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Bmw f800r

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Gsus

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Thinking about an F800R as a possible replacement for my Versys. I've read a lot of good things, but what I'm wondering, and can't seem to find, is a comparison of maintenance cost to a Jap bike. I tend to do most minor repairs / maintenance on my bike now, but was told that BMW's are not the same beast, and most stuff needs to be done at the dealership (proprietary tools, exclusive parts distribution, etc.). Is this the case, or am I way off. Also, anybody know of any known issues with these? Model years to steer clear of? Etc?
Thanks in advance.
 
Go with an F800 S/ST.

Looks better and improved wind protection with half/full fairing, has maintenance free drive belt (no messy chain to oil and adjust), sexy single sided swing arm, and lower (S model) sportier clip on handlebars so you look less like you are riding a mountain bike.

What a coincidence! I have a mint condition 2008 F800S on the market, PM me for more details. :)
 
Your ad there says "CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP" to insure but I was getting quotes close to double a 650R. Could insure a 600SS at some places for less. Probably because of the 800cc engine.

That said, if it weren't for insurance I would've upgraded to one of these bikes after my 650. I was always waffling between the models (S/ST/R) for which I like best.

They are supposed to be amazing on gas.
 
unL33T said:
Your ad there says "CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP" to insure but I was getting quotes close to double a 650R. Could insure a 600SS at some places for less. Probably because of the 800cc engine.

That said, if it weren't for insurance I would've upgraded to one of these bikes after my 650. I was always waffling between the models (S/ST/R) for which I like best.

They are supposed to be amazing on gas.
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Not sure what your driving record is like, but I have/had 3 tickets (2 for speeding) in the past 3 years, and I only pay $580 for full coverage to insure this bike through TD Insurance, if I had no tickets, agent said it would have been $490 range.

Pretty sure I can't get that type of insurance price on an SS 600.


And yes, the torque and gas mileage on this bike is outstanding. Also very flickable, forgiving, light and fun to ride. Ask anyone that owns one.
 
That's a good rate. I should shop around more. Pretty sure I was paying more than that for my 125 last season. The 650 was about double what you're paying. That was with no tickets and no at faults.

I got a speeding ticket last year so I expect my rates to go up.

Anyway, yes, I've heard great things about these bikes.
 
The earlier belt drive models (not the R but the S and ST) had issues with the rear hub that has just now been recognized as a warranty issue. For that reason I would stay with the R. As far as wind protection, the slightly larger "sport" screen on the R is quite effective, of course not as good as the ST but similar for a few hours of freeway droning. Yes, I've ridden all 3, my wife had an ST for a few years and the R was my favourite at the dealer demo days. Maintenance? Not a lot different to other brands, if you pick up a GS911 tool you can reset the service reminders, or just make friends with someone on here that has one. You really need to ride one to make up your mind, demo days are coming in May.
 
I have the 2013 model f 800 gt. I tested the R and it's similar. I return to the dealer for service and at 1000kms cost a couple hundred and at 10000 km's the cost was around 400 dollars. I 've been told that at 20000km's it's around a grand for the big service . After that you're clear.They're a awesome bike with power everywhere it seems.Fairly comfortable but the r has less wind protection than the GT.I would recommend one ,even one I'm not trying to sell,so try one out.
 
unL33T said:
That's a good rate. I should shop around more. Pretty sure I was paying more than that for my 125 last season. The 650 was about double what you're paying. That was with no tickets and no at faults.

I got a speeding ticket last year so I expect my rates to go up.

Anyway, yes, I've heard great things about these bikes.
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He lives in Stoney Creek .... you live in North York ..... you will never pay close to what he's ..... location location location

F800R is a good bike, for around town riding ... but when you compare it to new FZ9 it doesn't stand much chance from value prospective. Unless you have to have this bike, there's better options in my opinion.
 
I live in the GTA I own an 2011 F800R and for me it's an amazing bike. One of the best bikes I've owned. Mine had a blinker switch issue that was taken care of through warranty. I go through TD for insurance I'm paying something like 600 /yr. The F800R isn't amazing at any one thing, but it's great all around. For me it's small things like build materials and a seat I can actually sit on for a days ride. The luggage system is well thought out and the seat is comfy to do 6 -7 hrs in the saddle no problems.

Maintenance wise, 10k ~ $200 at 20k ~ $500 ... in all honesty not a bad bike to maintain. I do oil changes at the beginning / end of the season and just take it in at 10k intervals. No big thing.

I've sat on the Triumph Triple and the FZ9 at the last bike show... still prefer my F800R. That said I'm looking at the new S1000R or RnineT lol....
 
