Got to ride the 2011 F800R for a few hours.

[kevin_stevens]

Nice bike - steers incredibly precisely even when leaned over - which pebble do you want to hit today?  I wish the F800 engines revved out a little more freely, and all those bikes seem to be totally designed for low seat height so my legs feel scrunched up more than on my S1000RR.  Chain drive so you can gear it down, which it needs IMHO - first gear is awfully tall.  Fun ride.

KeS

[Lawn Dart]

Nice!  I see you already have a matching helmet!  

[miles]

THat photo was taken in my driveway!

[atadaskew]

I saw one like that at the shop yesterday.
It actually looks much better than that photo would indicate.

Price tag on it was $12500.

$12500 for an 80hp inline twin?  No way BMW is making money selling the 190hp super dooper everything S1000Rr for $2k more...

[Rincewind]

Nice looking colors.  I look forward to seeing one.  I have yet to ride one of their 800 twins.  It sounds like it would be less peaky then my Street Triple with maybe more meat in the low to mid range.  I don't have an interest in changing from my Triple, but it would be fun to try it anyway.  It sounds like the handling may be similar.  I hope the F800R doesn't have any cornering clearance issues.

[Ack535]

Yeah but for $12,500 you can get a new VFR1200 or two slightly used VFR800's... I just don't see it.

[Rincewind]

Yeah but for $12,500 you can get a new VFR1200 or two slightly used VFR800's... I just don't see it.

More relevantly, you can buy a Ducati Monster EVO with ABS/TCS or a 2011 revised Speed Triple with ABS for about the same money.  But keep in mind that the $12500 price is probably with most of the F800R options and a base model is $2500 less than that. 

For someone wanting a practical, sub-liter, naked ride with ABS and 3-case factory hard luggage options, there really aren't that many other options in this category.  Most naked bike makers eschew practical features like the hard panniers.  I can see the appeal if this is the type of bike you want. 

I know at least one STN'er has picked up his own F800R just recently - maybe he will chime in, or not.   

[MadOzodi]

miles, did you take it out for a spin?  

I test rode a used F800ST a little over a year ago while shopping for a new bike...liked everything about it except for the engine (it didn't help that I'd test ridden an R12R and K12R prior).  Regardless, the F800R looks like it'd be a h00t to ride, but that MSRP would take it out of the running for me if I were looking at nekkid middleweights.

[UFO]

Yeah but for $12,500 you can get a new VFR1200 or two slightly used VFR800's... I just don't see it.

He could also get 12500 value menu items at McDonalds, but that's only relevant to the person spending the money, not us as observers.

If it's something someone likes, wants, and can afford...get it.

[miles]

miles, did you take it out for a spin?  

I test rode a used F800ST a little over a year ago while shopping for a new bike...liked everything about it except for the engine (it didn't help that I'd test ridden an R12R and K12R prior).  Regardless, the F800R looks like it'd be a h00t to ride, but that MSRP would take it out of the running for me if I were looking at nekkid middleweights.

No, not this time- but I'm going to ride it on this saturday's ride, so I'll bet 8+ hours in the saddle then over a variety of roads.

[Rincewind]

No, not this time- but I'm going to ride it on this saturday's ride, so I'll bet 8+ hours in the saddle then over a variety of roads.

I am interested in your thoughts afterward.  

[miles]

I'll post up my thoughts on the bike. A full day of varied roads will let me know the bike quite well.

[MadOzodi]

I'll post up my thoughts on the bike. A full day of varied roads will let me know the bike quite well.

   (not that I don't trust what kevin has said   )

[jsanford]

Nice looking colors.  I look forward to seeing one.  I have yet to ride one of their 800 twins.  It sounds like it would be less peaky then my Street Triple with maybe more meat in the low to mid range.

Having ridden the Street Triple...this isn't a bad comparison, from my point of view.

[GRN]

Just sat down to read Riders review... had to stop once I got to the part about the engine config and it's result being "annoyingly buzzy" over 5000 rpm. Too bad, just fell off the short list.

