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View Full Version : Holy s**t - BMW F800S RRP $19k!!



Krayy
19th October 2006, 14:38
WTF are BMW thinking!!

On paper it looks like a pretty good package and would fit the midrange sprots bike market in NZ fairly well, but at 19K for an S with no ABS??

Ah well, have to strike it off the list, cos if I'm looking at spending that, it'll be the Buell XB12Ss.

sAsLEX
19th October 2006, 14:50
The ABS on them is bad and downright dangerous so you are better off without it!

James Deuce
19th October 2006, 14:56
I had a feeling that would happen.

I'd rather have an M109R for that money.

ninjac
19th October 2006, 14:58
That BM's face reminds me of the CyberMen from Dr Who?

iwilde
19th October 2006, 15:30
Same price as a GSXR1000K6, who would want the BMW?

MattRSK
19th October 2006, 15:31
I would sell you my CBR for 19k. To stop you just lay it on its side. Thats real ABS.

James Deuce
19th October 2006, 15:43
I would sell you my CBR for 19k. To stop you just lay it on its side. Thats real ABS.

Auto Ballistic Stopping?

MattRSK
19th October 2006, 17:17
Auto Ballistic Stopping?

That is an absolutey brilliant suggestion.

PZR
20th October 2006, 18:49
WTF are BMW thinking!!

On paper it looks like a pretty good package and would fit the midrange sprots bike market in NZ fairly well, but at 19K for an S with no ABS??

.

I,m with you. Im a big beemer fan no doubt, but they are just too bloody expensive. I really like the new R1200S but at 28 to 30 grand I can buy any number of performance jap bikes which will eat it for breakfast lunch and dinner plus new leathers helmet boots gloves and still give me money left over to do up the bathroom. They (BMW) seem to want to sell more product which shows with all the new model releases but are not able (or willing) to compete in the same price market. Sure you do get a premium product and service but not that much difference.

unhingedlizard
21st October 2006, 12:16
Too right. I waited until these came out as I thought they would be just what I was after. One look at the price had me running.

James Deuce
21st October 2006, 12:30
What do you need a new bike for Lizard? You've got two of the best bikes Yamaha's ever made!

unhingedlizard
22nd October 2006, 11:34
Feel all warm and fuzzy inside now. :)

Was looking at the BM before I got the TDM.

scracha
23rd October 2006, 20:47
Seconded. If I could be arsed with another 2smoke then it'd be a TDR. Be getting another TDM if my business can start to make money. The beemer is just a yellow TRX anyhow.

Les
24th October 2006, 16:52
Gotta agree with you. I've never really been a BMW fan so to speak, but the F800 did catch my eye right from the start. I had a good look at the one that BMW had in their tent over at Phillip Island and decided that I'd like to at least look seriously at geeting one. 19 grand tho? They can get stuffed! As far as I'm concerned there are better bikes out there for that money and less.
I thought that they wanted to "diversify" their range? Not like that they won't. Looks like BM's will be staying as a niche brand for those who care about such things as the logo. I'm certain it's a very good bike, but BMW need to take a look at the rest of the huge market out there and come back down to earth (if that's possible).

pritch
24th October 2006, 19:25
My last bike was a BMW and I thought the 800 looked like it would do me as a possible replacement for the Hornet in the next year or so. When Henry @ Experience BMW told me it was going to be the fat end of twenty grand I lost interest real quick.

Might have to get another Hornet :confused:

PZR
24th October 2006, 19:50
Seconded. The beemer is just a yellow TRX anyhow.
Ya what!!!!!
cough splutter ^%$&%&* say what???

scracha
25th October 2006, 18:43
Ya what!!!!!
cough splutter ^%$&%&* say what???

Oops..sorry to offend the TRX owners out there.. The beemer is just a yellow TRX with more weight and less power.

James Deuce
25th October 2006, 18:44
The beemer's got more power than a standard TRX.

PZR
25th October 2006, 21:17
Oops..sorry to offend the TRX owners out there.. The beemer is just a yellow TRX with more weight and less power.

Holy shit I think you may be right (not the power bit tho thats just cruel)

MD
30th November 2006, 18:53
I had a squiz at the S and ST models of the F800 at Motorad and must say BMW are getting their act together with the styling. Comfy to sit on and gentle on the eyes. Well laid out dash and bars in just the right place. Could enjoy touring on one of these. Getting very good reviews in the mags for it's handling and versatility..blah blah. They still have a hangup on weird headlight combinations though.
Oh and the reason for this post- CORRECTION ON THE PRICE TAG- IT'S $17,000 for the new 800 twin. The Salesman's exact words were "they're both about 17 thou" So that makes them a better buy than the $19-$20k talked about on this thread earlier.

