NEW 2007 or 2008 F800ST

[ovd]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, so feel free to move it as appropriate.
Let me ask the wise and the experienced folks here. As you may know BMW is running a promotion for 2008 and older F800ST bikes. I decided to take the advantage of it and have been aggressively looking for ’07 and ’08 leftovers in the area. Found two options:
1. '08 F800ST loaded, no ABS.
2. '07 (new) F800ST loaded, with ABS but no trip computer.
Both dealers are willing to take another $300-$400 off the price after BMW rebate and have offered acceptable terms for my trade-in. I’m in a dilemma which one to get. Problem with the ‘08 bike is the absent ABS and the problem with the 07 is that it going to be 2 years old in 3 weeks. So, my questions, if I may:
1. How important is it to have ABS? Can it really save my life? I’m a novice rider, so the question of safety is ultra-important in my case.
2. What am I risking buying a motorcycle that been sitting still for 2 years? What possible “damage” can it sustain from it? (Warranty is standard 3/36 and affective from the date of purchase)
3. I’m certain that should I sell the ’07 bike in a few years the bike will have market value of ’07 but will the fact that I bought it new in late ’08 add it any resale value?
4. From your experience, has BMW ironed out most of the problems discussed here on the forum of ’07-’08 production run for the ’09 models? Am I safer from reliability standpoint stick to ’09 bikes?

Thanks in advance.

[Big-B]

I like the ABS on my BMW. You can find really good deals on used super low miles F800ST's. Check bmwmoa, bmwsporttouring, and ibmw.

Brian

[Jeff49783]

Originally Posted by ovd

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, so feel free to move it as appropriate.
Let me ask the wise and the experienced folks here. As you may know BMW is running a promotion for 2008 and older F800ST bikes. I decided to take the advantage of it and have been aggressively looking for ’07 and ’08 leftovers in the area. Found two options:
1. '08 F800ST loaded, no ABS.
2. '07 (new) F800ST loaded, with ABS but no trip computer.
Both dealers are willing to take another $300-$400 off the price after BMW rebate and have offered acceptable terms for my trade-in. I’m in a dilemma which one to get. Problem with the ‘08 bike is the absent ABS and the problem with the 07 is that it going to be 2 years old in 3 weeks. So, my questions, if I may:
1. How important is it to have ABS? Can it really save my life? I’m a novice rider, so the question of safety is ultra-important in my case.
2. What am I risking buying a motorcycle that been sitting still for 2 years? What possible “damage” can it sustain from it? (Warranty is standard 3/36 and affective from the date of purchase)
3. I’m certain that should I sell the ’07 bike in a few years the bike will have market value of ’07 but will the fact that I bought it new in late ’08 add it any resale value?
4. From your experience, has BMW ironed out most of the problems discussed here on the forum of ’07-’08 production run for the ’09 models? Am I safer from reliability standpoint stick to ’09 bikes?

Thanks in advance.

I recommend the ABS. Even crusty old Harley riders are coming around and acknowledging the value of ABS. If it saves your bacon, great. If it prevents any incident, it pays for itself. If you never need it, your insurance may be lower and you'll recoup some of the investment at resale time.

Regarding the model year, you are buying a two-year-old bike. It will be a used two year old when you get it home. According to MCN's Summer 2008 Used Bike Value Guide (http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/usedbike/200807usedguide.pdf), $8655 is what the F800ST is worth. This might not matter as you might not be selling. Or it could be a great deal. I would rather get the '09, potentially with some of the early production "bugs" worked out by BMW.

Deals are everywhere right now, if that is your goal. If not, get what you want and be happy.

Best Wishes

[Fastjunk]

ABS is pretty important. It makes no sense to not get it these days if the option is there.

We have all seen / experienced our share of locked-up rear and God-forbid front brakes that could have had better outcome.

[Porky]

Make sure the bike "fits" you. My '08 ST did not fit and became a trade-in within 600 miles.

[Josephvman]

I would go with the ABS bike. If you keep the bike for a few years there will be very little difference between the '07 and '08 values. I would ask the dealer to check the '07 bike for any recalls or service bulletins and perform them before taking delivery. I don't think the fact that the bike has been sitting in a showroom for a year or so is an issue, but if you're worried about it you can have them change all the fluids at the break-in service (maybe see if they'll throw that in).

You might want to check one of the F800ST-specific forums for any technical updates between the '07 and '08 bikes before you make your decision. I'd also try to work the dealer on the '07 price, as it's only logical that they sell it cheaper than the '08.

[Gorilla King]

Another vote for ABS. On more than one occasion have come around a turn on a wet road and found deer, cow or some moron turning around in the middle a blind turn.

Nice to be able to brake hard and still be able to maneuver.

[* SHAG *]

I would get the ABS. Two year old bike, so what! Three year warranty. Your only problem will be explaining the low miles

[ovd]

I really appreciate everyone’s input on this. It really does help me in my decision making.

[Cortez]

I wouldn't buy a bike without ABS now.

[g_e_young]

Keep looking and find an 08 with ABS. Both of your current options stink. Or consider an 09 as you want it, as when you look at resale the cost of ownership might not be that different.

g-

[JonnyThrice]

WAIT! Read up on the ABS system on F800 series bikes. A friend of mine has a non-ABS F800S, but showed me many posts in the F800 forums about problems specifically with the F800's ABS system. It doesnt seem to be up to par with the rest of BMW's ABS, and apparently is downright dangerous!

I am not speaking from personal experience here...just from what I have read...so take it with a grain of salt.

Personally, I would go for an ABS bike over a non-ABS, but this just scares me!

http://f800riders.org/forum/showthread.php?t=18225

[NakedRider]

Originally Posted by JonnyThrice

WAIT! Read up on the ABS system on F800 series bikes. A friend of mine has a non-ABS F800S, but showed me many posts in the F800 forums about problems specifically with the F800's ABS system. It doesnt seem to be up to par with the rest of BMW's ABS, and apparently is downright dangerous!

I am not speaking from personal experience here...just from what I have read...so take it with a grain of salt.

Personally, I would go for an ABS bike over a non-ABS, but this just scares me!

http://f800riders.org/forum/showthread.php?t=18225

+1...and I am speaking from personal experience. I had an '07 F800S with ABS. What happens is the ABS "releases" the brakes completely when it cycles. I could duplicate this at any time and I considered it so dangerous that I unplugged it. I would NOT get the ABS on BMWs 800.

[hoax]

ABS would have saved me from the only motorcycle crash I've been in and the resulting broken collar bone.

With that being said I've read some horrible things about the F800's ABS. Do some research before pulling the trigger.

[Gezerbike]

I agree, you should keep looking. Th 07 bike, while new, is still going on 2 years old for paper purposes. If you're gonna keep it for a few years, probably no big deal. Decide you don't like come June, it's gona hurt ya. Why not look at a couple of other dealers ? Gateway in St Louis has LOTS of bikes on the floor and would probably treat you right...you've got the new dealer in Indy as well. Hey, you're buying a NEW BIKE...get the exact one you want. Find an 08 with ABS...you won't regret it in the long run. And a road trip in the dead of winter to pick up a new bike is kool.