The new F800S BMW....official pic.

[DG02]

Don't count on the North American market price being as high as 9000 Euros. BMW adjusts their prices to suit each market. For example, BMW UK market prices are 30% or more than Canadian market prices if the conversion is done strictly on the exchange rate.

It should be a great bike. The F650 engine is pretty much indestructable, Rotax makes a great product.

[Capt. Blackadder]

9,000 Euros is approximately $10,829, but I don't think the North American market price will be that high. Don't panic yet.

[xaque]

Well, I must say, "hats off to BMW"

I've been waiting a long time to see what this bike was going to look like... with only spy shots to quench my desires.

And now it's unveiled.... and it's sweet.

Good job! I must say that I was worried that it was going to be fugly after the r1200st debacle. (*hiding after that last comment*)

I like it a lot.

[NoRRmad]

9,000 Euros is approximately $10,829, but I don't think the North American market price will be that high. Don't panic yet.

The price quoted is "about 9000 Pounds Sterling," or $15,840.96.

Dang!

[Capt. Blackadder]

Oh... I thought Jonothan said €9,000, which is Euros, not pounds. Where is the pounds sterling price quoted?

[cricman]

It's good to see that Yamaha is reissuing the 1997 Seca II with a slightly bigger motor and BMW roundels on it. Seriously, look at a 1997 Seca II and tell me that that are significant visual design differences (minus the belly scoop on the Yamaha) between the two. Heck, even the passenger hand rails look alike! I'll bet the F800S doesn't MSRP like the Yamaha (It retailed for $5400 in 1997). Sorry, I'm not real stunned.

cricman

[NoRRmad]

Capt. Blackadder --

Agh. Quite right. I saw that little symbol, and since it was a British mag, my brain thought it was the pound-sign.

[Capt. Blackadder]

Agh. Quite right. I saw that little symbol, and since it was a British mag, my brain thought it was the pound-sign.

Well, then... [rubs hands]. We're right back in business then, aren't we?

[esef]

Too early for me to judge on the looks. From the pics, I don't like the looks but it may look much better in person. People said the same thing about my Duc 999 when seen in photos but liked it when viewed in person.

[esef]

Just read cricman's response. Now that you mention it...I also think it has a little Suzuki Bandit flavor to it.

Again, I'll reserve my final judgement until when I actually see the bike.

[Pat]

Whew! Sterlings, not Pounds.....
I'm still in the running then?!?!?!

And could it be me, or does it look like, say .... a motorcycle?
In fact, JUST LIKE A MOTORCYCLE, a motorcycle with two wheels and a PARALLEL TWIN!
Too spooky, imagine that.
It's not often that a motorcycle looks like another motorcycle, or reminds us of yet another motorcycle that resembles another motorcycle.

But THIS motorcycle has WHAT I WANT!
Regardless of what others are reminded of when looking at it.
I want THAT motorcycle, with the rotax and the roundel!

[new2BMW]

There may be styling similarities to the Bandit and Seca, but notice that this bike has a twin spar sport bike type fram which should make it much more rigid that the other two bikes.

Hmm... about the same power as the Roadster, minus about 100 pounds. Liquid cooled, belt drive, sexy K-style mirrors, passenger grab handles, low saddle and slender waist, single-sided swingarm, and those wheels...

I agree with the good Captain. These are certainly some appealing characteristics. Additionally, with a 12:1 compression ratio (which I find hard to believe) the torque should be qyuite strong.

At the end of the day, the price will indeed be the measure of success for this bike. It is clearly intended to attract outsiders to BMW. If these people can buy a 150 hp FZ1 or three our four choices of Triumph for considerably less money, I believe they will. I wish BMW success with this model as it looks like a lot of fun.

[Deans BMW]

Pat et all, I just got of the phone with Chris at San Jose re the new 800, his opinion is positive on the bike and its probable series, but does not have a clue of the price. By the way, they are selling a ton of the Vespas.

[FGanger]

Patrick, Patrick, Patrick,

I seem to recall some of your comments regarding your Bonnie, “. . . it's an absolute kick to ride . . .brings a guy back to motorcycle'n roots.”

You men you’re all the same, never faithful. A bike gives you its best miles and then a newer, flashier model comes along and it’s so long Bonnie and hello mein Tshatshki.

All I can say is - YOU TART!!



And Dean, I'm surprised at you. You know how weak our Patrick is when it comes to new bikes. If Patrick winds up in a divorce, much of the blame will be on your head.

Tisk, tisk.

[jrock]

PUSHING INTO THE MID-RANGE: The new BMW F 800 S twin-cylinder
09/29/2005

Munich. With its completely new mid-range sports bikes, BMW Motorrad is ringing in the next round of its model offensive. In the first half of 2006, the F 800 will be the fourth model series to come off the Berlin assembly lines and it is sure to stir up the middle class. The F 800 S is an 800-cc twin which offers lots of character, an excellent suspension and typical BMW properties.
The athletic F 800 S sports bike has a dry weight of under 419 lbs. (approx. 441 lbs. ready-to-ride) and is the first model of the new and separate model series. The precise suspension is designed for high directional and cornering stability as well as optimum handling. The classic BMW qualities such as safety, compliance with the highest environmental standards, ergonomic seating position and comfort also for the passenger define the new standard in the mid-range bike. A closed-loop three-way catalytic converter, state-of-the-art digital engine electronics and optional ABS are also a matter of course for this motorcycle.