I know someone who bought the new 1200S in red/silver, and that is a very nice looker.

James Deuce
30th November 2006, 20:17
Very Interesting MD. Still too much though.

When I first looked, the S was $18,900, and the ST, was $19,900.

Any idea why the price changed?

sAsLEX
30th November 2006, 20:18
Very Interesting MD. Still too much though.

When I first looked, the S was $18,900, and the ST, was $19,900.

Any idea why the price changed?


Would you buy one at that price?

James Deuce
30th November 2006, 20:20
Sarcastic rhetorical question.

I wouldn't buy one at $17k.

Shouldn't cost anymore than an SV1000.

nudemetalz
30th November 2006, 20:27
You could buy a good Guzzi for $17-grand.....oops,...wrong thread...:lol:

MD
1st December 2006, 05:51
Any idea why the price changed?


I heard the CEO of BMW rung Motorad Wgtn (collect call from Bavaria of course) to ask if that Jim bloody something or other bought one or not!
You're right Jim it's still a bit steep for what is only a 800 twin, but atleast an attractive alternative to the much dearer boxers - which are overpriced to me.

Lou Girardin
1st December 2006, 06:07
It's Beemer, you pay $5K for the badge.

fishb8nz
1st December 2006, 06:08
Picked one up from Hamilton and told the dealer I'd be back in 1/2 hour but had it for 2 hrs. It was so much fun on the windy roads around Pirongia. At one point on great stretch of road called Meadways, I thought I'd like to wind this bike up but when I looked down at the speedo, I was already doing 130 km.
I even did an emergency stop, along Te Rapa, only 100 metres from taking it back, when a vehicle in the outside lane decided to turn into a shop. Stopped on a sixpence but wasn't aware if the ABS cut in.
Very smooth and great handling but expensive.

Motu
1st December 2006, 07:28
So you guys want a cheap BMW - I don't think you are their projected market.

Mr. Peanut
1st December 2006, 08:02
The grapes are probably sour anyway...

unhingedlizard
1st December 2006, 10:42
So you guys want a cheap BMW - I don't think you are their projected market.

Actually I think this is the targeted market for the F800.

Motu
1st December 2006, 11:30
What market..cheap? BMW price themselves on the market as they see fit.If you can't afford to buy one you can't have it.Why complain if you are a loser with no money?

The Stranger
1st December 2006, 11:43
The ABS on them is bad and downright dangerous so you are better off without it!

On that model or on BMW's in general?
Why do you say they are dangerous?

Quasievil
1st December 2006, 13:23
Rode a F800 last week, worst piece of shit imaginable, gutless, vibrations, handling horrible, total crap !!

thats about all the best things I have to say about it

Motu
1st December 2006, 13:33
Well,that's pretty positive coming from you Quasi.

sAsLEX
1st December 2006, 14:50
On that model or on BMW's in general?
Why do you say they are dangerous?

That model, as a budget version , the ABS increased stopping distances by letting off rather big on a lock up instead of nice rapid pressure modulation.

unhingedlizard
2nd December 2006, 21:03
What market..cheap? BMW price themselves on the market as they see fit.If you can't afford to buy one you can't have it.Why complain if you are a loser with no money?


Would have thought that was a perfect reason to complain.

My understanding is that this bike is an entry level machine to encourage more of the younger up-and-comers to have a brand that is more associated with the older generation.

crshbndct
3rd December 2006, 08:05
the only bmw bike riders i know are one eyed homos

Bonez
4th December 2006, 04:38
Rode a F800 last week, worst piece of shit imaginable, gutless, vibrations, handling horrible, total crap !!

Hmmm so is my CX500, but apperenently they're attributes of a m/c with character don't you know.

Bonez
4th December 2006, 04:41
the only bmw bike riders i know are one eyed homosI should introduce you to my father.

