Any Female 800st riders?

jwrover · 09-15-2008, 08:05 PM

Ladies,

I'd like your input! The wife and I are looking into new bike options for her. She currently rides a 90/6 but finds it a little clunky.
We are looking at the new 650 GS twin or an 800st?
Any opinions on the 800st would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks
jwrover

worgoose · 09-15-2008, 08:35 PM

My girlfrend just bought a ST and she loves it. If you decide it is too tall make sure you get the factory lowed one we have heard some complants about "reg" ST's with lower seat.

easyman05 · 09-15-2008, 11:19 PM

My wife has put 33000 km in her F800ST'06 and loves it. Despite several issues sorted out under warranty. It's a nice bike.

Newstar · 09-16-2008, 03:02 AM

I had an 800ST for a week last summer as a loaner bike while my 650GS was in the shop. It was a fun bike and I had the opportunity to put a few hundred miles on it through nice twisty roads. Unfortunately, two hours was my limit before my knees and legs began killing me. I found that the riding position was just too cramped for me. (I'm 5'5") Another consideration I had was the side bags. I just didn't like the way they expanded. I have since seen other after market bag options tho.

I sat on the new 650 Twin last week but didn't test ride it although a friend did. She loved it and plunked down a deposit.

R.J. · 09-16-2008, 03:59 PM

I can't comment on the 800ST, but I did just pick up my 650GS twin last week and I'm lovin it! It runs smoothe, smoothe, smoothe and seems to have plenty of power. The riding position is comfortable and on the lowered version and I can almost flatfoot (I'm 5'3"). I was riding a 650GS single with a low seat and standard suspension. Aside from being much smoother and having more power, the twin feels much lighter and feels like it has a much lower center of gravity (perhaps because it is lowered). Although I did like the 650 single as well, I would say the 650 twin is a GREAT ride!

Porky · 09-16-2008, 05:24 PM

Had an '08 ST for about 3 months. I am 5'6" (29" inseam) and there was not enough room between the regular seat and the pegs even with expensive German peg relocators. Felt like a pretzel after riding it a short time.

Lots of pressure on the wrists even after installing expensive German risers.

Got tired of trying to make it comfortable so traded it off before the 600 mile service $$.

Gas mileage and belt drive were +'s.

Would not want to own one beyond the warranty.

Thinman · 09-16-2008, 06:23 PM

I beg to differ, but if you've been accustomed to street bikes the seating position is fine. My wife is 5'4" and loves it, I'm 5'10" and ride it as well. What's your objective? Poking around with a little gravel and offroad - go with the GS. Highway traveling at speed limit and above - go with the ST.

krazygloo · 09-17-2008, 12:30 AM

I've had my F800ST for a few months now. A few things to consider.....

If you don't mind the fact that you might be taking it in for a service more often for the first 1000 km, the fact that the stock seat is very uncomfortable for a 2+ hour ride and it doesn't have the frills of the other BMW's (linked breaks, HID headlight, ABS standard (i have heard the ABS is shit) then there are a lot of positives as well

I'm 5'-6" 120lbs and once we adjusted the suspension setup, this bike is very easy to flick around the corners. It has a few luggage options, which is better than none, and if your wife is on the shorter side, it is great to get both your feet down on the ground. You have the option of lower suspension and or a lower seat, depending on what you want to deal with.

The gear set up is also really nice and smooth, and if you upgrade to the Akra exhaust, it puts out a nice note and lightens it up even more. I have a few photos on my site, see below. Any other questions let me know

09-15-2008, 08:05 PM	#1
jwrover ^OP Studly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2006 Location: Colorado, USA Oddometer: 630	Any Female 800st riders? Ladies, I'd like your input! The wife and I are looking into new bike options for her. She currently rides a 90/6 but finds it a little clunky. We are looking at the new 650 GS twin or an 800st? Any opinions on the 800st would be greatly appreciated! Thanks jwrover

