Every review of the F800 vs. the VFR800 I have read pretty much had this to say, (these comments from Motorcycle.com): "If I were to mainly use the bike for commuting and around town, I would definitely go for the stylish BMW F800ST for its handling and great maneuverability at lower speeds. But if I’d be using a bike for recreational, i.e. sport riding, I would choose the Honda Interceptor for its aggressiveness and power." I wouldn't necessarily agree with that as my F800ST, (without the problematic ABS), is an excellent corner carver. Expecting the same level of refinement from the $11,890 base price F800GT as from the $17,350 base price R1200RT seems a bit unrealistic. Honda definitely blew it when they didn't upgrade the VFR800...perhaps lowering the weight and adding belt drive like the BMW.The test pretty much reflects my experienced with my F800ST, and while your hands tingle during breakin the engine smooths out significantly past 600 miles on the odo. I've ridden many 8 hour days with no tingling. Tremendous handling/flickability, outstanding mpg, plenty of real world power to keep up with pretty much anything out there, (assuming it's ridden by a rider that values their license), and a great one up ST. The ABS on my first one was horrific which is why I traded it in for a non ABS version. The F800ST ABS was well known for freewheeling should the rear lose momentary contact with the pavement over bumps while braking. My non ABS version's brakes are outstanding. Can you expand on this comment from your review? "The actuation of the ABS also works for anything but an all-out Blitzkrieg-style footpeg dragging pace, though we wish it could be disengaged like the ASC. " I think all ABS should come with an on/off switch.Ain't none of them perfect. This is the closest effort I've seen yet to my practical biking nirvana. I don't even mind the price so much, if it'll just really be what it should be. "Balance" is the key. I've had all the fun stuff and I always have several in the garage. I'd love to be able to narrow down to two or three bikes and this should be one of them. I'll wait to see some long-term reports and I'll see if the next year or two brings a smoother engine, an adjustable windshield, and a better "standard" price and/or package. I don't need all the extras. The standard package is more than adequate for me. I want a true, street sportbike, not an ST, by current definition. There's a lot of promise here. Staying tuned.The F800 suffers from an unacceptable level of vibration. I'm surprised that it's so rarely commented on during reviews or glossed over. It's the defining feature of the motorcycle that keeps it from doing it's intended job: be comfortable. At the pricetag that BMW "demands": riders demand a more comfortable bike. The engine vibrations would have been acceptable on a GS500 but not here. The other curiosity I have with BMW's F series is the footpegs. It's as though they're designed for people with smaller than size 10 feet. Larger boots hit the passenger pegs. If you're seeking a premium riding experience: look elsewhere; this isn't it.Way to expensive for a city commute, weekend touring bike! It's pretty, but not pretty enough. You could buy his and hers Honda NC700X's for the price of this bike... almost. I own a BMW, and was stunned to find out Honda's are more reliable, so why so much more?
Friday, 20 September 2013
BMW F800GT
Every review of the F800 vs. the VFR800 I have read pretty much had this to say, (these comments from Motorcycle.com): "If I were to mainly use the bike for commuting and around town, I would definitely go for the stylish BMW F800ST for its handling and great maneuverability at lower speeds. But if I’d be using a bike for recreational, i.e. sport riding, I would choose the Honda Interceptor for its aggressiveness and power." I wouldn't necessarily agree with that as my F800ST, (without the problematic ABS), is an excellent corner carver. Expecting the same level of refinement from the $11,890 base price F800GT as from the $17,350 base price R1200RT seems a bit unrealistic. Honda definitely blew it when they didn't upgrade the VFR800...perhaps lowering the weight and adding belt drive like the BMW.The test pretty much reflects my experienced with my F800ST, and while your hands tingle during breakin the engine smooths out significantly past 600 miles on the odo. I've ridden many 8 hour days with no tingling. Tremendous handling/flickability, outstanding mpg, plenty of real world power to keep up with pretty much anything out there, (assuming it's ridden by a rider that values their license), and a great one up ST. The ABS on my first one was horrific which is why I traded it in for a non ABS version. The F800ST ABS was well known for freewheeling should the rear lose momentary contact with the pavement over bumps while braking. My non ABS version's brakes are outstanding. Can you expand on this comment from your review? "The actuation of the ABS also works for anything but an all-out Blitzkrieg-style footpeg dragging pace, though we wish it could be disengaged like the ASC. " I think all ABS should come with an on/off switch.Ain't none of them perfect. This is the closest effort I've seen yet to my practical biking nirvana. I don't even mind the price so much, if it'll just really be what it should be. "Balance" is the key. I've had all the fun stuff and I always have several in the garage. I'd love to be able to narrow down to two or three bikes and this should be one of them. I'll wait to see some long-term reports and I'll see if the next year or two brings a smoother engine, an adjustable windshield, and a better "standard" price and/or package. I don't need all the extras. The standard package is more than adequate for me. I want a true, street sportbike, not an ST, by current definition. There's a lot of promise here. Staying tuned.The F800 suffers from an unacceptable level of vibration. I'm surprised that it's so rarely commented on during reviews or glossed over. It's the defining feature of the motorcycle that keeps it from doing it's intended job: be comfortable. At the pricetag that BMW "demands": riders demand a more comfortable bike. The engine vibrations would have been acceptable on a GS500 but not here. The other curiosity I have with BMW's F series is the footpegs. It's as though they're designed for people with smaller than size 10 feet. Larger boots hit the passenger pegs. If you're seeking a premium riding experience: look elsewhere; this isn't it.Way to expensive for a city commute, weekend touring bike! It's pretty, but not pretty enough. You could buy his and hers Honda NC700X's for the price of this bike... almost. I own a BMW, and was stunned to find out Honda's are more reliable, so why so much more?
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