thats how you do a review. most people just ride bikes with a on board camera while they talk in the wind. this was a very complete review also shown the bike. thanks. gr from the netherlands.
Nice review, sums up almost everything about the bike pretty good. Overall, the F800GT is a really nice everyday-bike that does nearly everything you want: touring, commute, have fun in the twisties or give her hard on the Autobahn (or highways / interstates). She gives you nothing but confidence and fun, no matter of your driving skills and experience. No bad surprises at all and if you really want to know it, you can go damn fast. I have one since a couple of months and I really enjoy riding it. Big guys (>=6ft) have to upgrade the windscreen, when they want to do long touring-trips. If you really want to go nuts in the twisties I recommend to upgrade the front-springs to progressive ones (like from Wilbers). That's the only point for real critizism I could find during the last 5 months an 10.000km. PS: Save the money from the ESA. It's just like a 1/4 of the "real" ESA from the boxer-bikes. Not worth it on the F800.
Late to the party here and thanks for this video - nice review. I ended up buying a 2017 F800GT last year down here in Australia. Been loving it's versatility and most importantly my partner loves touring on it!
Great review and sweet editing too, I liked the mix up with the road riding then walk around. I was engaged the whole time. I'm looking at this bike for my next cycle, it has what I need :)
Well done review. I think that manufacturers (at least Honda and BMW) are finding that rider don't all need the fastest are most focused bikes. Comfortable well handling and well appointed sensible bikes that still provide a fun factor have a growing audience. While BMW is not my cup of tea or price range I think they did well here.
i found the riding position more on the sport side rather than the standard touring my 190lb weight was on my wrists i am 6'. thanks for the great review.
Thanks for the excellent review! I am currently riding an F650 gs twin, since 2008 and was considering upgrading to something more road oriented (since I don't do much offroad anyway). I was even thinking about its predecessor - the F800 ST- before I got my current bike, but now I think the F800gt is much improved. My only concern is that I got so much used to the F650 twin, commuter wise and in-traffic, and I am wondering if I could manage the same level of agility with this one (slalom among cars etc). Otherwise I am perfectly fine with 800cc, the styling is great and even things like the TPMS make this choice ever better (rarely do I check my tyre pressures, for commuting in the city).
In the world of BMW Motorrad, the F bikes (inline twins) really take a back seat to the R bikes (Boxer Twins), or the K bikes (currently six cylinders). That being said, this bike was reviewed by Motorcycle Consumer News and got 5 out of 5. For touring, it doesn't have electronic cruise control.
I heard you say that You know that this bike has not been a big seller for bmw. I bought this bike new. it was and still is my first bike. And your are right it is a great bike. but it could have been a better bike. they restyled the bike and gave it a few more cc's of power. but the bike is still underpowered. since I have owned mine I have test ridden a few others including some sports bikes. From what I have seen at the dealership when I see other people looking at it. the older riders wont buy it because its to small (they want the bigger touring or adventure bikes). the younger riders like the style of the bike but want more power then the bike has. So what happens is they go by a Cbr 600 or something in that style. when the Bmw dealer here gets a cbr, Ninja,R1 or R6, zx, or vfr they never stay there long before they are bought. Take this bike make it a true 800cc bike, make it more appealing to the younger market. It already has the looks that younger riders like it just needs to be upgraded in top end to 100-110 hp. somewhere in that range. The way this bike will last is that BMW will have to bring new people in that will want to buy it. Charging 14g for a two cyclinder 90 hp bike will not keep it on the market but for so long.
Power is an issue with the bike, I agree. The parallel twin trades HP for fuel economy, and when a bike looks like that, people want power not mpg. The upcoming R1200RS maybe a similar bike with more guts from BMW
I don't know why I'm watching this because I don't know anything about bikes but if I get a motorcycle license one day and buy a bike (probably never will) I will buy something like this.
