Menus
- GT-sport pocket
- Discovery
- In the saddle
- In the city
- Motorway and expressways
- Departmental
- Part-cycle
- Braking
- Comfort / Duo
- Consumption
- Conclusion
- Colors
- Options
GT-sport pocket
Inaugurated in 2006, the F series includes models powered by an original Rotax 800 cc twin-cylinder block. Originally, it had two road models: the F 800 S (half-fairing) and ST (more developed fairing). These machines join the company of the F 800 GS trail in 2008 and that of the naked roadster F800 R in 2009.
If these last two models were able to seduce, the elders suffered from an image too unexpected from the German manufacturer and some reliability concerns. The S version disappears from the catalog after 3 years while the ST struggles to sell until 2012. Thus only 119 units found buyers last year against 864 units of the roadster and 509 of the trail..
Convinced of the relevance of its light road, BMW offered in 2013 a redesigned model, now called the F 800 GT. The name becomes clearer, will usage follow?
Discovery
The Bavarian manufacturer retains the basics of its recipe but nevertheless reorganizes it in depth. Aesthetically, the novelty energizes its sides, makes its shapes more complex and optimizes protection against aerodynamic flows. Thus, capped with a more enveloping bubble, the fork crown is aggressive and takes on more angles. Under the optics, two air intakes take up the signature dear to the brand. The side fairings now detached from the front element reinforce this development. Visually light, sharp and composed of a bi-material assembly, they offer enhanced air deflection. There is also a lower part forming a spoiler surrounding the lower engine..
The false tank, with many visible screws, also adopts tighter lines, the real 15-liter can (one less than the ex ST) is still located under the saddle. The latter, one-piece, offers a wide and long seat, based on a thin and dynamic rear shell. This still receives the fuel flap on the right side, while its end still sports a passenger grip plate and well-made package carrier. Two long lugs are attached to it, accompanying the two fasteners welded to the rear tubular loop that can support the optional luggage. Equipment that will perhaps compensate for the lack of space under the saddle, where we also discover many electric wires that can be graceful and subject to the runoff of water splashes..
The cycle part also evolves for more stability and comfort. Thus, the caster angle changes to 25.8 ° and the magnificent aluminum single-arm is lengthened by some 50 mm. This remarkable foundry element is eye-catching and supports the strap transmission. Requiring tension every 10,000 km and a change every 40,000, this belt drives a rear wheel whose lightened rim is now highlighted. Indeed, the exhaust, left side, goes to a higher position. Common to the other representatives of the F, the silencer deserves a more studied look, in connection with the GT vocation of the machine. However, tube and manifold now benefit from perforated protective plates.
We find with more happiness the aesthetic double beam aluminum frame, integrating the engine as a supporting element. Reworked for more flexibility (mapping / exhaust), the parallel twin cylinder, set at 360 °, now develops 5 hp more for a total of 90 to 8,000 rpm. In order to limit the vibrations inherent in this architecture, BMW is keeping its unusual balancing rod solution, wedged opposite the other two (180 °). Finally, the distribution is ensured by a double overhead camshaft, actuating 8 valves, and the admission is of course injected..
The rear damping is entrusted to a mono-shock absorber, adjustable in rebound and preload, which can be fitted with the ESA. This piloted suspension device fitted to our test machine is a first on a midsize motorcycle. It then controls compression and relaxation in three modes: normal, comfort and sport. More classic, the front axle consists of a 43 mm telescopic fork, not adjustable.
To stop its 213 kg (manufacturer’s value and up by 4 units) in running order, the small GT is equipped with two front four-piston calipers, attacking 320 mm discs. In contrast, a single piston clamps a 265mm element. The set receives, as standard, a two-channel ABS system, lighter and more compact than the previous generation. It also has an additional pressure sensor in the front brake system for more precision. A champion of safety, BMW also offers, for a fee, an ASC (Automatic Stability Control) traction control, which can be deactivated..
Particularly rewarding, the F 800 GT looks like a narrow and lighter Honda VFR. In addition, the finish is of a good level, both in the choice of materials and in the management of cables, hydraulic jars and hoses. Last detail of approval: the pressure valves mounted directly on a rim stick, facilitating inflation.
