BMW F 800 R motorcycle test

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Fun is essential !

Inaugurated with the 800 S and ST in 2006, the F800 series joined a trail in 2008 (F800 GS) and this naked 800R roadster in 2009, still powered by the parallel twin. Dedicated to attracting a young clientele eager to evolve on a playful machine with a strong personality, the F 800 R is entering the highly competitive sector of non-faired midsize road cars.

BMW F800R

Discovery

This machine uses certain stylistic codes of the K series, in particular the angular lines and the unique BMW headlight. It is the urban spirit that speaks. Nicely curved, the false tank, unfortunately all plastic, adorns its sides with taut lines extended by two good-sized scoops bearing the propeller badge. The 800 cm3 vertical twin is part of a respectable double beam aluminum frame. If the appearance of the engine is rewarding in its black livery, the terminals and electrical wires, sometimes clearly visible, surprise the eye. Just like the imposing silencer more typical trail, hardly in connection with the style K or the realization of the passenger footrests, rather basic. The quality of the materials is good, but not that of the design on these few points. Significant details on the other hand, protective lugs protect the left feet of the rider and passenger from the heat of the exhaust line.

BMW F800R rear left

Much more attractive, the rear loop receives, on its right side, the orifice of the real 16-liter tank (including 4 reserve), housed under a saddle that is as welcoming above as it is chick in place below. Necessarily. Ditto for the "tool kit" of which here is the exhaustive list: a spanner, an Allen key and a screwdriver … hung under the seat.

BMW F800R rear right

The centering of the masses is done to the detriment of practical aspects. Why didn’t BMW put a trunk in the fake canister?

Embellished with a windshield and optional LED indicators, the optics dominate a classic 43mm fork, devoid of adjustments. The shock absorber, on the other hand, offers adjustable preload and rebound. Its orange color and lateral position nicely contrast with the very classic black and white livery of the whole. The braking is entrusted to the good care of Brembo via calipers 4 pistons at the front but single-piston at the rear. The impeccably finished aluminum swingarm and the superb split-spoke 5-spoke rims complete a generally good aesthetic performance..

BMW F800R rear right

In the saddle

As standard at 800 mm from the ground, the propeller brand offers 2 optional saddle heights: 775 mm for the smallest and 825 mm for the long legs … Or those whose bending requested by the F 800 R would be too much wearing out in the long run. Indeed, the footrests are high placed and this last possibility will make long journeys more pleasant. Well wedged against the ergonomic backrest which will also block the passenger, the pilot’s knees are very comfortable on this very thin motorcycle. The BMW roadster promises to be made for adults as it is spacious.

The accompanying person will confirm this observation by appreciating a comfortable seat and a fairly upright position. In addition, his legs will be much better housed! Two large grab handles and a prominent reservoir, ideal for support, will convince the most reluctant. It is undoubtedly the most pleasant model for the duo in the segment.

Speedometer BMW F800R

Barely resting on a large variable-diameter handlebars, mounted on an attractive-looking triple tree, the pilot dominates a less enticing speedometer block. Oval tachometer with imprecise reading in use, small tachometer and digital window regrouping fuel gauge, engine temperature, odometer and two partials. Our test machine was equipped with an optional pack: ABS, heated grip and on-board computer. The latter displays the instantaneous and average consumption and the outside temperature from a control on the left-hand stalk. The largest indication delivered is that of the gear engaged…

BMW F800R night meter

Ergonomically passable, almost worse at night. Surprising for the German brand. Unlike the lever spacing adjustment system, simple and effective.

BMW F800R

In the city

Contact and … good surprise! From the exhaust comes a rather throaty chant, again referring to family trails. The soundtrack is present, accentuating the scoundrel side of the machine. With only 200 kilos in running order, the F 800 R is very agile in urban areas with, in addition, a very small turning radius.

Making no secret of its fun vocation, the youth BM knows how to be transgressive, like the brand’s stunt icon: Chris Pfeiffer. Playing with traffic, the roadster dresses everyday travel with a good dose of fun. Take off at each green light, approach a roundabout without cutting off the throttle and restart the machine quickly becomes a pleasure.

BMW F800R on the road

Expressive and lively, the engine encourages dynamic steering, sometimes burdened by a somewhat stiff gearbox (barely more than 1,000 km, however) but precise. The appreciable flexibility of the twin-cylinder also makes it possible to wind up in 5th gear, at 40 km / h and 1,500 revolutions, allowing a more peaceful drive. The German twin then revived the crew without pounding and with vigor.