Mmmmmm, the F800! I sat on one once in the dealer here in town. Loved the feel of it, and would love to ride one of these. I do have a question though. How do you feel this bike, with its available power AND safety features (ABS, Trac Control, TPMS), and light weight, would suite a beginner, and/or as a first bike? I am a new (bike-less) rider. I loved the MSF course, aced all the testing, and the day of getting my license my friends allowed me to ride their Victory Kingpin Tourer in a parking lot. I was nervous about the weight, size, and power of it, but I understand the responsibility of throttle control at all times + LOTS of power coming from that 1600cc V-Twin.... I am very serious about seeking out proper training (advanced MSF classes, and personal instruction from 2 motorcycle police officers at my church), and also care greatly about proper riding gear. My goal is to get a Shoei, Aerostich, and other very good gloves/riding boots. My ultimate goal in riding, would be to get one bike that suites my purposes for riding. (I commute 60 miles a day for work, all pretty much at 45-55mph. I won't and don't speed, and the times I would be riding at avoid most of the heavy traffic. Plus I go through retirement communities, so most of the year the "snowbirds" are out of state) Haha I know that sounds crazy! But I don't really desire to move on and on, from one bike to the next. Somewhat as sentimentality, but also for the simplicity and contentment of just sticking with what I have. (Kinda like an.... R1200GS! My dream bike; a do-all, end-all, perfect bike! But geared toward a 120lb, 19 year old, beginning rider, who would love to tour more vs venture out on the trails :) ) I know this is a mouth full, but I would greatly value your opinion. Always enjoy watching your videos! Thank you very much!
Sorry I missed this. For a beginner sporty bike I say this would be good if you think you are responsible enough to handle a mid range engine. At the same time, don't be put off by the size of the 800cc engine. It is not tuned like an 800cc supersport motor. I think when BMW designed this motor they were thinking more about narrow packaging, fuel economy and flexibility, not track power. The bike really is a jack of all trades I say.
Gotcha, gotcha! Great to know for the future, thank you! About 3 weeks ago, I got a screaming deal on a new '12 Honda CBR250 ABS! Already have over 1200 miles on it, and love love love riding!! I would love to get into touring, and probably will for a few years on my CBR, but would like to get something more purposely designed for trips. I LOVE the ST, buuuuut its a bit of a heavy bike for my body-build. I'm really thinking that I will consider the F800ST/GT for my second (and maybe final??) bike! Thanks for the response, I greatly appreciate it!
I'm very interested in a bike like this. I'm 60 now and don't do a lot of touring anymore but I would like to have the capability when ever the notion gets to me. I'm riding three different bikes now, a '12 bonnie, a '09 Street Triple, and my tourer is an '08 Harley Street Glide. Needless to say my garage is a little crowded. This bike seems to tickle all of the above bikes for me. I'd miss the torque of the Street Triple though and the radio of the Street Glide. How is it on windy days. I'm going to see about a test ride this year.
I didn't encounter much wind. It is pretty much what you would expect. Being low is good. Sitting upright and being light is not. The best way to deal with wind is to ride faster, I say.
Position off riding is close enough to f650gs twin? Has it the same comfort as f650gs twin? I'm betwee f800st and f650gs twin. I ride usually two up. Which is better?
Think I will go for the F800gt - that fuel economy will pay for itself over the long run. But then, the VFR is less likely to depreciate... decisions decisions...
Did you have an opportunity to do any 2-up riding with this bike? I am thinking of it as the wife likes going for a drive, but my 92 fireblade is not the most passenger friendly bike around.
I did not do any 2 up. But I did observe that the seat has a great shape for it. The front half has a lip to to support the rider during hard acceleration. The passenger gets an elevated spot to make it easy to see over the driver. Power seems sufficient for 2 up. The only thing I could not really test is what that does to weight distribution. Since it is made for touring and big bags back there a passenger alone would probably be OK. But if you want to TOUR 2 up, that is different, esp on a smaller bike like this. You should try if out yourself if you can.