[miles]

Eh.  My little jaunt around town this afternoon after I picked the bike up actually contradicted that finding.  Really, it's surprisingly unvibratious.  Certainly less so than many other bikes I've ridden, including a lot of I-4 designs.

Clearly a long ride tomorrow will tell me more, but my first impression is very positive.

Here it is in my driveway:

[Rincewind]

I read the same review and didn't like the buzziness comments either, though it's possible that was a very new engine not bedded-in yet.  Does the buzziness get less over time I wonder? 

What did they mean about the valves not having set check intervals?  The article said that they were instead monitored via computer.  I wonder what that translates to in the real world?  That sounds like it might reduce maintenance.

[miles]

THe demo bike I'm borrowing had 911 miles on the ODO when I left the dealership.  I will probably add 700 to that tomorrow.  

Sure, you can feel that it is vibrating, but it really isn't what I would call buzzy.

[Rincewind]

Your pic is not loading for me.  Have a good ride tomorrow.

[GRN]

OK, with an open mind I picked it back up a started where I left off... next sentence read: "On the dyno... bumpy hp and torque curves... pronounced dips between 4-6000 rpm". Had to put it back down. Tiger 800 just keeps looking better, and better...

[DogBoy]

Would like to hear more. There was a lot to like about F800ST I rented. I had a good time with engine and I really liked was generous cornering clearance. Not sure if the peg position on ST is the same as the R. Anyone know?

[miles]

I'm not sure if the pegs are in the same position on the two bikes, but the R's pegs are really high.  YOu should be able to drag your elbows before the pegs touch down.

[miles]

Your pic is not loading for me.  Have a good ride tomorrow.

Well, look at the picture at the top of this thread.  It's the very same bike in the very same driveway.  Kevin had better light when he took his photo, though.

[kevin_stevens]

Well, look at the picture at the top of this thread.  It's the very same bike in the very same driveway.  Kevin had better light skill when he took his photo, though.

FTFY.  I can't see your picture either, btw.  You must have gotten the white bike and cleaned your driveway.  

KeS

[GTS_Rider]

FTFY.  I can't see your picture either, btw.  You must have gotten the white bike and cleaned your driveway.  

KeS

I think his link might work if you bring your laptop over to his house and plug into his lan: http://192.168.1.101/~milestodd/IMG_0039.jpg  

[kevin_stevens]

I think his link might work if you bring your laptop over to his house and plug into his lan: http://192.168.1.101/~milestodd/IMG_0039.jpg  

Ah!  Well, I don't have to plug in, I set up his house for wireless just last week!  Now what was that password...  ah yes, "default".  

KeS

[miles]

Ah!  Well, I don't have to plug in, I set up his house for wireless just last week!  Now what was that password...  ah yes, "default".  

KeS

By the way, the network printer isn't working any more, either.

[kevin_stevens]

 

KeS

[miles]

Yep.

[miles]

OK.  While it's still fresh in my mind, here's my review.

First, the data:  715 miles, about 50% slab and 50% twisties.  46 mpg average, 56mph hour average.  A little over 14 hours out and about.

What I like about the bike

It is actually quite smooth.  The buzziest it gets is between 5k and 6k RPM, and even in that range isn't bad at all.  I've ridden a whole lot of other bikes that were nowhere near as smooth as this.  Seriously.  The airbox cover (the thing that would be the tank on most bikes) vibrates the most of any part on the bike, but if your knees (or your crotch) aren't up against it the vibes are a total non-issue.

The fuelling is really very good.  If a magazine says there are dips in the power curve, that's only noticeable on a dyno.  Out on the road, the power feels smooth, even, and very progressive.  Of course, there isn't a lot of power, but there's enough to get going.  On today's group ride the lack of ponies didn't keep me at the back.  Not at all.

The bike feels amazingly light.  Really, really light.  You'd never guess it weighs over 400 pounds.

The saddle is very good.  After all day, I still had no complaints at all in the backside.

