BMW F800GT - new 2013 model

[Rincewind]

BMW revealed a new model, the F800GT, with revised fairing design and different panniers compared to the F800ST.  Does this model replace the F800ST? The spec sheets show a claimed 5hp increase in power and standard ABS, with most other specs being identical to the F800ST.  

http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/us/en/bike/tour/2012/f800gt/f800gt_overview.html



More pics @ http://www.motoblog.it/galleria/bmw-f-800-gt-2013/1

[Bryan217]

I was never a big fan of the ST, but I like this GT. I wish they color matched the luggage though.

[expatbrit]

I was never a big fan of the ST, but I like this GT. I wish they color matched the luggage though.

I have to say, I've been singularly impressed with Heather's F800ST. The styling is a little anonymous, but the bike itself is really pretty impressive. The ergos are pretty decent (even for me, and admittedly on medium-to-short 3-400 mile days across West Texas and around Austin), the engine is pretty good and only the front suspension is a little soft. Not bad for that bike though.

Riding it, she returns some amazing  fuel economy numbers from an 80hp bike; better than I get on my 250WR on a regular basis. It's definitely the sleeper in that market place.

[Dan K]

Hmmmmm.....

- Dan

[ConPilot1]

If I had the cash, I'd just simply march down to the dealer and buy this. My friend has an F800ST which I got to ride for about 80 miles one day, the bike is phenomenal in all ways.
I couldn't find one thing about the motorcycle I didn't like.

This one looks even more delicious. I think BMW has a winner with this line. I was asking my buddy about his F800ST the other day about issues, and he said "NONE". Gas and oil and regular maintenance.

The belt drive system on the bike has been flawless, and generally it's a fine runner and a very nimble and peppy bike. I thought it handled like a dream and is a true lightweight powerhouse with
a great little engine.

I love the damn thing, and should I step into some cash someday this one is on the list.

[miles]

This is absolutely the lightweight sport-touring bike that so many on this board have been clamoring for.











Which means nobody will buy them.

[bubba zanetti]

Never ridden an F800ST ... that GT is quite appealing.

That is a nice looking bike. Be curious about maintenance intervals and did I once hear that the cam chain was a weak point on this engine ... and that you have to drop and split the cases to replace it?  

[R Doug]

This is absolutely the lightweight sport-touring bike that so many on this board have been clamoring for.



Which means nobody will buy them.

My thoughts exactly.  I tested the ST once and liked it better than my VFR.

 

It wasn't as powerful as the VFR but the parallel twin had a better torque curve.  The belt drive is nice for touring.  And, the ergos were better for me.  

[Hickey]

This is absolutely the lightweight sport-touring bike that so many on this board have been clamoring for.


Which means nobody will buy them.

I'm considering it. If I'm able to return to longer rides such as taking trips and if I can handle its engine vibrations. Otherwise for short, fast rides close to home I like my Street Triple.

[DrD]

This is absolutely the lightweight sport-touring bike that so many on this board have been clamoring for.











Which means nobody will buy them.

Unless they visit a dealership and go for a test ride.

Dot and I have been on two tours of some 10 days each.  We each rode a F800ST.  Her only complaint was the frame got hot.  My only complaint was the seat to pegs distance needed to be longer.  Other than that, the bikes were fine.  Enough power, easy handling, good balance.  I can't wait to give the F800GT a test ride.

[falconati]

Maybe I'm getting old, but that doesn't excite me as much as the thought of jumping on an RT  

[Hickey]

Maybe I'm getting old, but that doesn't excite me as much as the thought of jumping on an RT  

I hear ya. But there is a rather serious price difference there. I also like the new FJR, but having had one, the weight difference between it and the GT is nothing for me to scoff at. Around 500 pounds is much more manageable for me than about 650. Other than being an expensive little bugger, the new GT is about what I've wanted in a sport touring bike.

[MisterSmooth]

It might be the perfect streetbike--light, powerful, nimble, comes with hard luggage, even great on gas.


But it only comes in gray, white, and rust?  Is BMW's intention to make this bike as anonymous as possible?    How about a blue/alpine white version?  

[ConPilot1]

Maybe I'm getting old, but that doesn't excite me as much as the thought of jumping on an RT  

You like exotic lightweight powerhouses. I guarantee you'd love the F800ST or this new GT if you tried it. It's one of those bikes you think you're doing about 35, look
at your speedo and it's at 65. As nice as the RT's are, it seems as if it would be a pig compared to one of these little bikes. Handling is really amazing and
the brakes? Forget it. 1 finger stopping. I think my buddy said his weighed 420 pounds? It's not at all buzzy either, there are vibes as it is a twin, but
they are kind of soft and the engine just feels really, really good, with great throttle response and lots of low-mid power and torque.

Engine heat is also the only negative thing I've heard about it, seems to be a thing among most 800 class bike's nowadays from what I'm getting.

Give one a try if you get a chance without a doubt.

[Dan K]

I'm spoiled with a history of powerful bikes, so taking that into consideration, my buddy's F800GS feels a little slow to me - at least when riding with a bunch of Italian liter bikes...

The only issue for me would be power, which this bike has plenty of for real street riding.  It's just that there are times when the people I ride with go a little faster than usual, and while it's not out of my comfort zone, it sometimes requires a bit more than what this bike could likely offer.

Really like it though.  Could be a great commuter/tourer.

- Dan

[miles]

Here's my review of the F800R I got to spend a long day on a while back:
http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,60258.msg1392811.html#msg1392811

One thing I didn't mention in that review is that there were a few times that try as I might, I just couldn't keep up with some of the faster bikes on a few of the more sweepery back roads.  The bike simply didn't have an excess of power to accelerate from 70 to 100 with any alacrity.

That said, I was still going plenty fast, just not as fast as some.

[Dan K]

Here's my review of the F800R I got to spend a long day on a while back:
http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,60258.msg1392811.html#msg1392811

One thing I didn't mention in that review is that there were a few times that try as I might, I just couldn't keep up with some of the faster bikes on a few of the more sweepers back roads.  The bike simply didn't have an excess of power to accelerate from 70 to 100 with any alacrity.

That said, I was still going plenty fast, just not as fast as some.

That's exactly how I felt on the GS. I don't expect the 800GT to be appreciably faster.

[ConPilot1]

Mods, please delete this thread.

The bike is irrelevant to the needs of the triple-digit-sightseers here.

It just has no acceleration capabilities from 70-100 mph in corners.  

[miles]

That's exactly how I felt on the GS. I don't expect the 800GT to be appreciably faster.

Not much, no.  Fast enough for most people and most roads, but far from eyeball-flattening.

[UFO]

Mods, please delete this thread.

The bike is irrelevant to the needs of the triple-digit-sightseers here.

It just has no acceleration capabilities from 70-100 mph in corners.  

Oh no!  People ride bikes differently than ConPilot1!  People have different requirements for what they ride than ConPilot1!

I better delete this thread!  





No.