Hi Guys,

Planning to purchase a 800cc mid size adventurer for long distance touring (Thailand, Singapore... maybe further).

Eyeing the following

1. CFMoto 800MT
2. QJMoto SRT800
3. Suzuki VStrom 800 DE
4. BMW 800GS (used)
5. Tiger 800 XC

Considering value, ride comfort, local maintenance, support and realibiliity, in which order should i be look at

Some comments on your opinion will be very helpful as well.

Thanks

vstrom 800 anyday

If looks is not an issue then Suzy 800DE ftw. I used to own a Triumph, service is a bit on the high side. Parts is also scarce...

BMW F800GS bro. Smiles to the miles.

Owned it for 5 years & clocked almost 100k KM no issue.

Then on BMW K1600 GTL for 4 years - but wish I have a GS

CFMOTO 800MT so far so good. price on the road consider the feature and the accessories it gives it's a bargain

In the list...id pick vstrom

But...if no offroading, id also look into a versys 1000. Has everything u wanted... especially the comfort bit. The i4 engine is also smoooooootthh...good support n known reliable for over a decade.

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This post has been edited by harryleesbr: May 16 2024, 09:23 AM

Thanks bro. Wow 100k. How is the maintenance like? Comfy long distance for pillion rider?

I'd pick between Cfmoto 800MT and Suzuki vstrom 800DE.
Maybe suzuki more than cfmoto just to have better peace of mind not having to deal with mforce.
BMW and Triumph might have issue with parts since they are older bike.. ordering from EU isn't cheap.
If got people know how to order from Thailand might be cheaper but idk who can.

Is MForce still handling the maintenance and sales?
I though CFMoto is independent already in Malaysia.

looks separate from outside but mforce still handles them.

Ultimately depends on how much and the degree of seriousness of the off road you will do

If mostly road touring and light gravel, stick with 19" wheels.

Suzuki should be bringing the 19/17 wheel vstrom GRE soon...while Cfmoto is going the opposite by doing a 800MTX with side pod fuel tanks (ala KTM) and 21/18 combo.

MForce still is responsible for everything that the dealers can't handle. But on the flip side, parts are very easy to come by from taobao. It's fine as long as you don't need to depends on MForce.

Most important aspect is how comfortable are you on each and every bike in the list? We can suggest the bikes which are reliable but the ergonomics might not be to your liking.

F800 is a very tall bike with 21" and uses a weird tyre size which is limited and hard to find. Versys is also another option

I actually tried all of them and generally have no qualms with the ergonomics.

maintenance same like Jap bike, chain & sprocket same.
Only issues I have - alternator (cost about <RM500 rebuild).
Handle cone bearing (changed twice) - I remember bought the bearing myself - +-RM30 & asked shop install. Labor about RM80.

It's a very enjoyable machine, the height & weight will disappear once you ride her

never an issue until today on tires, I got my GS in 2010, until today there's a strong F800GS group.
there's a lot of tips, recommended workshops, where to source for parts.

I wonder if you really rode a GS with 21 in front before?

Thanks everyone for the input.

i narrowed down the next step of my journey to either cfmoto 800mt or suzuki 800de. Both have it pros and cons but i am leaning towards 800mt.

Not many horror stories and the engine is kinda bullet proof from what i read. Electronics is minimum with plenty options to upgrade. Certain KTM parts and mods are compatible. Cost is reasonable and about the same for a basic 800de used very low mileage model.

Giving the GS a skip as I just want something that is comfy for long distance with the missus. I am not terribly comfortable with tippy toeing to the max with a heavy load. Maybe if rezeki and the body permits, i will go for the 1300 or whatever UDM in the next few years.

Pity the 800mt explorer or Voge 800dsx is not coming in yet. Else i would have pulled the trigger already.

You might want to consider the 790 adventure also if you can get a discount from NKS for new old stocks.

It's one of the better handling ADVs in the market. Light and reasonably low seat (lower than the 800MT). That 799cc engine along with the same engine in the 800MT is still the most entertaining of the bunch.

The 800MT is still the value preposition given that it comes standard with everything. However it's a bit bulky and weighty for my liking. Comfy rear pillion seat though.

As what you said comfy rear seat means 1 less headache

I probably finalise after the motorshow.

Seems a lot of unveiling of newer models, Keeping my fingers cross on
1. Voge
2. 800mt explorer
3. Transalp (if this has an low ball intro price, boom!)

Uncomfortable rear seat does have its advantages though. Sometimes. hehehe.

I had a backpad never ask for a ride anymore after a one hour ride on my NK800.