Discussion
I had an F800S which did 60,000 miles in all weather before i replaced it with a slightly newer F800ST.
They are economical (60+mpg no problem, 70+ on a motorway run) and performance is good - they are a torquey engine so roll-on overtakes are easy.
Paint finish on the engines is not great, plenty of ACF50 helps but it will flake off eventually. Reliability is good. Issues i remember were all easily sorted once diagnosed - a dodgy coil after about 50k, broken wire to the immobiliser, fork seals, stator, broken wire in the heated grips. Nothing expensive.
Engine is rattly as standard, and doesn't sound that great although a Scorpion or Remus end can will improve it. Handling is predictable and they are comfortable to ride – Range on a run is well over 200 miles and i could do that without needing a break.
If you are after "character" and excitement, i wouldn't say it is a great choice, but if you are after an everyday bike then I think they are ideal. They don't hold value well, meaning they make a cheap secondhand buy.
They are economical (60+mpg no problem, 70+ on a motorway run) and performance is good - they are a torquey engine so roll-on overtakes are easy.
Paint finish on the engines is not great, plenty of ACF50 helps but it will flake off eventually. Reliability is good. Issues i remember were all easily sorted once diagnosed - a dodgy coil after about 50k, broken wire to the immobiliser, fork seals, stator, broken wire in the heated grips. Nothing expensive.
Engine is rattly as standard, and doesn't sound that great although a Scorpion or Remus end can will improve it. Handling is predictable and they are comfortable to ride – Range on a run is well over 200 miles and i could do that without needing a break.
If you are after "character" and excitement, i wouldn't say it is a great choice, but if you are after an everyday bike then I think they are ideal. They don't hold value well, meaning they make a cheap secondhand buy.
Yes, had one a few years and done some trips on it, including to the Czech Republic. I like it. Very easy to ride. Doesn't use much fuel, although the tank (15 litres) could be bigger. Hadn't heard of the piston slap mentioned earlier.
I'm going to be offloading a 2017 facelift model with full luggage soon due to a move overseas.
I'm going to be offloading a 2017 facelift model with full luggage soon due to a move overseas.
boyse7en said:
I had an F800S which did 60,000 miles in all weather before i replaced it with a slightly newer F800ST.
They are economical (60+mpg no problem, 70+ on a motorway run) and performance is good - they are a torquey engine so roll-on overtakes are easy.
Paint finish on the engines is not great, plenty of ACF50 helps but it will flake off eventually. Reliability is good. Issues i remember were all easily sorted once diagnosed - a dodgy coil after about 50k, broken wire to the immobiliser, fork seals, stator, broken wire in the heated grips. Nothing expensive.
Engine is rattly as standard, and doesn't sound that great although a Scorpion or Remus end can will improve it. Handling is predictable and they are comfortable to ride – Range on a run is well over 200 miles and i could do that without needing a break.
If you are after "character" and excitement, i wouldn't say it is a great choice, but if you are after an everyday bike then I think they are ideal. They don't hold value well, meaning they make a cheap secondhand buy.
Similar to this. I had an F800ST 57 plate I think, for a couple or so years. It was a good re-entry to riding bikes, but compared to everything I've ridden since it was rather sedate (and I've owned a delightful R1250GS) and a bit dull. It's been ten years or so though, so my memory is dulled by owning fun bikes after.They are economical (60+mpg no problem, 70+ on a motorway run) and performance is good - they are a torquey engine so roll-on overtakes are easy.
Paint finish on the engines is not great, plenty of ACF50 helps but it will flake off eventually. Reliability is good. Issues i remember were all easily sorted once diagnosed - a dodgy coil after about 50k, broken wire to the immobiliser, fork seals, stator, broken wire in the heated grips. Nothing expensive.
Engine is rattly as standard, and doesn't sound that great although a Scorpion or Remus end can will improve it. Handling is predictable and they are comfortable to ride – Range on a run is well over 200 miles and i could do that without needing a break.
If you are after "character" and excitement, i wouldn't say it is a great choice, but if you are after an everyday bike then I think they are ideal. They don't hold value well, meaning they make a cheap secondhand buy.
I had the piston slap thing, which amusingly was diagnosed by BMW just as it was time to part ex it, whereas for several services prior it was "all fine sir".
Yep, efficiency was decent, but not enough to prevent the switch to the K1300S. The F800ST did introduce me to flaking engine paint though. Thanks old pal. Comfort was good, for sure.
Oh holy moly I just saw the last gen was 2013 to 2020, so I imagine it changed a lot. It got 5hp more, a new fairing and the electronic suspension (ESA). Longer swing arm, to make it... more stable? If I remember correctly, the BMW Sports Panniers can go on these. I always liked those on my K1300S and thought it looked better with than without!
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