The BMW F800S has a fantastic engine, as well as superb handling and usability. This bike is one you can learn to ride on – but one that is also good for a long time after you’ve got your licence. It’s probably the equivalent to a 600cc sports motorcycle’s performance.
What’s great about this bike is its sporty riding position – the bike is heavy but nonetheless holds the road well and has great agility. It also has superb handling and solid brakes. You can really open this bike up on the road, but not so much in town or on smaller roads. You can really accelerate when you get a good stretch of road – but in traffic you may feel it is a little jerky and slow to respond.
As with all BMW, you can be sure of quality and reliability; this bike is made to last. This bike doesn’t let you down. It is well put together and has a lot of extras which are well thought out, such as the fuel gauge, adjustable levers, and a bar-mounted control button.
Good seat, I'm a tall rider and its sport position sits well.
Ride Quality
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.
Build Quality & Reliability
German engineering. It lives outside in the weather. Say no more, it goes and doesn't stop.
Engine Rating
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 .
Brake Rating
Back brake delightfully gentle but hits when hit, front break keen and stops sharp. Brembo.
Running Cost
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.
Overall
Pros Comments
Practical workhorse with a sporty edge that pushes past a lot of machines. Well done BMW.
Cons Comments
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.
Submitted by:
John
Review Date: October 2017
Comfort
Perfect riding position and heated grips
Ride Quality
The suspension is only adjustable at the rear but despite that the handling is very secure
Build Quality & Reliability
Slight surface corrosion on the engine casings but once cleaned off and oversprayed in places I've had no problems at all
Engine Rating
Not the most powerful unit but a real treat to get the most out of
Brake Rating
Excellent
Running Cost
Uses no oil, very little fuel and tyres seem to last forever
Overall
Pros Comments
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 Comments
Transmission can be snatchy and clattery if you don't use a low enough gear
Submitted by:
Thomas Morgan
Review Date: November 2017
Comfort
Comfy enough for some long journeys, being quite tall however I would prefer a little more leg room. Vibrations kept under control for a twin cylinder bike.
Ride Quality
Feels very light and agile, suspension feels of good quality for a cheap bike and handles bumps well when pushing on.
Build Quality & Reliability
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.
Engine Rating
Performance is adequate, no more, no less. It's fast enough to entertain yet completely unthreatening, fantastic on fuel.
Brake Rating
Brakes are perfect for the bike, non abs model.
Running Cost
Very cheap to run, great on fuel, cheap insurance and low service costs. Belt drive is a plus.