A 2010 F800R with the ABS, Trip Computer, LED, and Akrapovic option came to my possession 2 weeks ago. It is a lovely bike, can't go wrong with it if you find it used. Plus, not many of those are driving around, so be prepared to be a petrol station celebrity with 60-year-old men asking you all about it.
i'm a new rider and i just bought a 2012 F800R. Can't tell you how happy i was to find your review on this bike prior to purchasing as it helped, along with some other videos (there aren't many) as it helped solidify what the salesman was telling me etc. about this bike being ok for beginners. While i do have a little experience, i am a beginner, and i am finding that this bike at this time is perfect for me. I really like it and i can't imagine, although one day i'm sure i will, ever getting rid of it. Only problem i have now is all the other bikes that i want to add! Thanks for your videos, i really enjoy them.
Nice review mate. I own a 2014 and in the states they have a bad rep for being buzzy through the handlebars. When I test rode mine you could feel it and after 45 minuets my hands were numb to the point I couldn't feel them. If you do get one that has this problem there is a fix...three to be precise. 1. Change the oil to 20/50, It comes with 20/40 but its to thin. 2. Heavier bar ends ( Throttlemeister make some specifically for the 800 because of the vibration complaints.) 3. Change the foot pegs to rubber ones. The V-strom pegs fit and you can get them for $10 on ebay for the pair. I've gotten 90% of the vibration out and I love this bike. I've been riding 27 years and have over a million miles and this one has given me the biggest grin factor of all. I know they say its a good beginner bike or if you are getting back into riding but if you do know how to ride its a freaking hooligan bike, 90 MPH in second, 110 in third. Get rid of the stock pipe, change the gearing (Sprocket size) and find some twisty's. It wont out perform a lot of other bikes on paper but it will out perform a lot of there riders.
Hi Paul - Nice one! I didn't notice any particular buzziness but then I wasn't tooling it around like you ;0) Thanks for watching and the kind words, ride safe! - TMF
Paul: Your comment was VERY helpful. I'm deciding on my next bike and I recently test rode the F800R. I liked the bike on paper and I love the aesthetics of it but...the handlebar vibrations were so bad that I couldn't justify paying so much for it. I was very disappointed because I had this gut feeling that it was going to be great for me. After doing some more research about it and learning that the vibrations can be remedied, I think that I'll end up going with this bike. BMW is also now offering a new higher handlebar for shorter riders as an accessory option so that solves my 2nd problem with the bike (I'm short and I didn't like having to reach for the bar; I like sitting completely upright). Thanks for the post and the advice because I will definitely be using the information.
Perhaps if I read your reply before testing the bike Paul I might have bought one. I tested it and just put it down to another bike that makes my hands go numb so that and the footpeg vibes made me give it back to the dealer. Then I tried a Maxi scoot and it is so smooth that I am buying one.
I had the GT version (13 plate -Belt drive) and it was my first BMW. Loved it to bits and took the daily commute into London (110 miles round trip) in it stride. The quirky thing i found was the petrol tank and how it registered low fuel on the display. Now own the R1200RS.
Two months in and i'm liking it a lot..Bought used (1500 miles) from Cannons of Braintree. Now done 3500 miles.Plus points.. Plenty of lower end grunt..Thought it would be heavier when riding but it surprised me with how agile it is once its on the road. Love the brakes. Reminds me a lot of my old F800GT . Had to get the lowered seat because i'm a short arse. Gear assist is great (apart from 1st).. Negative points..The bmw controls still have a cheap feel to them. Analog speedo is too small to read correctly unless you have 20/20 vision.But if you don't mind leaning forward a bit its worth it.
Hi do you still have the f800r? Are you happy about the bike Anout the costs of maintenance and the consumption? Any general problem or specific I want to get one used 2011 40000km I have a mt 03 660
Nice review mate. Nice bit of info on the seat height. I have the Husq Nuda which is the same rotax engine but re-bored to a 900...plenty excitement! but what it loses is the friendly seat height...and with my tip toes down I am not loving the lack of confidence but that might come in time....just have to wait for the spring now....BUT I was about to buy this bike and went with the other..
