BMW F800R – Road test

We had the opportunity to try an F800R, which was entrusted to us during the GuidarePilotare course at the BMW Motorrad Riding Academy (link to the article) and as chance would have it, the following day we were at BMW to pick up an identical motorbike, colors aside, for a road test. Cases of life! The R version of the F800 It has been on the market, identical except for a few small tweaks, for four years now, collected a moderate success, thanks to the price, but not only. The average of the propeller house is a naked which it can be used well in any context: very easy to handle in the city, but also powerful and with excellent chassis to be able to have fun on tortuous extra-urban routes. The BMW F800R is easy and comfortable even when maneuvering when stationary, thanks to the low saddle and center of gravity and low weight in 182 kg dry. It works well, Consequently, for use by the female public or by those who want to approach the world of two wheels. But be careful: if you enjoy it, it is not necessary to change bikes in search of something more in terms of performance, here we are faced with a fun bike that can also be appreciated by expert drivers, accustomed to much higher displacements and power.

Aesthetics and finishes:

rating:  

Beautiful, well finished and with character, even if less BMW than the high-end models

The family feeling is clearly evident in the ever-present asymmetrical front headlight, in the case of R we then find clear references to its bigger sister K 1300 R. The look is successful, the opinions of those who stop to look at it are always positive, yes a well balanced motorbike with attention to detail. Such as the forged rims with the valve mounted laterally on a spoke, which is easier and more comfortable to use than the classic solution. The tank, made of plastic, is placed under the passenger, BMW says is a solution that ensures more optimal weight distribution. Also yes leaves room for a large airbox and control units in the space occupied by the fake tank in front of the pilot, with the air intake located laterally. This is precisely the same color as the rest of the bike, while it was black in the first version, launched at Eicma 2008. Compared to high-end BMW products, the purists of the propeller company criticize the "F" for excessive standardization and similarity to the Japanese. Of course, there is no boxer engine, cardan shaft, telelever at the front or separate turn signal controls on the two sides of the handlebar, but we still find some details that have now established themselves as a trademark, see the asymmetrical headlight, the instrument panel or the sound of the twin-cylinder engine, typically BMW even if the geometry is not the most classic with opposed cylinders. The BMW F800R is by no means a banal motorbike, it has plenty of character even in terms of aesthetics. The exhaust helps to give it a little more "nastiness", being shorter than the one fitted on the S. This is thanks to the fact that the catalyst is separate here. The instrumentation has two analogue indicators for speedometer and rev counter, as well as a display which shows other information on fuel level, temperature, gear engaged, as well as that of the on-board computer (optional) on tire pressure, consumption, and more. A small negative note concerns the petrol level indicator, which unfortunately went haywire on the sample under test. It started by going from full to reserve in a few kilometers, and in the end we were left on foot! With the indicator still showing three bars, therefore still quite significant autonomy, the bike turned off because the petrol was, in reality, finished. You miss a good old float sometimes.

Engine and performance:

rating:  

Engine and power are enough to have fun in any situation

The in-line twin-cylinder eight-valve engine, a solution with which a balancing countershaft is usually combined, however, does not have one. BMW technicians have opted for an alternative solution, unique in the current motorcycle panorama, with a kinematic system for compensating inertia forces via a connecting rod, 180° out of phase with respect to the pistons, and a balancing mass. The result is very good, even if the engine, mounted transversely and inclined forward by 30°, it is not completely free of some vibration. The engine is also equipped with a refined semi-dry sump lubrication, usually a prerogative of higher category motorbikes. Limited maintenance interventions and a very high level of reliability are guaranteed by the company. The 87 horsepower never seems too few, not even traveling along roads where we usually come to have fun with motorbikes with over 140 horsepower. Of course, with the higher gears the thrust is not that of a super sports car, but on open roads it is perhaps better this way, the license will thank you! The maximum power is delivered at just 8.000 rpm, the 86 Nm of torque at 6.000, it certainly does not lack the gift of elasticity, in fact allows you to recover well from reduced speeds, even if the reporting is quite long on the first three reports. However, the choice to opt for the three high gears with a shorter ratio is excellent of the F800S. Given the absence of a complete fairing, it was in fact useless to pursue a maximum speed that was too high, it was better to favor acceleration. The sound of the twin-cylinder is also appreciable, in addition to the fact that it often crackles pleasantly when released.

Ride and handling:

rating:  

Superlative for the simplicity with which it can be driven, also suitable for city use

Maybe it's because after a day spent practicing on the Misano handling track everything is easier, but the BMW F800R seemed like a queen of handling and driveability. It drives with unparalleled simplicity, it bends a lot and without effort and can be made to do practically anything, even in the city, where we wouldn't have expected to find it so comfortable. The high handlebars will make anyone who is used to a super sports bike with uncomfortable half-handlebars want to change bikes. Excellent traction when exiting corners, you never feel the lack of traction control. The chassis is simple but of excellent quality, worth mentioning is the standard steering damper. At the front we find a traditional fork with 43 mm stanchions. At the back it mounts a mono adjustable in rebound and preload. The aluminum swingarm is dedicated, it is not the same as the S. The perimeter frame is also made of aluminium, combined with a rear subframe made of steel tubes. The 17" rims are sporty in design, in forged aluminium, with classic 120/70 tires at the front and 180/55 at the rear. The braking system includes a double 320 mm front disc, with calipers from the Italian Brembo, with four pistons, while behind the disc it is 265 mm. Steel braided hoses are standard, which guarantees greater performance consistency and a better feeling with the brake lever, which never becomes spongy. Really an excellent braking system, in the first emergency braking simulation on the track, with limited effort and using only two fingers, we found ourselves on just the front wheel! Only worth mentioning is the sensation that the ABS tends to lengthen braking a little on bumps, "cutting" braking a little too much in the typical situation of passing over a manhole or over a marked difference in level of the asphalt. The clutch control, however, is excellent, of the traditional "wire" type and not hydraulic, well modulated but very soft, for the happiness of women.

Price and consumption:

rating:  

A motorbike of at least 20 with one litre, with a list price of 8.950 euros.

Available, without surcharge, even in the weakened version for new drivers. The sample under test was practically full optional, with 1600 euros of additional equipment: optional painting (270 euros), Dynamic Package (350), Touring Package (530), RDC for tire pressure control (225) and anti-theft device ( always 225). The price list is 8.950 euros, an attractive price, especially in light of the contents and the brand. THE consumption are reduced, in line with those of a scooter rather than such a fun bike. The refined fuel system and management of the 46 mm throttle bodies allows, with a little attention, to travel 25 kilometers with one liter. In our test we were around 20, it is difficult to go below this threshold, even in city driving.

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
A complete motorbike suitable for everyone, from the novice driver to the "geek" who wants a comfortable and usable vehicle with which to have fun and which consumes little

We do not like it:
Fuel level indicator a little "wavy", some vibrations at higher revs

BMW F800R: the Motorionline Report Card

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