Comparison test: BMW F800GS Adventure and BMW R1200GS Adventure
Content
Both BMW Adventures are big beasts, it's safe to say that SUVs are motorcycles. However, there are also significant differences between them. In its base version, the smaller GSA is four-thousandths cheaper, about 30kg lighter, and has 40 fewer horses than the larger water-cooled model.
Very flexible suspension
In both cases, there is nothing to complain about excellent cycling and active or semi-active suspension on tarmac surfaces. The Adventure is so precise in turns and so calm and reliable on descents that the driver quickly becomes overconfident. In this case, on the larger model, the information that the driver receives in the arms, legs and back is practically lost compared to the smaller one. The smaller GSA is slightly less sovereign than the larger in fast and long corners, but is therefore more maneuverable and lighter on serpentines and slow maneuvers. It is also understandable that the ergonomics of the smaller one are more in favor of the actual needs of the enduro, so perhaps for those who really intend to make their way on longer macadamas, perhaps even off-road, the smaller one is more appropriate.
So much power, so much music
On the road, however, it is significantly better thanks to the engine performance. The difference between the two was that when the larger GSA was still powered by an air / oil cooled engine, it was significantly smaller and less annoying than a water cooled engine. With the new boxer, BMW had just taken a big step forward and so we felt perhaps even more than usual that the smaller parallel twin was too weak. It's not that it's not powerful enough for a motorcycle, but it needs (too) more acceleration to get a faster pace than a higher one. At the same time, the fuel consumption of larger and smaller sizes under the same conditions is very similar, and the range of both options is exceptional due to the large fuel tanks.
There is no doubt that both GSAs are extraordinary bikes. Thanks to the choice of engine mode or the response of the suspension and braking system, both are also very flexible and otherwise really devoid of serious or noteworthy shortcomings. In addition to rich standard equipment, both have an extensive list of accessories that the R1200GS has even more.
text: Matthias Tomazic
photo: Petr Kavchich
BMW R1200GS Adventure
Basic data
Sales: BMW Motorrad Slovenia
Test model cost: 16.750 €
Technical information
engine: Engine: 1.170cc, two-cylinder, four-stroke, opposed, water-cooled.
Power: 92 kW (125 KM) at 7.750 vrt./min.
Torque: 125 Nm at 6.500 rpm / Min.
Energy transfer: Transmission 6-speed, cardan shaft.
Frame: tubular steel.
brakes: front disc 2 x 305 mm, 4-piston calipers, rear 1 x 276 disc, 2-piston caliper, integrated system, anti-slip system, ABS.
Suspension: front BMW Telelever, rear BMW Paralever, D-ESA, active electronics.
Tires: front 120/70 R19, rear 170/60 R17.
Growth: 890/910 mm.
Fuel tank: 30 liters.
BMW F800GS Adventure
Basic data
Sales: BMW Motorrad Slovenia
Test model cost: 12.550 €
Technical information
engine: 798 cc, two-cylinder, parallel, four-stroke, water-cooled.
Power: 63 kW (85 KM) at 7.500 vrt./min.
Torque: 83Nm at 5.750 rpm
Energy transfer: Transmission 6-speed, chain.
Frame: tubular steel.
brakes: front 2 discs 300 mm, 2-piston calipers, rear 1 disc 265, 1-piston caliper, ABS.
Suspension: front BMW Telelever, rear double swingarm in aluminum, adjustable.
Tires: front 90/90 R21, rear 150/70 R17.
Growth: 860/890 mm.
Fuel tank: 24 liters, stock 4 liters.
BMW R1200GS Adventure
We praise and reproach
driving performance, suspension
performance, engine, consumption
equipment, accessories
ergonomics, comfort, spaciousness
windshield protection
width with side housings
too little information from the road
BMW F800GS Adventure
We praise and reproach
driving performance
ergonomics, comfort, spaciousness
equipment, accessories
windshield protection
fuel consumption
performance compared to the larger boxing model
width with side housings
