[VinnyB]

Hi everyone,
I'm not actually an owner yet but I have narrow my choice of next bike down to the F800R (2016>) I know it is often described as a beginners bike but it seems to be everything I want from a bike now. I started riding in 1983 and have had all kinds of bikes since. I am riding a 2003 600 Fazer at the moment, bought as a stop gap after I sold my R1150R which despite my best efforts I never really got on with. Most of my riding is two up so one of the most important considerations is pillion comfort (happy wife, happy life)
Thanks for reading.
Vince.

 

[TheMeteor]

Welcome, Vinny. Doesn't matter what others think, as long as a fit for you. I had a guy (friend of my brother's) say my bike F8 was small and essentially girl's bike. Then I proceeded to outride him throughout the day and asked him 'what was wrong...was he having engine problems or something in the handling??"

Enjoy.

 

[Richard230]

Welcome to the forum, Vinny. The F800R is not a "girls bike" and I am sure you will love riding it if you decide to buy one.

 

[Redned]

Welcome Vinny. I ride with a number of women (heaven help me if I ever called them girls) who can outride me on anything from a scooter to Harley. A bike's a bike a bike. Any of the F800 series are good bikes, and easy, fun to ride.

 

[MGD109]

Welcome.

 

[VinnyB]

Thanks to all for the warm welcome.
Obviously I'll need to take a ride on one before I spend any money. I have a few questions before then, but introductions isn't the place for that.
Thanks again.

 

[Miv]

Welcome Vince, good luck with test riding 👍

 

[jormim]

Vinny, I've been the happy rider of an F800ST for several years. You probably have decided by now, but the one thing I'd change if I could is the riding position. While I understand the newer ones (GT?) are a little better, the bars on the ST are too far forward an low plus and the footpegs are too high and far back for me. This may not bother you but you should sit on the F800R first, especially coming from an R150R.
On the 'beginners bike' my F650CS was always referred to as one, but it was the most fun to ride best handling bike I ever owned.

 

[VinnyB]

Hi Jormim, thanks for the message.
I understand that the later model 800r has higher bars and lower pegs than the early ones, only a test ride will tell I guess.
It's as important that it's comfortable for the pillion too, her indoors loved the 1150r but really doesn't rate the Fazer because the pegs are too high apparently.
Was the f650cs the one with the interchangeable tank options and belt drive? I think they called it the Scarver over here. I really like the Dakar f650gs.

 

[houseofcharm]

Sounds like me, found a new near GT and am scoping out opinions.

 

[VinnyB]

Hi, thanks for the message, have you decided to go with the GT?