With regard to the drive-line, BMW Motorrad is continuing with the innovation introduced on the F 650 CS and makes use of the low-maintenance and quiet-running belt-drive. It is lighter than shaft drive and represents the optimum combination of weight, space requirements, efficiency and service life in this performance class.

The engine is also a completely new design. It was developed in cooperation with Bombardier-Rotax GmbH. It is manufactured in the Austrian Rotax plant and is delivered to the Berlin production line ready-for-assembly. The first two-cylinder inline engine in the history of BMW Motorrad features a four-valve design. High 12:1 compression and a combustion chamber designed similarly to the one used in the new K-engine ensure effective and low-emission combustion, as well as efficient fuel consumption which will be considerably lower than that of the competition. Mass compensation for the crankshaft balances unwanted vibrations without foregoing the vigorous characteristics associated with two-cylinder engines. The compact engine unit with integrated 6-speed gearbox has been designed for balanced power delivery and uncomplicated riding pleasure. A peak output exceeding 80 bhp with respective torque will also satisfy a sports-rider's needs.

The new BMW F 800 S will be presented to the international press and then the public for the first time at the EICMA Motor Show in Milan on 15 November 2005.
The price has not yet been set.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[esef]

Glad that you recognized a motorcycle has two wheels. People mistake my Duc for a Goldwing all the time. Damn, those two wheels confuse people.

Whew! Sterlings, not Pounds.....
I'm still in the running then?!?!?!

And could it be me, or does it look like, say .... a motorcycle?
In fact, JUST LIKE A MOTORCYCLE, a motorcycle with two wheels and a PARALLEL TWIN!
Too spooky, imagine that.
It's not often that a motorcycle looks like another motorcycle, or reminds us of yet another motorcycle that resembles another motorcycle.

But THIS motorcycle has WHAT I WANT!
Regardless of what others are reminded of when looking at it.
I want THAT motorcycle, with the rotax and the roundel!

[Pat]

I gotta keep the BonnieBlack as my bar hopper, I want the BMW 800 (with cases) for putting the miles on..... you know, what BMW is good for and good at doing.

Gonna be sweeeeet!
(comes with two wheels too, just like bikes it reminds people of....)

[collyers]

I understand the excitement over a new model from the people who brought us the magnificent R1150/1200s, but I just cannot get worked up over a parallel twin 800cc putting out 100bhp per litre (that part is good) that could cost $12k. The styling is...... familiar, yet forgettable. Now, if it weighed 325lbs and had a supermoto riding position with WP suspension...

Drop that engine in a chassis like this.....





but then they'd be encroaching on KTM's 950 Supermoto.
Nudge nudge, wink wink, say no more.....

[darthrider]

Does sound like a bit of a stone doesn't it?
Too bad, the middleweight parallel twin formula has a lot of potential.
This one looks about 2/3 of what it could be.
Compare specs with the new Triumph"Baby Daytona" 675cc Triple...363 lbs., 123 HP, 52 ft. lbs. For a lot less money.
Maybe they'll do the right thing and build a sport version.

Collyers - that's what my Speed Triple reminds me of...a big bore Motard! But with those Michelin Pilot Power tires I haven't had the balls to slide it yet.

[Pat]

"...the new Triumph"Baby Daytona" 675cc Triple...363 lbs., 123 HP, 52 ft. lbs.

Where have I been?
I've heard mention of the new Triumph, but I didn't know that it was/is a triple!!! My God, that weight, the horsepower, cool torque! I could find myself in a world of trouble on that diminutive monster.

Which brings me back to the new Beemer with it's 800cc belt driven motor. I cannot emphasize enough how (though nice) "horsepower" or "power to weight ratio" simply isn't everything......
I'm on a little air cooled 800cc Triumph weighing in at 450 pounds; it's parallel twin is an absolute PLEASURE to ride at legal speeds. For instance while on the freeway last night, I was giddy with delight that at 63 mph I could twist the throttle with NO DRAMA of downshifting, and WALK, RIGHT NOW! When I'm playing in the twisties, all I gotta do is select a gear or two, stay away from the brake levers, and just GO FOR IT.... effortlessly. Then there is the "soul" of it's simple but functional engine, and the character that "nothing out of the ordinary" comes with. It's really quite hard to put into words. I'm as much a power junkie as any needy speed freak, but there's something to be said for "getting back to basics".

What I like, is how BMW has taken the concept of "back to basics" and modernized it with liquid cooling, belt drive, and a sub-900cc engine that'll certainly be no slouch.
If a guy is looking for the MOST POWER on a bike with the LEAST WEIGHT, I would COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND where he's coming from, but I would also suggest that he might be missing the point.
Does anybody want to take a stab at why I'm digging my 60 horses on a heavy sled of an ancient design so much? It took me a couple rides on this timeless "back to basics" bike
before I actually...... "got it" .

Don't try to make the new 800cc Beemer what it isn't, surrender instead to what it is.