BMW Motorrad’s F 800 Sports middleweight machines are designed to offer serious fun to just about anyone – from commuters to tourers and even those starting out in biking. Having launched new generation contenders in the superbike, enduro, touring and sports touring categories, BMW Motorrad has turned its attention to the sports middleweight class. The F800 features a powerful, torque-rich 800 cc parallel-twin engine (the first in BMW’s history), a new suspension system and maintenance-free belt drive.
Previously BMW had a gap in its range between the single-cylinder F 650 bikes and the 1200 cc Boxers and four-cylinder motorcycles. This has now been filled with the new F 800 S and ST models. The 798 cc twin-cylinder machine is available in two versions – the sporty half-faired F 800 S and the sports touring orientated F 800 ST– both of which are designed to provide a thrilling ride for novice riders and experienced bikers alike.
At the heart of these machines is an all-new 798 cc twin-cylinder engine that produces an impressive 85 hp and a punchy 63lb/ft of torque. A well-balanced combination, enabling the rider to ‘surf’ the torque curve rather than constantly needing to change up and down the gearbox. This is just one of many factors that will endear the F 800 Series to all types of rider.
The chassis is as impressive as the engine. Attached to the rear of the aluminium frame is a single-sided swing-arm while the front end uses conventional telescopic forks in place of the Telelever suspension usually fitted to BMWs. This all means a lighter, more straightforward chassis design that will naturally appeal to those more familiar with Japanese or Italian machinery. The aim of producing a light responsive chassis has worked well, as the F 800 S only weighs 182 kg dry (187 kg for the ST version.)
To make F 800 S ownership as easy as the rest of the BMW range (while keeping weight to a minimum) the engineers have fitted a belt-drive system. This is far more practical than chain drives common to most bikes, negotiating he need for a chain’s regular lubrication and adjustment. It is also lighter than the shaft-drive BMW generally favours.
The F 800 S and ST are bold entries into the middleweight category. They will raise the stakes in this important class by matching their competitors abilities while adding BMW quality, reliability and ingenuity. Competitively priced, the F 800 S and ST motorcycles are in BMW dealerships now and a special BMW Finance and Insurance package is also available for both models.
Technical features and highlights
After a development period of just 47 months, the new F 800 S sports middleweight, and the more touring-oriented F 800 ST, now form BMW Motorrad’s fourth model series. They also set the standard for more models within the series and fill the gap in BMW’s model line-up between the F650 singles and the Boxer-twin models.
The 798cc engine is a brand-new parallel-twin with four-valve technology, developed by BMW Motorrad in close cooperation with Austrian specialist Bombardier-Rotax GmbH. The power unit is built in the Rotax plant according to BMW standards and specifications, from where it goes straight to BMW’s factory in Berlin for final assembly.
The performance potential of this new model series is impressive. The S-model, for example, accelerates from 0 – 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds, offering a high standard of engine flexibility at all engine speeds. The slender, aerodynamic fairing works well at high speeds, and combined with the bike’s low dry weight makes an important contribution to the F800’s dynamic performance.
The key to this low weight is consistent use of lightweight technology, including an extremely stable aluminium frame and aluminium single swinging arm.Offering superior steering precision, the suspension and running gear is designed for a high standard of tracking stability and excellent handling. Other classic BMW virtues such as rider and passenger comfort, and exemplary safety features aim to redefine the standard in the midrange motorcycle segment.
Both F800 models are available straight from the factory with BMW Motorrad’s new, optional two-channel ABS, in addition to a wide range of special equipment and accessories.
Previously BMW had a gap in its range between the single-cylinder F 650 bikes and the 1200 cc Boxers and four-cylinder motorcycles. This has now been filled with the new F 800 S and ST models. The 798 cc twin-cylinder machine is available in two versions – the sporty half-faired F 800 S and the sports touring orientated F 800 ST– both of which are designed to provide a thrilling ride for novice riders and experienced bikers alike.
At the heart of these machines is an all-new 798 cc twin-cylinder engine that produces an impressive 85 hp and a punchy 63lb/ft of torque. A well-balanced combination, enabling the rider to ‘surf’ the torque curve rather than constantly needing to change up and down the gearbox. This is just one of many factors that will endear the F 800 Series to all types of rider.
The chassis is as impressive as the engine. Attached to the rear of the aluminium frame is a single-sided swing-arm while the front end uses conventional telescopic forks in place of the Telelever suspension usually fitted to BMWs. This all means a lighter, more straightforward chassis design that will naturally appeal to those more familiar with Japanese or Italian machinery. The aim of producing a light responsive chassis has worked well, as the F 800 S only weighs 182 kg dry (187 kg for the ST version.)
To make F 800 S ownership as easy as the rest of the BMW range (while keeping weight to a minimum) the engineers have fitted a belt-drive system. This is far more practical than chain drives common to most bikes, negotiating he need for a chain’s regular lubrication and adjustment. It is also lighter than the shaft-drive BMW generally favours.
The F 800 S and ST are bold entries into the middleweight category. They will raise the stakes in this important class by matching their competitors abilities while adding BMW quality, reliability and ingenuity. Competitively priced, the F 800 S and ST motorcycles are in BMW dealerships now and a special BMW Finance and Insurance package is also available for both models.
Technical features and highlights
After a development period of just 47 months, the new F 800 S sports middleweight, and the more touring-oriented F 800 ST, now form BMW Motorrad’s fourth model series. They also set the standard for more models within the series and fill the gap in BMW’s model line-up between the F650 singles and the Boxer-twin models.
The 798cc engine is a brand-new parallel-twin with four-valve technology, developed by BMW Motorrad in close cooperation with Austrian specialist Bombardier-Rotax GmbH. The power unit is built in the Rotax plant according to BMW standards and specifications, from where it goes straight to BMW’s factory in Berlin for final assembly.
The performance potential of this new model series is impressive. The S-model, for example, accelerates from 0 – 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds, offering a high standard of engine flexibility at all engine speeds. The slender, aerodynamic fairing works well at high speeds, and combined with the bike’s low dry weight makes an important contribution to the F800’s dynamic performance.
The key to this low weight is consistent use of lightweight technology, including an extremely stable aluminium frame and aluminium single swinging arm.Offering superior steering precision, the suspension and running gear is designed for a high standard of tracking stability and excellent handling. Other classic BMW virtues such as rider and passenger comfort, and exemplary safety features aim to redefine the standard in the midrange motorcycle segment.
Both F800 models are available straight from the factory with BMW Motorrad’s new, optional two-channel ABS, in addition to a wide range of special equipment and accessories.
