Are used adventure bikes ok? Why I bought a 2008 BMW F800 GS.

[@ST-tl3mv]

Have the 2010 F800 GS and ridden it 220 000 kms through 90+ countries on 6 continents in all types of terrain and it never let me down in any, the mirrors actually went to Antarctica so parts of the bike have hit all 7 continents. Wouldn't of swapped it for the anything, its been a fantastic bike. I highly recommend this bike. PS get the comfort seat if you do, its a must.

[@DiggaDiggaDug]

I am looking at this bike and am a but concerned about the stator problem. What's been your experience in 220k?

[@MrHorsePony]

That is one of the BEST advice anyone can be told, thank you.

[@ruleofthespirit]

Been looking at bikes in the dealerships for a while, but never convinced to buy any. Off the back of this video, I found and bought the same model here in London. Immaculate, 13k miles with all the add-ons including full BMW luggage. Parked in a garage. Paid 4k for it. Rides like a dream. Clearly loved by the previous owner who had to sell due to he and his wife are looking for an inner city apartment without the need of a garage. Thanks for the video. The bike is an excellent choice.

[@darrenstibbard6773]

I have a 2017 800gs adventure I bought brand new. Wasn’t planning on new but the deal was too good to pass up. Cheaper than used at the time. Every time I think I should upgrade I just go for a ride and the smile comes back to my face and realize the bike is nearly perfect for me. I put on some 50/50 tires and added protection and I so enjoy it. If I ever sold it I would regret it. Whether it is twisty pavement, mountain passes or just forestry roads, it has been an amazing machine. The only thing I wish it had was cruise but a “cramp buster” beats $30,000 for a bike with cruise control so I’ll “tough it out”. Great video.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

I think you've found the perfect bike, and the money you've saved could fund many adventures!

[@Plasmo20]

Your viewpoint is spot on. Recently bought a 2017 F800GS with 42000 for AUD$6800. As you say, it has all the add ons (screen, driving lights, extra bars, panniers and racks, rear rack, barkbusters, LOW SUSPENSION and short seat, headlight protector, accessory power outlets). Its going to Tassie soon for a wander on the old rail trails.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Awesome!!

[@testkanal3599]

I soooo agree... bought the same bike 2 years ago for 5'500€ - instead of the T7 for 11'000€. put on top suspension and so on - and still got away with 2'000 less than a new T7. and it's only 3kg heavier. and has 13hp more. just love it...

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Love it!!

[@chrishart8548]

Doesn't feel anywhere near as top heavy either

[@chrishart8548]

And I think the F800 is better on fuel than the T7

[@de558fesdfer3]

@@MotoRidesAustralia What’s your opinion on a first bike? I'm looking at the F650 and 800 GS. Thank you!

[@fabiomontes7545]

I have the 2010, but white, absolutely love it, and honestly I dont see a modern bike I would like to trade for

[@yokoschroder314]

!!! Same here, just got a 2015 GS a couple weeks ago with all protective equipment, new tires and LED riding lights installed.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

I hope you're enjoying it as much as I am! 😀

[@tnetroP]

Just bought a 2011 Tiger 800 for many of these reasons.

[@jude.25]

I bought a used 1200 GS and love it. Can't justify another $12K for a few more horsepower and an LCD screen. And it came fully outfitted with quality upgrades - and pre-scratched! Good advice, mate.

[@decoycreativedistractions]

The opportunity to buy a bike knowing its history is a good thing. Here’s to you two getting aquatinted and enjoying many adventures together! 😊👍🏼

[@E_Clampus_Vitus]

Great points ! Right on about the suspension. The new bikes the manufacturers offer come with inadequate suspension. Since you’ll replace it anyway, why buy new? ✅

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

100%!

[@aidens04]

Spot on. I'd never buy a brand new bike. Save a fortune on a nearly new one that's barely ran in

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

100%!