I love the look of the bike. Except for the exhaust, it really kills it's lines. Slapping a big old ugly thing on there just between the tire and the seat, it makes the bike look...fat. If they could tuck that thing away underneath the bike like the fz 09, it'd be a big improvement.
+2 Wheel Lifestyle Well, this bike will probably be up for a redesign in the next two years, seeing as it's from 2013 and the f800r got an update last year. Lets hope they do something about it.
So many other riders you can't wave to them all. Haha. I agree it is a great bike. Sporty enough but comfy for distance. The kind of bike most sportbike riders should get if they could get their ego's out of the way.
The reasons that no one should buy a BMW motorcycle is, first of all, they break a lot. Secondly, the BMW dealerships seek to rip off the people who bring their BMWs in for service. This is similar to what has happened to Harley-Davidson, the dealerships are a bunch of crooks and the corporation is oblivious to it.
True. I just looked them up for 2014. It looks like they changed the name to the Interceptor in the US? And the Interceptor DLX model has most of the electronics that the F800GS has.
thats how you do a review. most people just ride bikes with a on board camera while they talk in the wind. this was a very complete review also shown the bike. thanks. gr from the netherlands.
Nice review, sums up almost everything about the bike pretty good.
Overall, the F800GT is a really nice everyday-bike that does nearly everything you want: touring, commute, have fun in the twisties or give her hard on the Autobahn (or highways / interstates). She gives you nothing but confidence and fun, no matter of your driving skills and experience. No bad surprises at all and if you really want to know it, you can go damn fast.
I have one since a couple of months and I really enjoy riding it. Big guys (>=6ft) have to upgrade the windscreen, when they want to do long touring-trips. If you really want to go nuts in the twisties I recommend to upgrade the front-springs to progressive ones (like from Wilbers). That's the only point for real critizism I could find during the last 5 months an 10.000km.
PS: Save the money from the ESA. It's just like a 1/4 of the "real" ESA from the boxer-bikes. Not worth it on the F800.
Superb video and some beautiful scenery. I have just bought one of these bikes and I just love it!
That was great review. Agree, BMW is stepping up its design.
I hear that they are relying on their California design studio for their newer designs.
Late to the party here and thanks for this video - nice review. I ended up buying a 2017 F800GT last year down here in Australia. Been loving it's versatility and most importantly my partner loves touring on it!
Welcome aboard!
Nice editing, I like the back and forth btw views of the bike and shots of you riding it. Kept the attention up.
I did it for variety and to let people know I really did ride the bike and what kind of riding I did.
Great review and sweet editing too, I liked the mix up with the road riding then walk around. I was engaged the whole time. I'm looking at this bike for my next cycle, it has what I need :)
Well done review. I think that manufacturers (at least Honda and BMW) are finding that rider don't all need the fastest are most focused bikes. Comfortable well handling and well appointed sensible bikes that still provide a fun factor have a growing audience. While BMW is not my cup of tea or price range I think they did well here.
It would be nice to have a wider selection of bikes like this. And do a test ride of all of them, too.
2WL...your reviews are always excellent. I hope your making some $$$ on YT. You deserve it! ::subscribed::
I got my new (used) 2018 blue F 800 GT and I love it, love from across the pond.
I actually bought that exact bike as a demo. One of the best decisions of my life!
Great video, thank you for taking the time to do this! :)
Glad you liked it, I had fun doing it.
Reliability is King and BMW is the court jester.
i found the riding position more on the sport side rather than the standard touring my 190lb weight was on my wrists i am 6'. thanks for the great review.
Thanks for the excellent review! I am currently riding an F650 gs twin, since 2008 and was considering upgrading to something more road oriented (since I don't do much offroad anyway). I was even thinking about its predecessor - the F800 ST- before I got my current bike, but now I think the F800gt is much improved. My only concern is that I got so much used to the F650 twin, commuter wise and in-traffic, and I am wondering if I could manage the same level of agility with this one (slalom among cars etc).
