2011 BMW F 800GS vs 2012 Honda NC700X

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2011 BMW F 800GS 2011 BMW F 800GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
62.5 kW / 85 hp @ 7500 rpm
Top Speed
199.0 km/h / 124 mph
Weight
456.4 pounds
2012 Honda NC700X 2012 Honda NC700X

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Twin, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
480.6 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsPower SteeringModel ID: TRX680FA
Year2011-
ColoursArctic Green Metallic PaintRed/black, black, silver/black, black/white
Make ModelBMW F 800GS-
Warranty-One year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.
Dimensions
StorageFront Rack Capacity 100 lbs / 45.4 kg. Rear Rack Capacity 50 lbs / 22.7 kg. Towing Capacity 1,050 lbs / 476.3 kg-
Ground Clearance (mm)1,278 mm165 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)50.3 inches6.5 inches
Seat Height880 mm - 850 mm / 34.6 in. - 33.5 in.830 mm / 32.7 in.
Wheelbase1577 mm / 62.1 in1,540 mm / 60.6 in.
Height1350 mm / 53.1 in (excl. mirrors)1,285 mm / 50.6 in.
Length2320 mm / 91.3 in2,210 mm / 87.0 in.
Width945 mm / 37.2 in (incl. mirrors)830 mm / 32.7 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight177.8 kg / 392 lbs-
Fuel Capacity16 Litres / 4.2 US gal.14.10 litres / 3.73 gallons
Wet Weight207 kg / 456 lbs218.0 kg / 480.6 lbs
Performance
Top Speed199.0 km/h / 124 mph-
Max Power62.5 kW / 85 hp @ 7500 rpm-
Max Torque80 Nm / 8.2 kgf-m / 59 lb-ft @ 5750 rpm60.00 Nm (6.1 kgf-m or 44.3 ft.lbs) @ 4750
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.4566 HP/kg-
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.5 sec-
Engine
Displacement (cc)-670.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-40.88 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)-36.0 x 73.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-1.4 x 2.9 inches
CO288.2 CO-
Fuel ControlDOHCOverhead Valves (OHV)
Engine TypeTwin, four-strokeTwin, four-stroke
Displacement798 cc / 47.7 cub-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder-
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management (BMS-K)Injection
Bore x Stroke82 x 75.8 mm-
Compression Ratio12.0:110.7:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
EmissionsClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3Meets current California Air Resources Board (CARB) off-road emissions standards.
Engine LubricationDry sumpDry sump
ExhaustClosed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3-
Fuel Consumption5.1 l/100km / 19.6 km/l / 45.9 US mpg-
Fuel InductionElectronic intake injection, ∅45mm throttle bodies-
Fuel Range312 km / 194 miles-
Fuel Reserve4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons4.54 litres / 1.20 gallons
IgnitionKnock control and oxygen sensors. Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiplate-plate in oil bathManual (DCT version = D mode/S mode/Manual mode)
Final DriveChainChain
Final Drive Ratio1:2.6-
Gear Ratios1st 2.46 / 2nd 1.75 / 3rd 1.38 / 4th 1.17 / 5th 1.04 / 6th 0.96-
Gearbox6-speed3-speed
Primary DriveEndless O-ring chain with shock damping in rear wheel hubDirect front and rear driveshafts with TraxLok® and torque-sensitive front differential
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular frame in steal partly carrying the engine-
Suspension - Front43mm Marzocchi. Upside down forks41mm telescopic fork, 153.5mm travel
Suspension - RearDouble strut swing arm aluminium coast in one pieceMonoshock damper, Pro-Link swingarm, 150mm travel
Rake26°-
SeatRemovable Passenger Seat and Optional 3-in-1 Versatility-
Trail117 mm / 9.1 in-
Wheel Travel - Front230 mm / 9.1 in.175 mm / 6.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear215 mm / 8.5 in.203 mm / 8.0 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches9.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.8 inches12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)300 mm320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm240 mm
Brakes - Front2 x ∅300mm discs, 4 piston calipersSingle disc
Brakes - RearSingle ∅265mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle disc
RimsWire spokeMulti-spoke cast aluminium
Tyres - Front90/90 - 21 54V120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear150/70 - 17 69V160/60-ZR17
WheelsWire spoke-
Wheels - Front2.15 x 21"-
Wheels - Rear4.25 x 17"-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2011 BMW F 800GS

The 2011 BMW F 800GS edges out the 2012 Honda NC700X thanks to its liquid cooling, dual front discs, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2011 BMW F 800GS - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More rear wheel travel: 215 mm vs 203 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 230 mm vs 175 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2012 Honda NC700X - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 830 mm vs 880 mm - 850 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • More ground clearance: 165 mm vs 1,278 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2011 BMW F 800GS vs 2012 Honda NC700X - FAQs

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2011 BMW F 800GS or the 2012 Honda NC700X?
The 2012 Honda NC700X has the lower seat at 830 mm, making it more accessible. The 2011 BMW F 800GS sits higher at 880 mm - 850 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2011 BMW F 800GS or the 2012 Honda NC700X?
Both are strong choices. The 2011 BMW F 800GS has the edge in liquid cooling and dual front discs, while the 2012 Honda NC700X stands out for lower seat height and greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.