[@chrishart8548]

I bought a brand new 2014 blue f800gs just like the one in the video. paid cash still have it now it's still like new. I couldn't find a good used one it's all water under the bridge now and I have the bike I've always wanted with no mysterious work done by previous owners

[@TheWhiskeyThrottle_]

Awesome! Love the new bike mate! Hope she treats you well

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

I hope I can treat it well!! 😜

[@TheDailyCommuteAU]

Nice video mate - as i am looking for somthing in the catagory, the older BMW's are catching my eye. Better than my triumph through the hills

[@RoadsOfOz]

You made some very good points. I went in with the same views when looking for an adventure bike. I was originally looking for a dual sport just like that. I made the mistake of trying a few of the modern dual sports (CFMoto 800 and Aprilia Tuareg). Was totally blown away by them. I am a novice on dirt, but those bikes inspired alot of confidence. Ended upgoing totally overboard and buying a new R1250GS as I was planning alot of touring and 2 up riding. Congrats on the new (to you) bike.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

The 1250GS is an amazing bike and sounds like the right choice with 2-up and more touring but very capable when you want to go off-road. Have fun with it! 😄

[@MisterD90x]

i recently picked up a f800gs 2011

[@stevenday1725]

This video makes so much sense. Good work👍. lol back to the drawing bored for me

[@seayak]

I have a 2010 FGS650, which of course has the same 798 cc Rotax engine, and basically all the same components, though the colour (metallic blue) is not a sexy as your "bumblebee" example. The engine was detuned a bit by the factory to 77 hp, but I doubt whether most riders would notice the difference, It has more than enough power and torque for all situations that I expect to encounter. It turns in and handles well on the road, with plenty of speed on tap to overtake in traffic. Like you, I bought mine used, and have spent the cash I saved on a full complement of SW Motech crash bars, luggage racks and soft panniers. I really have never felt the need for more bike, and certainly am not interested in flogging anything heavier down rough trails. Why would you go offroad in something you may not be able pick up when you drop it?? I am a fan of BMW machines myself - especially from this era. This one sits in the garage next to my very clean 1999 Z3 Roadster.

[@bradjones1933]

Total agree, I am looking at buying an all terrain bike and first thought was to buy new but then after looking and seeing those price tags no thanks what if you drop it or small crash scratches dents, now looking at second hand. What you say with the extra already fitted can save you a small fortune. Happy and safe riding.

[@mornesensor4061]

I was lucky , My sister s Son which live sin New Zeeland gave me he s old 2013 GS F800 Adventure bike cause he s not coming back to South Africa about 2 month s ago..So i m still learning and havent did enduro yet..well I tried once and saw my arse on deep sand for a moment lol I still need to get my bike license and have to go four enduro courses..happy day s ..oo and my new bke has got 42000 km on the clock..stil in new condition and fully kit

[@nevillegreg1]

I bought a 2nd hand 2021 KLX230 privately, all was good when I test rode it around the seller's property, paid the money over, then out on the very first ride it kept stalling. I contacted the previous owner who said that it never happened to him, the bike was all good. The bike still had 2 weeks of factory warranty left - lucky because the thing was at the dealership for several weeks because they just couldn't find the problem. Imagine if I had to pay for all that labour. Sometimes you just don't want to risk of buying used because you don't want to buy someone else's problems. After replacing a number of sensors and the wiring harness and still the thing was stalling, they checked the only thing they hadn't yet looked at - the cause of the stalling - a faulty spark plug arrestor cable.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Yes, absolutely. There is always a risk with second-hand bikes. Glad you got to the bottom of the issue.

[@rabukan5842]

Bought a 2012 BMW f800GS, put brand new Givi boxes and crash bars all around, it had barkbusters, skid plate, and the taller windshield. I upgraded the regulator and battery to lithium, and put brand new Michelin Anakee Adventures on it. The bike looks brand new, gets tons of compliments, and only had 20,000 km on it when I bought it. I paid a total of $5,000 including the tires and boxes as the guy just never used the bike and just wanted to get rid of it. Brand new MSRP was about $12,500 USD. I’ll never buy a new bike. I do the same with cars. I own a 2012 Lexus 450h that I paid $13k for 3 years ago. Rides like a new car and has all the bells and whistles, just not up to 2024 levels. I don’t care. 😊

[@pest_predator_nz]

Unfortunately there's nothing like this for $5k here in NZ 😢. I wish.

