Upgrade to a BMW F800R as my second motorcycle | GTAMotorcycle.com

Upgrade to a BMW F800R as my second motorcycle

jonpurdy

jonpurdy

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I had my eye on a used FZ6 up until a few weeks ago (and posted here http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforum/showthread.php?142564-Upgrade-to-an-FZ6-as-my-second-motorcycle). However, I prefer a fully naked bike but can't get that here in North America.

I love the styling of the F800R and the convenience features (heated grips, tire pressure monitor, ABS, etc.).

Any riders of this bike have anything to say? Or anyone who doesn't like it?

I hear Budd's BMW in Oakville has a great service department (but some arrogant salespeople). My father purchased an F800GS just a month ago and recommended them as well. Thoughts?

It's a massive jump in price (new $14000 fully loaded vs. $6000 for the FZ6). Though it comes with the 3 year warranty and roadside assistance.

If I buy the BMW, do I have to buy only BMW apparel and stop waving at non-European bikes? :)
 
I met a user from this forum by the name of "Sunny S" on a group ride one day.
I do believe he has that model of BMW, in yellow.
I was astounded at how interesting his bike looked when we stopped for a break! I can see why you're interested.

Maybe you can PM him and ask for feedback because from what I was able to tell from our group ride that one day, he really loved his bike.
 
jonpurdy said:
Any riders of this bike have anything to say? Or anyone who doesn't like it?
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Ask the guys on the www.F800riders.org how they like their bikes. :)

Its a good "overall" bike. Does many things well. Could use more power. Definitely a fun ride and a blast in the twisties.

If you don't want another Japanese me-too *yawn* bike that everyone else rides, then its a great option.

Skip the BMW apparel, very expensive, and guys decked from head to toe in BMW gear look dorky (IMHO!)

Budd's is THE place to go for service. Try Endras or Wolf for purchasing.
 
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Or he can just post his opinions on this thread lol. :p
 
STARSHIP said:
Very nice bike, however have you looked at the naked 2011 FZ8 ($10, 500) also a stunning choice. http://www.yamaha-motor.ca/products/products.php?section=ov&model=3578.

This class is jammed with lots of good bikes including the 796, Speed Tripple and Aprillia Shiver 750.
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+1 on the fz8. You can buy an fz6 and convert it to naked for as little as $300. Check out www.nubzshop.com and search for the streetfighter naked kits. It is plug and play with all the necessary equipment you should require.

Check out my almost completed fz6n.

4ac609bd-43e7-f6f3.jpg
 
I think Sunny's is the F800R (belt drive) and the new one is the F800S (chain drive), but they're close cousins. I had another cousin of that bike - the F800ST - as a rental in Europe for two weeks a couple years ago, and liked it. Good day-to-day handling even with the sit-up riding position and soft suspension (the naked models might have different suspension tuning - not sure). Easy bike to ride all day on. Fuel consumption was stunning - 4.5 L/100 km with me beating on it in the Alps. For someone used to a Japanese 4-cyl superbike, the engine has a lazy feel to it, but it made for easy, precise maneuvering in tight Alpine hairpin corners. I couldn't get it to slide the back tire on corner exits, though ...

If I were in the market for an all-rounder, the F800R would be on the short list.
 
Sunny has the F800S model which they started selling in 2007, it along with the ST is a belt drive. The S has lower clip on type bars and a small fairing, the ST has tubular bars and more of a full fairing for sport touring.
In the last few years they have also produced the GS adventure type and the R naked version, both with chain drive. All of these models have differences but use the same basic motor.
I have the ST modified with the lower S bars and it is a fabulous all round bike for my type of riding.
Bought mine new at Toronto BMW but would also recommend Budds for service or Open road in newmarket.

check out Chris Phieffer on this F800R
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gLknpv9Ksc
 
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SunnY S said:
Skip the BMW apparel, very expensive, and guys decked from head to toe in BMW gear look dorky (IMHO!)

Budd's is THE place to go for service. Try Endras or Wolf for purchasing.
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The BMW gear is expensive, but for the most part its top quality stuff. I have the Rallye 3 jacket and its better then any jacket I have worn, and the reviews will say likewise, comparing it to equally priced jackets. Its quality, not just fluff with a BMW logo on it. Same goes for the helmets, I have the Enduro helmet, and its just brilliant. Light weight, comfortable and looks sharp. I will be buying another one next season.

I wonder why they shifted to a chain over the belt drive. I would take a belt over a chain any day of the week. Smoother ride, easier to replace and no maintenance.
 
