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- Parallel twin, 798 cm3, 48 hp at 6,750 rpm, 69 Nm at 3,500 rpm, 214 kilos, from € 11,000
- A small efficient and versatile truck accessible to young drivers
- Discovery
- In the saddle
- Engine and transmission
- In the city
- On motorways and main roads
- On departmental
- Part-cycle
- Brakes
- Comfort and duo
- Consumption & autonomy
- Conclusion
Parallel twin, 798 cm3, 48 hp at 6,750 rpm, 69 Nm at 3,500 rpm, 214 kilos, from € 11,000
A small efficient and versatile truck accessible to young drivers
For 2017, BMW upgraded its F 800 range via Euro 4 standards and makes it accessible again for A2 licenses.. The opportunity to put this model back in the spotlight a bit (remember that it first appeared in the form of the F 800 S and F 800 ST, already in 2006). In fact, the F 800 GT, which complements the recently renewed F 800 R, has evolved in detail for 2017 and this was its first real evolution since the appearance of this model in 2013.
Oh, these modifications are quite light: new exhaust silencer and redesigned dashboard (a little bit) help to distinguish the novelty, as does a small monogram embossed on the top of the fairing. On the other hand, the best is hidden inside: the F 800 GT now has an electronic ride-by-wire accelerator, which allows it to have several driving modes: Rain, Road and Dynamic. Likewise, the ESA is renewed on this model..
Euro 4 having quite refined the ranges of the manufacturers, we do not see many competitors to this bike, except by a Honda VFR 800, of identical displacement, but sportier in its definition. In fact, the biker looking for an average displacement road, easy, versatile and economical in use could well be confronted with the lack of alternative..
Discovery
Despite its classic and proven line, the F 800 GT has not gotten too old. Available on this 2017 vintage in blue (a shade that requires an additional 100 €), in black / gray (for an additional 250 €) or in white (free color!) Of this test model, it still presents good. The finish is quite correct. The pretty rim well cleared by the single-sided arm on the left side, the chrome exhaust, the generous saddle and the large luggage carrier all combine to give an impression of an efficient and well-built machine. The template is perfect, neither too puny nor too coated, which gives the impression that this machine is not looking for the fuss, but seems destined to meet the needs of real life. The icing on the cake: the belt transmission, a guarantee of silence and reduced maintenance.
The "new" dashboard is really a detail, since it is in the small digital window that the hierarchy of information has been modified. However, it remains readable and complete, with the gear indicator engaged, a fuel gauge and a lot of other information (tire pressure, clock, average consumption, exterior temperature, engine temperature, etc.). An "info" button on the left stalk allows you to navigate in this information.
Obviously, some of the equipment is optional. Thus, for € 480, the "comfort pack" offers a central stand, the on-board computer, heated grips and case racks, while for € 740, the "safety pack" offers traction control, ESA, pro riding mode (and therefore Dynamic mode in addition to Road and Rain), as well as the tire pressure sensor system. There may also be individual options, such as the white LED indicators (105 €), or the comfort seat (100 €) and the anti-theft alarm (225 €). 48 horsepower clamping is free, so take advantage of it, even if you don’t need it !
In the saddle
At 800 mm in the original configuration (845 and 765 mm saddles are also possible), the F 800 GT is easy to access, a facility reinforced by a relatively compact template. In short, once in the saddle, you immediately feel very good on board, thanks to a natural driving position: this is a real quality that will go straight to the heart of the new A2 licenses..
Then, we are faced with a dashboard a little dated in its appearance, but very readable. The engine maps are managed by a button on the right stalk ("mode", above the starter), the suspension is adjusted by a button on the left stalk. That very easy things, in short.
Engine and transmission
Even if it has been profoundly modified on the versions of the 2018 vintage (the new F 750 GS and F 850 GS), in particular with a new timing, this engine block designed by Rotax has changed little since its appearance in 2006. While it developed 85 horsepower at its launch, it now makes 90, obtained at 8000 rpm, with a torque of 86 Nm at 5000 rpm.
On this A2 version, the power is necessarily reduced: 48 hp at 6750 rpm, while the torque is now 69 Nm, which is not that bad, especially since the speed of obtaining has come down to 3500 rpm.
The gearbox is 6-speed and since this is a basic motorcycle, we obviously don’t have a shifter or other treats..
In the city
This is a place where the F 800 GT flourishes, except that the mirrors are exactly at the level of those of the cars. However, its great compactness makes it easy to operate in the interface. Otherwise, contained template, controlled weight, very correct turning radius and good agility make it a machine that is very easy to operate in this environment..
The engine has, surprisingly, the character of a long-stroke twin-cylinder, with a good extension from the lowest revs, which means that we tend to stay in third on the boulevards, like at 2,500 rpm, for stay at 50 km / h.
