I got the OK from the wife to add a second bike to the stable. I'm caught between two bikes a 500exc and a f800gs.

I've owned a 2007 540EXC in the past. I loved it! Tons of fun both on the trails and tarded out, but recently I have been more attracted to the f800gs for its road worthy ness and occasional dirt adventure style. 50mpg's with the BMW beats my 15mpg's (maybe) daily driver Silverado with 200,000 miles that cost $500.00+ a month just to commute in.

Before I make a decision anybody have any thoughts they can share? I have no idea what a f800gs will be like. I'm pretty sure this second bike will be used more as a commuter and occasional dirt adventure with my little guy (3) for the most part. My commute is about 80 miles a day.

690 enduro with a motard kit?

or 690smc?

Strictly my opinion! The F800 GS is a very good bike but it doesn't come close to any real off road machine.
I would grow bored of this after a while unless you want to do long trips.
I'll get the Husky FE 501. Similar price than the KTM and same build/manufacturer but with the nice 4CS forks, billet triple clamps and a link in the rear suspension.
I find the link rear to work better for me than the direct KTM shock mount. It is more forgiving and give more traction at my amateur speeds.
I tested this bike and I have to agree with most of the comparison/shootout tests in the magazines. Best enduro bike 2014 regardless of the engine you pick or prefer.
The FE450 cleaned up all the other brands including KTM in ADR here and the TE300 did the same for the two strokes in other magazines and tests.
Funny the 501 is easier to ride than the 450 as the 450 is a true race bike and the 501 is smoother, it has a bit more grunt too but still easier to ride.
My choice!

Depends what its for really.

If you are seeking low cost commuting on something comfortable then there are loads of dull but worthy road bikes that would do the job as well for less money than the BM. After the SD whatever you get is likely to feel slow, heavy and uninspiring but for commuting that might be OK.

All the single cylinder dirt bikes are rubbish for anything but a very short road hop in my experience. Great for jumps, wheelies and the like but hopeless for big road miles.

My touring bike is a ZZR1400 but that's unlikely to be much cheaper than the car even if it does eat miles for breakfast!!

Good luck whatever you get.

From your choices I would take the twin. Thumpers make lousy commuters. The BMW will take you on a nice get a way if you so choose.
Personally, I'd buy a Honda for what you are describing your needs to be and when junior goes to highschool in thirteen years hes got a great bike.

Out of those two choices, for the purpose you described, I vote bmw. But then, I could not live without a dirt bike. The 500exc will be wasting its talents on a paved commute, and the gs is surprisingly capable for dirt exploring from what I have seen. Add the need for pillion capability, ---> bmw all the way.

Really what I need is both. The exc and the gs are very different duel sports.

Rode a GS for a few weeks
Get yourself down to the doctors to have the remains of your testosterone removed
Very capable bike , but quite dull , unless you don't mind that

The Beemer seems to more suit yor needs and probably a decent commuter but parrallel twin dull.
Always got the SD for the fun stuff.

The Superduke got a big ugly girlfriend today.

Looks like toe to toe his nose is in it and nose to nose his toes are in it. Clearly the picture was taken at Winchester Mystery House.
Two twins to trail and track. Good job

That thing looks huge compared to the SD.

Chihuahua