F800 review after no test ride

Thinc2 · 02-09-2010, 04:10 AM

I've never ridden an F800GS or really looked at one in detail. Here is my review:

Ergonomics:
The riding position on this bike is quite reasonable, in fact it is similar to many other dual sport bikes. The position is more similar to a BMW GS or KTM 990 than to Ducati 999, so be guided accordingly.

Windscreen: Had I ridden it, there would have been some buffeting at certain speeds, depending on the amount and direction of the wind that day. This will of course change depending on your height, but this is my observation at 5 foot 11 and never having ridden the bike. It's highly recommended to spend lavish amounts of money on the aftermarket screen if only to learn that BMW has access to a wind tunnel.

Seat: The seat isn't terrible but could be more comfortable for all day trips. It's in the range with the Varadero, KTM990 and BMW 1200GS. I would the rate the seat as better than a Montesa trials bike, but worse than a Honda Goldwing. I did not find not sitting on the seat all day uncomfortable.

Handling:
This motorcycle can go forward, left and right under it's own power. With really experienced riders, it can probably go around corners really quickly, with impressive lean angles. In fact, it's possible an experienced racer on the F800GS could outrun a novice on CBR600 in the twisties. It might be that good.

Reliability:
The entire time i wasn't riding the bike, i didn't have a single issue with it. So top marks here - there are no reliability problems with the F800GS. While I didn't start the engine, I'm pretty sure it would get warm after a period of time.

Cost:
Compared to it's bigger GS brother the F800 is a great deal. While i consistently have to fill up with gas on the big GS, i never once had to add gas to the 800. Since i didn't buy it, the F800Gs has cost me no money so far - quite remarkable - well done BMW!

To all of you who, like I, have never ridden this bike, i hope you find this internet review useful.

Chop Chop · 02-09-2010, 04:43 AM

Zacharia_11 · 02-09-2010, 05:16 AM

Great, another bias press review of the F8GS...

DolphinJohn · 02-09-2010, 06:25 AM

I see what you did there.

The Griz · 02-09-2010, 08:27 AM

wizze · 02-09-2010, 09:21 AM

Think of the money I could have saved by just imagining all the fun I would have. Where were you a few months ago??

Well done!

In a crappy economy, you have given us a glimpse into the future of moto-reviews

Motorcyclist · 02-09-2010, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thinc2

I've never ridden an F800GS or really looked at one in detail. Here is my review:

Ergonomics:
The riding position on this bike is quite reasonable, in fact it is similar to many other dual sport bikes. The position is more similar to a BMW GS or KTM 990 than to Ducati 999, so be guided accordingly.

Windscreen: Had I ridden it, there would have been some buffeting at certain speeds, depending on the amount and direction of the wind that day. This will of course change depending on your height, but this is my observation at 5 foot 11 and never having ridden the bike. It's highly recommended to spend lavish amounts of money on the aftermarket screen if only to learn that BMW has access to a wind tunnel.

Seat: The seat isn't terrible but could be more comfortable for all day trips. It's in the range with the Varadero, KTM990 and BMW 1200GS. I would the rate the seat as better than a Montesa trials bike, but worse than a Honda Goldwing. I did not find not sitting on the seat all day uncomfortable.

Handling:
This motorcycle can go forward, left and right under it's own power. With really experienced riders, it can probably go around corners really quickly, with impressive lean angles. In fact, it's possible an experienced racer on the F800GS could outrun a novice on CBR600 in the twisties. It might be that good.

Reliability:
The entire time i wasn't riding the bike, i didn't have a single issue with it. So top marks here - there are no reliability problems with the F800GS. While I didn't start the engine, I'm pretty sure it would get warm after a period of time.

Cost:
Compared to it's bigger GS brother the F800 is a great deal. While i consistently have to fill up with gas on the big GS, i never once had to add gas to the 800. Since i didn't buy it, the F800Gs has cost me no money so far - quite remarkable - well done BMW!

To all of you who, like I, have never ridden this bike, i hope you find this internet review useful.

Nice review, it is clear that you understand that bike completely.

Now, tell us how it compares to a 650 V-Strom

itsatdm · 02-09-2010, 10:34 AM

Did you look at the price? You could have non-tested 2 Wee Stroms

Thinc2 · 02-09-2010, 10:41 AM

I'm pleased to report I've never been on a vstrom, so a head to head uncomparison is a real possibility. Stay tuned.

EnderTheX · 02-09-2010, 10:45 AM

Why pay for magazine subscriptions when you can just as great reviews for free in the forums!?

EnderTheX · 02-09-2010, 10:59 AM

Oh yeah, to complete the review it would have been great to have a picture of a BMW test rider in a full BMW suit riding a bone stock white/orange F800GS on a picturesque two lane curvy paved road.

Mr. Magoo · 02-09-2010, 11:03 AM

Very funny!

How 'bout the face plant you thought about but reconsidered?

sturgeon · 02-09-2010, 11:23 AM

How timely; you just saved me from not buying another one.

YetiGS · 02-09-2010, 12:17 PM

When you do not do your next review, would you please not review the suspension as well. I've heard this bike may have inadequate suspension, but I'd love to hear from someone who hasn't ridden the bike. Thanks!

clapped_r6 · 02-09-2010, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YetiGS

When you do not do your next review, would you please not review the suspension as well.

yes, could you elaborate on the "showroom bounce test"? does rebound damping exist?