Suddenly, the reduced power of the A2 version is in no way a handicap. The soft and easy to dose controls complete a very beautiful picture. If you freak out a bit, put the "rain" mode, but the difference on this restricted version is really small…
On motorways and main roads
You can go far and well with an A2 motorcycle and this F 800 GT clearly proves it. Admittedly, the bubble could rise even a little higher, because on a large pilot (especially by the size: 188 cm for yours truly) it tends to protect the top of the bust, the shoulders and a little the base of the helmet, but not the top. On the other hand, the legs are well protected, as are the arms and forearms, while the optional heated grips are a real plus..
Thoroughly, despite the limited power, it is able to take a good 170 km / h counter to a little over 6000 rpm. The good news is that no matter how young you are, getaways on German highways are possible. On the other hand, if you stay in France, the legal 130 km / h is easily held, just around 5,000 rpm (at 4,750 rpm, in fact). The stability is impeccable, the saddle and suspensions are comfortable. What more ? 100 balls and a Mars ?
Note that the tank is on the rear right side, which can accommodate a tank bag without ever being bothered when refueling. Side bags are also provided in the BMW catalog to confirm the road vocation of this machine..
On departmental
Here too, the great agility and great neutrality of this machine are still assets. Here is a motorcycle which does not require any particular instructions for use, which allows itself to be driven in a totally instinctive way, without surprises. Here too, it is invaluable for the young permits who will set their sights on this machine..
The engine remains appreciable, especially at a pace of ride, because between the feeling of lengthening and the maximum torque available very low, the F 800 GT can be led very easily. On the other hand, higher in the towers, it manifests its disapproval by vibrations at high speed (from 5500 rpm, they become really sensitive), as well as a certain inertia to fetch revs above 6000 , when the effect of the clamping is really felt.
Otherwise, in ride mode, the F 800 GT spins at 90 km / h at 3200 rpm in sixth and at this rate, you will beat fuel consumption records..
Part-cycle
Only classic here: the 43mm fork isn’t adjustable, but it gets the job done right. ESA takes care of the suspension adjustment in several modes (comfort, normal or sport), knowing that the preload can be adjusted via a dial on the right side. The differences are noticeable without being either radical from one mode to another and even in "sport", the GT is always very frequentable..
The tire dimensions allow a wide range of rubber, from the most road to the most sporty, according to the expectations of the driver (120/70 x 17 in front, 180/55 x 17 behind), knowing that a versatile assembly will suit this bike better..
Brakes
The dual 320mm disc at the front is content with conventional four-piston calipers and the system is rounded off by a 265mm disc at the rear. The device would give complete satisfaction by its precise dosage, its not too violent attack, supplemented by a correct power as soon as one pulls more forcefully on the lever. But here it is: the ABS, which is not the latest generation, remains quite sensitive, even more at the rear than at the front. Some reactions can then be felt on bumps.
Comfort and duo
A point where the BMW fares well from the game, between the conciliatory suspensions, the well-designed saddle, the very natural driving position. The passenger also has large grab handles and a wide saddle. That’s good, therefore, except that, as we have already said, the bubble does not completely protect.
Consumption & autonomy
And a new good point for this BMW, with a sobriety of good quality, because it is largely possible to consume between 4 and 4.5 l / 100, which leaves more than 300 kilometers of autonomy despite the tank not containing ‘" than "15 liters. By "pulling in" or by doing a lot of town, consumption can then climb to 5.5 l / 100, which does not remain disproportionate either..
The filling is done on the right side, which is very easy, even if the motorcycle is on the side stand. The fuel gauge seems very precise and there is a little more than 3 liters left when going into reserve.
Conclusion
It has qualities, this BMW F 800 GT. In particular to be almost the last representative of a genre in disappearance, that of the road of medium displacement, efficient, versatile and above all, very easy to handle. In fact, it is perfectly suited, with its clamping, to A2 customers, because the good torque of the engine and the copious extension that one feels from the lowest speeds makes you forget, in most cases and in the context of ‘a rather peaceful behavior, that we are dealing with a restricted version.
Of course, the price is not necessarily that of an entry-level or that we devote to a first motorcycle. But the F 800 GT then compensates with reduced running costs, thanks to its belt and its absolutely remarkable fuel economy..
Strong points
- Ease of handling
- Obvious chassis
- Torque motor even in A2
- Almost unique proposition on the market
- Belt
- Sobriety
- Technology (ESA, driving modes)
- Equipment (heated grips, on-board computer, etc.)
Weak points
- Sensitive ABS especially at the rear
- Sensitive vibrations above 5500 rpm
- Bubble that could protect a little more
The technical sheet of the BMW F 800 GT
Test conditions
- Itinerary: one week of daily use in Ile de France and a walk on the edge of the Vexin
- Motorcycle mileage: 3.900 km
- Problem encountered: none
The competition: Honda VFR 800, possibly (and said without much conviction)
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