Fun to go back to one of your old reviews! The audio quality while riding is better than big publications of that period. Voice sounds a little lower pitched too :)
i have the st model and have owned for 2yrs,the longest iv ever kept any machine,it does everything,comfy,60mpg,can keep up with sports in the twistys[not with me riding],great tourer,but you are right it is not exciting .
I have a 7/2012..2013 f800r with 52k miles, tyres (pilot 4's), brake fluid, rear brake pads, spark plugs, bulbs.. did raise (35mm) handle bars with end weights, helps with vibration.. pulls well & handles great. Dont like.. left inside ankle gets warm (has engine air damn) and instrument cluster too dim, hard to read with sunshield.
Not really my thing to be honest as I have and ride a z1000, cbr929, tiger800 and an fz8. BUT For some reason I do not know why I have just bought a 2012 model in show room condition with 12,000 miles. I have not even sat on one before I just bought it on condition and mileage and price was very very good. I wanted something to take out if it might rain , not that I ride in the poor weather, but you know the days at the start and end of the season where you know you should go out but 50/50 if it might rain. Anyway I am hoping its not to much of a dog lol. I will be doing a review myself on it. Good review mate
Good, useful review. I'm on the verge of buying a 2013 model as an upgrade from a CB500F, and it sounds like it should tick all the boxes. Test rode the Street Triple (among others) but it was a bit cramped, where as I felt right at home on the beemer.
Yes the Beemer is a very different ride to the Street Triple - if you're on the tall side then I can imagine the Trumpet wouldn't be too comfortable compared to the beemer. Enjoy your new bike - exciting times!
Just spotted this video - I had a 2013 F800GS which I believe has the same engine.. Very nice engine indeed as you said. I went to the South of France with it twice.
I actually listened to the engine sound of the latest model 2018 on the bmw website and I was shocked how smooth it sounded, could hardly tell it's a twin! Sounds uncannily like an IL4
You're right. I believe that all brands can have the odd problem (although the BMW was excessive pre 30,000 km; pistons and rings twice, whole engine casings, whole rear hub ass', ignition switch, front belt pully, some air hoses, and on and on and most of it BMW expected me to pay, contrary to the local consumor law) the honda lost the rear shock knob and honda told the dealer not to mess around and sent a whole new rear shocker. Honda are a far more honorable co than BMW.
The faulty piston design was also limited to the earlier f800s as they changed the design. But again they didn't admit the fault ( lied) nor did they warrant them (dishonorable) . To buy that brand is to tell them that their behaviour is acceptable which clearly it isn't.
I also test rode this bike when looking for a first bike for my wife who had just passed her test on her 40th. She liked the look of this and the Street Triple and both bikes fitted her 5' 7" height. In my opinion the BMW is no where near as exciting to ride as the Street and I personally found the performance of the parallel twin a little disappointing but the BMW will certainly go further on a gallon of petrol. Being 6' 3" tall I also found it (and the Street) too small and cramped. I suggested to 'she who must be obeyed' that the Triumph was perhaps the better bike......... she had already made her mind up on the Street Triple as it came in purple; her favorite colour!
Those analog dual scale speedo's look nice but are hard to read as you mentioned. I've got a simpler looking metric speedo on my GS. It's not as glamorous but, I have no problems reading it. Usually use the GPS speed indicator though, how about you? Any chance you'll get your hands on an 800GS? I'm going to have to take one out in the spring to satisfy my curiosity.
Yeah I tend to use the GPS as a speedometer too Andy, much kinder to my old eyes ;0) Would love to try the 800, know anyone that wants to lend me one?? ;0) Cheers for watching - all the best - TMF
It's the calipers that are radially mounted or not - it's mostly a fashion thing in my opinion. If the calipers are mounted radially (i'e radially from the centre of the wheel rather than offset on a fork leg as on this bike) it allows you to easily add spacers and fit bigger disks to the bike without modifying the forks or replacing the calipers/brake pistons - only really an issue if you are a racer on track. Some argue the braking forces are better handled this way but I'm not sure of the science on that one......hope that makes sense?
+d4v1d5c0tt It's where the brake callipers are fixed radially to where the front axle is as opposed to attached to the fork leg - it makes it easier to use different sizes of brake disk (+ there are no doubt some other mechanical advantages)....
The problem of this model of BMW is nothing only thing missing is high shield of wind as during long contindntal ride a rider needs because wind makes you not think rationally after long rides!!!
