you can feel through the seat but I've always thought that was normal. I mean the bike is on the road. Your bound to feel something. I never had a bike that doesn't have some degree of vibration.
@@finesoul677 I believe the early F800GS that are silver painted are produced in Europe and the black painted engines are made in China. Now it could be parts made in China and built in Europe. This I am unsure on. The silver painted engines are very early models. I've had no issues with my engine. Runs like a dream. No oil consumption
The 790 and T7 literally reinvented the F800GS that a lot of people seem to forgot about. Low slung gas tank, parallel 270 degree twin with tractable power. Finding a 2009 for between $4-5k is easy now.
No doubt that other brands Influence others however bmw having been making motorcycles for some time. The F800GS influence can be first seen in the R80GS motorcycles from the 1980s.
@@EireRider.motorcycle.adventure mayb that came across wrong. I meant that the F800GS had the platform 15 years ago that the modern bikes are building now.
I had looked at the pre 2013 versions but decided to rather focus on the facelift bikes of the 2013 period. They have better switch gear, better electronics and improved fuel consumption as well as the introduction of the GS adventure model. The price difference was negligible anyway. I am happy with this one. No major issues that I have come across.
@EireRider.motorcycle.adventure it's hard to believe on the normal F800GS the back is the same width as the front. Just shows how wide the back actually is. I would lie a neat exhaust but it doesn't actually stick out its narrower than the rear pegs so it wouldn't gain anything
Great comparison. Let's not forget that this motorcycle has exceeded 500,000 KMs, the new GS 850 has a Chinese engine.... The rest is simply filler and excessive electronics that, as you said, can break easily in general... The F800GS adventure 2018 model brings more electronic packages such as PRO enduro mode. This bike is very worth it but above all things: the engine.
thank you. Literally all the F850GS is, is a slight improvement on the already superb F800GS. It could of definitely lived on for another few years. It has left a positive mark on the biking community in my opinion and i see more people riding the F800GS. The engine alone is excellent and well to offer a new bike with only a 10BHP difference... i mean come on... just goes to show how good that engine was for its time... even in 2008. Ill be doing a new F800GS video soon particularly looking at the new bike and well how it doesn't live up to the old 800 GS name.
@@EireRider.motorcycle.adventure that is, you'r right. but above all things, I think that its engine is the big difference, the famous and durable Rotax to the Chinese Lonci, it seems like a mockery of BMW. I will soon buy an Adventure 800 GS model 2018/17. I think that due to the prices here in Spain it would be the best, unless I find a 2018 Honda Africa model on sale!
@@ezequielsilva6652 either of those bikes are tip top. The Africa twin has some good pedigree and well you know the 800GS. BMW are just about making money these days. People need to move away from just buying new bikes and focus more on great bikes. You will literally save a fortune and have a bike with few problems as they have been around for so long.
I believe parts are sourced from all over the place and built in Germany. Engines are made in China. Alot of Chinese manufacturers buying up European bike manufacturers and basically adding there "tech to them" Benelli and Voge. A brand I will explore on this channel
@@EireRider.motorcycle.adventure The F800GS' engine is a Rotax, which is built in Austria. The F850GS' engine is Loncin, a China engine company. The F800GS is made in Germany, the F850GS is made in China. The first 600 F850GS were recalled because China was doing shortcuts and not to BMW specs. I would never trust a China Made bike because they try to make shortcuts to make as much money as possible.
A very useful comparison. For the price difference the F800 ia great value. Thank you.
Thanks so much for the comment. I've been on doing it for sometime and finally got round to it.
Brilliant bike ,bought mine brand new 7 years ago.never had any trouble whatsoever.brilliant for touring,carries loads of weight no problem,camping gear,nice big fuel tank 24 litres,the only thing I changed which is for the better was the chain,the Bmw chain I must say is rubbish.needs adjusting regularly.I put a gold DID chain on & done loads of miles,never needs adjusting,brilliant 👍
Nice congrats. Yeah plenty of space for bags and a tent without over burdening this machine. Haven't tried the maintenance free chain. Will check it out soon.
Great update , i bought a 2017 f8oogsa last year after your initial review , and love it !!
the last of a great bike. nice purchase
I bought the 2013 F800 GS Adventure two years ago. I love it, but the biggest weakness for my bike is me. It is far more capable than I am!
Yeah me too. Such a capable bike that can go anywhere.
Have one and absolutely love it.
Great to hear it!
