The power delivery from the 87 horsepower 798cc parallel twin is remarkably smooth and progressive, with good pull developing from low in the rev range. Passing 5,000 RPM there’s a fulfilling flow of acceleration and a bit of vibration. The power development is flat enough and controlled, but doesn’t goad you on or engage you overly either. So it’s not a hammer of the gods, but a more friendly interpretation of a street-fighter concept.
On fast flowing open roads the F800R sings, the non-adjustable front forks (yes, regular forks not a telelever) and stock steering damper coping well with uber-legal paces, even as cool fall-air flows smoothly over the fly-screen. Charge into tighter, rougher and harder to read turns and the F800R doesn’t feel so at home. The bike is light and easy to manage, but not quite as flickable in the corners as we expected. BMW seems to have opted for stability over nervous agility.
Our tester had a tendency to resist turning in, and once set in the corner if it was unsettled, the F800R had to be wrestled with a bit to keep on track. We suspect this is a function of the front suspension rebounding just a bit to quickly, so it’s good that the steering damper comes as stock. I never quite felt secure pushing the F800R as I have the FZ8 or Monster 696 in the past. The F800R is more stable feeling than the Monster 696, but isn’t as focused or precise feeling. For a new-rider’s bike though the suspension surpasses many entry to mid-range offerings.
Suspension adjustment on the R is limited to rear spring preload and rear rebound damping, both of which are easily accessible and dialed up without any additional tools. Overall, the rear spring is a bit soft for two-up riding, but then the passenger accommodations won’t have your girlfriend or boyfriend begging for a ride any time soon. Unless, it’s a look at us spin to your local bean-pusher.
The F800R has the looks of female bare-knuckle boxer or Russian gymnast, wrapped around a tranquil parallel twin. It’s a sensible engine, and there’s some bonuses with that. The with dimensions and weight near that of a single-cylinder the F800R is svelte. That lets you chuck and paddle the bike around easily. Better, the F800R doesn’t leave you weeping at the gas pump or wracked with eco guilt. This isn’t why you buy a naked bike, but that the F800R makes the most of the under seat 16L tank with 4.36 litres/100kms (54 mpg) is a nice perk.
Where the F800R shines, and where I expect it will see the most use, is in the city, as BMW’s slotted it into their “Urban” classification. The upright seating position and even power delivery make it a weapon of choice for slicing through traffic. For day to day riding I’ve walked right past teeth-shattering Ducati’s, grotesque adventure bikes, and crippling supersports. Though, you’ll want to pick up a courier bag, because there’s no room under the seat for more than papers. Yes, we figure only a courier bag will do, because you just don’t want to ruin the F800R’s looks.
A motorcycle journalist will look at the F800R and see greasy metal bits and body pieces lifted from the discontinued F800S, the F800GS and the F800ST, the world looks and sees something distinct and different… When they aren’t mistaking if for a Triumph Speed Triple.
I know this because people kept pulling up to tell me so. Cyclists, SUV drivers, other riders, and most notably a Lamborghini Gallardo driver. Not that it matters what Lambo it was, it was a Lambo. The window rolled down, and what followed was not gun fire but a complement. So what the BMW F800R is down on in terms of power, it’s making up for in class.
Visually and physically the F800R is small, to the point of feeling a bit twee. With a slight forward lean towards the bars that keeps you upright enough to keep weight on your wrists, you’re sitting on and upright compared to a sport bike. In my case, towering over might be the term. Nor is the F800R built to accommodate a size twelve on the left-hand side, where your heel interacts with the exhaust – it seems BMW has been taking notes from the likes of Ducati’s Streetfigher. The seat itself is well cushioned and comfortable, cupping your hind nicely to prevent you from sliding back during acceleration.
Glance down and there’s a reassuringly easy to read instrument panel, which with the headlights are common between this and the F800 and F650 GS. The R uses a more stylish white tachometer face, and where the gauges visually overlap the tack switches to black relief. A nice design cue, this area conveniently marks the RPM range of best power development. The gauges, protected by the optional colour matched fly-screen, are informative and feature a large new rider friendly gear-position indicator.
Beyond that I can’t comment on ergonomic considerations like the peg to seat height ratio, because our tester came equipped with the free low-seat option. This is BMW’s way of making me look like a 6”2’ clown on a trike. Likely those with a smaller stature won’t find this seat or the F800R a deterrent, and at a claimed dry weight of 177 kg, this bike is more approachable to new riders than the 10 kg heavier F800ST.
Fighting that inertia are the F800R’s Brembo’s Twin 320 mm discs with four-piston calipers in the front and a single 265 mm disc with a one-piston caliper in the rear. The brakes offer good feel, and the front takes well to aggressive riding. The ABS in the rear however tends to cut in early, but that’s in keeping with the new rider friendly feel of the F800R. What isn’t is that the ABS is an option, rather than a standard issue feature.
The base price of a F800R sits at 9,990.00, 1,880.00 worth of options north of that you’ll find our test bike equipped with ABS Brakes ($900.00), Tire Pressure Monitor ($260.00), On Board Computer ($215.00), Fly Screen ($150.00), White Turn Indicators ($50.00), Anti-Theft Alarm System ($265.00), Electrical Socket for a heated vest ($40.00), in short $11,870.00 before freight and PDI. Admittedly you don’t need all the options, but that price point puts the F800R near Yamaha’s new FZ8, which seems a bit of a deal at 10,499.00 until you ogle Ducati’s $11,495 Monster 796 ABS or Hypermotard 796.
