Instrumentation is comprehensive with a fuel gauge, coolant temperature, clock and the usual speedometer and tachometer. A stopwatch / lap-timer function is operated from the bars. $325 extra gets you a fully featured trip computer with both average and current fuel consumption figures, average speed and distance to empty along with an ambient temperature gauge for good measure. An automatic tyre pressure control system is another optional extra at $375 and informs the rider of any tyre pressure problems via the dash.

The half faired F 800 S has now been released at $14500 and the fully faired ST retails at $15000. The main difference between the two models are that the ST has side panels on the fairing, a taller screen, higher bars, a luggage rack and different rims. The rims on the S model are exquisite in their design.

Both models are available with the normal endless BMW optional equipment, ranging from ABS brakes, automatic tyre pressure control and on board computers to a lower seat and hard luggage. The panniers are expandable from 15 to 25 litres and retail for $515 each. Each pannier is capable of swallowing a full face helmet or up to 8kg of luggage. The fastening kit to fit the panniers to either the S or ST models retails for $185. A genuine 12 litre pouch bag sells for $300, or a much larger tank bag is also available that expands from 14 to 26 litres and can be yours for $490. The smaller pouch bag allows for BMW’s satellite navigation system to be fitted. You starting to understand why some people reckon BMW stands for Bring More Wallet?

A possible stumbling block to the success of this bike is the price. 15k is actually quite cheap for a BMW, and the bike does exude a true quality feel, but when Honda are running out CBR1100XX Blackbirds and Kawasaki are sacrificing ZX-12Rs for similar money, it makes the F 800 look a little expensive. But in reality the F 800 is a very different machine to these larger four cylinder road burners and perhaps has more in common with Ducati’s ST3. Here, on a price point basis, the BMW begins to look a little more competitive. The $18,495 sticker price of the ST3 approaches 20 grand once the pannier option boxes are ticked which gives the BMW a significant advantage. The Ducati does have that lovely DS engine in its favour and is a slightly sportier bit of kit, but in the same breath four grand is a lot of money and the BMW would rarely be left behind.

The F 800 is the kind of machine that grows on you and is one that impressed me greatly. To my eye it is more visually appealing than the Ducati and those lovely touches of user friendliness will make living with the machine an absolute joy. The Ducati has more motor and is perhaps a little more balanced at ten-tenths riding but the BMW is certainly not miles behind in either department. In fact I would be really hard pressed to choose between the two if I was after a twin-cylinder sports-tourer and I have had the luxury of putting plenty of kilometres on both machines. And to both their credits the more time I spent with either of them the more they ingratiated themselves with me and I would take either ahead of the present generation VFR 800, itself a highly accomplished machine. The F 800 is more touring friendly and nicely featured than the cheaper SV1000S Suzuki, which could be seen as a competitor. In the engine department the Suzuki is much stronger, but in the handling stakes the BMW would win the war. BMW are also targeting Ducati Monster buyers with the F 800 S and I guess that is a fair call, but having spent little time with Monsters the only comparison I could offer in that quarter is again the levels of user friendliness and touring abilities the BMW boasts.

If you want to taste the F 800 yourself get in touch with your local BMW dealer. From the feedback I receive through our forum and other places most BMW dealerships around the country are only too eager to let you loose on their motorcycles. Just remember to put a little more preload and damping on at the rear if you want to test its sporting abilities. The spanner for adjusting the preload is fixed to the underside of the seat. Like I said before, smart fellas these Germans...