BMW F800R

Motorway and expressways

In a metallic and hoarse yelp, the F 800 R climbs in the towers and gently vibrates its non-rubberized footrests from 4,000 laps and more appreciably 1,000 laps higher when reaching 130 km / h. Vibrations not really annoying but present all the same on long motorway journeys. As a result, the mirrors return a somewhat cramped and slightly blurred image. The protection is correct .. if you lie down on the tank. The optional small deflector does little to help the bust.

Available at all speeds and vigorous from 3500 revs, the 800 cm3 Munich block responds to the slightest request from its pilot with frank acceleration. We quickly reach 190 km / h at 8,000 revolutions / minute and 500 revolutions of maximum speed. Such a good character cannot stand between two obstacles without moping over it. So let’s try the crossroads.

BMW F800R on motorway

Departmental

Endowed with a natural aptitude for taking an angle, the F 800 R is fully revealed in small corners. Its rigidity works wonders in the shell; Engaging sharply in the turn thanks to the large lever arm of the flat handlebars, it also comes out quickly, propelled by the high torque of its parallel twin. Delivering almost 9 mkg of torque at just 6,000 rpm, the German twin did not falter at any time, offering energetic revivals, only limited by a slight lack of extension. We would sometimes like to benefit from the block reworked for the Nuda by Husqvarna: 15 hp and 1 mkg more, as the dynamic performance of the F800R is efficient and fun. As proof, we are looking for a while to overcome a high ground clearance. The Metzeler Sportec M5 Interact tire allows you to take large angles with confidence. Rigor is at the service of pleasure.

BMW F800R

Galvanized by the rumbling and crackling of the silencer, spared by a light chassis, the rider can indulge himself for a long time in working on the BMW anthem to joy. And to temper its ardor, the braking is more than up to the task. Biting, powerful, enduring, it allows late leverage and rapid deceleration. The less experienced will blame a slight lack of progressiveness to the front calipers. Unlike the rear, sometimes too discreet. Taken on an angle, the brakes do not straighten the machine or lock the nose gear. The ABS is very discreet, only activating at the extreme limit of grip, leaving the rider full latitude in sporty driving.

BMW F800R

Part-cycle

The fork is very efficient, despite the lack of adjustments, and the rear suspension, which can be configured, is fully satisfactory. The general, firm cushioning remains comfortable, allowing dynamic daily use. Stiff and neutral, the F800R lets its rider enjoy the road, whatever their condition and riding style..

Front brake BMW F800R

Braking

One of the highlights of the Munich woman. Without being radial, the calipers provide remarkable comfort, proof that the race for the latest weapons is not an absolute necessity. The rear would require additional life to better stick to general efficiency.

Rear brake BMW F800R

Comfort / Duo

Probably the most welcoming of the midsize roadster segment, the artist of the BMW family has not forgotten good manners and offers a comfortable passenger seat, effective support and a very measured bend of the legs, worthy of a larger roadster. caliber.
The rider is also well accommodated, but the lateral angles of his saddle can, depending on his morphology, become awkward over long distances..

BMW F800R rear right

BMW F800R

Consumption

Another notable quality: the sobriety of the German, who knows how to party without consuming excessively…
The 5.1-liter average allows, despite a small 16-liter tank, stages of 250 kilometers.
Best of all, the maximum of 5.5 liters is rarely reached and it is easy to drop below 5 liters per 100 km, even with dynamic driving..

BMW F800R

Conclusion

Efficient, balanced, powerful, the roadster from across the Rhine stands out from the competition, both for its engine and its plastic. The first is very pleasant, as pleasant in everyday life as it is conducive to Sunday arousal. The second can be improved, both on the aesthetics of the front part and on certain details or choices affecting the perceived quality.

BMW F800R

In a highly competitive segment, the propeller firm did not fully play the sex appeal card but rather homogeneity with the big sister K. Sex appeal is however the master asset of a Kawasaki Z 750 which, although aging, continues to seduce despite its dynamic imperfections … Because it is indeed sensuality that the F800R lacks. A more attractive optical unit, a set of more readable and dynamic meters, a silencer design adapted to urban codes, even the equipment of an adjustable inverted fork, a positive element in terms of image, would make this more desirable roadster. A necessary effort because Triumph 675 Street Triple offered at € 7,990, Suzuki 750 GSR at € 7,799, Yamaha FZ8 ABS at € 8,499 and Kawasaki Z 750 ABS asking € 8,299 are more attractive and at a price yet comparable.

