Thoughts on F800ST?

smallj · 07-16-2008, 06:12 AM

I have been looking at a F800ST as a 2nd bike for 2-up riding. Any thoughts on this. Obviously a R1200RT would be better, but for the price I think a F800ST may be a good option.

Thoughts?

squall_line · 07-16-2008, 06:18 AM

Not sure about 2-up, but for 1-up, it's divine.

Depending on your weight and the weight of your passenger, you may not meet BMW's svelte GVWR requirements.

Best way to find out is to take a test ride. Be sure that you are allowed enough time to fiddle with the pre-load, and preferably do the first leg of the test-ride 1-up, and the second half 2-up.

Not sure what the aftermarket is like on the F800, the factory bags are similar to the R12S and K12S, and I know that the corbin seat looks pretty slick on the F800, which gives at least one backrest option for your passenger.

Test ride, test ride, test ride.

roger albert · 07-16-2008, 06:47 AM

Mediocre fork and fueling, but not bad. OK two up if both lightish.

I'd echo the testride advice.

smallj · 07-16-2008, 07:20 AM

I plan on doing a test ride tonight, with full gear the both of us probably weigh a total of 270lbs. We are not big folk which is one reason I am looking at a F800ST instead of the R1200RT which is far superior but far bigger and more expensive too. Especially if it's going to be a 2nd bike.

I was also thinking that if I got bags for the F800ST, maybe they would fit on the R1200S as well. Definitely getting ahead of myself on that one...

smallj · 07-16-2008, 07:21 AM

wow, I just wrote one long, ugly sentence...

Steve Carlton · 07-16-2008, 07:27 AM

What about an F800S? To me, it's a lot better looking than an ST. And speaking of STs, what about a used R1200ST? Probably looks worse than the F800ST, but better in all other ways, me thinks. Does it need to be a BMW?

smallj · 07-16-2008, 07:38 AM

I almost bought a F800S instead of the R1200S until I test rode the R12. The power of the big boxer and the quality feel of the suspension and controls made the difference. I think the F would be too similar to the R1200S, and I don't plan on unloading the R1200S.

I have done a bit of shopping for a R1200ST, but they seem to sell quicker than I can make up my mind. I saw one at the Indy BMW shop and it was gone 4 days later. It was a little beat up and they still got $10k for it I think.

It does not need to be a BMW, I have considered a Honda VTX 1300 but they still don't have FI. I don't mind messing with carbs on the dirtbike, but for my 2nd bike, I just want it to run when the little lady wants to go for a ride.

I think the F800ST would make a great commuter for me too.

smallj · 07-16-2008, 07:38 AM

I almost bought a F800S instead of the R1200S until I test rode the R12. The power of the big boxer and the quality feel of the suspension and controls made the difference. I think the F would be too similar to the R1200S, and I don't plan on unloading the R1200S.

I have done a bit of shopping for a R1200ST, but they seem to sell quicker than I can make up my mind. I saw one at the Indy BMW shop and it was gone 4 days later. It was a little beat up and they still got $10k for it I think.

It does not need to be a BMW, I have considered a Honda VTX 1300 but they still don't have FI. I don't mind messing with carbs on the dirtbike, but for my 2nd bike, I just want it to run when the little lady wants to go for a ride.

I think the F800ST would make a great commuter for me too.

Highlander179 · 07-16-2008, 08:01 AM

how about a used RT? that should fix the expensive issue, and will definaely be more suitable for 2-up touring

PFFOG · 07-16-2008, 08:17 AM

Rode one two up for a couple of days in Europe last year. No issues, comfortable for both, plenty of power even climbing steep passes, handled well too. Make an excellent solo mount, after riding one extensively, It would be on my short list of bikes.

They get GREAT fuel mileage as well, as good or better than the GS650's

BTW I am 6'1" , Wife is 5'1"

Bob in Tucson · 07-16-2008, 08:42 AM

I may be the odd dork out, but I like the looks of the 800 ST more than the S. I'll be curious to hear the results of your test ride. I'd bet you'll be feeling down on power two-up (because you will be down on power!) but if you're really after "sufficient" power, then I bet it'll feel okay.

I bet it will feel more nimble than an RT (at least one-up). To me, the RT falls into the category of giant motorcycles when viewed from the pilot's throne; I prefer a bit less plastic and dash in front of me.

Please keep up posted.

peter f · 07-16-2008, 09:01 AM

Well

Lot's of 800ST/S here in Greece. Incredible fuel consumption numbers (my R12S does "twice" the figures). Cheapo shock/forks - but you can find some decent WP out there (at a price). Belt drive not my cup of tea (and "some" broken belts here as well). Fueling not the best imaginable (but there's the RB3 alternative as well).

All in all : not a bad thing - just not something to die for...(but name me such a bike - other than a Duke 916/996/998, that is).

signit98 · 07-16-2008, 09:09 AM

...actually, Öhlins sells cartridge emulators and stiffer springs for the front forks and you can get an Öhlins shock for the rear...

The engine is a little on the "soft" side for two up, I'd think... but the F800S is so much fun, in fact, that I am thinking of selling the 12S and getting one... handling, fuel consumption and fun factor are far beyond expectations...

A VERY capable bike...

Rapid Dog · 07-16-2008, 09:34 AM

F800S was a blast to test ride, railed thru corners, but a bit busy at freeway speeds...not sure how I'd like it on the longer rides. Great bike though.

klennop · 11:33 AM

I have the R1100S and my girlfriend has a F800S.

I am 5'11" 175lbs, and I almost bought a ST. I test rode it 2 different times but I had to go with the 1100S. Now after having the 1100, when I ride the 800, I feel WAY too big for that bike. So personally I would not want to ride 2 up on that bike. I think it is too small and if you load it up with 2 people and their gear, it may be a little too much for it all around.

One up it is a great bike and also if you are a smaller person or lady-like it will fit you like a glove. 2 midgets, sorry.....small people will love it. It also feels so much lighter than the 1100 but it is also twitchier than the 1100. My girlfriend also tells me I look too big on it so it isn't just how I feel about it, I look it also. Plus I am a normal size guy. So now I can only imagine how funny it would look with her and I and all our gear on it. We have also seen other normal to large people riding their 800's and it just doesn't look right.

I would look for a bigger used bike, you can always find 1150RT's for a decent price with bags and everything.

Just my 2 cents, hope it helps. If you have any other questions about the 800S let me know.

Keith

Rapid Dog · 07-16-2008, 11:34 AM

....so...you are big and your girlfriend is a midget?...sorry Carlton, beat ya to it...

klennop · 07-16-2008, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rapid Dog

....so...you are big and your girlfriend is a midget?...sorry Carlton, beat ya to it...

Nope close, I am about 5'11" 175lbs and my girlfriend is about 5'4" 100lbs.

So sorry Rapid we can't star in any of your midget porn movies

signit98 · 07-16-2008, 11:44 AM

Darn, Keith... you just took ALL the fun out of Randolph's day!

Rapid Dog · 07-16-2008, 11:49 AM

...#@$$$*^%!!!

klennop · 07-16-2008, 11:49 AM

OK.......Randolph, how about mini horses...........this one time in Mexico, I thought I would have wanted to see it just once...........nevermind back to the 800