BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

It's new bike time for me. The choice, after a test ride, was easy, a 2009 F800-ST in "Graphhitan Metallic Matt" (AKA: Silver).

It all started when my 401K September statement came in the mail. It was not good. I lost more dollars than THREE new R1200R's would cost, the blame for which you'll have to go into Pat's PlayHouse section to read who I correctly lay the blame on.

That's when I decided to spend some of my penalty free accessible money on my own happiness in retirement. It may make no sense to you, spending more money when the retirement fund is severely wounded, but I stand to collect Social Security next year and that will make everything really sweet again. Besides, you only live once. That, and now is a good time to trade in my beloved 02 R1150R while it's still viable with only 62,300 miles (100,262 km). Here in the South, I also have frequent overheating issues in the traffic I encounter . . . . which the new bikes water cooling + fan eliminates. I'm also more aware of the 1150R's considerable weight.

About 2 weeks later I went to Atlanta BMW's excellent cookout/open house with the intent of test riding both the R1200R and maybe an F800-S or F800-ST, just because it was the best time to do so. When I got there I found out that there wasn't an R1200R or F800-R there at all. They just sold it yesterday (?). There was a handsome blue F800-ST though. After downing two 8" long fat Bratwursts in 2 huge buns and a can of soda, my turn to ride the F800 finally came. He said 5,000 RPM max and described the ride route for me to take . . . said to be about 8 minutes to complete. I thought to myself "Yeah, right"
It had the on it and they were quite wide for such a narrow bike. Tough to swing a leg over. Did not like the gaudy tic-tac-toe looking external plastic bands cage or the small volume roundish shape of them. Will have to look at the Givi brand. OK, I start it up and a big surprise! The exhaust note is deep, pleasant and one of the loudest stock BMW's I've ever heard. I remember from my pre-ride examination that it does have the stock muffler on it. The throttle response is instantaneous and the RPM's go up and down very rapidly, indicating it has a much lighter than BMW's usual heavy flywheel mass. It sounds like a high performance engine would and should. Running up through the gears was smooth, lively and effortless, with very small throttle openings doing a lot, just like a good Japanese bike. I like the bike's much lighter weight and the good power everywhere on the tachometer (below 5,000 of course). Very little driveline lash with the belt drive. The handling is less stable going straight ahead because of it's lighter engine and overall less weight. Huge 1" tall (25mm) number in the main LCD showing what gear you are in, a nice touch. Fuel and engine temp stacked horizontal bar gauges too. The gearing seemed OK in 6th but my preference is it could use a taller, more of an overdrive, 6th gear. I did note the engine's fuel cut on decel, delivering strong "key off deceleration" terminates about 2,500 RPM on the way down, as opposed to 1,800 on my bike. Engine vibration was slightly more than my bike but only noticeable, without being annoying in any way. The ABS was invisible to my senses when I used either brake. No wining noises or pulsations, even when I stuffed the front brake on purpose, as a test. It had the optional data computer and additional tire pressure monitors, but I didn't play with the left handgrip's "mode" button at all during the ride. The TP's did show 33 & 37 on the LCD display. I thought they were two trip meters until I got back to the dealer. When the time came to make a U turn and go back, I used the afternoon Sun for my compass and took another road I was sure would take me back to the main road. It did, and I'm glad I took it because it had some CURVES. Very nice handling and much quicker response to turn than my heavier 50R. All in all, a very pleasant experience.

I decided right after the test ride to see what the trade in turnkey price would be. He looked at my bike and looked it up in the book. We talked options on the new bike that I wanted:
-Heated Grips
-CenterStand
-Data Computer
-Silver color

It came to $9,500 and my bike, stripped of everything but the K1200R mirrors and Buell FlyScreen. Yes, that means there will be City cases & mount rails, Ohlins Fr&Rr and a set of (no longer available!) GS HandGuards for sale. Maybe the ThrottleMeisters too, if they don't fit the new bike. I would have to order the new bike and he said it could take from 2 weeks to 2 months, because of the way they "batch build" their bike models.

Tomorrow I ride to the "other" BMW dealer in Norcross GA for a turnkey price and a talk with a mechanic.
This is the new 2009 champagne metallic color:

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Yep....I new it, you skinny old coot....that it would not long before you would get the bug for a new ride. You have even hinted so in some of your posts.

First I'm very happy for you, as I seriously considered an F800.....however I also like to swing a leg over and with my considerable girth that is a monumental undertaking....but I digress.

Personally, in as much I truly loved the R1150R the F800 is the natural move for us the aging population, lighter, more responsive and probably equal to or faster than the R.

