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Well should I or not? had a look around the internet booked a test ride for two weeks time, any thoughts?
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No idea sorry. Completely new model range to me.
I'm very happy with my R1150R - has a USP- but it is yet to be seen if the F800 has anything to make it special.
Hope you enjoy the test ride.
--
I wasna fu but just had plenty.
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This has been a long time coming, BMW didn't show it @ the NEC last year so i've never seen one in the flesh. The only BMW bike i like is the R1100S or the GS1200 other than that Triumph's Sprint ST seems to tick all the boxes.
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And me too. Unsure of the image the F800 is trying to convey. Honda probably make a better version. Unsure about the looks, but I now have arguably the ugliest bike in the world (R1200GS) but it's a boxer and that's what BMW make best. Personally I'd have a good old look at the VFR800.
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What do you like about the BMW 800 ?
I quite like the bike - it's a good size for me, but I haven't ridden one. I'm not convinced that it deserves its premium price
You might also consider Yamaha's TDM900 (now with ABS), or even MZs new 1000 - but I've yet to see their new ST.
Although I loved Honda's last VFR800, I hate their overly complex VTEC beast.
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I'm very happy with my R1150R - has a USP
Ewan McGregor?
Undersized Scottish Promoter?
No really what is it's USP apart from having a squint?
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I was just thinking of the boxer twin USP.
I once read of the R1150GS being compared in it's looks with Patrick Moore (monocle in one eye)
F800 is just another parallel twin to me - plenty of those around.
Although it probably does retain the 'characteristic' chunky gearbox action!
--
I wasna fu but just had plenty.
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Gearchange is allegedly improved on the R1200GS. It's still clunks on certain downshifts, feels a bit like the chain needs tightning(Yes I know it's a shafty), I only ever rode an elderly 1970s boxer, now that was clunky.
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I don`t want a bike with a chain anymore, thats why the interest in the f800. I want a middleweight tourer and the Honda NTV800 is a bit dull.
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Belt drive for the F800 isn't it?
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Yes, you don`t need to touch it until the bike is serviced or the belt needs replacing.
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Had a loan of an F650 Scarver with a belt drive and ,apart from an excessively thrashy engine, the drive train impressed.
Read that belt-drive Harley Davidsons have been known to pick up stones between the belt and sprocket, with dire consequences, but that can happen to chain drives as well.
--
I wasna fu but just had plenty.
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Kevin Ash in the Telegraph:
www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?view=DETAI...o
ring/2006/04/08/mfbike08.xml
and 'Bike' this month both seem impressed.
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I reckon it's good. Reviews good, and the above mentioned Telegraph journo likes it and he's normally anti-BM. Personally I like the bolder direction that BMW bikes are taking - they seem brave at the moment to try lots of new things in design and tech. This new motor promises to be exceptionally fuel efficient too (general riding shd see 70mpg, compared to the 35mpg my brother gets on his TDM). Go for a test ride, and give yourself plenty of time to adjust to a non-Jap bike feel. BMs have always cost that little bit more, but so what? In my [seven BMW] experience the premium buys you something different to the bland Jap bikes and more importantly buys you the best dealer support in the bike market (in my opinion).
Compared to my BMW R1150 boxer twin, the new bike has the same power, has 10% less torque but carries 10% less weight and is 25% more fuel efficient. I reckon the new bikes will appeal to a wider audience than the 650s and, as the Telegraph said, is likely to appeal to novice and expert riders alike, saying the latter group will enjoy exploiting the new bikes competencies.
If you like riding it, ignore the dissenters and go for it! Enjoy.
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>>compared to the 35mpg my brother gets on his TDM<<
something wrong there - my TDM gives 55-60 mpg even when thrashed.
I'd agree with the comments about BMW dealers - you should have no problems getting a decent test ride.
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It is not about what image BMW are trying to convey, they are simply broadening their appeal by entering new sectors of the market, same with the recent K1200R/S.
The F800 looks like a great package though without riding one I am not sure about the charater of the engine, a std parralel twin can feel tiresome when revved, the new Kawasaki ER6N/F is a conventional twin based on half a ZX12R motor (and is apparently usefully pokey and a good ride) where as the TDM fires at 90/270 giving a V-twin like characterful, irregular beat and loads of torque as well.
By all accounts BMW's next assault will be a supersports bike in the R1/R6 mould, spy shots show a small neat sports bike though I dont think anyone is sure of the capacity. Most likely 1000cc though I reckon there is the possibility of a whole new sports bike class due to the MOTO GP regs being 800cc next year, what money a GSX-R 800, ZX8R, R8 etc ?
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Went for a look yesterday and its not for me.
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good. R1200GS or a R1200S ???
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took one for a test ride. everything was great. however, very jerky throttle response. if riding on a choppy surface, can not keep a smooth throttle. had a honda st1300. same problem. had to sell it because of the jerky throttle response. maybe i am a little fussy, but that is something i can not live with. what a shame, because otherwise, it is a great bike.
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Continuing the BMW - Japanese bike debate I spotted this link on Erin Morgan's Telegraph blog.
Very clever but has some bad language.
www.brainsweb.co.uk/uploads/the-wrong-bike.wmv
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Thanks for that link - I did enjoy it !
I think he might have another rant when someone delivers a VFR VTEC !
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Don't do it! I have test ridden one of these machines and found the engine to be pretty coarse for a new design modern unit, I think the ultra-tight belt drive compounds the problem. Ok that is fine and you get used to any bike but a friend of mine has also test ridden one of these bikes twice, his thoughts mirror mine in that the engine is good but pretty unpleasant. The second machine he rode (again a test ride machine) was knocking from the top end alarmingly. My friend works with someone who purchased one from new, his engine started knocking and BMW replaced it without question. The guy got rid pretty quick after this. I believe that there is a problem with these engines, avoid.
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