Hi HartfordHD125 and EinkOLED - Right in one, this one was a loaner whilst my GS was in for a service. The other reviews have been either other loan bikes, test rides with a view to purchase, or my own machines....
i had a 800s for 110,000kms. I'll never buy another BMW. By 30,000 i jag spent nearly 1/3rd of its new price keeping it going. BMW didn't want to obey NSW Australia consumer law. I had to take them to court and i won. BMW Australia didn't even bother showing up. court ordered the bike fixed. I have met a number of owners of a few different newer BMW models up to the 6 cylinder which have had similar experiences. i have talked about 10 people out of buying new BMW bikes and 1 car. I now have a Honda VFR12OOF. Better handling around town, on fun back roads and even on gravel. lower seat than the BMW optional low seat. more comfortable over 10 or 12 hour days. Better high beam head light. The BMW belts where lasting on average 33,000km and each time BMW expect owners to wait weeks for belts to come from Germany as BMW Aust don't stock them in the country. BMW, buy something else.
Cool story bro I have a BMW F650gs and a Husaberg, both run great. sucks for you but you don't really represent all or even the average consumer's experience with BMW. I know loads of people who own BMW motorcycles and cars. You have a very weird obsession against BMW huh
dude... it has to be a thumbs down for me because you did not showcase the first and most important thing of all...how the hell does it handle compared to the GS1200 ? you went on forever on stuff that does not matter if the bike handles like crap by comparison. Just what do you think people care when they ponder which one to buy ?
@@TheMissendenFlyer bike reviews cost nothing too yet people will tell you how to make a video to better serve them as if they are a paying customer and this is the only f800r review on RUclips 🤣 great review I say!
I was interested in this because I test rode the F800r. I only rode it for a short period, and although the bike was good with handling and braking, I was extremely disappointed with the engine. I own an SV650a and was expecting something similarfrom the BMW, but with a bit of extra oomph. What I found was absolutely no kick in the pants like I get from my SV. The thing had very little torque, and you had to rev it to get anywhere.
A 2010 F800R with the ABS, Trip Computer, LED, and Akrapovic option came to my possession 2 weeks ago. It is a lovely bike, can't go wrong with it if you find it used. Plus, not many of those are driving around, so be prepared to be a petrol station celebrity with 60-year-old men asking you all about it.
I do like your reviews , very natural and flowing commentary .
Cheers David!
i'm a new rider and i just bought a 2012 F800R. Can't tell you how happy i was to find your review on this bike prior to purchasing as it helped, along with some other videos (there aren't many) as it helped solidify what the salesman was telling me etc. about this bike being ok for beginners. While i do have a little experience, i am a beginner, and i am finding that this bike at this time is perfect for me. I really like it and i can't imagine, although one day i'm sure i will, ever getting rid of it. Only problem i have now is all the other bikes that i want to add! Thanks for your videos, i really enjoy them.
Delighted to hear that!
I rode this bike in driving school. Great machine. Good review. Thanks.
Carlos Ferraz You made the right choice - the Nuda is a mental bike! I had no idea these were Rotax engined...interesting! Cheers for watching, TMF.
Nice review mate.
I own a 2014 and in the states they have a bad rep for being buzzy through the handlebars. When I test rode mine you could feel it and after 45 minuets my hands were numb to the point I couldn't feel them. If you do get one that has this problem there is a fix...three to be precise.
1. Change the oil to 20/50, It comes with 20/40 but its to thin.
2. Heavier bar ends ( Throttlemeister make some specifically for the 800 because of the vibration complaints.)
3. Change the foot pegs to rubber ones. The V-strom pegs fit and you can get them for $10 on ebay for the pair.
I've gotten 90% of the vibration out and I love this bike. I've been riding 27 years and have over a million miles and this one has given me the biggest grin factor of all.
I know they say its a good beginner bike or if you are getting back into riding but if you do know how to ride its a freaking hooligan bike, 90 MPH in second, 110 in third. Get rid of the stock pipe, change the gearing (Sprocket size) and find some twisty's. It wont out perform a lot of other bikes on paper but it will out perform a lot of there riders.
