Your thoughts on a BMW F800GT?

[kingoffleece]

Maybe off topic but I loved my last three Bonnies and the V7 I got this spring has become my favorite bike ever in 49 years of ownibg motorcycles.

Yes, I take my Norge on all the long trips and I'm fond of that machine but the V7 makes a stupid silly grin appear every time I'm on it.
I have several 300-450 mile days on the bike and I loved them.

[Lcarlson]

It's amazing how much love the little Goose gets here. But I believe I understand: I spent a little time on a V7 II loaner and I really enjoyed it. The more experience (maybe read "older") I get, the more I come to understand that the subjective aspect of the ride is what really counts. Performance numbers are seductive, but well, maybe not such good indicators of a ride you'll really want to live with. My recently departed Diavel is possibly a good example. It posted stupendous numbers by any standard, was surprisingly light and easy to maneuver in the garage/parking lots, etc., but it wasn't really a good daily rider. On the other hand, if you wanted to pull 400 yard fourth gear power wheelies, well you could do worse.

[Noguzznoglory]

Op was looking for feedback on the f800gt and got more responses abot big block vs small block MG's. the ST comparisons are relevant in regards to the engine and handling but they have a little more weather protection.
Forgot to mention the heat complaint in my first post: been a non issue for me and 95-100 degrees is normal here. Like the handlebar vibration it' very subjective

[Kev m]

Op was looking for feedback on the f800gt and got more responses abot big block vs small block MG's.

I count 17 posts that directly address the OP's question and 4 that address the tangent of SB VS. BB. 

[Lcarlson]

And this IS a Guzzi forum....

[oldbike54]

I count 17 posts that directly address the OP's question and 4 that address the tangent of SB VS. BB. 

 Hell , at least we kept to motorcycles and haven't veered off into a discussion about sled dogs or the relative merits of Apple or MS operating systems 

 Dusty

[MGPilot]

Actually.....

Posting the question here was important.

I would be adding the F800GT to contrast to a V7-II -- so the views of the F800GT from Guzzi owners were exactly what I wanted. 

For this, you guys are the experts in evaluating what it might bring to the party....or not.

(And you can always expect a bit of randomness in responses. BB vs. SB.)

[jas67]

I own two classic styled smallblocks ('14 V7 Special, '13 V7 Racer/Record), and also a F800GT.
Each has their strengths.

I don't like exposing the pretty V7's to rain (or worse, the salt/brine crap that is on our roads in the winter), as I like to keep them looking good, and don't want corrosion on all the various exposed metal parts.

The F800GT is pretty much completely covered in plastic, so, I don't care about exposing it.     I won't take it out when there is a lot of salt on the road, as that'll find its its way into the radiator and other critical parts and corrode them, but, I certainly don't worry about rain and road dirt.   

For cold weather, the F800GT is absolutely my preferred ride, esp. since I have equipped it for such conditions with a taller windshield and hand guards (which will come back off in the spring, and the stock windshield will go back on).

The F800GT is also much quicker, better handling, and has better brakes.    It or my Ducati Monster 796 are my choice rides for sport riding.

The V7's strengths are, of course, it's stunning good looks, and relaxed character.    They are my choice for riding at a more relaxed (but, not slow) pace, when I want to enjoy the scenery, and just slow down a little.    The 90 degree V-twin sounds a lot better, IMHO, than the 360 degree parallel twin does.   That isn't all exhaust timing either, as I think airheads that have the same exhaust pulse rhythm of the 360 degree parallel twin, sound a lot better then the F800GT, just not as good as the Guzzi.    I think that the water jacket of a water cooled engine mutes a lot of the mechanical sounds that we are used to with our air cooled engines.

F800GT is my main commuter when the temps are below 55.      The V7 Special will be my main commuter when temps are 65 and above.

[MGPilot]

...I have equipped it for such conditions with a taller windshield and hand guards (which will come back off in the spring, and the stock windshield will go back on).

Thanks for your input.

What windshield are you using for colder months?

[canuguzzi]

If you think water cooling muffles mechanical sounds from an engine you need to listen to a Triumph Trophy 1200 Four at idle. 

[jas67]

Thanks for your input.

What windshield are you using for colder months?

Madstad, 21".   

IMG_8400 by jay_snyder67, on Flickr

IMG_8412 by jay_snyder67, on Flickr

[jas67]

My F800GT is up for sale over on the swap meet:
http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=94829.msg1500995#msg1500995