Otherwise I am perfectly fine with 800cc, the styling is great and even things like the TPMS make this choice ever better (rarely do I check my tyre pressures, for commuting in the city).
I had a 2010 F650GS twin when I tested this bike, looking for a little more power and street bike.
In the world of BMW Motorrad, the F bikes (inline twins) really take a back seat to the R bikes (Boxer Twins), or the K bikes (currently six cylinders). That being said, this bike was reviewed by Motorcycle Consumer News and got 5 out of 5. For touring, it doesn't have electronic cruise control.
Honda vfr800 108 hp v4. very smooth through out the rpm range with lots of power. no adjustable suspension but all the other options
I heard you say that You know that this bike has not been a big seller for bmw. I bought this bike new. it was and still is my first bike. And your are right it is a great bike. but it could have been a better bike. they restyled the bike and gave it a few more cc's of power. but the bike is still underpowered. since I have owned mine I have test ridden a few others including some sports bikes. From what I have seen at the dealership when I see other people looking at it. the older riders wont buy it because its to small (they want the bigger touring or adventure bikes). the younger riders like the style of the bike but want more power then the bike has. So what happens is they go by a Cbr 600 or something in that style. when the Bmw dealer here gets a cbr, Ninja,R1 or R6, zx, or vfr they never stay there long before they are bought. Take this bike make it a true 800cc bike, make it more appealing to the younger market. It already has the looks that younger riders like it just needs to be upgraded in top end to 100-110 hp. somewhere in that range. The way this bike will last is that BMW will have to bring new people in that will want to buy it. Charging 14g for a two cyclinder 90 hp bike will not keep it on the market but for so long.
Power is an issue with the bike, I agree. The parallel twin trades HP for fuel economy, and when a bike looks like that, people want power not mpg. The upcoming R1200RS maybe a similar bike with more guts from BMW
I don't know why I'm watching this because I don't know anything about bikes but if I get a motorcycle license one day and buy a bike (probably never will) I will buy something like this.
You don't have to be real tall for an adventure bike: ruclips.net/video/s07hML6bJOA/видео.html
Mmmmmm, the F800! I sat on one once in the dealer here in town. Loved the feel of it, and would love to ride one of these.
I do have a question though. How do you feel this bike, with its available power AND safety features (ABS, Trac Control, TPMS), and light weight, would suite a beginner, and/or as a first bike?
I am a new (bike-less) rider. I loved the MSF course, aced all the testing, and the day of getting my license my friends allowed me to ride their Victory Kingpin Tourer in a parking lot. I was nervous about the weight, size, and power of it, but I understand the responsibility of throttle control at all times + LOTS of power coming from that 1600cc V-Twin.... I am very serious about seeking out proper training (advanced MSF classes, and personal instruction from 2 motorcycle police officers at my church), and also care greatly about proper riding gear. My goal is to get a Shoei, Aerostich, and other very good gloves/riding boots.
My ultimate goal in riding, would be to get one bike that suites my purposes for riding. (I commute 60 miles a day for work, all pretty much at 45-55mph. I won't and don't speed, and the times I would be riding at avoid most of the heavy traffic. Plus I go through retirement communities, so most of the year the "snowbirds" are out of state)
Haha I know that sounds crazy! But I don't really desire to move on and on, from one bike to the next. Somewhat as sentimentality, but also for the simplicity and contentment of just sticking with what I have. (Kinda like an.... R1200GS! My dream bike; a do-all, end-all, perfect bike! But geared toward a 120lb, 19 year old, beginning rider, who would love to tour more vs venture out on the trails :) )
I know this is a mouth full, but I would greatly value your opinion. Always enjoy watching your videos!
Thank you very much!
Sorry I missed this. For a beginner sporty bike I say this would be good if you think you are responsible enough to handle a mid range engine. At the same time, don't be put off by the size of the 800cc engine. It is not tuned like an 800cc supersport motor. I think when BMW designed this motor they were thinking more about narrow packaging, fuel economy and flexibility, not track power. The bike really is a jack of all trades I say.