[@thelonewolf666]

very good advice and 100% accurate

[@ShadowVonChadwick]

Man, that was going to be my exact choice this year as I progress from the 300 dual sport I used to relearn dirt riding after three decades away. Bikes, Enduro's as they were in my early teens, were my first love. In my 30s I had family, business to run & no time for fun that didn't fit in the hours from 9-11pm. I digress, so my best choice was a F800gs, & then RE released the new Himalayan 450. So I went down that road. I hope I have made the better choice, a tad lighter, 450-500k to the 17lt tank and decent suspension off the floor. Time will tell, if I have that many years left riding. And that's the colour I love too.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

There's no right or wrong choice, the best bike is the one you choose and the one you ride 😍

[@philbranagan3137]

You make a fair bit of sense Vern!

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

I try to! 😜😀

[@MotoPassport]

great vid, great topic, big congrats and happy riding

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Thanks mate

[@Eduardo-wy5ut]

i share your enthusiasm with that model. mine is a 2011. I don´t quite like the design of the boxer 1200 GS, but the yellow or orange colors of the 800 with the GS sign in that color is an eternal one. i´m quite convinced the value of these bikes will rise as i´m afraid those colors are no longer available in the new ones. the visible truss structure is a piece of engineering art. thank you for the advice. i will have to sell mine soon here in Brazil, as i´m moving to portugal, but your video convinced me to buy an exact same model when there. thanks

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

I feel it's a timeless style; it still looks great years later, and the Rotex motor will help retain the value.

[@the_explorerist]

Enjoy your new old bike! I agree about the point of not being able to out ride the bike. There is probably only a few people in Australia, like Adam Reimann, who can. I currently have a secondhand DRZ400E, which I am currently on my P's (I'm a late starter (53)). Once I get my full licence, I would like to buy a 2nd hand Husky 701. I will probably do a bit of blacktop, but my utter despise of blacktop means I will try to find a dirt alternate instead.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

A lot of people getting into ADV at our age. 701 would be a great bike.

[@arnohag1]

I've a 2010 model. Great fuel economy and decent range. Basic suspension is fine. I've taken it most places where I've taken the DR650 but in more comfort. Only issue was the fuel pump which was easy to replace. One button for ABS off and traction control is your wrist. How easy is that.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

The standard suspension is plenty suitable for the little bit I have done on the dirt so far.

[@MidCoastAdventures]

Some fair and very valid points 👍

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Thanks mate 😀

[@trooper64428]

Here in Finland the BMW F800r(sports need) 2012 is around €5000 however the GS adventure 800 hold their price a 2008 will set you back €10k a 2012 is closer to €13k the 800GS seem to really hold their value. Not sure I would pay €10k for a 12 year old bike to be honest you can buy a new CF moto 700 Adv bike for €11k which is basically a KTM. Fully loaded with panniers.

[@ronwhite8503]

The CF comes with panniers........and the KTM chocolate camshafts.

[@mrpipspoppersv9093]

I had a look at some brand new BMW at the BMW dealer, did you know that it was cheaper to buy a brand new BMW than a 1 or 2 year old one because the APR rate was 1.9% on brand new, a second hand BMW bike at a none BMW shop were charging 12.9 APR.

[@neiloevocati]

Hey Cuz down Under, you should title this Vid, Financial Advice for the Novice Adventure Biker., Great Vid, taking your advice to the Bank, from the Rockies

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

I like that! 😀

[@DirtyWeekendsAway]

Ahhh, is this Marramarra (end of Bloodwood Rd in arcadia/fiddletown area)? I used to ride there as a kid :)

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

That's the one 😄

[@wb4367]

They are nice bikes indeed. But here in Germany they are around 7k € upwards. Considering they are 15 years old & 50k km it just doesnt make sense. You can get a T7 for around 8.5k and it will be 12 years younger. That being said I just bought a one year old T7 rally for 10k, my friends f800 feels kinda old in comparison.