At € 8,100 (€ 9,270 with the optional pack), the BMW does not make enough of a difference. Only his aptitude as a duet is the best of the lot. An F 800 R with Swedish sauce derived from the Nuda (Husqvarna is owned by the German brand) would be a shock outsider and a real answer to seduce the very many French amateurs of medium-displacement.

Strong points

  • Torque motor
  • Cycle part
  • Consumption
  • Duo

Weak points

  • Lack of image
  • Ergonomics of the counters
  • Some finishing details

Competitors: Ducati Monster 796, Kawasaki Z750, Suzuki GSR 750, Yamaha FZ8

The BMW F800R technical sheet

The reactions and user testimonials of the F800R on the guide
motorbike

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7 thoughts on “BMW F 800 R motorcycle test

  1. Beautiful, not too expensive, but why add the Harley logo on it? It’s not a Harley. I even think if you only have that you don’t fit in the club.

    The makers of American GUITARS have understood this for a long time. Gibson also makes the Epiphone (made in Indonesia). Fender also does Squier. Closer to us, there are also Renault and Dacia.

  2. THE bargain of the Harley catalog!

    By switching from Dyna to Softail, Harley kept its price below € 15,000.

    When we see a price difference of € 8,000 with a Heritage Softail, that leaves more than enough to afford a comfortable two-seater saddle, 2 suitcases and 1 windshield. to smile

  3. I haven’t tried the street rod, just the street. I find it hard to believe this very flattering test because the starting point, the street, is generally a bad bike (today it is rare). Normal street only has a decent engine (like 650 Suzuki V-Strom and more stifled) and a price. For the rest, it is: unpleasant driving position, bicycle pump fork, unworthy finish.

    When it comes to aesthetics, yes, it is pretty but more in photo than in real life.

    The "fight" with the Sportster accompanying the test of the street rod does not make sense because these two bikes do not fight in the same category. I do not see who could hesitate between these 2 models.

  4. Salvation,

    QuoteHsbey
    For the rest, it is: unpleasant driving position, bicycle pump fork, unworthy finish.

    The riding position is noted as such. The fork of the Rod is better than that of Street, like its geometry, allowing to roll at very good pace for this type of machine..

    The finish is related to its price, without real problems at this level.

    QuoteHsbey
    When it comes to aesthetics, yes, it is pretty but more in photo than in real life.

    It only engages you. I do not share this opinion. What’s more, a machine is VERY often better in real life than in photos….

    QuoteHsbey
    The "fight" with the Sportster accompanying the test of the street rod does not make sense because these two bikes do not fight in the same category. I do not see who could hesitate between these 2 models.

    There is no confrontation, just the note that this little Rod 750 allows you to take a lot of driving pleasure and delivers behavior in line with its vocation. A Harley roadster remains a Davidson, but this one is more dynamic.

    You can’t really hesitate between the two, but emphasizing the good dynamics of the machine is essential..

    There is nothing flattering about the test we have done. It strives to reflect the qualities and defects of a model by considering all these components.

  5. thank you for the clarification.

    As far as aesthetics are concerned, tastes and colors obviously cannot be discussed. My innocuous remark meant quite simply: sometimes we discover a motorcycle in a photo, we find it very beautiful and when we go to see it in the dealership, we are a little disappointed. it happened to me from memory for: the Yamaha Vmax 1200, Indian Chief, Harley Street 750, Honda F6C 1800cm3.

    Exactly the opposite sometimes also happens. A motorcycle that we find ugly or average in the photo appears very attractive once in front. From memory: the Suzuki B-King, the Honda VFR 1200.

    All this to say not to "fantasize" too much about the photos and rather go judge on your feet.

  6. Funny this mania among testers and some readers to want noisy motorcycles !!

    Maybe because I have skied over 110 km / h before, I know that the noise does not matter much to the speed sensations. It’s a bit like those kids who equip their 50cm3 with pots that send at 130 decibels while having the impression of going faster !

    As far as I’m concerned, with 25 to 30 thousand km each year, I want a motorcycle that is as quiet as possible. !

    As such, I remind you that all the hearing acuity that you lose because of long durations at more than 80db, is definitely lost! And more than Honda, I prefer Mozart, Bonga or Chick Webb..

    For the rest, thanks for trying.

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