Compare that to any fire breathing monster sportbike on the market and on an economy of dollars to snarling power the F800R makes no sense what so ever. The reason you buy a bike like the F800R is not for what it isn’t, but what it is; different. The price may be similar to the competition, but the BMW carries with it fantastically coherent feeling, with enough nice touches fitting together harmoniously to escape the similarities to its F800 siblings.
Doubt it? Get off the bike, walk 20 feet towards the coffee shop and look over your shoulder. Parked, the F800R handsomely plays its urban hooligan role. Only you need know how kind cool can be.
OneWheelDrive.Net 
Neil,
I am about to put a downpayment on a 2011 BMW f650gs (tomorrow)!
I live in St. John,s Newfoundland. We don’t have a BMW motorcycle dealer here so everything I do with relation to this bike is via the web. My question concerns options available; specifically the ABS breaking system. I have never had a bike with ABS and would like to know your opinion on the whole ABS deal from your experience. I trust your opinion because you are always honest in your product reviews. I will use this bike primarily on pavement. I do a lot of city driving. I am not a speed freak. I am a very confident rider with many years of experience and I have ridden dirt bikes since a kid.
Is this an option I should get? Will I regret not getting it? How much better is ABS on a bike than regular breaks? I don’t seem to be missing them with my current bike. ABS is an expensive option but I have never tried an ABS system on a bike before so I don’t know how important it is.
If you can help with this decision I would very much appreciate it.
D
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Dieter,
To ABS or not to ABS? that is the question.
Long and the short of it is that an experienced rider who is on their game, attentive and dealing with expected circumstances can always outbrake most ABS systems. I. The real world though, say on a long tour, you’re not always on game. Your mind wanders a bit, fatigue affects reaction times, the road surface may have gravel, oil, or cow plop on it, and in a panic stop situation ABS helps you maintain control of the bike while braking liberally. While the stoping distance is longer for ABS, being able to navigate the bike while stopping and being able to react with little to no worries of sliding out of control counts for a lot.
Personally if I’m dealing with road riding, I prefer the bike be equipped with ABS. Dirt is a different creature, but the BMW system should be switchable (ask about that because I’m not 100% sure). Having the option of turning the ABS off I the dirt allows greater control and ensures that you get the maximum braking. On off-road descents where if the ABS activates on a loose surface, a switchable system helps you avoid a run away bike.
Hope that helps,
Neil
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Hey Neil
Thanks for your repy. Your response was very much the way I envisioned the ABS and where it would be beneficial. The not skidding out rear tire on a surprise stop makes sense….the question now is, Is it worth it for that very small percentage of breaking?… or is it like an air bag in that if you only need it once youl be glad you had one?
Keep up the good work> I enjoy the site very much.
Dieter
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Hi Dieter…
I may not be Neil, but seeing as this is my second BMW with ABS, I can add some real-world experience as a daily commuter (ALL year… possible in Vancouver – just).
ABS has saved my ass at least twice now, not because I ride like a hoon, but because real roads have real surprises. Once was a tight corner with sand spread across it, and the other time was a rogue diesel spill. It is definitely a worthwhile option, even more valuable than the white turn signals 😉 .
I now ride an F800GS, and it lacks the ASC (traction control)I had on my old R1200R – something I miss. That saved my ass too – damn tar snakes…
Good luck with your decision, and have fun with your new ride…
Peter
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Thanks Peter
I am starting get the feeling that if you had ABS once you will always want them. I can very much appreciate the situations you described where they saves your ahem “day”. Unfortunately the bike has been ordered without the ABS system but I feel okay about that. I have developed a pretty good sensitivity to breaking in all kinds of conditions. Like you I ride in everything but snow… took my bike to the market today (November 14).
I definately relate to the zoning out Neil talks about when doing any kind of touring but I envision I am just going to get wacked without ever having the opportunity or thought of applying brakes when that situation finally gets nasty. Had I read your post earlier I may have made a different decision.
Now I just need advice on a reasonable panier system for the bike, not too big and not too expensive. Easy on off. There just seems to be so many of those industial aluminum boxe with a high price tag attached.
Thanks again
Dieter
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Dieter,
Congratulations on the new bike. I wouldn’t sweat the ABS/non-ABS thing too much. Pros and cons on both sides, come out pretty even. Above all ride safe and enjoy.
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Dieter,
I trashed a FJR mid-day on the second day of a 2 week trip because I locked up the front wheel doing a fast stop when I came upon a blind intersection with my lane blocked. I was only doing 25-30mph but while I was stopping the pavement transitioned from concrete to asphalt. It was a hot Pennsylvania afternoon in August and the asphalt must have been a bit greasier as the front locked up, the bike pitched and I landed on my head and shoulder. The bike slid across the centreline and the front slid under an oncoming vehicle. Apparently I was sliding along behind but didn’t cross over. The bike would have survived in a ridable condition otherwise. ABS would have prevented this and my current FJR has it as standard. Only takes once to make it worthwhile in my opinion. Enjoy your new ride.
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