Hi Paul - Nice one! I didn't notice any particular buzziness but then I wasn't tooling it around like you ;0) Thanks for watching and the kind words, ride safe! - TMF
Paul: Your comment was VERY helpful. I'm deciding on my next bike and I recently test rode the F800R. I liked the bike on paper and I love the aesthetics of it but...the handlebar vibrations were so bad that I couldn't justify paying so much for it. I was very disappointed because I had this gut feeling that it was going to be great for me. After doing some more research about it and learning that the vibrations can be remedied, I think that I'll end up going with this bike. BMW is also now offering a new higher handlebar for shorter riders as an accessory option so that solves my 2nd problem with the bike (I'm short and I didn't like having to reach for the bar; I like sitting completely upright). Thanks for the post and the advice because I will definitely be using the information.
Perhaps if I read your reply before testing the bike Paul I might have bought one. I tested it and just put it down to another bike that makes my hands go numb so that and the footpeg vibes made me give it back to the dealer. Then I tried a Maxi scoot and it is so smooth that I am buying one.
I had the GT version (13 plate -Belt drive) and it was my first BMW. Loved it to bits and took the daily commute into London (110 miles round trip) in it stride. The quirky thing i found was the petrol tank and how it registered low fuel on the display. Now own the R1200RS.
+Michael Dignum I must have a go on one of those RS's - how're you getting on with it?
Two months in and i'm liking it a lot..Bought used (1500 miles) from Cannons of Braintree. Now done 3500 miles.Plus points.. Plenty of lower end grunt..Thought it would be heavier when riding but it surprised me with how agile it is once its on the road. Love the brakes. Reminds me a lot of my old F800GT . Had to get the lowered seat because i'm a short arse. Gear assist is great (apart from 1st).. Negative points..The bmw controls still have a cheap feel to them. Analog speedo is too small to read correctly unless you have 20/20 vision.But if you don't mind leaning forward a bit its worth it.
+Michael Dignum ...so they didn't learn from the rubbish dials on the GS then! Enjoy.....
Just bought one today! 2014 model...didn't even test ride it 'cos this review was great.
Hey Jonnie! I hope you like it.....!! Exciting time getting a new bike isn't it? Enjoy and ride safe buddy, all the best - TMF
Hi do you still have the f800r?
Are you happy about the bike
Anout the costs of maintenance and the consumption?
Any general problem or specific
I want to get one used 2011 40000km
I have a mt 03 660
Nice review mate. Nice bit of info on the seat height. I have the Husq Nuda which is the same rotax engine but re-bored to a 900...plenty excitement! but what it loses is the friendly seat height...and with my tip toes down I am not loving the lack of confidence but that might come in time....just have to wait for the spring now....BUT I was about to buy this bike and went with the other..
Yes on the fuel consumption side...very frugal indeed!
Fun to go back to one of your old reviews! The audio quality while riding is better than big publications of that period. Voice sounds a little lower pitched too :)
How interesting!
i have the st model and have owned for 2yrs,the longest iv ever kept any machine,it does everything,comfy,60mpg,can keep up with sports in the twistys[not with me riding],great tourer,but you are right it is not exciting .
Wow 60mpg....that would be nice! Thanks for watching and commenting, good to get an owners perspective on these things - ride safe! TMF
I have a 7/2012..2013 f800r with 52k miles, tyres (pilot 4's), brake fluid, rear brake pads, spark plugs, bulbs.. did raise (35mm) handle bars with end weights, helps with vibration.. pulls well & handles great.
Dont like.. left inside ankle gets warm (has engine air damn) and instrument cluster too dim, hard to read with sunshield.
My previous bike with a 2005 f650cs... love it for city driving, highway not so much.
Not really my thing to be honest as I have and ride a z1000, cbr929, tiger800 and an fz8. BUT For some reason I do not know why I have just bought a 2012 model in show room condition with 12,000 miles. I have not even sat on one before I just bought it on condition and mileage and price was very very good. I wanted something to take out if it might rain , not that I ride in the poor weather, but you know the days at the start and end of the season where you know you should go out but 50/50 if it might rain. Anyway I am hoping its not to much of a dog lol. I will be doing a review myself on it. Good review mate
Just hope I like it as a seasoned rider 😬
Good, useful review. I'm on the verge of buying a 2013 model as an upgrade from a CB500F, and it sounds like it should tick all the boxes. Test rode the Street Triple (among others) but it was a bit cramped, where as I felt right at home on the beemer.
