BMW's new F800R

BMW's new F800R may look like the baby brother of the brutish K1300R, but it's actually the fifth model in the F series range.
After the sporty and touring F800S and ST and the two enduro GS bikes, the F800R is powered by the same 798cc parallel twin engine which has a novice-friendly 87bhp.

It's intended to attract newcomers and less experienced bikers, priced at just £5,855.

BMW have found a great balance between retaining the image of a premium product while keeping it affordable.

Novices will be encouraged by the bike's predictable pick-up which feels as gentle as a pacifist on Valium.

But the more you demand, the more the roadster responds. The handling feels light and precise and the bike's appetite for bends makes mine for chocolate look like a passing phase.

Twins are naturally buzzy but the vibrations are kept to an unobtrusive minimum, especially below 6,000rpm. Above that point, the well-placed mirrors shudder. But the engine's effortlessly smooth until the needle's buried deep into the red at 9,000rpm.

The lively, edgy nature is helped in part by the 177kg dry weight. It is this combination of a lightweight physique and responsive energetic engine that makes riding the F800R such fun.

The gearing is slightly different compared to its faired siblings, with shorter gear ratios in fourth to sixth. Stick to third or fourth and stay between 5,000 and 8,000rpm and there's plenty of punch with adequate engine braking without having to dive for the Brembo brakes.

The price means obvious but acceptable compromises. Nail the throttle over rough roads and the front suspension is noticeably less forgiving than the rear.

The handlebars jar if you take bumps at speed but the steering damper helps keep the bike level-headed... in case you're not! It's out on May 9.

And her she is....

Yes - but when it was launched about 2 years ago they were not going to bring it into SA.

I know that because my partner was interested in one and that is what he was told.

Has that position changed now?

the K1300R is not that popular in the SA market, I wonder if this one will fly?

I love these naked bikes!

If I had the MOELA I would get one tomorrow, will obviously be a present for my better half.

No for SA only Europe

This would make a GREAT commuter bike...!

A pity it is not coming...
Perhaps this is why GS machines predominate here - lack of choice?


PS: Did anyone here ever see the R100R Mystic...? R100 engine with R1100 gearbox and suspension