Trying to (finally) decide between a new 800 GS or 660 Tenere. I know and understand that I'm not comparing apples with apples, but that is exactly my problem. BM feels more road biased and Tenere more dirt biased.

This is NOT a "VS" thread.
And a KTM or KLR is not an option as KTM is way TOO expensive in South Africa and KLR not to my liking.
GSA or Super Tenere also not as I don't want or like a bike of it's size, bulk, weight and intended purpose.

I will use the bike to
* commute in the summer / spring (20k's round trip five days a week)
* do weekend trips that will include some gravel
* do solo rides that will include some more adventurous riding
* aim to do one longer trip per year that will include gravel and unknown roads (Planning a Cape Town - via Namibia - Okavango Delta - Vic Falls - Zim - Mozam - Cape Town trip for next year)

I have demo'ed both a couple of times and have been on longer demo rides as well, but I'm still battling to decide.

My thoughts and considerations:
General
BM feels more road biased and Tenere more dirt biased. Planning to do both and dirt won't be gravel only. No single track or serious trails, but a smooth gravel road doesn't quite mean "off the beaten track" to me.
Both feel comfortable and there isn't much in the perceived weight.

Pro's & Cons
800 GS
- 16lt on the small side
- fork has a lot of dive. Will have to spend money to get it to my liking
- List price is R25000 more (Roughly $3500), but comes with ABS and heated grips
- Average service price is more and 1000km service is for my pocket
- Dealing with BM has a more corporate feel to it
- Throttle response is snatchy at lower speeds and RPM
- OE accessories are more $$$ than Yamaha's
- Every ride so far has left me a bit underwhelmed
- Not a "bikers" display (see +)
- Needs a bigger screen

+ Stronger engine
+ Less vibe
+ Comes with 3 year road side assistance on top of std 2 year warranty
+ Comes with ABS and heated grips
+ Easier to get my feet on the ground
+ Trip Computer gives useful info

660 Tenere
+ 23lt Tank big enough to cover longer stretches especially in Africa
+ Suspension handles dirt better, less dive inspires confidence
+ Can buy FULLY kitted Tenere for same price as stock GS
+ Services are cheaper and 1000km service is included in purchase price
+ Dealing with Yamaha feels like dealing with bikers
+ Was a lot easier to ride the Tenere smooth from the off
+ OE accessories are more affordable
+ Bike has surprised me on every ride
+ Like the cockpit better
+ Stock screen is okay, and still better than BMW touring screen

- During demo rides the single felt good enough for me, but not as strong or smooth as GS
- Vibrations is noticeable when climbing from Tenere straight onto GS
- Std 2 year warranty
- No ABS option or heated grips
- Seat is a bit high, but okay
- No trip computer to give range and fuel consumption

So when I look at the list above and read through my own thoughts, I wonder why not just buy the Tenere. It's all there!

BUT:
Unknowns:
* Just how much will the Tenere battle to pull with it loaded
* How will the single handle being two up and loaded (Yes, I know the GS will be better, but will the Tenere be bearable)
* ABS...will I look back and regret buying the bike without it
* How tiring will the single's vibrations be

Will the
* Afford ability
* Bigger Fuel Tank
* Feel

make up for
* less power
* no ABS (I've had one or two scares. One during a demo last week on a ABS-less Tenere...not nice)

Would be great to hear from rider's who have OWNED or RIDDEN both

Didnt ride BM, butt reliability and fuel tank size is more for what you need. And wibes... they are not so horrible, you will get used to it. It has some lack of power, but on the big trip you will ride more carefully, so you dont need it really more. (but would be cool to have it)
BM has factory fault on rear suspension, some bending issue, esspecially with two on bike and luggage on longer unpaved trip.
I would go for Tenere in this case.

Haven't ridden the F800GS, but I have rode the F650GS (same engine, different tuning) as the ex Girlfriend has one.

I will be honest and say that, assuming the F800GS rides like the F650GS does then, if I had ridden the F650GS before I bought my Tenere I would have bought the F800GS instead.

Don't get me wrong, I love the Tenere and think it's a great bike, but the engine in the BMW is just so much nicer than the yams. That said I would have soon got annoyed at the prices BMW charge for, well pretty much everything. In addition the Tenere is a lot easier to do your own work on.

One final thing, the BMW is very good on fuel consumption, so unless you are planning on travelling in some seriously out of the way places I wouldn't be put off by the smaller tank.

Tim Cullis has both. I am sure he can offer an informed opinion.

Send him a PM in case he has not spotted this thread.

... and I am offended as I ride a BM as well .... :-)

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http://www.freewebs.com/my2wheels/

I had same dilema before purchasing my ten.

You won't be wrong with either, if you like fast speed at highways and you can afford it, get the BMW, If you are more off-road biased and you don't usuaky ride at 160+km/h get the ten, but both are great bikes.

have fun,

j

The Ten struggles 2 up and fully loaded, other then that I think the Ten is the bike for you. Get a fit and handsome passenger and try to keep the luggage light, problem solved.

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@Keithblade

Mebbe summat yer best pal w'u'n't tell thee.

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Yes was very noticable on the 1600 mile trip round Scotland, nods and waves off nearly everyone on two wheels, cept most the BMW bunch.

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i dont find this, i ride an F800 and have no problem getting nods and waves.