Yes the Beemer is a very different ride to the Street Triple - if you're on the tall side then I can imagine the Trumpet wouldn't be too comfortable compared to the beemer. Enjoy your new bike - exciting times!
Just spotted this video - I had a 2013 F800GS which I believe has the same engine.. Very nice engine indeed as you said. I went to the South of France with it twice.
Nice one!
A really good review sir, thank you very much! I do find this bike interesting. Must go for a testride asap! Tata!
+John Mård Thank you John - I hope you enjoy the bike if you get to ride one! All the best - TMF
Surprisingly thorough and down to earth review.Enjoyed that,ta.
Glad you enjoyed it Hedge - why are you surprised though I wonder??? :0) Cheers for watching - all the best, TMF.
TheMissendenFlyer Only surprised because it was a first impressions vid.Lots of depth and long term views surprised me ,that's all :)
Hedge hog Excellent - that'll do me me - cheers!
Just bought a second hand 2015 model for £5000. Lucky for me, someone has already paid for all the sport and touring extras
Nicely done!
love watching a review and knowing where you are! i only live down the road from Missenden in Aylesbury (Y) great review!
Hi SgtRosier - thanks for the kind words, give us a wave if you see me out an about :0)
I actually listened to the engine sound of the latest model 2018 on the bmw website and I was shocked how smooth it sounded, could hardly tell it's a twin! Sounds uncannily like an IL4
because it's a 360° crank. Not the usual 180°
which means constant bam bam bam bam instead of bam bam bam bam bam bam. . .
You're right. I believe that all brands can have the odd problem (although the BMW was excessive pre 30,000 km; pistons and rings twice, whole engine casings, whole rear hub ass', ignition switch, front belt pully, some air hoses, and on and on and most of it BMW expected me to pay, contrary to the local consumor law) the honda lost the rear shock knob and honda told the dealer not to mess around and sent a whole new rear shocker. Honda are a far more honorable co than BMW.
Fair enough, I can see why someone with your experience would think that! All the best - TMF
50,000. The gear box should last far longer. BMW used to be a quality and honourable company. Not any more.
The faulty piston design was also limited to the earlier f800s as they changed the design. But again they didn't admit the fault ( lied) nor did they warrant them (dishonorable) . To buy that brand is to tell them that their behaviour is acceptable which clearly it isn't.
How much do you earn at Honda?
I also test rode this bike when looking for a first bike for my wife who had just passed her test on her 40th. She liked the look of this and the Street Triple and both bikes fitted her 5' 7" height. In my opinion the BMW is no where near as exciting to ride as the Street and I personally found the performance of the parallel twin a little disappointing but the BMW will certainly go further on a gallon of petrol. Being 6' 3" tall I also found it (and the Street) too small and cramped. I suggested to 'she who must be obeyed' that the Triumph was perhaps the better bike......... she had already made her mind up on the Street Triple as it came in purple; her favorite colour!
Street Triples rule ;0) Good choice......
This is perfect review.
+AndreyLead Thank you
Those analog dual scale speedo's look nice but are hard to read as you mentioned. I've got a simpler looking metric speedo on my GS. It's not as glamorous but, I have no problems reading it. Usually use the GPS speed indicator though, how about you? Any chance you'll get your hands on an 800GS? I'm going to have to take one out in the spring to satisfy my curiosity.
Yeah I tend to use the GPS as a speedometer too Andy, much kinder to my old eyes ;0) Would love to try the 800, know anyone that wants to lend me one?? ;0) Cheers for watching - all the best - TMF
nice review mate. If you was just winging it on the go then an extra well done!
Thank you Angus - and I was indeed ;0)
Great review, can you tell me the difference between radial discs and non radial discs? Cheers
It's the calipers that are radially mounted or not - it's mostly a fashion thing in my opinion. If the calipers are mounted radially (i'e radially from the centre of the wheel rather than offset on a fork leg as on this bike) it allows you to easily add spacers and fit bigger disks to the bike without modifying the forks or replacing the calipers/brake pistons - only really an issue if you are a racer on track. Some argue the braking forces are better handled this way but I'm not sure of the science on that one......hope that makes sense?
