Motorcycles "BMW" - a classic of comfort, safety and power. The universal tourist F 800 ST is convenient in that you can drive around the city and on easy off-road driving. Throughout the journey, you will be as comfortable as possible. On such a motorcycle, you can safely go even on the farthest trip. You can read the review of the BMW F800ST and owner reviews below in the article.
BMW Group History
Few people are not familiar with the largest automobile concern BMW. Its history goes back over 100 years. Back in 1896 in Germany, the ambitious Heinrich Erhardt began to make bicycles and military vehicles. But he soon realized that he could achieve more and released the first Wartburg motorized carriage. Along with the development of technology, cars also improved. From "carriages" they turned into great-grandfathers of those cars to which we are accustomed. The First World War triggered the development of engineering, and the company in 1917 received its traditional name, to which we are accustomed. BMW translates as "Bavarian Motor Works". In 1922, the company took up the production of motorcycles, the basis of which was a small two-cylinder engine. Motorcycles have become much more powerful and lighter. In the following years, German manufacturers improved their models, giving them more and more perfect forms. In the 50s, their motorcycles could accelerate to 160 km / h, becoming one of the fastest vehicles of the time. But the heyday of "BMW" came in the 90s. The new BMW 5 and 7 models have thundered around the world and still enjoy the love of thousands of people. BMWs remain one of the most reliable motorcycles in the world, because their engines are perfectly balanced and serve for many years.
BMW Motorcycle Specifications
BMW motorcycles , although not as famous as cars, are nevertheless the winners of many competitions and races. Made in a brutal sports style, they have such power that they can accelerate to hundreds of kilometers in a few seconds. The impressive history of the brand and excellent appearance give a special highlight to trips around the city. Motorcycles "BMW" are prefabricated models with many configurations. You can make a tourist bike out of a sports bike with accessories, and vice versa. A high steering wheel and a stable long body are suitable even for tall people, and motorcycles are designed for weight up to 225 kilograms. The hallmark of German motorcycles is considered to be a two-cylinder engine with air cooling, which the engineers of the company came up with back in 1922. Among BMW bikes, models with a small engine capacity cannot be found: all motorcycles are powerful and have a volume of over 600 cubic centimeters. The products of the Bavarian Motor Plant are beloved all over the world, and many motorcyclists prefer to ride exclusively bikes with the signature white and blue logo.
Model history
The F800 series consists of two models. It:
- BMW F800ST: a versatile sport-tourist motorcycle ;
- F800S: A sportier option.
Production of these bikes began in 2006, and in 2007 the F800S was already removed from sale in most countries. The fact is that even though these two motorcycles were produced as complementing each other, they became competitors. Most buyers opted for the 800ST, which looked more like a sports bike, although the differences were only in plastic. In 2010, the F800S was finally discontinued.
The BMW F800ST models are distinguished from the rest of the motorcycle line by their engine. It so happened that a classic for a German company was a two-cylinder engine with air cooling. In the BMW F800ST motorcycle, it was replaced by a two-cylinder in-line engine with liquid cooling. The goal of creating a line of 800 cc universal bikes was convenience. To maintain excellent technical characteristics and at the same time make motorcycles less demanding on the level of pilots - BMW engineers set themselves this task.
Technical specifications
The technical characteristics of the BMW F800ST have led to the fact that the motorcycle is well sold to this day. A powerful two-cylinder engine with a volume of 798 cubic centimeters is capable of developing power of 85 horsepower. It is capable of developing considerable speed: up to 220 km / h, you can easily accelerate along a direct route. A speed of 100 km / h F800ST is gaining in 3.7 seconds. The motorcycle is light enough for its class (185 kilograms), so it is maneuverable and convenient to drive.
800 cc bike was conceived as a motorcycle, the most convenient for all tasks. And I must say, the designers managed to make the leader in comfort in their class. For trips around the city, it is ideal, but not worse shows itself in trains over long distances. A comfortable seat and a high steering wheel do not affect the spine, and heating the handles and seats will save in bad weather. Equipped with a motorcycle and an ABS system, and an on-board computer that displays tire pressure and all the necessary parameters.
What other features does the BMW F800ST have? The distinguishing features include a belt drive front gear, which will save you from problems with replacing the chain. A 6-speed gearbox shifts gears smoothly, without jerking. The bike accelerates and reduces speed like clockwork. The stroke is very smooth due to the suspension, which smoothes out all the irregularities, and the inconspicuous operation of the engine.
Model modifications
When choosing a used BMW F800ST motorcycle, it is important to pay attention to the year of its release. Models of different periods differ very slightly, but there are still changes:
- 2006: BMW Paralever rear suspension, customizable and swingarm. 2 front disc brakes and 1 rear with a floating caliper.
- 2009: ABS system appears. The suspension becomes aluminum.
- 2012: the height of the saddle is increasing, the suspension can now be adjusted using the shock absorption system built into the on-board computer.