MD
15th December 2006, 12:33
Rode a F800 last week, worst piece of shit imaginable, gutless, vibrations, handling horrible, total crap !!

thats about all the best things I have to say about it
Your impression took me by surprise Quasi. I rode the ST today and really liked it. Grey colour - yuck. But the red S model in the shop - that's a stunner.
I pushed it as hard as you should on a borrowed shop bike and found heaps of lean angle, stable- especially with touring tyres on! Quick to turn in and change lines. Motor was pleasant shall we say, no mind blowing rushes of acceleration, but not a slug either. This bike pulls at the logical side of your brain (a first for me to discover I had such a brain function!). First gear wheelies are a breeze, I tried. Maybe 2nd but I would need to own the bike before trying more silly stuff.
I've not ridden a BMW but the switchgear operations were like second nature. All those practical bits appeal. Like a centrestand, hot grips, no oily chain, good luggage (OK, like all brands you pay extra), good dash layout with everything there.
Argh. Why am I always tempted by every shiny peice of new metal in a bike shop. The shop made me an offer I have to say made me ...well I'm tempted. Lucky for my spontaneous shopping habit that they only had a red S with ABS and some other extras that I don't want. So it cost about $18,900. At $17,300 for the base model without ABS I may have fallen victim to sponaneous buying again.
Might be a good thing to do more touring in comfort than racing around for a change....
Takes note- avoid walking past any more bike shops.

scracha
15th December 2006, 15:58
Your impression took me by surprise Quasi. I rode the ST today and really liked it. Grey colour - yuck. But the red S model in the shop - that's a stunner.

There was a chap on a bright yellow one in Te Aroha yesterday. They do look much nicer in "the flesh" than on paper. Sounded awful though....

Can someone tell Quasi that parallel twins are meant to vibrate.

PZR
17th December 2006, 08:23
the only bmw bike riders i know are one eyed homos
Are we to seriously respect the opinion of a 20 year old 250 rider
Is that because you hang out in mens toilets a lot after dark and speak from personal experiance?

PZR
17th December 2006, 08:46
My understanding is that this bike is an entry level machine to encourage more of the younger up-and-comers to have a brand that is more associated with the older generation.[/quote]

Im with you. The average age of a Beemer rider is in their late 50s early 60s.
Both companies are trying to atract younger riders with a new range of bikes. Look at the ads for the K1200 and R1200S. Guys doing wheelies and getting their knee down on ciy streets. Unfortunatly they are just too damn expensive compared to similar Jap models. I was talking With the guys at Newmarket about the new R1200S which I like and they were comparing it with the MV Augusta and Ducati range cause thats similar to where it falls price wise. But the latest AMCN did a comparo with the S, a unfaired SV1000, and a Firestorm. both of which are 12 to 13 grand cheaper. Someone at BMW must have been gutted.
I like the Beemers because of the service and backup and they have looked after me well with a problem where the japs would have told me to bugger off, so I'm a fan but the prices are just too high. Probably because
A/ They keep the prices high to go with that exclusive BMW market, (tho that argument falls apart in Germany where they are just an ordinary car)
B/ German's have one of the highest hourly wage rates in the world (do'nt mention the war) so that makes them expensive to manufacture.
But if you want to attract a young market you have to get to their price range.
The comparisons to do not stack up in BMW's favour Im sorry.
They will have to try harder

Oh by the way the average Harley rider is in his early to mid 60s so they have an even bigger problem cause all they have to offer a younger set is a Buell ( which is probably why they bought out Eric Buell) and while I like Buells as well they have their (shall I say) shortcomings????