The steering is stellar.  You can steer it in between individual rocks in a patch of gravel on the road, it's so precise.  Well, maybe that's an exaggeration, but it sure feels that way.  It's really confidence inspiring.

The headlight is great.  Plenty of nice, even bright light.

The aluminum bulge bars are a nice touch.  They look good, and if the bend doesn't agree with you (and it doesn't with me) you could swap them out for any number of quality aftermarket bars- Renthals, Pro Tapers, whatever.


What makes no difference to me, but may to others

The fuel tank is in an odd location, under the seat.  The gas cap is on the right side of the tail section, which means if you have a tank bag it can stay on while filling.  It's also not going to get covered by any other luggage, and that's pretty sweet... But it means that gas cap ring mount tank bags (Bag Connection and the like) simply won't work on this bike at all.  The airbox cover is plastic, so magnetic tank bags are also out of the question unless you epoxy corresponding magnets to the inside of the cover (just a thought).

The gauges are a mixed bag.  The speedo has a lot of little numbers close together, and is a bit hard to read.  The tach is fine, though the backlighting at night looks a bit cheesy.  The digital info panel, on the other hand, is great.  Air temp, average speed, average and instant fuel consumption, two trip ODOs, an apparently accurate fuel gauge, and some other stuff I'm forgetting.  A left hand thumb button scrolls through the displays, and it's all very legible and clearly laid out.

The saddle is very, very low.  This would be a great bike for the inseam challenged among us.  I have long legs, so for me it was of no benefit but for the shorties in the crowd, take a look at this bike.  The two ladies on today's ride both tried it out, and both could easily get both feet on the ground.



Things about it I just don't understand

Why is the urine cup for the front brake rubber mounted and counterbalanced?  Why is the tail light rubber mounted?  The bike just doesn't vibrate much at all, so why bother?

Why is the fly screen black ABS plastic instead of paint matched?  It would look much better in painted trim.


What I didn't like, but could live with

The sound.  It doesn't sound bad, really, but it doesn't sound any too good, either.  The muffler is very nicely made and looks good, but my old XS650 (also a parallel twin) had a much better sound to it.


What I would have to change if I owned this bike

The suspension is way, way too soft for me.  The spring rates seemed close enough, but the damping was very minimal.  I would throw the shock away and replace it with something better, and I'd figure out what supersport fork would fit and install that.  The bike steers amazingly well, but its handling is let down by the lack of stability because the suspension just doesn't settle down very well at all.  Improving the suspension would make this bike a true gem in the twisties. 

I'd have to change the exhaust.  Not so much to get better sound, but to ditch the midpipe that intrudes on my left heel.  That has to go.

Most importantly of all, I would hacksaw off those fucking passenger peg hangers.  In fact, those hangers are bad enough that I would seriously consider NOT buying this bike because of them (if I were in the market and thinking about this bike).  I am a balls-of-the-foot-on-the-pegs type of rider, and the midpipe and rear peg hangers were forcing me to ride pigeon-toed.  In fact a number of times my feet came off the outside peg while hanging off in turns because of these craptastic obstructions.  Of course, hacksawing them off (they are welded to the subframe) would mean no passenger accomodations...



In summary
I liked the bike.  It is good looking, clearly well made, and gives off a quality feel.  It's fun to ride, smooth and controllable.  It feels like your willing friend, and would make a great bike for the right person.  It can be fast enough to rail backroads, but never intimidating.  A few fixes could make this a great bike, but some riders may never feel the need to change anything.

But those rear pegs must die.

[miles]

A picture from today's ride:

[DogBoy]

Nice write-up Miles. Thanks.  

[kevin_stevens]

Comments that Miles' post has reminded me of, from my much shorter overnight demo:

>  Agree about the precise steering.  This bike steers better when leaned over than just about anything I've ridden.

>  Fueling.  I didn't find it as smooth as Miles.  It seemed to have different surges and flat spots depending on how much throttle you were using.  Of course it only had 310 miles on it when I got it.  