In the saddle
This impression of quality persists when you take a seat on board, especially since the comfort criterion is very much present on the Bavaroise, in many respects. It is first of all by a fairly narrow seat and lower height: 800 mm as standard (in particular obtained by lowering the suspension by 15 mm) and its softness. But this value can be personalized upon purchase, or later. Thus, a low saddle, 785 mm or extra low, 765 mm will allow the less tall to be even more comfortable. Conversely, the long leg lengths will satisfy the comfort element, 820 mm and high comfort, 845 mm. Especially since the rubber-sheathed pilot footrests are now 10 mm further forward and lower, reducing flexion of the lower limbs. Another improvement, the aluminum handlebars have been raised by 20 mm for a more relaxed position and finer control and each lever is adjustable by a discreet dial..
The ergonomics are therefore very versatile but offer an "old-fashioned" GT-sport position, giving the impression of being seated in the machine despite its small size. sit on an almost flat handlebars. If the upper yoke is nothing folichon, we appreciate its neat finish. Despite a certain austerity, unobstructed edge space and streamlined fork wells make the cockpit appear surprisingly large in view the exterior narrowness of the machine..
Analog instrumentation, on the other hand, is less pleasant to read. Oval, too small, tachometer and tachometer do not offer perfect readability. A digital window completes the set, displaying a lot of information due to the presence of an on-board computer (necessarily optional). Clock, exterior temperature, odometer and two partial (each integrating average consumption, instantaneous, average speed, range), are controlled on the left stalk, via the "menu" button. Right under this command, you will be piloting the ESA and ASC. In the lower part, the fuel and engine temperature gauge frames the large gear engaged indicator light. The stopwatch and tire pressure gauge will also be displayed, as well as the power of the heated handles (all in the accessory section).
You will not forget to check the center stand box, easy to implement. And as on all its recent models, BMW adopts a classic indicator button instead of its split system. Regrettable allegiance to established standards.
In the city
Far from a civilized song, the F 800 GT emits a hoarse roar, common to its trail and roadster sisters. This particular sound surprises for such an elegant machine, but ends up charming. The first few meters reveal the excellent balance of the small road. Its wide handlebars make it easy and manoeuvrable, as does its tight turning radius. Precise control and a docile gearbox also enhance urban developments.
Dynamic, the two-cylinder drives the GT efficiently in urban areas. Its flexibility allows recovery at idle speed up to 4 ° but the transmission reaches its limits there in unpleasant clicks. On a daily basis, we will favor a lower gear, especially since each of them is quite long. On the intermediaries, we rediscover a sparkling and playful engine, associated with a welcome general compactness. The Munich woman is lively, playing off the traffic and the various traffic problems. A faculty that makes you want to give more space to her traveler profile.
Motorway and expressways
The twin gets carried away in a powerful rumble and the F 800 GT slices through the air sharply to stabilize at the regulatory 130. Purring then at 4,600 rpm on the last report, the boiler restarts correctly but without exuberance, due to a 6th overdrive. This choice becomes an advantage to limit an already reduced consumption..
Able to hang up to 215 km / h, the novelty shows above all good protection to air flow despite its reduced size. Admittedly, a height adjustable screen, like that of the Kawazaki 1000 SX for example, would have been a good thing. My meter eighty-four, however, remains properly sheltered, at legal pace, except for the shoulders. Likewise, the feet remain more exposed to the elements. However, the whole is particularly convincing, especially at the level of the sides with the complex surface..
Well filtered, the vibrations will not be part of the trip and the general ergonomics only give a clear desire to go far away. And so as not to fall asleep, let’s work on the cycle part on a more favorable ground.
Departmental
The beautiful agility of the F 800 GT is confirmed on the secondary network, as is the general comfort on board. If the raises remain sufficient to double, we still note a lack of motor exuberance. Lowering a speed energizes the crew and maintained in 4th gear, we leave the GT for a little more sport. After 5500 revolutions / minute, the twin reveals a much more angry aspect, further tormenting the rear tire with its 8.6 da.Nm of maximum torque perched 300 revolutions higher. Metzeler Roadtec Z8 road tires then offer flawless grip and neutral behavior when crossing the corner. Despite size 180, the drive envelope does not weigh down too much. Its width, combined with quality damping, allows the vigor of the twin-cylinder to pass through the asphalt as well as possible..