Tam905 said:
... For me it's small things like build materials and a seat I can actually sit on for a days ride. The luggage system is well thought out and the seat is comfy to do 6 -7 hrs in the saddle no problems. ...
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Not to dis BMW in any way but they are pricey bikes and a seat can be replaced in 1 minute once you acquire it. Aftermarket seats are generally vastly superior to stock. Usually most bikes + new seat would be still below what BMW goes for.
 
I agree with you BMWs command a price premium... But you don't have to buy a brand new one. The fact that I didn't have to go out and spend 500 bucks on a new seat meant that I could put that right into suspension work which made the bike even better. It's not about any one thing that made my decision about the F8R it was the package, good at everything and reliable. I found one for a good price and was kind of hard to say no at that point lol. Anyhow it's just my opinion on the F8R best thing for the OP to do is ride one. If it speaks to you then start looking. When I rode mine it stood out more than the 3 other bikes I was cross shopping :D
 
Thanks folks. My reasons for asking about this one over others is that A) Not interested in a new bike B) Don't like full fairing bikes as much C)Need something that has capability for full touring luggage and a windscreen D)Don't want to get into a litre bike E) Would like ABS. I like the new FZ09, and street triples, but forget about wind protection and haven't found good hard case options for either, not to mention the lack of ABS. I love my Versys and will probably ride it for at least another season, but I like to do my homework ahead of time in case a great opportunity presents itself. Just trying to see if i'm going to get killed on the upkeep after riding a dead reliable and cheap to operate Kawa.
 
But you think the F800R will be vastly better wind protected than FZ9 with a windscreen .... BTW neither bike would be a choice if I wanted to tour, more so with a full hard luggage ....

Keep your Versys, honestly ... what is the reason for changing, you haven't mentioned it, yet? That is besides "Because I want something different ..."
 
Gsus said:
Thanks folks. My reasons for asking about this one over others is that A) Not interested in a new bike B) Don't like full fairing bikes as much C)Need something that has capability for full touring luggage and a windscreen D)Don't want to get into a litre bike E) Would like ABS. I like the new FZ09, and street triples, but forget about wind protection and haven't found good hard case options for either, not to mention the lack of ABS. I love my Versys and will probably ride it for at least another season, but I like to do my homework ahead of time in case a great opportunity presents itself. Just trying to see if i'm going to get killed on the upkeep after riding a dead reliable and cheap to operate Kawa.
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I spoke to Givi by phone and they do not plan on making hard luggage for the FZ09 or the European model. It was a deal breaker for buying one this year.
 
Really enjoying my F800r having downsized from an FZ1. Bike is great for our

It is a great all-round bike does everything well and the brakes are unmatched. (ABS too)

The low center of gravity (under-seat fuel tank) make it very toss-able and the longer wheelbase make it more comfortable than the FZ9, street triple or Monster and very stable.

BMW has a great luggage system but is very expensive, however with a click of a key it is gone. Givi, Hepco & Becker and most luggage companies have luggage options for the F800r.
 
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mxs said:
But you think the F800R will be vastly better wind protected than FZ9 with a windscreen .... BTW neither bike would be a choice if I wanted to tour, more so with a full hard luggage ....

Keep your Versys, honestly ... what is the reason for changing, you haven't mentioned it, yet? That is besides "Because I want something different ..."
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Partly "because I might want something different", but also wouldn't mind ABS. Yes, I think that any bike with a decent windscreen would provide better wind protection than a naked FZ9. I also like the idea of having the windscreen for cold / wet, but being able to take it off when I want to and not having the bike look stupid.
 
STARSHIP said:
Really enjoying my F800r having downsized from an FZ1. Bike is great for our

It is a great all-round bike does everything well and the brakes are unmatched. (ABS too)

The low center of gravity (under-seat fuel tank) make it very toss-able and the longer wheelbase make it more comfortable than the FZ9, street triple or Monster and very stable.

BMW has a great luggage system but is very expensive, however with a click of a key it is gone. Givi, Hepco & Becker and most luggage companies have luggage options for the F800r.
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Where and when did you get an opportunity to ride the FZ09?
 
One thing I heard about the expensive BMW luggage which I like, that it detaches and you can carry it in like suitcases. That's huge.
 
rbjeepthing said:
Where and when did you get an opportunity to ride the FZ09?
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Only journalists I believe have ridden the bike yet in Canada .... I bet he was just sitting on it someplace at a dealer or at the show. To judge comfort by a short stationery sitting time will be very subjective and not necessarily what others will experience once riding the bike.
 
mxs said:
Only journalists I believe have ridden the bike yet in Canada .... I bet he was just sitting on it someplace at a dealer or at the show. To judge comfort by a short stationery sitting time will be very subjective and not necessarily what others will experience once riding the bike.
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lol which was my point.
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