BMW F800 series

[Moogus]

Good evening all,

Debbie, my wife, recently turned 50. She has decided to go for a full bike licence and, once successful, would like an F800ST or GS etc.

Has anyone any experience of these machines? Are they god, bad, avoid etc. She would like a blue one to match her 3 series!

[O.C.]

I've no personal experience of either but I think that they are both reliable the GS is a taller bike which may or may not be an issue   

[Moogus]

Good point O.C.

She's hedging towards the GT now but also likes the look of the Tiger 800 and Versys  650...long way to go yet, got to wait until lockdown reduced before she can get a CBT!

[flatfour]

I've not heard of any issues through the BMW Club, where in our section quite a few ride 800's in GS or GT version.

The only negative comment that does seem to be mentioned at times is the cost of changing the belt on those equipped with it, so perhaps if buying a bike that is close to this work it might be a very strong negotiating point?

Incidentally, most of the owners that I know have come from an R1200 RT or GS and often ride two - up and loaded to tour, however no - one has complained of the loss in performance that I am aware of.

[Moogus]

Thanks for that Flatfour.

I've seen a few reports of piston slap on the 800, especially early ST...as I say, long way to go yet, she's getting used to her CG125 at the moment!