Hey....go for it, as a matter of fact I'll have to put up some parts I still have up for sale. Great news and keep us posted......

I feel your pain. Our Teachers Retirement System of Georgia lost almost 9 billion dollars over the last 4 months. Supposedly it won't make a difference in our retirement pay framework. Its all double talk. If there is no money, there is no money.

I love your choice of new rides. My idea is to hold off for another little while and get one of the F800RRs that is supposed to be coming. But I really like the ST as well. Although selling or trading the beloved Roadster scares me. It was my first bike back into riding after 15 years or so, and it holds a very sentimental place in my garage and in my heart.

You and Ann will look good on that little F800. Nice choice!

Well....isn't this peachy.....the three amigos reunite again.....I'm playing the lottery, since I also have become a pauper. Boxer, do you have a room for rent????

You should move now on the new ride, next year you'll be a year older........

Rob - I am not ready to trade the old Roadster yet but the F800 looks like an interesting option to me also. Although I would probably be looking at the GS! Although I always wanted the bike BMW didn't build - a R850GS! I have done no test rides however. Best not to tempt myself!

Good luck with the trading!

Oh, and I told my wife I feel rich telling folks how much my 401(k) dropped! I just keep telling myself 'Stocks on sale!'

Nice, Rob. I'll be keeping an eye on the For Sale stuff. I think I might need those Ohlins shocks.

How does the seating position compare to the R1150R? Slightly more forward?

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I tried the F800ST last year and felt like a toy compared to the R1150R. Rob, how can I ever keep up with you when you keep the lighter bikes under your legs?

Good for you, CycleRob!!! What a great choice. I had a test ride on the 800 too and was really impressed, as well.

Keep us updated on your impressions once you get the keys.

I'm envious. . .maybe I'll go see my dealer too.

Rob, may I offer a suggestion? I test-rode an 800ST (uhh, "extensively", you could say) and an 800S and liked them both. Went back and tried the 650GS and bought one. If you haven't ridden one of those, I think ya maybe ought to give it a try. I like the bags way better for one thing, but for a moto with fairly "upright" ergo's it's surprisingly comfortable on a high-mile day. Just sayin'...

And yeah, I know, it's "only" 71hp; but the way it delivers the torque is simply terrific.

Chain drive bikes are definitely OUT!!! Never, EVER again!!
Belt drive, with it's lighter weight, cheaper replacement, near zero maintenance and lash free operation may become my new favorite.

Kristy, You have 1st dibs on the Ohlins shocks.

Went to Norcross Georgia BMW today and had a long talk with Stephen Larson, the savy straight talking salesman. After the questions and answers I told him the one wire CAN-BUS system looks to be so "customer hostile" when it comes to adding electrical farkles that it's like it came from Microsoft. You cannot even add a charger via battery pigtails or "the system shuts down". Forget about things like driving lites -unless- you add the aftermarket relay and converter box (with 5 double 12V outputs) for about $120 total, needed to "fool" the CAN-BUS system. That's right, BMW does not make the box needed to add driving lites or another horn. Not exactly a tinker's dream.

When he took the practically weightless seat off for me there appeared to only be room for 3 pairs of Summer gloves, in 3 different locations. That's the absolute truth! Also, it does NOT come with a toolkit, that's an option!! Besides that, I can't imagine WHERE they'd put it. About the almost total lack of room under the seat, Steve said "That's what the bags are for." What I really liked was the integrated, irregular shaped plastic gas tank under the seat and the ~7" (~18 cm) round plastic fuel pump assembly removable like a radiator cap . . . . prolly possible ONLY with an $80 tool !!

There are huge positives to counteract those few annoying minuses.
--Same HP with a smaller engine.
--Better acceleration with a smaller engine.
--Better fuel economy, routinely 5 to 10 MPG better.
--More athletic handling with a much lighter bike.
--Narrower profile than the Juggy Beakster
--Belt drive = No more expensive failed driveline parts (U-Joints, Splines, FD bearing & leaking seals)
--Belt drive has 10,000 mile freeplay adjustment (if needed), via eccentric hub.
--Water cooled = no more engine overheating in Summer or overcooling in Winter or rain riding. Faster warmup in cold weather too.
--Modern rather than retro styled instruments.
--Modern DOHC valvetrain has 12,000 mile adjustment intervals and easy shim exchanges.
--Light engine flywheel mass helps responsiveness and acceleration while not always requiring perfect clutch/throttle coordination.
--Optional data computer shows current or average MPG, clock time & outside air temp.
--400 Watt alternator is larger than most in this type and size of bike.
--Cable operated clutch means no $127 slave assembly to replace when it fails/leaks.
--Newest generation Mag wheels are gorgeous !!!
--Spoke and side rim mounted stubby metal valve stems are lifetime and look very Hi-Tech.
--Neutral is always effortless to find.
--Huge LCD number shows gear you're in.

