Another prospective buyer question (or two)

[Philco]

Hello,

I'm taking a test ride on the F800ST mentioned in another topic on this website ... where the dealer didn't know how much to sell it for! It's up for £5999 ... but I might see if I can bring it down a bit.

I have an Autocom rider/pillion intercom .. the box is about the size of a pack of 20 ciggies. I had a quick look under the seat and space looks tight to say the least. Anybody else got an Autocom unit under the seat? Also where do you pick up power for an intercom (or satnav etc)?

Where is the battery?! I need to know for not just the intercom but also to connect my optimate charger.

I didn't see a tool kit of any kind. Is there one or is it an accessory?? Perhaps it's so reliable it never needs any attention ... though I have seen mention of a spanner to adjust the rear spring setting.

Where do you peeps store stuff???? I couldn't see anywhere at all other than the miniscule amount of space under the seat. What about puncture repair stuff, visor cleaner, bungees ... that sort of thing. I think a small back box (possibly as small as 15-17 litres if there is one) or a tank bag is perhaps the only solution.

How about two up touring? Fully kitted up for motorbikes we come out at about 200 (me) plus 140 (wife) so around 340 pounds. Saw somewhere max all up weight is about 410. In your experience does that leave enought for panniers and contents??

I really want this bike and the above are really just minor points ... but would like the input of you peeps who are living with an F800. I love the styling, the blue colour, the form of the seat (for two up), the location of the tyre valves, the belt drive, the braided brake lines and the overall high standard of build ... compared to my Yamaha Fazer 1000 that is. On Monday I'll find out if I like the ride ... assuming it is not raining that is.

One last thing ... I notice it has Bridgestone tyres fitted ... I thought Metzeler were standard but perhaps that isnt't always the case.

Over to you guys and gals.

Phil

[dr zoidberg]

Hmmm, just a few questions then!

The price you've been given is cheap depending on what options you are being given on the bike, the ST comes in around £6495 in standard trim as far as I'm aware but add all the extras, ABS, luggage, clear indies, computer and it bumps up the price to around £8000 brand new.

The autocom system has been fitted by ipaul under one of the threads a few months back. If you have a search you should be able to find it. He has very kindly put an idiots guide in photos and it fits nicely on top of the airbox.

There is no room to store anything under the seat... a box is a necessity in my opinion.

I don't understand your foreign code for weight [:I] Me and my significant other weigh around 110 kgs fully kitted up and I can hardly feel her weight when riding two up. It is very capable due to the ridiculous amount of torque, I test rode the bike alone and two-up as my mrs has sit on the back and therefore like it too (even though some on this forum felt this was a mistake [hide]) so that could be an option for you to try. She is very pleased with the comfort and smoothness of the ride as pillion.

My ST came fitted with Micheln Pilot Roads fitted - what tyres you get is a lottery.

Hope this helps [thumb]

[Pat H]

If you don't have the alarm you'll have the space under the seat that would have used.
It is very tight under there. But I manage to squeeze into the two side gaps a Puncture repair kit with CO2 canisters and a toolkit.
I don't like boxes.
Either one of those spaces would possible hold what you need.

As said there is space under the black plastic cover on the air box and you'er right on top of the battery then.

[Steeler]

Hi Phil

Not sure if you saw my previous posting and that's why you are 'another prospective buyer' but would be interested where you were offered an ST for £5999; perhaps I can persuade the dealer (Motorrad?) to sell me another :D I'm still not decided yet between an S or an ST but leaning towards the S; have to test ride both yet :D:D

I understand that the battery is under the 'false tank' [^] but owners will be able to enlighten you on this; hope that an existing owner contributes to your posting :)

Would be interested to hear how you get on with your test ride; please let us all know :D

Cheers

Tim

[greyerbeard]

