Tell me about: BMW F800ST

esullivan · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 06 Mar 2012 Karma :

I've been looking at the GT (the ST's successor), but it's such a new model that the used one are still quite pricey. My local Honda/Suzuki/Kawasaki dealer has a 2007 ST with 19.5K miles that appears to have the "comfort pack" (heated grips, comfort seat and centre stand). It's got some corrosion on the front pipes, but not on the engine. It's probably the original belt, so will need changing at 24K miles. No panniers or top box, so I'd have to sort that too.

By trading in my NC700 (a pre-reg I bought from this dealer), I could ride away with the BMW for considerably less than £2,000, maybe £1,500 if I haggle a bit on the part-ex. I'm thinking this might be worth a punt for a year. If I really like it, I can turn it in at a BMW dealer for a newer GT next year.

What does the collective BCF think? What should I be wary of on this vintage of ST?
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Current: '14 VFR800X Test passed 31/10/12.
Previous: '12 NC700S, '11 CBF 125, '04 SH 125.

P. · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

I still won't touch a newer BMW bike. You could just get something like a 2008/09 Tiger, get better performance and comfort without dat extortion at service time.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Servicing on the 800s isn't actually that bad. I say that, but I wasn't minded to hand mine over to the local Motorrad because I had no confidence that they'd actually do the 12,000 mile valve check unless I stood there and filmed them.

But there doesn't seem to be much of a problem with that. It's the rear wheel bearing recall that you should look into.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

esullivan · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 06 Mar 2012 Karma :

Servicing would be done locally, not by a BMW dealer. I haven't had any issues with them on my first three bikes. I suspect I'd only get raped when I needed an actual BMW part (such as when the belt needs replacing).

I'll do some research this week and test ride it next weekend. The bike's been there for quite a while, which makes me think I might have some haggle room.

I wonder, can you still get the BMW panniers/top box for this? They had some weird expandable panniers, I believe. It does have the rack on the back that I could bungie my stuff on, so it wouldn't be something I'd need to sort out immediately.
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Current: '14 VFR800X Test passed 31/10/12.
Previous: '12 NC700S, '11 CBF 125, '04 SH 125.

Supermoto_Fan · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 Jun 2012 Karma :

A woman I know through a friend had a 2008 model, did lots of European tours on it and loved it so much she got a new 2014 model with all the options.

While it served a purpose and was a good "all rounder". It looked typical BMW-ish. Smart but no character. The sort of bike that will do anything well but won't be perfect for one role.

HER only complaint after 3 or 4 years and 20,000+ miles was the lack of get up and go when on tour with people on Z1000SXs, CBF1000, multistradas, etc etc.

Which is why she has put a deposit down on the new R1200R*

*Sure that's what is it called..
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Yamaha MT-09 - Triple powerrrr

esullivan · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 06 Mar 2012 Karma :

I'm looking for an all-rounder that will mostly be for commuting (12K miles a year) and occasional touring (3-5K-ish a year). My wife and I use it a lot on weekends and on at least one or two annual tours, so pillion comfort is important.

What attracts me to the ST/GT is the belt drive. London roads eat chains for lunch. (Despite a tutoro chain oiler, regular cleaning and tightening, I go through a chain/sprocket set a year.)

I'm not ready for a heavy shaft-driven tourer, and not interested in a Harley, so the ST/GT seems a decent choice.
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Current: '14 VFR800X Test passed 31/10/12.
Previous: '12 NC700S, '11 CBF 125, '04 SH 125.

Supermoto_Fan · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 Jun 2012 Karma :

She said the belt drive was superb regarding all aspects.

Sounds like an ideal bike for you ..
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Yamaha MT-09 - Triple powerrrr

nelmo · Scooby Slapper Joined: 05 Dec 2013 Karma :

My mate had a 2006 800S - same engine as the ST. He had a nightmare with his - his went backwards and forwards to the dealer to try sort an engine stall issue. He had it for 2 years and could never trust it to not stall at any moment for no reason.

He eventually palmed it off to an unsuspecting Yamaha dealer for a Divvie. When he went back for its 1 year service, his old 800S was still sat in the back of the dealers yard Shocked

I believe BMW sorted the problems out with that engine by moving production away from China but I don't know if the 2007 model was ok or not - not sure how you'd check?
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Bike history: Suzuki GSXF600, BMW F650, Honda Varadero, Suzuki V-Strom, Kawasaki Versys
Current: Honda NC700X

Wonko The Sane · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Jan 2013 Karma :

Polarbear · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :

Tiger 800. If you haven't ridden one, try it. Wonderful bikes.

I was in two minds. In the end bought the big brother but thats solely because I many road miles.

The 675/800 Triumph engine is one of the wonders of a modern motorcycle age. Thumbs Up

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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

Supermoto_Fan · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 Jun 2012 Karma :

Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

stonesie · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Jul 2010 Karma :

A friend had one and liked it but has since converted to Triumph and says the street triple (not R) is way better, never carried luggage on the bmw so the streets lack of luggage is not an issue... If you need luggage get a test rides on a tiger or even a Sprint, or there's the new Yamaha tracer.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

Fizzer Thou · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Aug 2011 Karma :

A friend rode one around Brazil during a three week tour of the country.Five ladies rode a variety of 800 twins and 650 singles and at the end of the trip they were asked their opinions of each bike.With one voice they all said that the 800 twin sounded like a bag of nails much of the time and vibrated uncomfortably at a certain cruising speed Confused

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Just talk bikes.What else is there?

Always have a 'Plan B'

dandelion · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 18 Feb 2013 Karma :

Ops manager here has one and all he does is whine about how expensive the Chinese made parts are and that it needs lots of attention before mot's. His words so I can't confirm.

What I can do for you is scan the article regarding f800s/st/gt/r on Ride magazine that pinpoints the flaws and strengths of these machines plus prices for consumable and other parts.