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.

[ConPilot1]

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

I better delete this thread!  





No.

I just LOVE how you illustrate my obvious sarcasm and little poke as fact and truth.

Duh.

[kendenton]

I've demo'd the ST a couple times and have liked it a lot.  I could ask for a smidge more legroom, but otherwise it's a great fit for me.

[ConPilot1]

I've demo'd the ST a couple times and have liked it a lot.  I could ask for a smidge more legroom, but otherwise it's a great fit for me.

Ergos were just about right for me, a short little fucker at about 5-8, 5-9 on a good day.

[UFO]

I just LOVE how you illustrate my obvious sarcasm and little poke as fact and truth.

Duh.

   Seriously, I doubt ANYONE here can discern sarcasm from true persona when it comes to your posts.  Maybe it is your true persona...yes?

[Royal Tiger]

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?  

I agree. Where's blue and yellow versions?  Maybe even a bright red?

[maddjack]

I am liking this machine a lot. It may make me open the wallet.I just jave to decide which of the current machines to evict out of the garage to make room and some cash.

[BACKMARKER]

So anyone know the $$$$ yet??   Love the white color....

[greench440]

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?  

That's two more colors than your average Japanese model offers.  

[viffergyrl]

Hmmmmmm.....

[three west]

perhaps a viable replacement for my K12GT (not that I'm looking to replace it) since the K16 gives me the impression its trying to be a 'wing.

[jeepinbanditrider]

I have an 800ST but I'm short so it fits me good (5' 8") the GT just seems EVERY so slightly modified it seems silly to call it by a different designation.  

[BlueRidgeKat]

Damn I'm really behind the times. Had not even heard of this new GT though its not really alot different than the ST. Loved the ST I checked out a couple of years ago but ended up going Triumph instead. As someone else said.... the white is awesome.

White version:
http://blog.motorcycle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/111312-2013-bmw-f800gt-21.jpg    

[sharkey]

Wow, It looks like BMW did something right for the mid size sport tourer.  I just bought a 04 ZZR600 so I'll keep it for at least a year or 2 and maybe find one of these at the end of a model year.

I really wanted to like the F800ST but the 2 test rides really didn't impress me.  The windshield was terrible but that was easily fixed.  I thought the fabric bags were terrible and that was an expensive fix.  A buddy has one and has had some issues with his - not good to buy one from a dealer and then have it leave you stranded on the way home.    

This GT seems to fix the problems I described and hopefully time will tell about the reliability.  The weight was nice on the ST though and it was flickable for a lightweight like myself.  The ergos on the ST were ok but I'm only 5'4.
 

[Royal Tiger]

Sharky, according to bikez.com your Suzuki scooter has 55hp and weighs 613 lbs.  I would think just about any bike would feel light and flickable after that.  Since you are only 5' 4", the key thing to look for is seat heights as well as general ergonomics.  You can obviously handle the weight of something much larger.  Hopefully the GT works out for you, but if not you should be able to find something.  I'm already impressed with you being able to cope with the Burgman at your size.  Good job!  

[DrD]

Dot preordered a F800GT today.  I'll pass along her first impressions in March.

[viffergyrl]

Dot preordered a F800GT today.  I'll pass along her first impressions in March.

Excellent!  

[R Doug]

Dot preordered a F800GT today.  I'll pass along her first impressions in March.

Congrats!

I was thinking about the new F800 today when I stopped by my local dealer and saw these two gems.

http://www.carolinaeuro.com/used_bike_details.php?id=192

http://www.carolinaeuro.com/used_bike_details.php?id=195

[Royal Tiger]

Dot preordered a F800GT today.  I'll pass along her first impressions in March.

Awesome!!!

[Royal Tiger]

Congrats!

I was thinking about the new F800 today when I stopped by my local dealer and saw these two gems.

http://www.carolinaeuro.com/used_bike_details.php?id=192

http://www.carolinaeuro.com/used_bike_details.php?id=195

Love the second one.  It looks great in dark blue.

[Commando850]

Is the engine made in China?

[DrD]

Is the engine made in China?

Nope!

[jeepinbanditrider]

Is the engine made in China?

I thought the Beemer Rotaxes were assembled in Thailand or something.  The parts were shipped from Austria and assembled there.

[Hickey]

I thought the Beemer Rotaxes were assembled in Thailand or something.  The parts were shipped from Austria and assembled there.

Isn't that the single cylinder bikes?

[Neub]

I know Kymco (years ago was a Honda subsidiary) in Taiwan makes some engines for BMW Motorrad.  Kymco stated with the 450 single and then got the contract for the 650 scooter engine. According to the orginal press release on the 800 line the engine was going to be produced in an Austrian Rotax plant.

[BlueRidgeKat]

Congrats!

I was thinking about the new F800 today when I stopped by my local dealer and saw these two gems.

http://www.carolinaeuro.com/used_bike_details.php?id=192

http://www.carolinaeuro.com/used_bike_details.php?id=195

Amazing that these are 07's and have no more miles than that!! No, actually its sad that someone bought these new and didn't use these fine machines any more than what they did.

[Dan K]

Love those belt drives.  Would need to take a test ride but on paper, I really like these bikes.
- Dan

[ConPilot1]

Amazing that these are 07's and have no more miles than that!! No, actually its sad that someone bought these new and didn't use these fine machines any more than what they did.

Iff'n I had some dough to play with, I'd probably be headed down there to grab one of those at that price. I think they were like 13-14K brand new.
They're great little bikes. My buddy and his wife LOVE theirs.

[DrD]

Pricing has been released.  F800GT with premium package (traction control, ESA, etc.) will go for $13,685.  

