Anyone had a BMW F800GT?

[MissChief]

Myself and Son are considering getting bike licences next year and maybe going on a wee tour of Ireland to see if it's our thing and this bike has taken my eye. Has anyone had one? I've looked at endless YT videos but wanted an owners experience.

[carinaman]

PH thread may help:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Consensus seems to be capable and functional but more entertaining motorcycles are available.

MCN owners' reviews:

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/bmw/f8...

They have some appeal to me.

[MissChief]

carinaman said:

PH thread may help:

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Consensus seems to be capable and functional but more entertaining motorcycles are available.

MCN owners' reviews:

https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/bmw/f8...

They have some appeal to me.

I've read the MCN page, lots of complaints about engine vibration but any YouTube clip or review hasn't made mention of it at all.

[Biker9090]

A friend had one that self destructed. Apparantly the consensus is to avoid the ealier ones with silver engines due to serious piston slap issues. Later are supposed to be OK I think - albeit like with any BMW check for signs of corrosion.

[black-k1]

Biker9090 said:

A friend had one that self destructed. Apparantly the consensus is to avoid the ealier ones with silver engines due to serious piston slap issues. Later are supposed to be OK I think - albeit like with any BMW check for signs of corrosion.

I don't think the earlier ones with the possibility of piston slap issues were GTs. They were either S or ST models. Even with that, I don't think all the S and ST models were at risk of piston slap.

I've only every had them as loan bikes but I found them to be functional if a bit bland. They seemed like the sort of bike you could ride comfortably all day but would never really make you want to ride all day.

[carinaman]

Supposedly the later ones with the black cylinder head are the improved ones.

I think the GT came out after the revised black painted cylinder heads, was it 2012/2013?

If it's a 2025 tour of Ireland there's time for research and seeing what you like and your son like while learning to ride.

[GriffoDP]

black-k1 said:

I don't think the earlier ones with the possibility of piston slap issues were GTs. They were either S or ST models. Even with that, I don't think all the S and ST models were at risk of piston slap.

I've only every had them as loan bikes but I found them to be functional if a bit bland. They seemed like the sort of bike you could ride comfortably all day but would never really make you want to ride all day.

Yep. I had a 2007 F800ST back in 2009 ish I think, for a couple of years, before I got given a K1300S as a courtesy bike and that was that.

But yes, mine had piston slap, although lovely Bahnstormer said "nope, no symptoms, all fine" until I wanted to part-ex it with them and all of a sudden "ah yeah piston slap, it's worthless now" .

My thoughts are obviously tainted by riding much better things since, but it was, as you say, functional if a bit bland. I've had F800GTs as courtesy bikes in the years since, and apart from the engines no longer having that specific problem, I wasn't a fan. As a first bike though, it ticks the box of being relatively predictable, ABS (not everything had ABS back then and at my budget), and a belt drive. Oh and heated grips. So given it was kind of a first bike for me, I'd say it's not a bad choice :P.

Plus, I know you used to be able to get the BMW Sports Panniers for the ST, and if you can get those for the GT even better!

[MissChief]

GriffoDP said:

Plus, I know you used to be able to get the BMW Sports Panniers for the ST, and if you can get those for the GT even better!

Many of those for sale have the Panniers included, they were a popular addition when bought new. Some even have top boxes and one has the official Motorad tank bag too.

[KTMsm]

Very economical and very dull to ride

Generally bought as a commuter rather than a toy

[MissChief]

KTMsm said:

Very economical and very dull to ride

Generally bought as a commuter rather than a toy

So given I'll be a beginner rider, albeit with 30 years driving experience, and 50 years old so don't want anything mental, just a comfortable touring bike, does anyone have any thoughts?

[KTMsm]

MissChief said:

So given I'll be a beginner rider, albeit with 30 years driving experience, and 50 years old so don't want anything mental, just a comfortable touring bike, does anyone have any thoughts?

Similar age to me and I hadn't been riding long when I got one

There's a huge difference between mental and character / fun - to me at least

I suspect you'll enjoy any bike as you're a new rider but they are a dull engine and too high geared, being belt driven it is quite expensive to change

I can't recommend the V Strom either

I'd take a look at the VFR800 or the CrossRunner or the Tiger 800 or Tracer 700

Edited by KTMsm on Friday 20th December 22:48

[Biker9090]

Tbh the whole "character" thing is overrated.

