View Full Version : F800S opinions?
Does anyone have any first hand experience of the F800s?
I am close to selling up the SV and have seen one for sale locally within budget and low enough miles. I have just spent the last couple of hours trawling the net and there seem to be various issues but wondered if anyone here has any advice/experience to pass on?
Cheers.
Bluepete
02-11-13, 03:53 AM
I rode one for two weeks at the start of my Police bike course. I hated every second.
It's very uncomfortable after very little time, the foot controls are cramped and I just didn't like the engine.
Then again, others loved it!
I'd suggest getting a day long test ride from a dealer if you can and see what you think.
Pete ;)
Daddyjob has an F800ST and lives it. He could tell you a lot about the bike but obviously the riding position on his would be a lot better than the s
As Winder says i have the ST. When i get home I'll write up a few bits on the bike.
Specialone
02-11-13, 09:09 AM
IMO, the tiger 800 is a better bike, the 800 triple engine is brilliant.
I rode my mates back from leeds when he bought it.
I thought the bike was a bit gutless for an 800, the rest was fine, noticeably nice gear change and ergonomics. A pleasant but homogenous bike with no real character.
Depending on the year you are looking at, there are to thing to check for, check warranty on and test for. Early models suffered from piston slap, bearings and a few other niggles. You can find out if the work has been done by getting the VIN number and checking with a BMW motorbike dealership.
I found it hard to get used to at first because of how different to the SV-all in better ways.
I absolutely love it and glad I made the change. The engine is brilliant when you are used to it and know where the power is. Still a good amount of engine braking & torque to whisk you along. It also gives great MPG (see my sig). Brakes, again, brilliant. More than enough stopping power and plenty of feel. Ride, is good too. Sporty without being too harsh. Adjustable rebound and pre-damp on the rear shock.
They did suffer some poor finish quality on bolts and odd bits here and there, nothing too bad though.
Lots of info to find here: http://f800riders.org/
Any more questions drop me a PM.
They did suffer some poor finish quality on bolts and odd bits here and there, nothing too bad though.
And forks, brakes and engine casings...
Friend at work owns one, hardly any paint left on it.
Forks? You've not seen they aren't painted from factory and are left with a rough cast finish?
The factory can only do so much, how the bike has been looked after/treated is what makes the difference.
Maintenance is one thing, using it as an excuse for poor finish is another.
My 8 year old SV looked better than the 3 year old BM, and they were both all year rides.
http://www.fyviedesign.co.uk/personal/paint1.jpg
http://www.fyviedesign.co.uk/personal/bmw6.jpg
That's a different 800gs from around here, 3 years old.
BMW blamed... poor maintenance. Was the owner maintaining only half of the bike?
Shame really, as some of their bikes were looking interesting for the future.
kaivalagi
02-11-13, 07:32 PM
Dyzio/SP1, the bike being discussed is the F800S not the GS...e.g: http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/BMW/BMW-F800S-2006--current/
Share's the same motor but that's it...
My dad had an ST for a year, liked it a lot, the belt meant it was nice and easy to keep clean and the MPG was superb...
Dyzio/SP1, the bike being discussed is the F800S not the GS...e.g: http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/BMW/BMW-F800S-2006--current/
Share's the same motor but that's it...
Which is the problem part on the attached picture...
kaivalagi
02-11-13, 08:18 PM
Which is the problem part on the attached picture...
Fair point, but looking at that second picture I'd have to question what type of usage the bike has had (off road, lots of gravel etc) and which cleaning solutions were used. Does that center stand have paint loss too? That suggests it aint just a finishing issue. Don't get me wrong, the finish aint great if paint is lifting in the center of the casings...but I think for a road only going bike kept clean you won't suffer such bad erosion. ACF50 if our friend!
The ST is a nice bike regardless, it has no chain and is very good on MPG figures....it is a little small though
This place is great. Thanks fellas.
I took one out for half an hour on country lanes and duel carriageway today. I felt the riding position was very close to the SV, as was the power delivery. Obviously more power but not intimidating. If felt light and easy to manouvre at slow speeds. I realy liked it.
Daddyjob - I've had a look on owners sites and have read about the engine issues. I'll check the vin with BMW if I decide to go ahead with it. Thanks for the write up.
The one I took out had a remotely adjustable Nitron rear shock, R + G protection in various places and shorty levers. I was very clean and tidy with 13000 miles (56 reg) and a full service history. They are asking for £2995. Does that sound about right? I need a reliable bike to do my 200 mile a week commute. The SV has been fantatic but I think I need to change it now.
Thanks for the insight.
That sounds a good price, i'd still haggle more off it though (10%). I've found mine as reliable as the SV (after I got rid of the niggles{stalling issues when the engine is hot}), comfier (the ST is a more upright position) & very easy to ride for long periods of time.
chris c
03-11-13, 08:16 AM
This place is great. Thanks fellas.
I took one out for half an hour on country lanes and duel carriageway today. I felt the riding position was very close to the SV, as was the power delivery. Obviously more power but not intimidating. If felt light and easy to manouvre at slow speeds. I realy liked it.
Daddyjob - I've had a look on owners sites and have read about the engine issues. I'll check the vin with BMW if I decide to go ahead with it. Thanks for the write up.
The one I took out had a remotely adjustable Nitron rear shock, R + G protection in various places and shorty levers. I was very clean and tidy with 13000 miles (56 reg) and a full service history. They are asking for £2995. Does that sound about right? I need a reliable bike to do my 200 mile a week commute. The SV has been fantatic but I think I need to change it now.
Thanks for the insight.
Sounds like this is the red F800s that the valuebikecentre have for sale? ive seen it and it looked a nice bike.. not sure you will get much off as they have reduced it
Chris - That's the one. It's in very good condition, and you're right they have taken £500 off. Still worth asking for a bit more though.
Daddyjob - How have you found spares prices and availability?
the parts I've bought are genuine BMW. Fair prices and good stock at my local dealer. Oil filter £12, idle control vacuum hoses £10 each. So far nothing else bought for it!
Sounds manageable. I'v been quite spoilt with the SV as it's never let me down, I have kept up a good level of service and maintainance though. If the fuel saving is realistic I think it is a real contender. Another option is possibly a TDM but I haven't ridden one of those yet.
With my riding style the SV was managing 45mpg (10% more on longer journeys). I'm averaging 62 on the ST, and had peaks of nearly 70 on longer journeys. They are easy enough to maintain yourself (that's what i'm planning on doing) even the belt is relatively easy to do yourself.
Cheers daddyjob.
If my bank account agrees I think I'll go and pay a second visit.
Maybe a new bike before the pre-Christmas chip run?
That would be a good choice! Best time to get used to it is in less than perfect weather
True. I passed my test between Christmas and the New Year and did all my training in the winter. And most of my riding is in the poorer weather as I only tend to ride the commute in term time. I do get a few nice weeks towards the summer though.
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