GG
Race Dog
SO I rode the 800 today. First of all it is a k&khuis full of fun. Quick, light and small (compared to the GSA). Nice revvy motor although I stalled it a lot used to the torque and smoothness of the 1200.
So I took it on some little pathways, a few small climbs, dirt roads. It handles these very well and feels nimble and light although again the suspension does not soak up the bumps on fast potholed dirt bits like the GSA. Rear breaking (ABS off) on corners the rear wheel locks and tries to overtake you, surprising at first and then fun when you expect it. This bike is a lot of fun on a dirt road and over a short distance will be better than the GSA on dirt. It needs more input tho and bounces more so you will get tired on a long road quicker than the GSA.
Compared to the Dakar awesome and this must be the primary market - dakar to 800 vs dakar to GSA. But I had to compare it to the 640 ADV KTM of my brothers and here I have to say the KTM will still be more fun (and competent) on dirt. The GS vibrates a lot less and will be a little faster but other than this the 640 is hard to beat (I think the 690 Adv will be the real comparison). Th GS 800 is not a touring bike, itâ??s a weekend tour or couple of dirt roads. If you are short this is your bike, the wind nearly took my head off and the higher screen would need to be bloody high!
This bike is proof of the need to have 5 bikes in the garage. The GSA still rules (yes even over the 990 ;-) but then I want to cross Africa not zoot off to Koster on Saturday afternoon. I do know why anyone would buy the GS 800 thoâ?¦. And I'd love to borrow it from time to time!
So I took it on some little pathways, a few small climbs, dirt roads. It handles these very well and feels nimble and light although again the suspension does not soak up the bumps on fast potholed dirt bits like the GSA. Rear breaking (ABS off) on corners the rear wheel locks and tries to overtake you, surprising at first and then fun when you expect it. This bike is a lot of fun on a dirt road and over a short distance will be better than the GSA on dirt. It needs more input tho and bounces more so you will get tired on a long road quicker than the GSA.
Compared to the Dakar awesome and this must be the primary market - dakar to 800 vs dakar to GSA. But I had to compare it to the 640 ADV KTM of my brothers and here I have to say the KTM will still be more fun (and competent) on dirt. The GS vibrates a lot less and will be a little faster but other than this the 640 is hard to beat (I think the 690 Adv will be the real comparison). Th GS 800 is not a touring bike, itâ??s a weekend tour or couple of dirt roads. If you are short this is your bike, the wind nearly took my head off and the higher screen would need to be bloody high!
This bike is proof of the need to have 5 bikes in the garage. The GSA still rules (yes even over the 990 ;-) but then I want to cross Africa not zoot off to Koster on Saturday afternoon. I do know why anyone would buy the GS 800 thoâ?¦. And I'd love to borrow it from time to time!
