Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

I currently have an 800, owned a 1100gs, 1150gs, 1200gs and a dakar. Simply: more dirt than tar = 800 two-up = 1200 looooong distance = 1200 400km / day = 800 ok reliability = not much in it I must add that i think the 1200 is a better all-rounder Also try KTM adventure as option good luck 2008 F800GS 2006 R1200S (for sale) 2007 F800ST(Cindy) 2005 F650GS(Cindy) Motorcycle Rider Training http://www.twowheels.co.za

On a ride on Sunday, Gizzie dropped her 650 twin and it broke the radiator from its mounting and caused the water hose to come off some time later. This was a low-speed, harmless put-down. Fixing the problem was quite a mission, as was bleeding the cooling system once we filled it again. If reliability is a concern, I would opt for the 1150... Website Administrator [http://honeybadger.net Honey Badger IT Services]

GS 650 Twin The problem Charles as said by Johnny in the Atlantic work shop, I quote, if I order a replacement pipe its still going to be too short, so how do I fix it in the repair workshop? The design fault needs to be repaired first before he orders a replacement part. Rusty in the eye of adventure.

I have a 1200 and had the opportunity to test the 800 for a few hours. My initial feeling was wow this is quick but when I glanced down at the speedo expecting to see something impressive I was actually only doing 120, there's zero wind protection on it(in my opinion). It's nippy in traffic but I found the steering VERY weird, and even after an hours riding I didn't feel comfortable in corners. People will say 'well you'll get used to it'. My feeling is if you get on the bike and it doesn't feel right straight away it's not for you. I also on a KTM 990, the first time I got on it it felt great and I was right at home. So, in my opinion, if you can afford the 1200, go for it.....or come to the dark side ;-)

No contest. 1200 so much better albeit a bit heavy. I ordered an 800 to replace my 1200 but when I test rode the 800 I cancelled the order.

Depends what you want to do with it. I think Max has summed it up well. Just remember the 800 saddle is pretty hard. I've got a Dakar and have taken my friend's wife as pillion a number of times to Tulbagh and similar distances and she felt very comfortable. Her husband has just bought the 800 and her butt was numb after riding to Kleinmond. Another factor are the "optional" extras. If you buy the 800 you'll need to get hand grip protectors, bash plate (the one that comes with the bike is too small to protect the oil filter) and larger windscreen. On the plus side the footpegs are not too bad (as compared with the Dakar) once you pull the rubbers off. If I buy another bike I'll keep my Dakar (wouldn't swap it) and go for 1200 (plus diagnostics computer :-) ) ''If you can dream it you can do it!''

The GS 1200 has been the best bike I have ever had. It is fantastic in traffic, very powerful yet nifty , corners a dream on passes , it's fast enough to make long distances easy, and it has a very comfortable seat. The seating position is also very comfortable for long distances . It is great on gravel roads , even though a bit heavy in sand and technical off -road riding . Ideally ,I would want a Dakar or 800GS ( or KTM? )in addition to my 1200GS, for when I do my Africa trip , but if I only have the funds for one bike , I can't see myself settling for anything else than my 1200 GS , as it's such a great all- rounder. Ps you don't even feel the wind either. Pps I should become a GS1200 sales lady , last year I 'sold ' two ,and one so far this year to friends who had never owned or ridden one before , and so far they are all loving it :) ''"4 wheels move the body,'' ''2 wheels move the soul"''

Mmmmm I think this answers all the questions ;-)Questions answered

Although I have the 800, I had the opportunity to take a 1200 for a considerable distance/ride. With my (very) limited experience, my initial reaction was that I was riding "in" the 1200 whereas I felt as though I ride "on" the 800. As far as wind protection, the 1200 come out tops, unless you install an after-market screen. Furthermore I found the 1200 superior/sturdier when riding at higher speeds for longer distances. As for the 800, I like the zippyness (is that a word?) of it, but will definitely add a higher wind-shield for longer trips. My 2c. Pete da Mann

I'm so sad! I really don't know what I'll do when Rommel finally wears out. Luckily Rommel is a 1150GS, so it's going to be a very long time before that happens, so I'm not sad anymore. Buddy Out there where we all belong.