02-09-2010, 04:10 AM	#1
Thinc2 ^OP Paciugo Joined: Apr 2004 Location: Luxembourg Oddometer: 4,320	F800 review after no test ride I've never ridden an F800GS or really looked at one in detail. Here is my review: Ergonomics: The riding position on this bike is quite reasonable, in fact it is similar to many other dual sport bikes. The position is more similar to a BMW GS or KTM 990 than to Ducati 999, so be guided accordingly. Windscreen: Had I ridden it, there would have been some buffeting at certain speeds, depending on the amount and direction of the wind that day. This will of course change depending on your height, but this is my observation at 5 foot 11 and never having ridden the bike. It's highly recommended to spend lavish amounts of money on the aftermarket screen if only to learn that BMW has access to a wind tunnel. Seat: The seat isn't terrible but could be more comfortable for all day trips. It's in the range with the Varadero, KTM990 and BMW 1200GS. I would the rate the seat as better than a Montesa trials bike, but worse than a Honda Goldwing. I did not find not sitting on the seat all day uncomfortable. Handling: This motorcycle can go forward, left and right under it's own power. With really experienced riders, it can probably go around corners really quickly, with impressive lean angles. In fact, it's possible an experienced racer on the F800GS could outrun a novice on CBR600 in the twisties. It might be that good. Reliability: The entire time i wasn't riding the bike, i didn't have a single issue with it. So top marks here - there are no reliability problems with the F800GS. While I didn't start the engine, I'm pretty sure it would get warm after a period of time. Cost: Compared to it's bigger GS brother the F800 is a great deal. While i consistently have to fill up with gas on the big GS, i never once had to add gas to the 800. Since i didn't buy it, the F800Gs has cost me no money so far - quite remarkable - well done BMW! To all of you who, like I, have never ridden this bike, i hope you find this internet review useful. __________________ Me: You should think before you speak. Daughter: That always backfires on me. F800GS review.

02-09-2010, 04:43 AM	#2
Chop Chop Mr Wiggles Joined: Aug 2009 Location: Sunny Coast, Qld Aust Oddometer: 1,405	__________________ Really just like doing nothing with no one.

02-09-2010, 05:16 AM	#3
Zacharia_11 11th Assassin Joined: Nov 2009 Location: tricities.on.ca Oddometer: 248	Great, another bias press review of the F8GS... __________________ 2009 GS500 $5 off your SmugMug Photo Hosting Account Discount Code -gZGyUIZz6nv0w

02-09-2010, 06:25 AM	#4
DolphinJohn Really, Really Cool Joined: Mar 2007 Location: Key West-Island of Misfit Toys Oddometer: 3,309	I see what you did there. __________________ _________________________________ Europe R.R.

02-09-2010, 08:27 AM	#5
The Griz North Forest Rider Joined: Nov 2008 Location: Minneapolis, MN Oddometer: 3,622	__________________ PAUL BUNYAN FOREST RIDERS MC 2013 KTM 300 XCW 2012 KTM 990 Adventure R

02-09-2010, 09:21 AM	#6
wizze Wizze = Wise Joined: Jul 2009 Location: PA: Land of the Free Range Amish Oddometer: 671	Think of the money I could have saved by just imagining all the fun I would have. Where were you a few months ago?? Well done! In a crappy economy, you have given us a glimpse into the future of moto-reviews

02-09-2010, 10:34 AM	#8
itsatdm NoMoTDM still Gary Joined: Jun 2004 Location: Columbia, Ca. Oddometer: 3,717	Did you look at the price? You could have non-tested 2 Wee Stroms

02-09-2010, 10:41 AM	#9
Thinc2 ^OP Paciugo Joined: Apr 2004 Location: Luxembourg Oddometer: 4,320	I'm pleased to report I've never been on a vstrom, so a head to head uncomparison is a real possibility. Stay tuned. __________________ Me: You should think before you speak. Daughter: That always backfires on me. F800GS review.

02-09-2010, 10:45 AM	#10
EnderTheX Drunken Squirrel Joined: Mar 2009 Location: DFW Area, TX Oddometer: 2,587	Why pay for magazine subscriptions when you can just as great reviews for free in the forums!?

02-09-2010, 10:59 AM	#11
EnderTheX Drunken Squirrel Joined: Mar 2009 Location: DFW Area, TX Oddometer: 2,587	Oh yeah, to complete the review it would have been great to have a picture of a BMW test rider in a full BMW suit riding a bone stock white/orange F800GS on a picturesque two lane curvy paved road.

02-09-2010, 11:03 AM	#12
Mr. Magoo Follow me; I'm lost! Joined: Oct 2006 Location: Sandhills of NC Oddometer: 4,291	Very funny! How 'bout the face plant you thought about but reconsidered?

02-09-2010, 11:23 AM	#13
sturgeon Studly Adventurer Joined: Jun 2007 Location: Great White North Oddometer: 745	How timely; you just saved me from not buying another one.

02-09-2010, 12:17 PM	#14
YetiGS Random Hooligan Joined: Apr 2007 Location: San Diego Oddometer: 6,192	When you do not do your next review, would you please not review the suspension as well. I've heard this bike may have inadequate suspension, but I'd love to hear from someone who hasn't ridden the bike. Thanks! __________________ -Scott- Semper Fi '04 BMW R1150GSA, '08 KTM 450EXC-R, '04 KTM 625 SXC "A pessimist thinks all women are bad. An optimist is one who hopes they are." Chauncey Depew

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