Always aided by a wide and high enough handlebar and sensitive to pressure on the footrests, piloting is easy, intuitive. Enough to chain without fatigue the rows of tight curves and obediently make the road dance to the sound of its roaring exhaust. On more delicate meanders, approached at high speed, the compact traveler remains healthy, faithfully keeping her course. In the event of degraded coating, we will then appreciate the presence of the steering damper. Present on this road range from the start, it preserves the GT from the sudden reactions of a fairly lively front axle..
To calm things down, the braking system is effective but delivers an inconsistent feeling. Very progressive, the attack of the stirrups lacks frankness and requires firm support on the levers. An advantage on a slippery road even if the ABS is already watching over this point. As on the roadster, the fork, although devoid of adjustments, effectively absorbs mass transfers by limiting diving. Finally, we prefer to use the rear retarder on a curve because entering the front control on the angle raises the machine..
Part-cycle
Particularly rigid, balanced, the geometry of the F 800 GT, however revised for more stability, hardly penalizes its liveliness. Front and rear suspension are fully aligned, the ESA bringing ease and comfort to everyday life. Weight contained, masses well distributed, the "light" traveler becomes an urban or road tool with the same success.
Braking
More progressive than those of the F 800 R, the front calipers follow the GT orientation of the machine. The rear element, easily dosable, ideally supports the front equipment. Not very intrusive, the ABS is triggered only on very strong braking. Its implementation is rather neutral, smoothly.
Comfort / Duo
For its driver, the F 800 GT combines comfort and performance. Passengers will find an identical welcome there. Little raised, its wide and flexible seat does not project it above the driver and will allow him an effective support on the false tank. Ergonomics of the handles and limited height of the footrests take care of his life on board. Finally, the associated damping quality makes it possible to undertake long trips as a duo.
To do this, we will equip our frame with rigid suitcases (€ 319 each and their support: € 109), offering 55 liters of storage space and a payload of 10 kg each. Both are waterproof and the right case, slightly larger (due to the silencer which limits the volume of the other), can contain a helmet. This luggage has detachable handles and shoulder straps. A 28-liter top case (€ 369) completes the transport offer.
Consumption
Losing one unit of capacity, the 15-liter tank still satisfies reduced consumption. From 5 to 5.5 L / 100 km in quiet use, fuel consumption increases by a value in sport driving. With nearly 300 km, reserve included, the range is acceptable for riders..
Conclusion
BMW still dares, and with happiness, a GT-sport model. Its new aesthetic serves more faithfully its vocation as a traveler, with optimized protection. Its dynamic appearance also gives it more sportiness. Voluntary, the sober and lively parallel twin sometimes deserves more enthusiasm and length. However, the relevance of the whole is hardly questionable. Offering an incisive behavior and an obvious grip both in town and on the road, it is its versatility that is the strength of this opus.
Better equipped than its predecessor ST, the F 800 GT fetched € 10,550, including ABS. However, the price of options quickly skyrocketed. Comfort and safety pack, ground floor…. the invoice is around € 12,000. In the line of sight, the Honda VFR 800 F ABS, to which the German disputed some of its lines. Priced at € 12,490, with an excellent cycle part and a powerfully blown V4, the Japanese weigh 10 kg more on the scale and a torque behind.
In this uncompetitive segment, the racy elegance of the Bavarian will probably appeal to bikers looking for a versatile, compact, rewarding, fuel-efficient and efficient machine. The novelty incorporates solutions illustrating all these points: single-arm, belt transmission, comfort…. Rational but fun, attractive without excessive passion, the F 800 GT will become the effective companion who quickly knows how to be indispensable.
Strong points
- Comfort
- Cycle part balance
- Versatility
- Multiple optional equipment
Weak points
- Motor character
- Dashboard
- Non-adjustable fork
Competitors: Honda VFR 800, Triumph Sprint ST
Colors
Metallic orange, Graphite black, White
Options
- New: safety pack: ASC, ESA and RDC.
- New: comfort pack: on-board computer, heated grips, luggage rack, central stand.
- New: automatic stability control ASC (Automatic Stability Control).
- Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA).
- New: power restriction to 35 kW (48 CV).
- New: comfort saddle at 820 mm. 259 € – New: low saddle at 765 mm. 259 €
- New: Comfort seat 820 mm high. € 349
- New: Comfort seat 845 mm high. € 349
- New: holder for travel cases.
- New: LED indicators.
- RDC tire pressure indicator.
- Board computer.
- Heated handles. € 270
- Central stand. € 129
- Akrapovič sport silencer. € 699
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