>  Agree about the left heel intrusion of the exhaust - and I typically do not have "bigfoot" issues with bikes.  There's a guard over that, so we're not the only ones.

>  The low seat and high pegs mean my legs are more folded up on this bike than on the S1000RR.  Wasn't bad on around town, but I could see it being a sticking point.  Seat height is no issue for me, so I'd be looking to see if there's a factory high seat.  This was also an issue for me with the other F800s.  Oh, and the seat kept pushing me forward, a pet peeve.

>  Suspension to me would be the deal killer on this bike.  It's just definitely "C" level, with minimal adjustability, so you're going to have to go into the forks/shock multiple times to get it right.  And I suspect that low ride height means there's not much travel in the rear, too.

>  Agree that the instrument info is well done (again noted on other F800s as well).

>  The passenger peg hangers didn't get in my way (again, just rode around town), but I was disappointed that they can't be unbolted.  I mentioned this to the sales guy and he pointed out that almost all the BMW brackets are welded, except for the S and K bikes.  Weird.

>  There's a white fly screen, luggage,  and some other farkles available now from BMW, got an email flyer earlier this week.

KeS

[Rincewind]

Very informative write up - thanks for the detailed impressions.  It sounds to me like a great bike in many regards.

[miles]

Very informative write up - thanks for the detailed impressions.  It sounds to me like a great bike in many regards.

It is a good bike, and with a few modifications could be a truly stellar bike.

[viffergyrl]

As one of the ladies on the ride mentioned above I am just under 5' 5" but blest with a 31 inch inseam (and cursed with a short torso). I can flat-foot this bike (no mods to the boots). It's narrow and the short airbox makes the reach to the handle bars comfortable. I did not ride the bike however. The other lady (Mrs. BMW-K) is more height-challenged than I am but she could get the balls of her feet on the ground (just not the heels). I don't know if this would help those of "poofstature" size, but it is a BMW and available for demo rides.... Jes sayin'. The price is the major stopping point for me; I've yet to buy a bike brand new. It's just good to see really nice bikes available for the 5' 6" and under crowd.    

[wiseguy]

 But it means that gas cap ring mount tank bags (Bag Connection and the like) simply won't work on this bike at all.  The airbox cover is plastic....

Actually it can be done. Here is a link to an thread on R1150R.org forum...

The thread is under Topics Index / F800 R, S, ST, GS / Modifications to my ST -- Page 2. Sorry could not find the direct link to the thread.
 

[sagerat]

A picture from today's ride:

That mustachioed gent on the left looks like Howard Schallenberger, the former University of Miami and later Louisville football coach.  

On topic, enjoyable write-up.  Being 6'1" I don't think there would ever be one in my future, plus I admit I'm one of those sticks-in-the-mud who only takes his Beemers with boxers.  

[Rincewind]

I was finally able to have a look at a F800R at the dealer.  I really liked the handlebar position.  Overall style is very modern though a touch too plasticy to me.  Didn't much care for the overly huge flyscreen.  Seemed like it could be a lot of fun, but re-reading some of these comments, I'm concerned the suspension would be too soft for me.  At this price level I would expect better suspension. 

Honestly I am more attracted to the F650GS or F800GS for the style and greater versatility.  But the suspension on the F800GS seemed very soft and pogo-like, making me wonder how well it can hold the road.  The F650GS seemed like the perfect compromise.

[ferenc]

OK.  While it's still fresh in my mind, here's my review.

First, the data:  715 miles, about 50% slab and 50% twisties.  46 mpg average, 56mph hour average.  A little over 14 hours out and about.

What makes no difference to me, but may to others

The saddle is very, very low.  ..

