I'm really considering an "adventure" bike as my next ride. I live in the mountains with lots of awesome twisties and well as fireroads. I already have a VFR for sport touring and more often than not I play in the corners but only rarely do top speed runs.

The F800GS is tempting me. Its just fast and capable enough to do canyon carving, but also capable of fireroads to lookouts, luggage for camping, day trips to the bay area, etc...

What say you?





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQ9TOk20IGE

 

My dad swears by BMW motorcycles. He's probably owned more BMW Cafe Racers than I have years in my life.

Back in the 70's he had a temporary spout of fame selling posters/bumper stickers/lapel pins that said "Have you hugged your motorcycle lately?"

The picture was of him hugging his friend's Indian motorcycle, taken by a journalist passing by a hotel that he was staying at...

...but the truth is he'd take a BMW over any other motorcycle.

 

Dooooo It!

 

Awesome, cafe racers are so much cooler than retro harleys or "choppers" IMO. Stripped down to the essence and built for fun and speed!

 

I agree, I'll try and dig up some of my dad's old pictures... He has had some beautiful bikes, and rebuilt them all himself.

He also had a BMW Cafe Racer in his living room of his apartment that he turned into a lamp.

 

Although I used to ride (dirt bikes), that was 30 years ago and this past summer together with a friend got stung by the biking bug and we both went for BMW F800GS (mine) and F650GS (friends). I have to tell you that I am thrilled with my bike and so is my friend.

The F800Gs is just an inch too high for me but that is easily fixed with the correct seat and boots. The bike has plenty of power for my type of riding which is mainly on country roads and gentle trails. As I get more proficient, I aim to do more off-road riding and the 800 is ideal for that too. I do recommend putting on some crash bars, mine are Adventure Tech's. Also consider a bash plate. My wife has also ridden as a pillion passenger and up to an hour its comfortable enough. The bike handles well with a bit of weight. The standard tire is probably 70% road and 30% off. You may well want to change to a more adequate type of tire form the outset. I decided to keep the standard for the first few months.

If budget allows, I would go for a F800GS rather than the 650. The brakes and the spoked wheels as well as the extra power make it worthwhile.

From a safety perspective the BMW's are imo just about the best built bikes out there. I have had no issues with the bike whatsoever and have yet to exploit its full potential. Lots of learning for me and it'll take a while before my requirements exceed that of what the F800GS offers.

BTW, grey is the most powerful colour!

Some pics follow. If you need more info feel free to ask.

 

Haku, where in TN are you? I know there are some awesome dirt and street rides out there, especially in the east. I considered a move to nashville at one point. Cheap houses, tech jobs, riding and some damn good BBQ.

 

Between Chattanooga and Nashville. On the Cumberland Plateau.

Great roads and great whiskey (I don't drink it though)!

 

I'm convinced BMW makes some of the best in the biz. Check the Dakar race if you need any more proof than what you're already finding out on your own.