Brill, now I know what I've got on the GS. Cheers and safe riding
No worries - you too mate...TMF
Did you ever review the later model (from 2015) thanks for a great channel by the way 👍🏻
Nope - and you’re welcome!
thanks mate
thank you
It looks like. You Rock. activity beef What do you think, guys?
+James Lloyd No idea what you're talking about James but thanks (I think!!) ;0)
Sorry for the noob question. What are radial brakes? I know what radial tyres are but not brakes. Thanks in advance
+d4v1d5c0tt It's where the brake callipers are fixed radially to where the front axle is as opposed to attached to the fork leg - it makes it easier to use different sizes of brake disk (+ there are no doubt some other mechanical advantages)....
+TheMissendenFlyer thanks that makes sense. Loved the review.
+d4v1d5c0tt Thanks for saying so :0)
The problem of this model of BMW is nothing only thing missing is high shield of wind as during long contindntal ride a rider needs because wind makes you not think rationally after long rides!!!
I have wondered for a while now : do you own the bikes seen on your channel, or simply get them to test ride ?
Thanks
Roger
I think it was a hire/courtesy bike while his GS was being serviced by BMW. It is certainly not his own.
Hi HartfordHD125 and EinkOLED - Right in one, this one was a loaner whilst my GS was in for a service. The other reviews have been either other loan bikes, test rides with a view to purchase, or my own machines....
So your 5,9ft tall now? So you’ve got shorter in last few years Andy? Ive always thought you were 5,7ft edging to 5,8?
5’8” when I last checked
What do You think for how tall max. person is this motrorbike? It is probably small bike and I don't want look on it ridiculously.
It's not super small (like say a Triumph Street Twin) - I would think a 6 footer would be fine...
I hope. I'm 6' tall. I thinking about that motorbike and don't want to look as on donkey :-).
Mirosław Gasik I hear the higher seat they offer gives us taller riders more leg room.
i had a 800s for 110,000kms. I'll never buy another BMW. By 30,000 i jag spent nearly 1/3rd of its new price keeping it going. BMW didn't want to obey NSW Australia consumer law. I had to take them to court and i won. BMW Australia didn't even bother showing up. court ordered the bike fixed. I have met a number of owners of a few different newer BMW models up to the 6 cylinder which have had similar experiences. i have talked about 10 people out of buying new BMW bikes and 1 car. I now have a Honda VFR12OOF. Better handling around town, on fun back roads and even on gravel. lower seat than the BMW optional low seat. more comfortable over 10 or 12 hour days. Better high beam head light. The BMW belts where lasting on average 33,000km and each time BMW expect owners to wait weeks for belts to come from Germany as BMW Aust don't stock them in the country. BMW, buy something else.
Oh dear Rob, sorry to hear of your troubles with the Bavarian boys....as you say, best stick with the local Japanese stuff then!
Cool story bro
I have a BMW F650gs and a Husaberg, both run great. sucks for you but you don't really represent all or even the average consumer's experience with BMW. I know loads of people who own BMW motorcycles and cars. You have a very weird obsession against BMW huh
You were 5ft8 the other week😂
I still am!
dude... it has to be a thumbs down for me because you did not showcase the first and most important thing of all...how the hell does it handle compared to the GS1200 ? you went on forever on stuff that does not matter if the bike handles like crap by comparison. Just what do you think people care when they ponder which one to buy ?
Sorry about that.....
@@TheMissendenFlyer well, if you take criticism that well, you show you are a gentleman. You force me to be nice. Well done sir.
@@31acruz Being nice to people costs nothing! :0)
@@TheMissendenFlyer bike reviews cost nothing too yet people will tell you how to make a video to better serve them as if they are a paying customer and this is the only f800r review on RUclips 🤣 great review I say!
think you like bmw a bit too much bud
its a very expensive middle weight naked that is beat by literally every other bike in its class...
+Oso 11 Well it is only my opinion, I'm not claiming to be anything other than just another biker.....
I was interested in this because I test rode the F800r. I only rode it for a short period, and although the bike was good with handling and braking, I was extremely disappointed with the engine. I own an SV650a and was expecting something similarfrom the BMW, but with a bit of extra oomph. What I found was absolutely no kick in the pants like I get from my SV. The thing had very little torque, and you had to rev it to get anywhere.
The old model looks way better imo, the facelifted headlights look generic