What I would have to change if I owned this bike

The suspension is way, way too soft for me.  The spring rates seemed close enough, but the damping was very minimal.  I would throw the shock away and replace it with something better, and I'd figure out what supersport fork would fit and install that.  The bike steers amazingly well, but its handling is let down by the lack of stability because the suspension just doesn't settle down very well at all.  Improving the suspension would make this bike a true gem in the twisties. 

so, i re-read your post - very helpful.  the two things above are a major concern, form sure.

was the seat a special 'low' seat?

on the suspension - the bike you rode, was it the front or the rear that was too soft?  i know it can be hard to tell.  the rear does have preload and dampening adjustments, no?

lurking for a bike,
ferenc

[miles]

It was the standard seat. I would have imagine that if they offer a low seat version I'd be looking up at my knees while riding it.

The fork was too soft. The rear shock exhibited anlot of acceleration squat, but mainly it was the fork that needed a lot of help. Presumably a spring change and some fussing with the calving would set things right.

In general, I really liked the bike. I would have to make some changes if I were to own one, though. Improving the suspension would make the bike an incredible peg scratcher.

[ferenc]

It was the standard seat. I would have imagine that if they offer a low seat version I'd be looking up at my knees while riding it.

The fork was too soft. The rear shock exhibited anlot of acceleration squat, but mainly it was the fork that needed a lot of help. Presumably a spring change and some fussing with the calving would set things right.

In general, I really liked the bike. I would have to make some changes if I were to own one, though. Improving the suspension would make the bike an incredible peg scratcher.

thanks - it's what i feared.  all the bmw bikes i've been on have a soft suspension.  not sure if it's worth the premium price atop the upgrades/mods it needs ($2k?),
ferenc
ps  i'm 180lbs.

[miles]

I'd ride one before making that determination.  It's a great little bike.

Personally, I prefer suspension to be firmer than most folks like, so you may find it acceptable.  Again, I'd recommend taking one out for a day to see if it'll work for you.

[cbsnbiker]

The fork was too soft. The rear shock exhibited anlot of acceleration squat, but mainly it was the fork that needed a lot of help. Presumably a spring change and some fussing with the calving would set things right.

Calving?



Is it a Gummikuh?  

[miles]

The joy of iphone's autocorrect. It didn't like valving.  

[cbsnbiker]

It gave me an opportunity to use the word "Gummikuh."  

[ferenc]

It gave me an opportunity to use the word "Gummikuh."  

hmmm, not familiar with the term ....
gummi - as in chewing gum
kuh - as in cow????

are you referring to chewing/nibbling on some D-cup valving?

enjoy,
ferenc

[viffergyrl]

Well if you use the Internet like I do...  

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gummikuh

[cbsnbiker]

hmmm, not familiar with the term ....
gummi - as in chewing gum
kuh - as in cow????

are you referring to chewing/nibbling on some D-cup valving?

enjoy,
ferenc

Gummikuh = "rubber cow"

It's a nickname for vintage BMWs. They were known for having frames that flexed in corners, giving them somewhat rubbery handling, so got the nickname Gummikuh.

[ferenc]

Gummikuh = "rubber cow"

It's a nickname for vintage BMWs. They were known for having frames that flexed in corners, giving them somewhat rubbery handling, so got the nickname Gummikuh.

thanks - speaking of farms, i often did think of my f650 as being a fine piece of german farm machinery!
D-cup valving sounds more interesting, though!
ferenc

[Rescue1]

I had a chance to ride the demo F8R and like it,did two days thing since my K12R was on the bench witch give me more time to get to know the bike.
Riding solo I did change the suspension settings a bit but for 2 up I need to go with all preload on the rear shock.
Much less power then K12r but still fun.Urban riding is where this bike shine the best for me.


Ride safe.

[ferenc]

i totally agree with you on the urban part.

the adjustable rear suspension is somewhat limited by trying to balance it with the softer front suspension.  it took some tweaking, but i will have to stiffen up the front some for my taste.  i just don't want to be an early xtian and get the best lions ...

ferenc

[cbsnbiker]

I was at the local shop earlier today, and saw at least one F800R on the floor.

Hmmm, if they have a demo, maybe I'll have to take it for a spin next time I go back.