1. Launched December 2006, a
subsequent welcoming price
revision in January this year
followed by a pro-rider's live
performance on the same bike
in April saw the Sports F800S
and Sports Tourer F800ST hot
on everyone's lips.
Just before anyone here had
their taste of the bike once
upon a time, I did.
Handling 85hp of surprising torque,
pleasingly smooth and relatively docile at
low revs, the Bombardier-Rotax engine is not
very 'beemish' to some, but to me its every
inch in overall delivery a BMW, made for
practical performance and comfort,
completely thought through.
Handling is truly impressive, very
predictable, quick to respond and with 3.5" x
17" front 120/70 ZR17 and 5.5" x 17" 180/55
ZR17 rear tyres, mine was fitted with
Bridgestones. Confidence came from these
tyres. I felt every inch on the tarmac
reassuring me of a very comfy ride. Its ease
of maneuverability, rephrase - the light
frame dodges potholes with extreme ease!
The full loaded 200kg (182kg dry), 90%
loaded with fuel with a permissible gross
weight of 405kg is well balanced out. Proven
to be very flickable, the old Gombak road
ala-Frasers hill with tight twisters seemed to
favour both bikes, and riding the F800ST*
downhill was delicately remained at 3rd/4th
gear at cruising speed, provided the
astonished newbie rider (me) the renewed
security.
Standard equipment includes onboard
computer and such refinements as a gear-
position indicator, an electronic immobiliser,
mirrors that return automatically to their
settings after folding and smart aluminium
alloy wheels. I particularly appreciate the
presence of a fuel gauge.
ABS, although optional internationally, is
included on all local imports and the Brembo
brakes fitted as standard are reassuringly
powerful. Contrary to my usual one finger
ever on standby on the brake lever whenever
I'm on the move, this time I was convinced
of a fully relaxed hold on the throttle moving
downhill. Finger flexing was easy.
We are talking about the much anticipated
parallel twin cylinder 798cc, liquid-cooled
dynamic little belt-driven motorcycle. Built
to niche, its made for the born-again
motorcyclists keen to get back on two
wheels but anxious and promises scare-free
and powerful enough to be satisfying when
confidence returns.
NEW WHEELS
ItGrewOnMe
BMW F800S & F800ST
The F800ST is the sport touring version of the
F800S. It features a higher windshield, lower
additional bodywork, a more upright riding
position and brackets to take hard luggage. The
dry weight of the F800ST is just under 187kg
dry and has 85hp.
The F800ST is outfitted with a hard pannier
system (luggage brackets) manufactured by
BMW. This system appears to be very similar to
the system currently available for the K1200S.
These cases are completely adjustable from a
capacity standpoint. They can carry about 25
liters of your stuff per side. For comparison
sake, a standard BMW system case is 33 liters
and a 'small' BMW system case as found on the
left hand side of the K1200RS and R1150GS hold
about 25 liters. These bags, along with being
waterproof, are quite expandable via what they
call a collapsible ratcheting system.
In addition it is equipped with the rear rack as
the R1200RT / R1200ST. This enables the F800ST
to use the same (or what looks to be) rear
cases. The panniers and rear cases are to be
purchased separately.
MMoottoorrrraadd SSeelllliinngg PPrriiccee LLiisstt
BMW F800S - RM67,000 OTR
(w/o insurance) - Jan-07
BMW F800ST - RM69,000 OTR
(w/o insurance) - Jan-07
SSPPEECCIIFFIICCAATTIIOONNSS
Text & Photos by Auds
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