Bike Selection
After searching all makes of bikes it really came down to just 2 manufacturers, BMW & KTM.
All other manufacturers had no bikes that really matched the touring ability of these 2 companies.
We then visited numerous websites comparing both adventure bikes, and also attended showrooms and test rides.
At the end of the day you could not go past BMW, for their reliability, after sales service and after-market parts.
Originally we were set on completing the journey on the R 1200 GS Adventure, but with the recent release of the F 800 GS we have a new contender. We are not decided on which will be our means of transport but we have defiantly reduced the decision to these 2 bikes.
The 1200 GSA is like the out of the box, ready for operation, touring beast. However it is a very heavy vehicle and is very expensive. It will handle large loads well and is a comfortable for that long ride. It has defiantly been labelled as the ultimate touring adventure bike for a reason.
The F 800 GS on the other hand will need some modification before tackling such a ride. It comes with most of the basics that the 1200 does but its big disadvantage is its fuel capacity. However that can be easily resolved with the installation of Touratechs Lge fuel tank, which increases its fuel capacity to 9.5 gallons and would give this bike a greater fuel range than the 1200 for just an extra $2000. Another disadvantage of the 800 is its wind protection, yet again an easy fix with a larger visor. The main advantage of the 800 is its weight and ease of maintenance. However the ease of maintenance does mean an increase in maintenance. I think that the reduction in power would not play that big of a part as we will not be riding with pillions and we both way in the low 80Kg range.
Either bike selection would need to have fitted side panniers, engine guards, GPS, paddock side stand and Ohlin’s rear shock.
We will keep investigating and start contacting other riders for their views before making our final decision.
2010 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure |
2010 BMW F 800 GS |
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| Manufacturer: | BMW | BMW |
| Class: | On-Off Road | On-Off Road |
| Year: | 2010 | 2010 |
| Model: | R 1200 GS Adventure | F 800 GS |
| IDENTIFICATION: | ||
| Model Type | On-Off Road | On-Off Road |
| MSRP (US) | $ 17000 | $ 11395 |
| Warranty | 36 | 36 |
| ENGINE: | ||
| Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Cooling | Air / Oil | Liquid |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Engine Stroke | 4-Stroke | 4-Stroke |
| Engine Type | Flat Twin | Parallel Twin |
| Fuel Requirements | Premium | Premium |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Valve Configuration | DOHC | DOHC |
| Valves | 8 | 8 |
| Valves Per Cylinder | 4 | 4 |
| TRANSMISSION: | ||
| Number Of Speeds | 6 | 6 |
| Primary Drive (Engine / Transmission) | Gear | |
| Primary Drive (Rear Wheel) | Shaft | Chain |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| WHEELS & TIRES: | ||
| Front Tire (Full Spec) | 110/80 HR19 | 90/90 R21 54V |
| Rear Tire (Full Spec) | 150/70 HR17 | 150/70 R17 69V |
| BRAKES: | ||
| Front Brake Type | Dual Hydraulic Disc | Dual Hydraulic Disc |
| Rear Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc | Hydraulic Disc |
| TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: | ||
| Fuel Capacity (gal/l) | 8.7 / 33 | 4.2 / 16 |
| Wheelbase (in/mm) | 59.4 / 1508.8 | 62.1 / 1577.3 |
