Test rode a F800ST

[Zinger]

Myself and a friend test rode a few bikes on Friday, one of them was the F800ST.

The test ride wasn't super long, maybe 10 miles total. I would have liked more time on the bike but that is what we managed.

Impressions:

1. Very light feeling.
2. Bars are definitely in a forward leaning position compared to my cruiser.
3. Engine seemed smooth, but I could feel some buzzing in the bars.
4. I'm not sure if it was this particular bike or not, but both me and my friend felt the clutch engaged waaaay too far out. If that is normal then that is bad, IMO.
5. Inspired confidence. I felt as though I could go into a corner at any speed and be able to bring the bike back around quite easily.
6. Left leg got roasted. I know some people have a fix for this that requires padding stuffed in between the frame and the fairing, but if BMW hasn't realized and fixed this problem I consider that piss-poor.
7. Compared to my cruiser with an 800 v-twin and low gearing, the Rotax felt gutless. This may be due to the ill-adjusted clutch, not sure. Also, the smoothness may have been deceiving (going much faster than it feels)
8. The fork dive is terrible when braking.
9. No exhaust sound to speak of. Very quiet and boring in that regard.
10. I absolutely loved the computer that showed me what gear I was in. Best feature ever.
11. Hated the turn signal setup. There is just something wrong with making my throttle hand do something besides work the throttle.

After the test ride was done my friend and I agreed that the bike just didn't seem worth the price tag. It had some nice qualities, but overall it just didn't seem to add up to the asking price. Perhaps more time on the bike would change my mind since I'm used to my cruiser and this bike is very different to me.

After the short ride I'd have to say the F800ST is out of the running for me.

[bobw]

Sounds like more test rides may be in order. I like that BMW (and a few other OEM's) support test rides for the very points you made. I feel better about a Brand by saying thanks for the ride, but this one's not for me rather than being refused a test and then taking a hit on what looked good, but then in no way worked for my needs. I started a lengthy reply, but it really comes down to the drastic change from a true Cruiser VS a ST platform and their ergonomic design traits. I've ridden a bunch of bikes over 40+ years and it would take me more than a few miles to get comfortable going from one to the other for the first time. Good luck in your search!

Safe travels.

[Zinger]

Bob,

I think your assessment is a good one. More time on the bike would probably make a difference. I've been thinking about the test ride all weekend and I really would like to get back on for another spin, but I think the riding position would still ruin it for me.

I also test rode a 1200GS that day. I originally went in looking to check out a used R1200R that they had for sale but by the time I got there it had already sold . Riding the 800ST and the 1200GS was sort of a consolation prize. I actually liked the 1200GS a lot better than the 800ST. The 1200 had a better seating position, a more suitable torque curve, and had the paralever front which I REALLY liked. What I didn't like about the GS in particular was the overall size and the fact that it sounded like a sewing machine. I would still like to try out an R1200R if I could find one to demo, it probably would fit the bill with a little getting used to.

I chatted with the salesman after the test rides, and he mentioned that he rides a Triumph Tiger (dealer is a BMW/Triumph shop) and I went over and took another look at the Tiger. I almost took it out for a test ride (they have a demo machine) but it started raining. After getting home and doing some more research on the Tiger I'm really intrigued with it, so I'll probably end up testing that out next. It offers ABS (one of my requirements) and has a digital speedometer (I LOVE the digital speedometer in my '04 GTO) so it may very well do it. We'll see...

[bobw]

The R1200R is hard to beat so try to find one to check out. I also had a 06 Sprint ST for 20K+ miles with zero problems. The new Tiger is sweet and the triple motor is a gem with it's own sound and personality. All Kool Aid drinking aside, there are no real bad bikes being made these days and I try to get something different each time. From Triumph twins and triples to BMW two's and fours, Duc's,etc., they all have +/-, but all have been fun to ride! The more you test, you will know "the one" that talks dirty to you and makes you want to spend more time with her.

Good luck!

[Zinger]

Well, I test rode a Tiger today and all I can say is it was everything I was hoping the Beemers would be. I absolutely loved it and it will definitely be my next bike. The Tiger is everything I'd hoped the F800ST would be but wasn't.

The triple motor is just amazing. The seating position is perfect for me. The mirrors are functional. The forks don't dive as badly as the F800ST when braking. The turn signals are normal. Absolutely no heat coming off the engine that I could feel. The only negative I found is the chain drive, which has some lash to it but given that everything else fits me so well I guess I'll have to learn to live with it.

I'd still like to try out a R1200R but I can't imagine it would be able to impress me more than I am right now with the Tiger, and I would have a hard time justifying the price difference even if it did.

I am not posting this to try and create any controversy, I just thought I'd let everybody know that the moral of the story is to ride lots of bikes and keep an open mind.

Happy trails everybody.

[bobw]

Congrats! I find the r12r and the 3 motors are very much the same only different Ride them a bit and it actually makes sense. The Triumph has great value at it's price point and earned a loyal following. I would buy another one based on the great trouble free fun the ones I had provided me and my shop was fantastic in making her run as designed. I am happy to say the same with my BMW experience. Never say never and have many safe travels.

Cheers.

[MattPie]

I had a Tiger a day or two, and it's a hoot. The chain drive would be the main issue with touring on it. That and the stupid left thumb for everything turn signal layout.

(Just kidding! I seem to be able to adapt to either setup fairly quickly )

[Zinger]

I had a Tiger a day or two, and it's a hoot. The chain drive would be the main issue with touring on it. That and the stupid left thumb for everything turn signal layout.

(Just kidding! I seem to be able to adapt to either setup fairly quickly )

The chain drive was really the only negative for me, but I've convinced myself it's not that bad. I don't tour super long distances so I can live with it, but I can see how having to lube the chain on a 3000 mile trip might be a pain. I came off of a bike with a shaft and I really wanted to go that route again, but sometimes you have to compromise I guess.

I just picked up my Tiger on Saturday! I'm still going to poke my nose in here now and then though (as you can see). I promise not to talk too much about how completely utterly awesome the triple engine is, I promise.