I'm 34 and been riding since I was 16. In my experience, "character", very, very often means unreliable or and high maintenance costs. If you're willing to put up with that then go ahead, otherwise go for "bland".

I can't see how a good one of these would be a bad choice for your Intended needs......

[Biker9090]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Quite often, the "dull" touring bikes like the F800 - even though they're more powerful - are considerably cheaper to insure as the usually ridden by calmer or and more experienced riders rather than the likes of the CB that are massively popular with new riders.

[KTMsm]

Biker9090 said:

Tbh the whole "character" thing is overrated.

I'm 34 and been riding since I was 16. In my experience, "character", very, very often means unreliable or and high maintenance costs. If you're willing to put up with that then go ahead, otherwise go for "bland".

I can't see how a good one of these would be a bad choice for your Intended needs......

I'm a Dealer - The most unreliable bike I've sold was an F800 GT, it also corroded terribly

None of the bikes I've suggested are unreliable

[black-k1]

Biker9090 said:

Tbh the whole "character" thing is overrated.

I'm 34 and been riding since I was 16. In my experience, "character", very, very often means unreliable or and high maintenance costs. If you're willing to put up with that then go ahead, otherwise go for "bland".

I can't see how a good one of these would be a bad choice for your Intended needs......

I think you miss the point. Dull unreliable bikes don't sell. There is no reason to buy them. Bikes with character that are seen as unreliable still sell to those who will put up with the unreliability for the character. Bikes that are dull but reliable sell to some who value the reliability over the riding experience. A Honda Deauville anyone?

Some level of character is what most people want. Enjoying the riding experience is more important than simply getting from A to B. Hence almost all of us are willing to put up with compromises elsewhere:- cost, comfort, reliability range, etc.

[Wombat3]

Had one as a loaner once, very, VERY dull. Quite liked the idea of it but having ridden it, no thank you. If you are planning on touring on it would be quite limited on luggage space and you might find the slightly more over the tank riding position a bit tiring.

Lots of good choices mentioned above, the engine in the Yamaha Tracer 700/ Tracer 7 is a good 'un.

[shoestring7]

I was going to buy one; I’d been without a bike for a few years and a F800GT seemed a sensible way back. I tried one and it was ‘fine’. The bd dealer said “While you’re here try one of those” pointing at a GS. So I did, and within 50m it was clear the big twin was easier to ride, more characterful, more satisfying and would make more sense as a long term ownership proposition.

[Wombat3]

shoestring7 said:

I was going to buy one; I’d been without a bike for a few years and a F800GT seemed a sensible way back. I tried one and it was ‘fine’. The bd dealer said “While you’re here try one of those” pointing at a GS. So I did, and within 50m it was clear the big twin was easier to ride, more characterful, more satisfying and would make more sense as a long term ownership proposition.

A classic case of " once you ride one you'll understand why they sell so many of the bloody things!"

[carinaman]

Will you be riding two up with your son or will you each be buying a motorcycle?

You'll be riding >500cc bikes to get your licence so you'll get some experience and feel for what you like then.

I quite like the idea of a post piston slap issues F800.

I was away from biking for years but only done 9,000 miles in 7 years. For me it's not about the bike. Summer 2023 I was quite happy on a Royal Enfield Meteor 350 loaner for few days. Perhaps I've not ridden enough for the novelty to have worn off, but I am still going to the window sometimes to see what the motorcycle I can hear is passing the house.

I don't have the wherewithal for every bike journey to become some critical appraisal of whatever bike I am riding, I am too busy riding my ride and applying myself to that and enjoying the ride.

Is it about touring Ireland to see lots of lovely places and to see if you like touring or is it about buying a particular motorcycle?

I've met people I'd not have otherwise met and learnt stuff I'd not otherwise know just from chatting with other motorcyclists while getting on and off the bike in bike parking areas.

[Drawweight]

Unless the reason you’re thinking of buying is that you’ve seen one for sale ridiculously cheap then I’d go for other options.

Any of those KTMsm listed would do the job. A mate had a 700 Tracer for years and apart from being a bit down on power he loved it.