As you can see, nothing has changed dramatically. Initially, the F800ST was made in good faith, and therefore almost no improvements and developments are required for it.
Price range
Once the price of a new 800 cc motorcycle was equal to 500 thousand rubles. Now a used F800ST can be purchased for 200-300 thousand. Motorcycles are sold all over Russia, and finding a well-preserved working option is not difficult. For such a price, you are unlikely to find a better option. Who should buy the F800? For beginners who have “grown” out of small-sized motorcycles and want more power. Bikers who did not ride two-wheeled vehicles for some time and were weaned out of sitting at the wheel of a motorcycle. Well, just lovers of BMW equipment, who are familiar with other models of the company.
Motorcycle benefits
The BMW F800ST reviews speak of the universal love of bikers for this model. Wherever you look, she has solid virtues. What characteristics can be attributed to the positive qualities of a sport bike?
- Dynamics. The quick response of the starter when you press the ignition button starts a powerful motorcycle engine, which for its class is characterized by amazingly good traction and responsiveness.
- Comfort. Direct landing and optimal steering height make the load on the arms and back much less than in similar sports models. A comfortable seat and a high windshield during long trips help to not notice irregularities in the path. A perfectly balanced center of gravity makes the bike very manageable.
- Controllability. The bike responds to every movement of the steering wheel, which allows you to ride even on the most difficult trajectories in traffic. Even if you decide to abruptly enter a corner at high speed, the F800ST will stand the test with dignity without losing control. No wonder it is considered a motorcycle for beginners.
- Price. For a budget motorcycle, the BMW F800ST has unusually high quality parts. The engineers of the German concern tuned the bike fork so precisely that the center of gravity turned out to be superstable.
- Low fuel consumption According to technical specifications, the BMW F800ST consumes only 3.5 liters per 100 kilometers when driving at a speed of about 90 km / h. This is one of the lowest rates for motorcycles of such power!
- Large gas tank: as much as 16 liters. Allows you to drive many kilometers without refueling.
Disadvantages of the BMW F800ST
Owners of the two-wheeled monster also note the shortcomings of the motorcycle, which can most likely be attributed to minor imperfections than to real minuses.
- Inconvenient location of the turn buttons and headlights. Unlike other brands of designers, BMW engineers decided not to get by with one button for the turn signal, but made two and a separate button at once to turn on the headlights. As a result of this liberty, many newcomers complain that getting used to such a system is much more difficult.
- Bad cooling in traffic jams. During slow city trips, you may find the F800ST too hot. However, when you pick up speed, this feeling quickly disappears.
- Quite often, the BMW F800ST fuel level sensor fails. Experts recommend not to do the replacement or repair on their own, but to contact a company service center.
Competitors
Thanks to the excellent characteristics of the BMW F800ST, it can be compared with a bit of motorcycles equal to the cubic capacity of other brands. One of the most worthy competitors can be called the Honda VFR 800. It contains many advantages: a V4 engine, an ABS system, a timing belt on gears and a high-quality gearbox. Honda is similar in price: you can buy it for 200-300 thousand rubles. When choosing between these leaders in their field, motorcyclists focus more on their love for the brand and the attractiveness of their appearance.
Reviews
What can be read the owner reviews about the BMW F800ST? In short, everyone is thrilled. This is precisely the case when the price-quality ratio is ideal and even slightly outweighs the quality side. Where else have you seen a great 800cc bike at such a ridiculous price? Given the usual “appetite” of BMW, they practically give it away for nothing. After a short getting used to the new control system and various nuances, the owners of the F800 fall in love with it. Motorcyclists claim that he is equally good at both long and short distances. It is not a shame to drive around the city: you are provided with many admiring glances. And it’s not scary to embark on a long journey thanks to the handling and a capacious tank that allows you to drive many kilometers without refueling.
You can add poems about a motorcycle engine. Smooth and powerful, with excellent traction on the bottoms, he perfectly reflects the calm and thoughtful German character. During the journey, you are unlikely to feel the noise of the engine, it is so quiet. The lack of a chain also pleases many owners: now there is no need to get out and lubricate the part, because it is replaced with a belt. Side wardrobe trunks come as standard. The on-board computer helps not only to measure tire pressure, but also to adjust motorcycle parameters exactly as you need. The BMW F800ST has many additional equipment options that allow you to perfectly adapt the bike to the owner. Windshield, seat, plastic body kit, mirrors - everything can be changed to more convenient parts. All these characteristics, coupled with an attractive appearance, have made the BMW F800ST one of the best-selling motorcycles in its class.
Summary
Looking at the photos of the BMW F800ST, you can understand that this is a universal bike that combines the daring and powerful spirit of sports motorcycles and the degree and control of a tourist bike. Combining incongruous, BMW engineers achieved the result that most lovers of two-wheeled vehicles arranged. The cherry on the cake was the price of the vehicle, a record low for the German company.