BMW F800 S Bike Overview
The light sporty-touring sector used to be massive – but it’s been usurped by the adventure bike class for most folk. However, if you want something quick, fun and comfy in a less-tall package, the BMW F800 S could be well worth a look.
It’s based around a solid engine design – a 798cc parallel twin, which has a cunning rocking-beam balancer system to cut down the vibes. It’s not massively powerful, putting out around 85bhp, but the delivery is torquey and satisfying, with good fuel economy.
The chassis uses a twin-spar frame and smart single-sided swingarm, with low-maintenance belt final drive. Suspension is touring-comfy rather than racetrack-precise, but ideal for this sort of bike. A half-fairing adds comfort on longer trips, and the fuel tank is under the seat rather than in the usual spot.
As ever with BMW, get as many optional extras as you can. The factory-fit gizmos are almost all worth having – kit like luggage, trip computer, sat-nav and heated grips all make life easier and help maintain value in the bike too.
Check out the BMW F800S in action…
BMW F800 S Bike Spec
- Top speed135 mph
- Weight (Dry)177kg
- Average fuel consumption37 mpg
- Capacity798cc
- Seat height800mm (adjustable)
- EngineFour stroke, parallel twin, DOHC
BMW F800 S Bike Insurance
BMW F800 S Bike Gallery
Owner Reviews
Pros
Practical workhorse with a sporty edge that pushes past a lot of machines. Well done BMW.
Cons
I can't imagine how this bike could be improved upon, an immobilizer and heated grips ensure my welcome each time I put the helmet on.
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British roads are unforgiving, the suspension is comfortable. It leans well through corners and I feel comfortable turning at lower speeds, confidence to weave at speed and always feel solid.
Rarely growls, climbs and keeps accelerating, hasn't peaked yet and I have hit 130. It sounds solid without disturbing the neighbours and always starts first click. No bother on long or short journeys .
I can't imagine how this bike could be improved upon, an immobilizer and heated grips ensure my welcome each time I put the helmet on.
German engineering. It lives outside in the weather. Say no more, it goes and doesn't stop.
Back brake delightfully gentle but hits when hit, front break keen and stops sharp. Brembo.
Pros
I love the look of the single sided swing arm. A really excellent and underrated bike that can be used all day long, it's also plenty big enough for two.
Cons
Transmission can be snatchy and clattery if you don't use a low enough gear
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The suspension is only adjustable at the rear but despite that the handling is very secure
Not the most powerful unit but a real treat to get the most out of
Uses no oil, very little fuel and tyres seem to last forever
Slight surface corrosion on the engine casings but once cleaned off and oversprayed in places I've had no problems at all
Excellent
Pros
Fuel economy, handling, good all rounder
Cons
Engine sound
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Feels very light and agile, suspension feels of good quality for a cheap bike and handles bumps well when pushing on.
Performance is adequate, no more, no less. It's fast enough to entertain yet completely unthreatening, fantastic on fuel.
Very cheap to run, great on fuel, cheap insurance and low service costs. Belt drive is a plus.
Definitely on the cheaper end of the bmw range, however seems to he standing up well considering it's over 10 years old. Engine paint can get a bit flakey.
Brakes are perfect for the bike, non abs model.