BMW 800 full magazine test

[cbsnbiker]

Goodhawk, do you have a link to the article? I didn't find it in a (brief) search.

[goodhawk]

Sorry, I bought the mag. at a book store - barnes & noble - current issue, English  BIKE  mag.

[Oilhed]

For those of you saying BMW is this or Harley is that you must consider pre '90's or post '90's.  Pre '90's Harley's were unreliable, WERE!  Pre '90's BMWs were indestructable, WERE!
 
I would buy a new Harley without a second thought if I could afford it.  If I wanted a bike I could ride for years and thousands of miles for a reasonable price I would buy a used '80's BMW.  Maybe early '90's.

[Lon]

Stats schmats, BMW is the Yuppie Harley.  Large on image, short on substance for the dollar.
 
However, used models are frequently a good value.

Wait, I know! You mean that the Honda ST1300 ABS at $15,499 is $1500 cheaper than the R1200RT because it has significantly more substance!  That's why it weighs 150lbs more?

Actually... I really was just joking here; I can't find any other competitively-priced BMWs.  The RT is the exception to the rule.  For example, the beautiful Yamaha FJR1300A costs over $5,000 less than the K1200GT

I own a BMW.  I bought it used, and I still think that the bang:buck ratio was out of whack.  I like my bike anyway, and I don't really care so much about the initial cost anymore (used, it was a way better deal than new).  That said, given the price of new BMWs, the chances of me ever owning a new one are close to zero...

[Prubert]

I priced out a F800ST with Luggage, ABS, Heated Grips, Centerstand and the On-Board Computer at it came to $13,400.  About 1K more over a VFR with ABS.

I would have to ride one to see how they ride....

[Rogue]

The BMW has sounded quite good to me untill I read this post. After that and a quick review of the BMW website I'm leaning towards a Buell Firebolt for the next bike. I like the idea of belt drive and but would rather have the added HP of the Buell. Just need to do the test ride thing.

The Buell Firebolt plays to a different audience.
 
Much sportier than the F800, even in its "sport" form.
 
The F800 does have features not found in the Buell. The option of heated grips, 12V socket(s), ABS, and much easier to mount bags on because the factory already designed them in. PLus, the buyer has the option of sport or tourer. So there's something there...sadly, I think the F800 will be lost in the NA market. Over here, a sensible motorcycle just doesn't sell well. It needs to have street credibility, look sexy, come in bright colors, lots of power, etc. And in the absences of that, it needs to be cheap. The BMW is in a price range that competes against many other motorcycles that look sexier, are faster, and easier to access (more dealers). It will however, make a good entry level bike for a high end seller like BMW. I'll bet though that BMW will sell more of their Roadsters than the F800.

[jsanford]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. SVs and Viffers may be this and that.

Saw a fire engine red one at the IMS last week. It's the only bike at the show I sat on three times. It's the only bike at the show I looked for the location of the oil filter to make sure it wasn't someplace stupid.

The bike fit me perfectly. The mirrors, gauges, etc. are all in just the right places.

It has a luggage rack for my Givi sidecases, engine guard, heated grips, ABS.

And I already own a red jacket.

[dflow]

Wait, I know! You mean that the Honda ST1300 ABS at $15,499 is $1500 cheaper than the R1200RT because it has significantly more substance! That's why it weighs 150lbs more?
 
Actually... I really was just joking here; I can't find any other competitively-priced BMWs. The RT is the exception to the rule. For example, the beautiful Yamaha FJR1300A costs over $5,000 less than the K1200GT
 
I own a BMW. I bought it used, and I still think that the bang:buck ratio was out of whack. I like my bike anyway, and I don't really care so much about the initial cost anymore (used, it was a way better deal than new). That said, given the price of new BMWs, the chances of me ever owning a new one are close to zero...

I agree with Lon. The prices of BMWs have been out of reach. It is hard to justify when there are many other good options available. I have owned BMWs exclusively for 20 years now but haven't seen the value in it lately. I'll most likely keep what I have now and add other makes from here on. BTW, I have a '99 R11SA and have been considering restoring my '84 R100. Where I go from there is anyones guess.

[ctfz1]

Cult bike that can be expensive, some offer fun over performance, some just manage to become annoying. Like the Siamese in a certain film. You can find a home on BMWs or a rack. Best bought used from someone who spent more time on accessories than rides.