Rental Bike: R1200GS or F800GS?

[Scratch33]

Going to San Francisco on biz late next month and I'm thinking of using some personal time on the front or back end to do some riding in CA.  

Between the two listed choices, which would you take?

[Cablebandit]

BMW, no question about it.  There is no reason that bike should handle as well as it does.  The ST, while a good bike, is like driving a civic...boring.

[kendenton]

Rented an RT in Europe last year, and I've demo'd and ridden just about every boxer in the lineup.  I'd go for the ST1300 just to change things up.  

Both bikes are great appliances.

[Orson]

I rented an 1150RT and it did everything well.

It surprised me at how agile it wuz in the twistie bits  

I think Swilverstone rented a Ducati somewhere in the South Bay area.

[jstark47]

Isn't a R1200RT something like 200 lbs lighter than a ST1300?  That would decide it for me; I don't like overweight bikes.

[radon222]

Might as well be comfy... go for the Beemer  

[Scratch33]

Right, well -- as it turns out the rental place won't have any R1200RT's available when I want one.  

New poll then!

[Oddball]

For some reason I can not vote.

[Cablebandit]

1200GS without a doubt.

[kendenton]

Can't vote either.  As before, I've had my fill of boxers.  I'd give the F800GS a whirl.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

The poll was locked. I unlocked it, hoping that Scratch didn't mind  

[falconati]

R12

[DogBoy]

Looks like the poll choices might have changed. Either GS would be great on NorCal roads. I would pick the F800gs because I like that engine more than the boxer and less weight will be more enjoyable on (and off) our Northern California pavement.  Let me know if you need help with routes or destinations.

[Scratch33]

The poll was locked. I unlocked it, hoping that Scratch didn't mind  

Oopsie!  Thanks DD.

I went with the 1200GS over the 800 (unless an R1200RT becomes available between now and then).  Also changed plans - now I'm flying to Vegas, meeting up with a bud & riding around for a couple days, then returning the bike to Vegas and flying on to San Francisco for biz.  I might finally get to see Bryce Canyon.

[kendenton]

Bryce canyon is fantastic.  If you can, try to hit Utah 12 ne of there.

[Z50a]

I would take the R1200GS, over almost any other rental bike...... I have rented a 2010 R1200GS several times and it kicks ASS !
- Twist it up and 1st and you will lift the front wheel  
- Need to get out of someone's way, pretty freakin' quick and the 1200 can handle it.
- the 1200 is not a little bike, but you can "flog it" around corners, pretty good (if you want to).
- I've ridden the F800GS and it is a great bike, but if you spin it up..., it can get a little buzzy.
- be advised: the 1200 is taller / more top heavy / weighs more , than the 800...

[holliebibi]

It would be a very hard choice, but have both and riding both, I can tell you this. The 1200 560 pounds but weighs bags, weighing 800 466th (I put them on a scale thats how). I was supprised that the 800 so heavy. That's not it.