09-16-2008, 05:24 PM	#6
Porky Don't Pass Gas Joined: Aug 2007 Location: Colorado Oddometer: 458	Had an '08 ST for about 3 months. I am 5'6" (29" inseam) and there was not enough room between the regular seat and the pegs even with expensive German peg relocators. Felt like a pretzel after riding it a short time. Lots of pressure on the wrists even after installing expensive German risers. Got tired of trying to make it comfortable so traded it off before the 600 mile service $$. Gas mileage and belt drive were +'s. Would not want to own one beyond the warranty. __________________ '08 Suzuki DR650 '11 Triumph venom yellow ABS Tiger 800 - SOLD (Too much heat and exhaust popping) No fat chicks, fender will scrape.

09-17-2008, 12:30 AM	#8
krazygloo pinch me Joined: Sep 2008 Location: In transit Oddometer: 362	I've had my F800ST for a few months now. A few things to consider..... If you don't mind the fact that you might be taking it in for a service more often for the first 1000 km, the fact that the stock seat is very uncomfortable for a 2+ hour ride and it doesn't have the frills of the other BMW's (linked breaks, HID headlight, ABS standard (i have heard the ABS is shit) then there are a lot of positives as well I'm 5'-6" 120lbs and once we adjusted the suspension setup, this bike is very easy to flick around the corners. It has a few luggage options, which is better than none, and if your wife is on the shorter side, it is great to get both your feet down on the ground. You have the option of lower suspension and or a lower seat, depending on what you want to deal with. The gear set up is also really nice and smooth, and if you upgrade to the Akra exhaust, it puts out a nice note and lightens it up even more. I have a few photos on my site, see below. Any other questions let me know __________________ http://www.curbsyde.com

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09-15-2008, 08:35 PM	#2
worgoose Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Seacoast NH Oddometer: 368	My girlfrend just bought a ST and she loves it. If you decide it is too tall make sure you get the factory lowed one we have heard some complants about "reg" ST's with lower seat.

09-15-2008, 11:19 PM	#3
easyman05 Gnarly Adventurer Joined: May 2008 Oddometer: 152	My wife has put 33000 km in her F800ST'06 and loves it. Despite several issues sorted out under warranty. It's a nice bike.

09-16-2008, 03:02 AM	#4
Newstar Adventurer Joined: Aug 2007 Location: Newark, Dela-where? Oddometer: 63	I had an 800ST for a week last summer as a loaner bike while my 650GS was in the shop. It was a fun bike and I had the opportunity to put a few hundred miles on it through nice twisty roads. Unfortunately, two hours was my limit before my knees and legs began killing me. I found that the riding position was just too cramped for me. (I'm 5'5") Another consideration I had was the side bags. I just didn't like the way they expanded. I have since seen other after market bag options tho. I sat on the new 650 Twin last week but didn't test ride it although a friend did. She loved it and plunked down a deposit.

09-16-2008, 03:59 PM	#5
R.J. split personality Joined: Apr 2006 Location: Refinery Row Oddometer: 1,066	I can't comment on the 800ST, but I did just pick up my 650GS twin last week and I'm lovin it! It runs smoothe, smoothe, smoothe and seems to have plenty of power. The riding position is comfortable and on the lowered version and I can almost flatfoot (I'm 5'3"). I was riding a 650GS single with a low seat and standard suspension. Aside from being much smoother and having more power, the twin feels much lighter and feels like it has a much lower center of gravity (perhaps because it is lowered). Although I did like the 650 single as well, I would say the 650 twin is a GREAT ride!

09-16-2008, 06:23 PM	#7
Thinman Cornfield inspector Joined: Feb 2006 Location: Windy City, IL Oddometer: 43	I beg to differ, but if you've been accustomed to street bikes the seating position is fine. My wife is 5'4" and loves it, I'm 5'10" and ride it as well. What's your objective? Poking around with a little gravel and offroad - go with the GS. Highway traveling at speed limit and above - go with the ST.