BMW F800R MY2015, road test

BMW F800R MY2015: It is renewed and quite a bit, on a visual level the front especially changes, which it loses the asymmetric headlight in favor of a more conventional solution (in our opinion even more pleasant). Cycling gains one upside down fork with radial brake calipersin addition to a series of small refinements. The engine has also been revised, reaches i 90 horsepower (+3), but above all it improves efficiency, performance and reduces vibrations. Now it is also less inclined forward, in search of greater centrality of the masses. Fundamentally, however, the F800R remains true to itself: an all-rounder that had already managed to convince us in the past. In fact, maxi enduros are often talked about as the ideal motorbikes for traveling around the world, but in practical reality, how many have ever gone off-road with a "thousand-two" weighing over 250 kg? Obviously, a slightly bumpy white road or an African track in the middle of a desert can be covered seamlessly with an R1200GS like perhaps with no other two-wheeled vehicle, but we are sure that with a 360° all-round naked bike like the BMW F800R Can't we do the same, having in our hands a motorbike that can be fun around the bends, comfortable and light in city riding, and much cheaper at the time of purchase, but also in ordinary maintenance? The question is rhetorical, because as road riders, while we appreciate the qualities of every type of motorcycle, for us this is one of the most versatile and practical motorcycles that we can recommend to a new motorcyclist, as well as to a more experienced one. The in-line twin does its job very well, although perhaps a little more character from the engine is the only thing it lacks to be promoted with flying colours. 39.000 motorcycles sold by previous version between 2009 and 2014, of which 6.400 in Italy, confirm that the introduction of this model was well appreciated by the markets. Let's go and discover the second generation.

Aesthetics and finishes:

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It retains the beautiful character it had, now with a more graceful line at the front

It changes a lot, even if looking at it in passing the only "striking" thing is the front headlight. The "old trademark" is no longer there, that asymmetrical lighthouse that had become a standard of the Propeller Company, particular and with character, but certainly an element that was not too harmonious and that some didn't like too much. It replaces him a completely new, symmetrical and more conventional projector, but always rather aggressive and full of character. The front mudguard and fairings also change, with many refinements, such as in the lateral area of ​​the radiator. The old matching shrouds, when compared with the new F800R, appear clumsy and less well-kept. Now that area it is more essential and sporty. Putting them side by side (even just in a photo) the differences, although not too obvious, are numerous. In addition to the all-new front end, with aggressive radial calipers that attach to the feet of a new upside-down fork, a careful look can see the slightly modified engine positioning and revised chassis dimensions. As we will see, the bike is 10 mm higher at the front and the swingarm and wheelbase increase by a few millimetres. The footrests have also been optimized to improve the riding position, which is 10 mm lower. In fact, the height from the ground is 790 (previously it was 800). New handlebar, new colors available. The one on the test sample didn't really drive us crazy, for us combining two dark tones is a choice that doesn't do justice to the beautiful aesthetics of the F800R. We prefer it white and blue, or white and black. The fourth color is an all-white, the most sober of the 4 options available. Lots of new features, but the large single exhaust terminal remains, a shame because quite a few would have preferred a smaller and more modern one.

Engine and performance:

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Gain 3 horsepower and some major tweaks

The 798 cc forward-facing twin-cylinder with 4 valves per cylinder, it doesn't just make 3 horsepower, going from 87 to 90 rounds, but it has been the subject of profound interventions, to reduce its vibrations and improve its delivery. THE new pistons, together with the related connecting rods, are in fact studied with these purposes. The work that has been done on the electronics and on the intake, in addition to the small increase in power, should also guarantee greater bass punch. The different ratio of the 6-speed gearbox also helps in this direction. The first 2 ratios are now shorter, for greater fun and maneuverability through bends, while maintaining comfort and fuel consumption on the motorway unchanged. Also modifiedinclination, which goes from 23,3° to 18, to increase the centrality of the masses and improve the handling of the motorbike. Many interventions that do not distort the character of the F800R engine, whose inline twin has gained something lower down, but continues to push decisively, especially high above 5, up to the maximum power regime, always set at 8.000 rpm. The value of the pair remains unchanged, with 86 nm at 6.000 rpm. On a general level, it is an engine whose delivery is not liked by everyone (at least without having used it thoroughly): "flat" at the bottom and very regular, without a bad extension at the top, but it is precisely the linearity that makes it loved in the long run. If it is true that it lacks the "couple" of the two "V" cylinders, compared to which it differs greatly, in some aspects it is more similar to a 4 cylinder, without however having the extension qualities. In practice he has a personality that must be understood, but that you end up appreciating it in everyday use. In the city it doesn't tear, but it's always present, while between the curves of a tortuous route it knows how to "get out" of a hairpin bend even without having to strain it too much. The excellent chassis, combined with an engine like this makes the driving experience pleasant for everyone, safe for the less experienced, even if it lacks that extra spark of personality that some competitors manage to extract even from less powerful engines. 90 horsepower is the "perfect" power, without excesses and without major sacrifices, even if in his case they are 90 "tame" horses. The optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control) stability control was installed on the vehicle under test, but even by deactivating it there is no risk of finding the front losing contact with the asphalt, unless you voluntarily use it " killer” of the starting clutch. However, it helps in extreme conditions. In rain and slippery surfaces the rear is always glued and there are no unnecessary risks. We found him a little too invasive in his intervention, as always for BMW electronic systems, with the exception of hyper-sports models. The engine upgrades have also brought about a clear improvement from a comfort point of view: it vibrates less, practically nothing at motorway speed, although around 7.000 rpm there is still something left.