[MCRyder]

After owning 4 Beemers in the past (2 K75's, K1100RS, R100RT),the GT is the first one to grab my attention in many years.  But I wish BMW would've added an extra gallon of capacity to the fuel tank.

[expatbrit]

If its owt like the ST, the fuel economy will be good enough it doesn't need the extra petrol. Heathers is phenomenal.

[jeepinbanditrider]

I averaged 67 MPG in the mountains one time.  In the local area I average between 50 and 54.  

[mugwump58]

[expatbrit]

I averaged 67 MPG in the mountains one time.  In the local area I average between 50 and 54.

I think the girl gets 60 or 70 on average overall. Not much in town, and we at altitude. Mileage plummeted in CA last summer, but still as good as or better than my WR250X (!)

[jeepinbanditrider]

I'm just under 1000 feet ASL where I'm at so it's probably not running as lean as I was up in the mtns.  Still I'm pretty dang happy with 50-55mpg commuting back and forth to work and traveling the local area.

[expatbrit]

I'm just under 1000 feet ASL where I'm at so it's probably not running as lean as I was up in the mtns.  Still I'm pretty dang happy with 50-55mpg commuting back and forth to work and traveling the local area.

No doubt.

BMW with their anti-knock sensors and engine tuning really do have the game /right/. Even my friend's K1300S returned some amazing numbers if he didn't whale on it.

[DrD]

I rode Dot's F800GT home last weekend and yesterday she was able to take it out.  We both like it!  Nice ergos, good wind protection, the motor pulls well (though keeping it under 5k RPM until 1st service) and the handling is nimble.  The forks are a bit soft for me, but fine for Dot's weight.

[Stripes]

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

+1 to the T!

[Trekker]

Sat on the orange version at the local dealer the other day.... nice ergos. Would be a great all around bike, seems a little pricey.

[Roadscum]

Sat on the orange version at the local dealer the other day.... nice ergos. Would be a great all around bike, seems a little pricey.

Yes, a bit pricey........ BMW = Bring More Wallet.  

Regards, Paul

[Motozeke]

I just got back from test riding a F800GT, a contemplated replacement for the VFR as a longer range tourer (I'm keeping the VFR regardless). I was instantly impressed with how wieldy the bike is; very light on its feet, super light clutch pull, light throttle spring. Steers very nicely at low speed. Very narrow at the waist.

But...

...that engine. Sounds raspy and threatening at idle, but get on it and it just turns thrashy and unpleasant. And then the vibes come in, and you just want to shift, but at 70 mph you're already in 6th and the vibes only go up from there.

I suspect some of these are just personal preferences, of course. I would say that anybody who has bought a F800 and loves it has made a great choice; it's hard to imagine a more accessible platform for serious touring, especially for shorter men and for women.

Climbing back on my VFR, I remembered what it is I love about it: grunty torque and howling high end, sporty but comfortable ergos, and steady Freddy at high speeds. A sharp handler in the twisties. Live me some VFR!

[DrD]

 

I don't find the engine noise unpleasant.  Doesn't sound as nice as my S1000RR, but.....  

We agree about the handling.  I took the bike out yesterday and it is fun to ride.

[ConPilot1]

I still say its the nicest little bike Ive ever ridden. I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

Sent from my SCH-S720C using Tapatalk 2

[Dan K]

Don't know that I'd use Torque in a complimentary fashion in the same sentence as VFR, but I do like me some VFR.

I've ridden the F800GS a bunch of times and its engine is a bit lacking, but I was trying to keep up with a bunch of guys on a Ducati 1098R, K1300S, and an Aprilia Tuono...

- Dan

[sharkey]

Sharky, according to bikez.com your Suzuki scooter has 55hp and weighs 613 lbs.  I would think just about any bike would feel light and flickable after that.  Since you are only 5' 4", the key thing to look for is seat heights as well as general ergonomics.  You can obviously handle the weight of something much larger.  Hopefully the GT works out for you, but if not you should be able to find something.  I'm already impressed with you being able to cope with the Burgman at your size.  Good job!  

Oops,  I sold the Burgman awhile ago.  It was a nice ride though with enough zip.  Put about 17K miles on 3 of them with 0 issues.  It was a pig but the weight sits low so it is a non issue.  I'm liking the GT so maybe in a year or two I might pick one up.

[DrD]

BMW always manages to improve the engineering on their models, then do odd things.

The F800GT has the valve stems sticking out sideways from the wheel.  Very easy to check!  

On the front wheel, the valve stem sticks out on the right hand side.  On the rear wheel, the valve stem sticks out on the left hand side.  

Maybe the next model will have the valve stems on the same side.

[KodiakRS]

BMW: It may be aimed at geriatrics but that doesn't mean you can't ride it like an ass  

[Jetpilot5]

Short first ride report on Motorcyclist website.

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/firstrides/122_1308_2013_bmw_f800gt/

[Condor]

My wife bought a F800ST new in 07. She liked it a lot and so did I. She took the new 800GT out for a test ride and said she liked "it ten times better than the ST".  I thought that was a bit much so I took it out too. I had to agree. It seems that the bars are a little higher and the foot pegs slightly lower. The swing arm is slightly longer and the mirror stalks are longer so you can see something other than your shoulder. The power curve seems a little better but not taking a new engine over 5k doesn't tell you a lot. Just looking at the stats doesn't indicate how different this bike is compared to the ST.

The bike corners very well. Washboard, pavement cracks, etc. don't faze it. It just stays planted. The bags are bigger than the ST's. The ESC (electronic suspension) is nice but unnecessary for her.

She bought it last week. Since she travels a lot for work, I had to help break it in. I really like it. So I bought one too. (Kept the GS though).