MD
24th December 2006, 09:00
Yippee!!. Got the demo F800St for the long weekend. Don't you love shops that do that, give you a $19,000 machine to play on for a 5 day weekend.
I did the Gladstone hill area yesterday and must say this bike is growing on me fast. Bridgestone tyres are my pet hate and this baby has BT020 (touring) tyres.
Did the really tight blue mountain loop and this is where the bike shined. Turned with an ease and speed no 187kg bike has any right too. As I headed up a new-ish R1 follows me. Oh bugger I think, I'm not out to push a demo bike hard and now I have a boy racer on my tail with no doubt hopes of embarrassing me. Well bugger me after a few tight bends and he's disappeared from my mirrors. Next came the Takas that were soaked so it was a crawl and the wet confirmed my distrust of all things Bridgestone. Inexcusably slippery in the wet. My 636 with Pirellis would have run rings around me.
Anyway, back on to dry roads and time to enjoy what I liked about this 85hp puppy.
DISPLAY. My pet hate No. 2 about bikes - they should all have a gear indicator and the F800 dash has a beaut. So easy to read and lots of fun stuff to pass the time. Air temp! Cool, leave Tawa 15c , around Whitby 16c the Hutt drops to 10.5c and colder up the summit. Now you have proof when you 'feel' cold.
Other useful stuff like ave. fuel use etc.. And a fuel guage that seemed damn accurate. At a certain point when the fuel light comes on another display appears counting down how many kms you have left. I'm told by another BMW owner that this is very accurate to 'get off and push time'.
I am seriously thinking of changing to one of these bikes. On average country backroads it's as fast as I would usually ride a sportsbike, simple as that. If full race pace comes into play, sure then it's lack of ponies and not so sticky rubber will be the limiting factor- eventually, and not by much. But the test was sweeping around bends I usually take at about 160kph and doing the same speed on the BMW without any drama.
FUEL. I did 290 km yesterday of thrashing it and still haven't had to re-fill the tank. It is down to 18km left but it was a fast day of thrashing it. Let's not mention the average speeds, those who ride with me sometimes have an idea. Lets just say there was no way I was going for an economy run. So to get 300kms out of 16 litres- FAST riding up and down hills is bloody fantastic.
I now believe one test claim that at 90kph it will travel 470km on a tank.
LEAN. This thing leans brilliantly and the suspension does a top job. I kept thinking how fast this would be over hills if I had Pirrellis - that I personally get more confidence out off. This bike is just as much fun on hills as the sportsbikes I've owned. The twin motor provides instant go when it's time to overtake.
ABS- well not on my Christmas want list but have to reluctantly say it works a treat. Weird feeling when the foot pedal starts pumping your foot up and down as it releases-enguages-releases... Does seem to stop a bike very quickly and works safely while cranked over. (Bugger it, I wanted to rubbish this as technology for technologies sake)
These observations are all my personal taste so who cares what others think but I like the look of the bike, I like the comfort without giving away any ability to ride bloody fast. No I wouldn't even bother trying it on a track day- 85hp is just not going to cut the mustard. I like the odd ball aspects like tank under seat, belt drive. I like the luxury of full info display, factory built in heated grips that work a treat! A CENTRE STAND, shit are they handy or what and this one does not touch down in corners. I'd attach some pics but all I have are from other official sites - see mcnews.com.au for a full test and lots of pics if interested.
Oh and Speedking jumped on it and immediately takes off through the gears on one wheel. Then rides up his long curving driveway in a standup wheelie. Stoppies are not going to happen with ABS but we all know a certain world champion stuntsmaster who uses a F800.
To me it's a well put together package but I still think BMW are asking too much but I'm weakening. Another tank full ride and I might be convinced.

Highlander
24th December 2006, 09:21
Good write up MD.

I like the look of the R1200st in the flesh, but think the photos look naff.
I too have issues with price.
I'm not yet at the test riding stage but am looking at options for my next bike.
Reality is I could have a Blackbird AND Hornet for similar money to the R1200 (listed $28000 ish)

Or a Triumph Sprint ST, new (his and Hers) leathers, Luggage, keep my current bike and still have money left over.

Give it a couple of years and see what happens.

Grantasaurus
24th December 2006, 10:09
Rode a F800 last week, worst piece of shit imaginable, gutless, vibrations, handling horrible, total crap !!

thats about all the best things I have to say about it

I thought that trick 3rd conrod balancing shaft they used in that motor was supposed to work really well at killing vibrations? Every write up I see on it, they go out of their way to say how smooth and vibration free it is.

You sure you didn't ride a dodgy one with a messed up tyre or something?

The F800 would make a lot of sense second hand, although if you bought it new you'd get looked after like a king. The BMW group are good like that, when my old man bought a Cooper S from them there was nothing they wouldn't do to look after them.

moko
25th December 2006, 12:55
Newer BMWs here are getting a shit reputation for build-quality and reliability,particularly the 1200GS.They seem to be plagued with electrical problems and I`ve seen some very unhappy owners on other forums,not what you pay all that money for.Because of all the smart-arse electrickery most bike mechanics here wont touch them so it`s down to the inevitably premium-rate charging BMW dealers for your servicing and all those sensors e.t.c. dont come cheap if they pack up.
I was speaking to a guy who`s Dad had a ride on the 800 thinking to chop his ageing Fazer 600 in for it,he said it felt flat compared to the Yam and did nothing as well,let alone better.O.K. so only one guy`s opinion and the Fazer is an excellent all-rounder but if people compare the BM unfavourably with a middle-weight Jap bike that went out of production nearly 5 years ago they`re pretty well stuffed.I think they`re missing a trick here,the 800`s not different enough or special enough to compete with that price tag,the Boxers are unique and people will pay a bit more for that,for something similar in principle to the TDM 900 but way more expensive,I dont think so,the Yam`s a bloody good bike by the way.I actually like the BM but it`s way too expensive and their current track record regarding new models isn`t great,the 1200GS as mentioned and the fuel-injection problems the 650 initially had that should never,ever have got outside the factory so even if I really wanted one I`d wait a few months to see if any inherent problems became apparent.