From a ride review:
http://www.insuremyride.com.au/comments ... ?number=73

From one of the F800-ST blogs:
"Comfortable. Very fuel efficient at often 70 mpg (average 66). More than adequate performance. Have done 350 miles in a day without discomfort".
-and another-
"I'm a long distance rider and the bike fits me to a T! I've completed a 20 hour, 1,076 miles ride on the stock seat and had no problems--it was great! The bike is lightweight, easy to lean, loves twisties and extremely manageable--even loaded with hardcase luggage, I have no concerns about handling this bike. I love the heated grips, the instrument console is excellent. I love that it's a sporty looking bike but set up for touring comfort. I thought my previous bike, the Suzuki SV650, was a great bike--and it is. But the F800ST is what I've been searching for and wanting for my long distance touring. I did add bar risers/pull backs for greater comfort to my arms, which bothered me after 500 miles. The bike is perfect for me! Consider it! Then buy it! Worth every dollar!"

Nuff said.

I'll bet you'll miss the telelever front end!

I really liked the f800st too but it felt kind of buzzy to me and I seemed to slide forward on the seat. Loved the torque from the engine and ergos were nice but my knees were more bent.

After my ride, I went and mounted my paid for R. Had to love it.
Good luck in whatever you choose!

Robbie by looking at your last post, there is no question that you are ready NOW......go, pull the plug and damn the torpedoes. Aside from your excelent comparo there are two things that I identify with...."tinkering" and "revolutionary design".....did I mention that the Rotax sourced powerplant is one of the best modern inline twins.

Congrats and let's seee some pics......

Will we have to open a F800 section to keep you here?! Congrats..

Fine bike. Wish I had one in the stable but the merry go-round here has the wife gripping about no more multi bikes. I will do my best to keep up with Rob at the Beakster bash.

I'll bet you'll miss the telelever front end!

I'm with Buckster on this one, if the F800 had a telelever I might consider it, I bought the RR for the suspension. Also I like to tinker and add the accessories that I want, sounds like the CAN-BUS would cause me grief. That being said, a friend of mine just traded his R1200GS in for the F800ST, he is 5'6" and the GS was just to tall for him. He loves it!!!!! No looking back for him.
Don

CycleRob wrote: Kristy, You have 1st dibs on the Ohlins shocks.

Damn, foiled once again.

Will we have to open a F800 section to keep you here?!

Doug, I was thinking this week that that might be a good idea anyway. Lots of us eying the F800 series at replacements for the R bikes!

Edited to add: Well Rob?! Nice Saturday afternoon - did you pull the trigger? Out riding the new bike?

If I was in a hurry it would be bad news. There are new in crate 2007 models of the F800-S for, get this: a discount of $750 (???!!!!??). Pretty generous Huh? 2 years of depreciation only gets you $750 off!!

Because the 2009 F800-ST's all come option loaded plus they all have ABS and I only wanted 3 options: HotGrips, CenterStand and Trip Computer . . . . it created a problem. The dealer's allotment and U.S. warehouse bikes available (outside his listed allotment) did NOT match those 3 things in a 2009 silver bike. Salesman said it'd have to be ordered. That's 2 months at best, 6 months - worst case. I believe those numbers are pessimistic, so either way, he looks like a hero. My bike is in the book (I seen the listing) for $3,180 (clean trade-in). There was a small $$ penalty for the 62,000 miles.

From his explanation, apparently BMW bikes are made in batches by model and not continuously at different, dedicated assembly line locations. Right now the F800GS models and their new dirtbikes are in high demand, so that's what they're making. Looks like I'l be doing the 600 mile break-in during a Georgia Winter . . . . A GOOD thing for limiting excess engine temps!!

BiffsR, You have 2nd dibs on the Ohlins.

Beemeridian, Call me when you're off work.

One surprise I got was from my wife Ann when I told her I was prolly going to buy a new bike, then showed her the brochure pics. She got excited like she was going to take it out for a spin, even though she cannot drive a M/C.

Opening an F800 section does make as much sense as adding the other sections. I thought about having to go elsewhere for the F800 chatboard & info and it wasn't a good thought.

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Well now you've got me thinking about going to test ride a F800-ST.

CycleRob wrote: and a set of (no longer available!) GS HandGuards for sale.

I've got dibs on the handguards.