[@BrettQuester]

So if i took your comment at 7.10 as your doing the goldcoast ride again this year, really looking forward to meeting you, maybe can even send you some vid of you riding from my gopro, must say though the weather forecast is intimidating me!!!!

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Awesome!!! Yeah, the weather looks so interesting that I'm throwing on some new tyres tomorrow! Should be fun though.

[@BrettQuester]

@@MotoRidesAustralia yeah not sure sticking with my Eo7+ the long ride up the highway on full nobbys is not attractive, what will be will be.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

Refreshing change from all the new bike marketing hype vids on YT.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Thanks mate. Yeah, not everyone can go out there and buy a new bike.

[@FrankTripleMoto]

Great choice Vern 👌

[@maxsmith9672]

Looks good. Nice bags ;)

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Highly recommend!!

[@PeterArians]

Hi MotoRides - great video. Thinking of a F800GSA - do you find your bike has vibrations at highway speeds? Concerned about hand going to sleep on long highway stretches. Thanks Peter

[@freewayproject]

Always good to see logical common sense points made, but the point are up against marketing, shinny things and people with FOMO 😂😂😂

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

And to be fair, it's very good marketing!!

[@freewayproject]

@@MotoRidesAustralia 😂

[@ThroughtheValleyADV]

Must have been my review that confirmed it for you 😂

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Must admit, while watching yours I thought “oh, I hope he doesn't say anything bad!” 😜😄

[@slug.racing]

You only need a warranty if you own euro. Good luck with the BMW .. you'll need it.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

That's funny

[@clivedarwell5732]

Nice vid, thinking about buying one - how do you find it as a tourer in the twisties? Is cornering nice or that front wheel is a bit sluggish? Cheers

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

It suits my more casual style, I'm actually selling my MT09 because I'd prefer to ride this, even if it is sealed.

[@ladduro]

How do you find the trailmax missions? Do you do trail riding with them or street only?

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

I've only had a short run on them, but I found them quite nice in the dirt-more traction than expected.

[@ogasi1798]

what are these like to own? reliable ?

[@theresahafful-tz3el]

I want to buy a home use f800gs but the dashboard is off and battery just falls what would be the problem ? Is it advisable to buy it I haven’t used a BMW before .

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Sounds like a bad ground somewhere, eletrical is not easy to fix but if you factor a few houndred dollars for an auto eletrician to check, it could be a quick fix. But it could also require an instrument cluster which would be expensive to replace.

[@PeterCrouch-f3t]

Good buy ,how many k's on it

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

98k. GS’s tend to be high because they see more freeway. Still feels like new…ish.

[@PeterCrouch-f3t]

@@MotoRidesAustralia Yeah iam looking at 2016 GS 800 Adventure

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

You'll love it!!

[@biggooddad]

I totally agree. New Bike Fever is a form of brain washing. Besides, i have a previous owner to blame stuff on when i buy used. 😋

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Hahaha

[@cliff1551]

5:07 coz you got more money than sense ,,,to heavy for adventure riding .

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

LOL

[@FAST3RCA]

you still got the mt09?

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Yep, gathering dust!

[@Opnmdjxkxmmff]

The engine on these is peachy.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

Totally agree 😜

[@3goldfinger]

Unless you have a big bank acc, a used BMW could end up costing you a small fortune in repairs.

[@MotoRidesAustralia]

I've found my BMW parts are a similar price to my Toyota and Yamaha parts. Personally.

[@chrishart8548]

It's almost not a real bmw it's a rotax engine, the parts are very reasonable. The rear rack was £57 new OEM vs often £185 for a Japanese bike. Services have bee under £200. Lots of used parts around for these.