I have a2017 gsa recently completed 4k ride in NZ 500 k metal road ,same ride mate had the newer 850 i felt mine was the more robust bike.Thanks for info confirmed my thinking
Excellent! Glad to know. Appreciate the comment. Have a great weekend ahead
Hi Ben.. Thank you for your video. I enjoyed watching it. Makes me reaffirm my decision of getting a 2014 F800GS Adventure. Ride safe mate.. Hello from 🇸🇬
Thanks for watching. It really is a great bike. Glad you enjoyed it
I've had a 2013 GSA since new, done 55k including a lot for dirt. Head stem bearings at about 35k, otherwise zero issues. No high speed wobbles, but as most 21 inch adv bikes have, a bit of an "larger wheel effect" in the twisties. You did not mention the screen, I think it's one of the best I've sat behind. 800 engine does not have the grunty feel of some of the later mid size offerings, but you have to like that Rotax quality, and it's all round capability. If not expecting any steepish country on a trip, I use a 17 tooth ( 1 up) on the front just to get a vet relaxed 4000 rpm at about 110k, but it's a personal quirk, not a necessity. I have the ESA rear shock, and regularly swap between modes ( normal, sport and comfort), but ride with mates that have the standard rear, and no complaints. The F800 is a handful in mud or sand, a KTM might do it a little easier, but it does feel well balanced, and will generally get you through.Other likes are that 24 litre tank, and heated handgrips (not that common in 2013) f you an an acceleration junkie, this bike is not for you. But as a comfortable and inexpensive to own all rounder Its a winner. Thanks for the report, I was already thinking I might keep it another 10 years, you have reinforced that.
sorry for the delay. wanted to leave it for a few days to make sure i go over everything. yeah i haven't come across any issues yet, certainly major. no speed wobbles is another note. yeah the grunt is great at the mid range but once you start to push it, it fades out. My ESA haven't given me any issues and i barely use it to be honest. generally i just leave it at Normal or comfort. yeah in wet mud its a bit over the place, not much mud around here but still something i avoid. for me its comfortable, long range and it can carry a load. Its a bike you can tour with although most think it isn't. For me its too close to the F850GSA to warrant a change based on this comparison. it will be few years yet before that happens... if it even does. thanks for the comment.
I’m really thinking about getting one of these as my first bike. I just love the way it looks.
First bike? It's a big one as a first bike. Have you ridden anything else?
@@EireRider.motorcycle.adventure used to ride dirt bikes and ridden a gsxr 600 and my brothers ninja 650 today actually.
@@EireRider.motorcycle.adventuregreat video btw. Ton of info. I appreciate it
@@bang8782 well you have the experience there.
@@bang8782 thanks so much. There fairly tall these F800GSAs. If you don't mind that there great.
Hi, excellent video! I own a 2015 F800 GSA and I say that the bike is really very competent. However, when traveling with a pillion and luggage, it tends to suffer with maximum load, especially the Brazilian model, which until 2017 did not have electronic suspension (ESA).
Thanks for the comment. My wife used to join me for rides but not lately so I haven't noticed the overload issue. Other than that I enjoy it.
Hey Ben, I much appreciate the awesome info you’re giving us..
Which would you choose 2013 F800GS or 2016 Multistrada 1200s ? I know they are different bikes but I can’t make up my mind and I feel so much pressured cause it’s going to be my bike for life.. I wouldn’t mind that the Multistrada won’t go off-road as much as the GS
Hi there, bikes tend to be emotional buys. The 1200 has a great engine. Not rarely a direct comparison. Depends on your budget too. The multi strada is going to be more comfortable. Also has a fair amount of equipment. Ducati is a great name and I'm sure one day we will all like to have one. The fact your looking into one.. I would definitely consider it over the F800GS. Ensure there is a good service history with it and see what the dealer network is like.
Good review, would've liked a bit more info on how the engine performs as its the heart of a motorcycle.
Hi there, thanks for the message. I did confirm I had done a review at the start and included the video at the end screen. This will include the information you are looking for and a test ride.
Hi. Agree with everything. How do you thing, how long this engine would go without major breakdown? With a proper maintenance?
Most engines will last forever with the right level of maintenance. Service it when it needs it and replace what needs to be replaced and you should be just fine.
I had the 2018 F800GS Trophy, absolutely great bike and I used to be able to chuck it around fairly well. I always had that skinny front tyre in the back of my mind though going into every bend. My biggest dislike was the way the front suspension dives down under heavy braking. Having said that, that's not what this bike is made for. Now I'm a tad older and a bit more sensible, I've been looking at the 850GSA as a next bike, but thought is it really that much better than the 800GS and what you can pick them up for now. probably not watching this. Good in depth video that, thank you.
Yeah I've noticed the dive too but it hasn't really bothered me. The F900GS would probably be a better replacement to the F800GS. I find the F850GS too close to compare to the F800GS. Hence why I wanted to do this video. Thanks for the comment. 👍🏻
Great review, have been looking at this GS and the 800 Tiger, strongly leaning towards the GS, you say the 13 model does that include 14, 15 etc? Thanks.
Thanks so much. Yeah from 2013 onwards.
@@EireRider.motorcycle.adventure What's your experience with the vibrations on road at speed limits, also the apparent steering wobble issues at speed? Thanks
@@HW100 steering wobble?? Haven't noticed that now. There is a fine vibration that you can feel through the seat but I've always thought that was normal. I mean the bike is on the road. Your bound to feel something. I never had a bike that doesn't have some degree of vibration.
Hi Ben, are all the 800’s 13-18 the rotax engine? And all the 850’s the chinese motor?
