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BMW F 800 R Reviewed |
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BMW F 800 R Reviewed |
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BMW F 800 R Review -
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Images -- By, Trevor Hedge  All F models utilise a 798 parallel twin-cylinder engine for
motivation. The engine makes 52 kW (71hp) in its lowest
specification F 650 GS guise and a slightly more hairy chested 64 kW
(87hp) in the F 800 R. The highlights of the engine are definitely a strong and smooth bottom end power delivery matched to a throttle that offers wonderfully smooth transitions through off and on power applications. In tight corners this helps to inspire confidence and makes for smooth progress that a rider certainly appreciates, and a pillion would welcome even more. Add easily adjustable rear suspension into the bargain and it’s easy to see why the F800R is a step above comparable mounts when it comes to carrying a passenger. The power delivery gets a little more urgent as the tachometer needle swings past 5000rpm on its way to the 8000rpm power peak. The engine does get a little vibey when spun hard and the ride experience is made more comfortable by riding the wave of mid-range torque. It is also probably why BMW have fitted some fairly tall gearing to the F 800 R. It’s offset somewhat in the upper gears with shorter ratios in fourth, fifth and sixth gears than its F series brethren but in the lower cogs some shorter gearing would certainly add a sportier and more responsive feel to the ride. Final drive is via a chain like the F series GS models, while the ST model utilises belt drive. Fuel economy is excellent with 5 litres per 100km on the highway delivering a touring range just over 300km. Even when riding fairly hard the 16 litre fuel cell provides a 240km range. The seat is comfortable and the ergonomics prove friendly enough. The standard seat is 800mm from terra firma with a lower 775mm seat or higher 825mm seat available as a no cost option at time of ordering. Heated handgrips are standard equipment in Australia as are the onboard computer and LED indicators. The dominant machine in this middleweight nakedbike sector is Triumph’s Street Triple. Is the F 800 R as good as the brilliant little Trumpy? The BMW does not steer as sweetly or provide as much energetic fizz and fun as the British bike. The F 800 R is however more comfortable, more practical and a markedly better all rounder. It’s certainly worthy of a visit to your local BMW dealer to appraise the differences for yourself if you are in the market for such a bike. The marginal price difference between the two bikes blows out to over 3 grand after ticking all the option boxes that help the F 800 R to realise its full potential. And while that dent to the wallet is painful, an F 800 R without the options is less safe, less practical and will certainly retain less value come trade in time than a fully optioned machine.
-- Pictorial - Click here for a gallery of images featuring BMW's new F 800 R |
BMW F 800 R Accessories
Akrapovic Muffler $1286 / Panniers & Mounts $1312 / Top Box $656
- Pictorial -
Click here for a gallery of images featuring BMW's new F 800 R
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BMW F 800 R Review -
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Images --
Model - BMW F 800 R