BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

So I called the dealer with this F800ST in Atlanta. I'm willing to buy their motorcycle. But I can't get a test ride. Seriously? How am I supposed to have any idea what the bike rides like if I can't get a test ride? Could be making a $7,800 mistake. Uh, no.

Is it a BMW dealer? If not, that's probably why. Most do not have the insurance to let us test ride their bikes. That's another reason BMW's and HD's cost a little more.

Another possibility is that they don't have a demo bike of that model available. Most of the dealers I've been to, pull a bike from inventory for demos & keep the rest on the floor for selling. If they only have 1, it won't be a demo.

I believe the F800ST hasn't been the biggest seller, so there is probably limited inventory of that bike (I've never seen one in a dealership), so it may explain why they can't offer a demo ride on it.

I just called Atlanta BMW and Blue Moon BMW M/C dealers. Neither one had a used F800ST. The salesman said in his 4 years working there he has not seen a used F800ST there. "The owners are keeping them". Both dealers had a brand new 2012 model on the floor. Both allow test rides. Black F800ST at Atlanta, Blue F800ST at Blue Moon. He said ABS, the touring package (bags) heated grips, centerstand and OBC (OnBoardComputer) is now standard equipment. (Huh?) The turn key price is $13,780. That's really steep for a 798cc SportTouring bike.

He also said ABS is now standard equipment on all 2012 BMW bikes.

Not a BMW dealer. But maybe I'll stop by there and get a test ride. Any ergonomic differences between an '08 and a '12?

Besides the ~$6,000 more, better rear wheel shaft bearings, improved fuel pump controller and nice paint colors . . . . the mirror stalks are longer for a better rear view. I would get the new bike and keep it for 6+ years. That's a $1,000/year premium that you'll never regret paying.

This afternoon after 3:30 pm I made a 16 mile (25.7 km) RT errand to the bank and WalMart (for lots more ammo). What a great ride in a sunny 63F (17.2C) Georgia (USA) winter day, cruising easy with the traffic, just over the speed limit, listening to the flawless precision of the 2,700 RPM 6th gear symphony with changes in the throttle setting. I've said it before, EFI has finally been perfected in the new BMW "engine management system" (also on my bike). I hear it and feel it every time I start-it-up and ride my bike. That's important because it is present anytime the engine is running. Who needs an MP3 player with entertainment like that?

I got the R out today. Very nice, 62 degree winter ride in Huntsville, AL.

So you're in Georgia, huh? I may be heading that way (Atlanta) this weekend to look at an F800ST and an R1150RS. I don't have permission to buy a new bike, but that '08 F800 would seem new to me.

You have an RT also? Would that be the R1200RT?

John

. . . I made a 16 mile (25.7 km) RT errand to the . . .

Xdot, RT is shorthand for RoundTrip. I only have my `09 F800ST. My house in Gainesville GA is 51 miles from Atlanta BMW in Marietta and 40 something miles to Blue Moon in Norcross GA. Salesman said his service dept in BMW Atlanta is 3rd best in the USA. They also gave me a good deal on my new bike. I always go to the Atlanta dealer after feedback from customers of both dealers.

CycleRob wrote:. . . I made a 16 mile (25.7 km) RT errand to the . . .

Xdot, RT is shorthand for RoundTrip. I only have my `09 F800ST. My house in Gainesville GA is 51 miles from Atlanta BMW in Marietta and 40 something miles to Blue Moon in Norcross GA. Salesman said his service dept in BMW Atlanta is 3rd best in the USA. They also gave me a good deal on my new bike. I always go to the Atlanta dealer after feedback from customers of both dealers.

It also means ReTweet. But I really hate twitter. As an author I have to use it some but...