Looking at buying one but dont want the chinese motor. Thanks
@@finesoul677 I believe the early F800GS that are silver painted are produced in Europe and the black painted engines are made in China. Now it could be parts made in China and built in Europe. This I am unsure on. The silver painted engines are very early models. I've had no issues with my engine. Runs like a dream. No oil consumption
The 790 and T7 literally reinvented the F800GS that a lot of people seem to forgot about. Low slung gas tank, parallel 270 degree twin with tractable power. Finding a 2009 for between $4-5k is easy now.
No doubt that other brands Influence others however bmw having been making motorcycles for some time. The F800GS influence can be first seen in the R80GS motorcycles from the 1980s.
@@EireRider.motorcycle.adventure mayb that came across wrong. I meant that the F800GS had the platform 15 years ago that the modern bikes are building now.
@@tieoneon1614 appreciate the comment. Yeah it sounded like it was due to the 790 and T7. Thanks for clearing that up.
And now they increased the center of gravity on new f900 gs. They ruined that fabulous design of old f800 gs
@@haasoc2716 and brought out a new F800GS that has nothing to do with the old F800GS.. wtf ridiculous
Chem trails going hard in the opening shot. Dam! Great review. Thanks!
Thanks very much. I also have a full review in this bike available if you haven't seen thst one.
Hello Ben,Very good bike 👍👍
Thanks André. Hope you are well
I've got a great deal on a low mileage, good looking F800GS...but it's a 2009. Anything to be aware of before I pull the trigger?
I had looked at the pre 2013 versions but decided to rather focus on the facelift bikes of the 2013 period. They have better switch gear, better electronics and improved fuel consumption as well as the introduction of the GS adventure model. The price difference was negligible anyway. I am happy with this one. No major issues that I have come across.
If you do decide on the pre 2013, service history, check that the valve clearance has been done recently. What sort of mileage is on it?
@@EireRider.motorcycle.adventure ~35000km
Cool bike.
Thanks Cain
What about drivetrain reliability ?
Have you had issues? None that I have come across.
@@EireRider.motorcycle.adventure timing chain and clutch
@@steveb936 no issue with the chain or clutch on my side. How old is your bike?
@@EireRider.motorcycle.adventure 2018
The f800gs and the f800gsa were never going to look the same. The bigger tank made it look different nothing else.
Thanks. They had to balance out the look hence why the front fairings are bigger.
@EireRider.motorcycle.adventure it's hard to believe on the normal F800GS the back is the same width as the front. Just shows how wide the back actually is. I would lie a neat exhaust but it doesn't actually stick out its narrower than the rear pegs so it wouldn't gain anything
Great comparison. Let's not forget that this motorcycle has exceeded 500,000 KMs, the new GS 850 has a Chinese engine.... The rest is simply filler and excessive electronics that, as you said, can break easily in general... The F800GS adventure 2018 model brings more electronic packages such as PRO enduro mode. This bike is very worth it but above all things: the engine.
thank you. Literally all the F850GS is, is a slight improvement on the already superb F800GS. It could of definitely lived on for another few years. It has left a positive mark on the biking community in my opinion and i see more people riding the F800GS. The engine alone is excellent and well to offer a new bike with only a 10BHP difference... i mean come on... just goes to show how good that engine was for its time... even in 2008. Ill be doing a new F800GS video soon particularly looking at the new bike and well how it doesn't live up to the old 800 GS name.
@@EireRider.motorcycle.adventure that is, you'r right. but above all things, I think that its engine is the big difference, the famous and durable Rotax to the Chinese Lonci, it seems like a mockery of BMW.
I will soon buy an Adventure 800 GS model 2018/17. I think that due to the prices here in Spain it would be the best, unless I find a 2018 Honda Africa model on sale!
@@ezequielsilva6652 either of those bikes are tip top. The Africa twin has some good pedigree and well you know the 800GS. BMW are just about making money these days. People need to move away from just buying new bikes and focus more on great bikes. You will literally save a fortune and have a bike with few problems as they have been around for so long.
Dankie van Suid Afrika 😊
Geniet jou naweek. Dankie vir die comment.
You like to move around a lot don’t you 😂 while explaining
Haha.. Well it's easier that way but I try to stay on track 😂
man you should keep still, its very distracting, otherwise very informative
Have you ever tried to keep still while talking? I like to move with my hands and body. Sorry it's distracting. Appreciate that it's informative
I have a 2016 F800GS that's made in Berlin, Germany. The F850GS is made in China and I would never buy a China made bike.
I believe parts are sourced from all over the place and built in Germany. Engines are made in China. Alot of Chinese manufacturers buying up European bike manufacturers and basically adding there "tech to them" Benelli and Voge. A brand I will explore on this channel
@@EireRider.motorcycle.adventure The F800GS' engine is a Rotax, which is built in Austria. The F850GS' engine is Loncin, a China engine company. The F800GS is made in Germany, the F850GS is made in China. The first 600 F850GS were recalled because China was doing shortcuts and not to BMW specs. I would never trust a China Made bike because they try to make shortcuts to make as much money as possible.
Analog... Analog... Analog .......
Thanks for watching