BMW F800S
Gentleman's Express
WRITERS: Lon Rozelle, Tim Carrithers and Aaron Frank
PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kevin Wing, Doug Linnett and Jim Moy
The sportbike for riders "of a certain age"
This new F800S is the most un-Beemer-like Beemer yet. And that's a good thing. Yes it has the civility typical of the German marque, but it's also a little rough around the edges. It's a bike that actually feels like a bike. A BMW that has-gasp!-character.
BMW has aimed the F800 series at re-entry riders, and to that we would add entry-level riders. While the S and ST boast a claimed 85 horsepower, that power is delivered in a warm and fuzzy manner that won't spook even a newbie. The S stands for Sport, but we'd tack a "y" onto the end of that. There's grunt all right, but gentlemanly grunt-you'll not likely be inspired to perform power-wheelies or other forms of hooliganism. This is a sportbike for grownups, thank you very much, and within that niche it excels.
Ergos are pretty much perfect. Bars and pegs are set to give a slight racer tuck, but not too much so. The seat is typically BMW cushy, and an optional lower saddle is available. The cockpit is nicely laid out and relays more information than the Hubble telescope. With the optional onboard computer, average speed, average fuel consumption, current fuel consumption, distance until fill-up, ambient temperature, digital gear indicator and tire pressures are at your fingertips. Other options include heated handgrips and an anti-theft alarm. One thing we continue to dislike about BMWs is the turn-signal arrangement: Having to turn either signal off with your right thumb is counterintuitive.
Anti-lock brakes were fitted as an option on our testbike, and while ABS can help prevent accidents in some situations, the F800S has a lower-spec version than the R and K models. We purposely tried to lock the rear wheel, and when the computer sensed this it released the brake entirely, shooting the bike forward. It definitely doesn't have the same level of sophistication as the higher-priced spread.
Fueling is very well sorted on the F800S. Shifting is smooth, if a bit clunky. Final drive is via belt, which while being easier to maintain than a chain means you can't change gearing. Suspension works well in most situations, with the shock adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping, and the fork non-adjustable. A steering damper is fitted, yet steering remains relatively light, the bike never feeling heavy. Mirrors are clear and give a decent rearward view, except directly behind. Some buzziness sneaks through the bars and seat, especially between 5000 and 6000 rpm.
Where this bike shines is on the open road. There it's rock-solid and feels as though it's riding on rails. Wind protection is good from the standard windscreen, and an optional higher screen is available. Gas mileage is very good, ranging from 42 to 55 mpg.
BMW has given the re-entry rider a serious alternative to Japanese and other European mid-size bikes. Yes, it's pricey, but it has a level of refinement and array of options that many others don't. Despite its Sport moniker it's not a track-day tool, but it should prove just the ticket for those of a certain age who want to get the adrenaline pumping without having to purchase knee pucks. This bike ought to be called the GS: Gentleman's Sport.
Price: $9900
Engine type: l-c parallel-twin
Valve train: DOHC, 8v
Displacement: 798cc
Transmission: 6-speed
Claimed horsepower: 85 bhp @ 8000 rpm
Claimed torque: 63 lb.-ft. @ 5800 rpm
Frame: Aluminum twin-spar
Front suspension: 43mm fork
Rear suspension: Single shock with adjustable spring
preload and rebound damping
Front brakes: Dual four-piston calipers, 320mm discs
Rear brake: Single two-piston caliper, 265mm disc
Front tire: 120/70-ZR17 Bridgestone
Battlax BT014
Rear tire: 180/55-ZR17 Bridgestone
Battlax BT014
Seat height: 32.3 in.
Wheelbase: 57.7 in.
Fuel capacity: 4.1 gal.
Claimed dry weight: 401 lbs.
Contact: www.bmwmotorcycles.com