Ride and handling:

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An easy bike for everyone, but also very fun

You may or may not like the engine, but already the first series of the BMW F800R could not fail to be appreciated for its handling qualities and the goodness of its chassis. An easy bike, suitable as a first bike, but also very fun for those with a few more years of experience. We had also used it on the track, at the GuidarePilotare course at the BMW Motorrad Riding Academy (link to the article) and we had a blast. With the launch of the second generation the step forward that BMW wanted to make was important. A myriad of changes, with refinements that have not changed it, but made much better. The most striking innovations concern the front end. The fork is new, now with upside down legs, with a travel of 125 mm, combined with Brembo 4-piston brake calipers with radial mount. The diameter of the discs has been confirmed, 320 for the front pair, 265 at the rear. The tires are also unchanged, with the classic 120/70 in front and 180/55 in front, which now however fit rims with renewed design, but above all lighter by 400 grams. Everything confirmed regarding the chassis and chassis, including the standard presence of a steering damper, but BMW has done careful refinement work to optimize ergonomics and driveability of his little roadster. The new F800R is 10 mm higher at the front, with a swingarm that grows by 7 mm to increase the stability of the motorcycle. The wheelbase is slightly less (6 mm) and reaches 1.526. The footpegs are more comfortable, moved 10 mm forward and the same amount lower. The chassis when riding is even more balanced, with tourist suspension calibrations, but excellent, which make it one of those bikes that when the road gets tortuous can surprise you with the ease with which it lets itself be pushed to the limit, easily holding the step of opponents who put much higher power and price lists on the scale. The braking system is the aspect that has improved the most, not only for the radial calipers, but also for the new pump and, above all, for the new four-channel Bosch 9MP ABS system, whose intervention is finally less invasive and more effective even at the limit. Another option with which the sample under test was equipped is the ESA system, with which it is possible to intervene on the calibration of the rear mono with a button on the handlebar.

Price and consumption:

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Lots of new features and unchanged price, excellent consumption also confirmed

At the 8.970 euros of the list price, which includes the first service and 5 years of roadside assistance, in addition to being aligned with that of the old model, it is possible to add even important figures if you draw on the list of options. We start with electronic "gadgets", such as ESA (315 euros) or ASC (320 euros) also available in packages that allow you to save something compared to the sum of the individual accessories. The Safety package, for example, at 750 euros offers ESA, ASC and tire pressure control (the three values ​​added would lead to a total of 860 euros). A “full optional” motorbike equipped with all 3 packages (Dynamic, Safety and Touring) “accumulates” 1.630 euros more of the list price. From the 4 colors 2 are available at no additional cost, while for the two with matt blue, which can be combined with black or white, an additional 100 euros is required. The weakened version for new drivers is available at no additional cost. In our test we got close to 20km on one litre of fuel, more or less the same as with the old model, but it is by driving with a little attention that the improvements are noticeable.

PROS AND CONS

We like it:
It retains the advantages of the previous model, one of the most versatile and "intelligent" motorcycles on the market, gains a new front end, a more pleasant headlight and many refinements

We do not like it:
Aesthetics of the original muffler terminal, engine delivery without too much character

BMW F800R MY2015: the Motorionline Report Card

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Test clothing:
Jacket: Dainese AVRO C2 LEATHER
Trousers: Dainese DELTA PRO C2 LEATHER
Gloves: Spidi Jab RR
Boot: Dainese TR-COURSE OUT AIR
Helmet: Scorpion-Exo 300 Air