The F800 is a fun machine, looks very different too, will stand out on the street.

I'm on the f800s and do enjoy the much more accessible and wider power/torque band of the twin compared to most i4 bikes.

PS: Heated grips rock also!
 
Excellent advice, everyone. Much appreciated.

To clarify, I'm looking only at a new F800R (with chain drive, naked). I absolutely love the styling. I also like that it's a good all-around bike. Good for the twisties and good for touring as well.

SunnY S said:
Skip the BMW apparel, very expensive, and guys decked from head to toe in BMW gear look dorky (IMHO!)
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Only joking about the BMW gear. I've got a good set of gear now and only need to purchase a rain suit once I get back to Toronto (since it barely rains where I live currently).

STARSHIP said:
Very nice bike, however have you looked at the naked 2011 FZ8 ($10, 500) also a stunning choice. http://www.yamaha-motor.ca/products/products.php?section=ov&model=3578.
This class is jammed with lots of good bikes including the 796, Speed Tripple and Aprillia Shiver 750.
Click to expand...

I'll definitely have a look. Though for such a similar price I'd take the BMW. The class is definitely heating up and seems to be fairly popular these days. I guess there are lots of older riders like me (now 27 :cool:) whose bodies complain about the super sport riding position but still want something sporty and more comfortable.

REDBALLS said:
+1 on the fz8. You can buy an fz6 and convert it to naked for as little as $300. Check out www.nubzshop.com and search for the streetfighter naked kits. It is plug and play with all the necessary equipment you should require.
Click to expand...

Your bike looks awesome. It's very disappointing that Yamaha didn't sell the naked version here. If I end up buying an FZ6 I'll probably do the conversion. I'm just worrying about the electrical systems shorting out while I'm riding (since they're a custom job, not factory). Do you know of any shop that would do the conversion for me?
 
Thanks....
The instruction are very detailed and the electrical work is so simple. It's just a matter of cutting and splicing the turn signal's, the running light, and the headlamp (7 wire's total). If you are not confident at all in your own electrical handy work check out the guy below :

Daniel Ciccone

o/o Heritage Auto & Power Sports
2-24 Ingram Drive,
Toronto, Ontario
M6M 2L6

Bus: 416-249-0422
Fax: 416-248-9651
 
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wonderings said:
I wonder why they shifted to a chain over the belt drive. I would take a belt over a chain any day of the week. Smoother ride, easier to replace and no maintenance.
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Easy! Cost savings. The R is the entry level F800 and the sticker price is around $9900 or so. When the S was around, it started at $11,500

The R is loosely based on the GS model. So instead of the S and ST models sexy aluminum single sided swing arm and the associated parts with belt drive, they simply went to a conventional steel and cheaper dual sided standard swing arm and chain. Then the R has no fairings or windscreen, which would also pare down the price.

Having said that, I'd take the belt drive of the S and ST models any day of the week.

R - hooligan, around town bike - naked, chain drive, higher bars, no windscreen
S - "sport" version - belt drive, clip on handlebars, sport windscreen, bikini fairing
ST - Sport Touring - belt drive, full fairings, higher bars, higher windscreen, belt drive
GS - Off Road - chain drive, dual sport.



.
 
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I liked the F800R overall. The only thing which surprised me were the vibrations right around your hwy speed through the handlebars (long hwy touring might be a pain ...). Another negative point is the non-adjustable front suspension. If I am paying over 12K for a bike it should come with fully adjustable forks ....

If I was in the market for this kind of a bike, I would have closely looked at FZ8 as well.
 
Agreed on the adjustable forks, that's one wish for most 800 owners. Common mod is installation of progressive springs.

Oil changes are a breeze. Drain plug and filter are easily accessible, but the recommended intervals are 10k so you won't be doing changes that often.
 
Love mine. With a few retouches, it's a fantastic looking bike. BTW, the swingarm's aluminum, not steel. Oil changes are a ten minute non-ordeal (although you have to reset the annoying "service now" marker somehow, or ignore it). It *is* a bit dippy on the front end, but nothing crazy. in Canada, heated grips, computer, and abs are standard. TPS is not, but big f'in deal. Have a gauge around somewhere. Storage is woeful - basically i can store a rolled up cargo net - not even the tool kit i bought for it.

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My only issue with the F800 series is the price. A lot of the reviews I read say that while it is better than an SV650 or Ninja 650, it isn't worth the higher price. But I've never ridden one so I'm just going on what I read. Also, I've heard horror stories about the cost of BMW replacement parts. Still, I find myself considering trading in my 650R for one pretty much every other day, lol.
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