Gotcha, gotcha! Great to know for the future, thank you!
About 3 weeks ago, I got a screaming deal on a new '12 Honda CBR250 ABS! Already have over 1200 miles on it, and love love love riding!! I would love to get into touring, and probably will for a few years on my CBR, but would like to get something more purposely designed for trips. I LOVE the ST, buuuuut its a bit of a heavy bike for my body-build. I'm really thinking that I will consider the F800ST/GT for my second (and maybe final??) bike!
Thanks for the response, I greatly appreciate it!
facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=738714426191255&l=580546cdd0
Congrats! The CBR250 is a great small displacement sport bike, I am happy to see more of them becoming popular.
I'm very interested in a bike like this. I'm 60 now and don't do a lot of touring anymore but I would like to have the capability when ever the notion gets to me. I'm riding three different bikes now, a '12 bonnie, a '09 Street Triple, and my tourer is an '08 Harley Street Glide. Needless to say my garage is a little crowded. This bike seems to tickle all of the above bikes for me. I'd miss the torque of the Street Triple though and the radio of the Street Glide. How is it on windy days. I'm going to see about a test ride this year.
I didn't encounter much wind. It is pretty much what you would expect. Being low is good. Sitting upright and being light is not. The best way to deal with wind is to ride faster, I say.
Position off riding is close enough to f650gs twin? Has it the same comfort as f650gs twin? I'm betwee f800st and f650gs twin. I ride usually two up. Which is better?
Tossup between this and the VFR for me
Think I will go for the F800gt - that fuel economy will pay for itself over the long run. But then, the VFR is less likely to depreciate... decisions decisions...
Did you have an opportunity to do any 2-up riding with this bike? I am thinking of it as the wife likes going for a drive, but my 92 fireblade is not the most passenger friendly bike around.
I did not do any 2 up. But I did observe that the seat has a great shape for it. The front half has a lip to to support the rider during hard acceleration. The passenger gets an elevated spot to make it easy to see over the driver.
Power seems sufficient for 2 up. The only thing I could not really test is what that does to weight distribution. Since it is made for touring and big bags back there a passenger alone would probably be OK. But if you want to TOUR 2 up, that is different, esp on a smaller bike like this. You should try if out yourself if you can.
I love the look of the bike. Except for the exhaust, it really kills it's lines. Slapping a big old ugly thing on there just between the tire and the seat, it makes the bike look...fat. If they could tuck that thing away underneath the bike like the fz 09, it'd be a big improvement.
+cueballB Agreed, that thing is huge. There are aftermarket options, but not many.
+2 Wheel Lifestyle Well, this bike will probably be up for a redesign in the next two years, seeing as it's from 2013 and the f800r got an update last year. Lets hope they do something about it.
So many other riders you can't wave to them all. Haha. I agree it is a great bike. Sporty enough but comfy for distance. The kind of bike most sportbike riders should get if they could get their ego's out of the way.
True about the waves. Too many corners, too. I really liked the bike. It would be the kind of sport bike I would be ready for.
The reasons that no one should buy a BMW motorcycle is, first of all, they break a lot. Secondly, the BMW dealerships seek to rip off the people who bring their BMWs in for service. This is similar to what has happened to Harley-Davidson, the dealerships are a bunch of crooks and the corporation is oblivious to it.
* you're
An equivalent sports tourer: Honda VFR 800
True. I just looked them up for 2014. It looks like they changed the name to the Interceptor in the US? And the Interceptor DLX model has most of the electronics that the F800GS has.
…and I meant to add I enjoyed your review of the F800GS!
You mean the F800GT? My own bike is an F700GS, I plan to do a review of it, too.
Yes, I meant GT. Great looking bike
bike with full unreliability issues.
I spoke with a man who rents these and says there's no problems.