Originally posted by Philco

Hello,

I'm taking a test ride on the F800ST mentioned in another topic on this website ... where the dealer didn't know how much to sell it for! It's up for £5999 ... but I might see if I can bring it down a bit.
Hi Phil, you must be around Cheltnum somewhere then? No ABS on that bike, if we're talking about the same one.
If you search for Piglet's posts, I'm sure she also fitted an intercom under her battery cover panel (ie in the 'tank').
For carrying bits and pieces, I use a Hein Gericke small tailpack; it fits on the pillion seat but is easily removed and replaced once the straps are adjusted.
The battery is in the front of the 'tank', directly behind the headstock. But there's a power socket down by your right leg.
The toolkit is a double-ended screwdriver...one flat blade end, one torx bit end. That's it, apart from a plastic key to help turn the suspension adjuster.
Tyres just seem to be whatever it comes on.
Hope to see you around soon; mine's a blue ST too!

[dr zoidberg]

Try this thread for your autocom fitting:

http://f800riders.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=421 [thumb]

[Philco]

Hello Dr Zoidborg and greybeard!

Tks for the info. Very promising. I'll go for a look around on here to find the autocom fit you talk about.

The bike I've seen is a July 06 reg F800ST with heated grips, computer and centre stand as extras. No ABS. I might still try and knock him down a bit from the £5999 but I expect it will be swings and roundabouts with what he gives me for my Fazer 1000.

I've just read the report in Bike magazine where they put the F800ST against a Honda VFR ... and the F800ST comes out very welll. It does mention the ABS being a bit early to kick in and having never had a bike with ABS I'm not too upset the one I'm looking at doesn't have it.

Tks for your help.

Phil.

[Pat H]

I'd seriously reconsider taking an F800 without ABS.
Ignore the reviews etc on ABS having any sort of problems.
For the average rider it's invisible (almost) and more than likely to save your life at some point in the future.
It's the main factor that pulled me to the F800.
Also I suspect the re-sale value of a non ABS F800 will always be lower than in would have been with ABS.

[Philco]

Hello Greyerbeard and Pat ... and perhaps someobody I missed.

Thanks again for the useful info. Greyerbeard - yup, live in Cheltenham and run the 'Riders 2002' motorcycle group. See http://www.riders2002.co.uk. We've been meeting as a group for almost 5 years but are moving to a new venue. Our first 'official' meet at the new place is on 1st March at Newlands Park (home of Chelt Rugby Club) on the 'Smiths industries' xroads.

Pat H. I hear wht you say about the ABS but having spent quite a bit of time looking round I've not found a blue one that has ABS and the low miles that this one has and is right on my doorstep. Perhaps I'll have one more look.

OK on the other points you've all dealt with vis the tool kit and battery and aux power socket.

I'll let the forum know how the test ride goes and what decision I come to.

Regards,

Phil

[apsman]

HI Pat,
what is the problem if you not have ABS?????
Please tell
Andy

[Pat H]

Originally posted by apsman

HI Pat,
what is the problem if you not have ABS?????
Please tell
Andy


For the same reason I wouldn't buy a car without ABS nowadays.
Early ABS was crude heavy and expensive(on Bikes).
But on current bikes (like the F800) it's cost effective, smaller and extremely effective.
£500 extra for the security of knowing a stupid car driver will try and kill you one day and you may just stop in time.
It was a no brainer for me.

[dr zoidberg]

I agree with Pat on this one, ABS has already saved my ST a trip down Garratt Lane in Tooting after being pulled out on by a dozy cage driver. It's really good and in my opinon worth every penny as I would have destroyed at least that amount of fairing/levers if I didn't have it.

Just my input...

[marhx]

Try this thread. It is a starcom but you can get some help from the pictures.
http://f800riders.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=333&SearchTerms=starcom

[greyerbeard]

Originally posted by Philco
Thanks again for the useful info. Greyerbeard - yup, live in Cheltenham and run the 'Riders 2002' motorcycle group. See http://www.riders2002.co.uk.
You probably already know about these gatherings as well,
but just in case:
http://bikers-nite.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/
http://www.vmcc-cotswold.org/Events.htm

Cheers,

[fw190]

Philco...sounds like a good price...if its a nice bike, go buy it...if you look closely you will find endless for/against ABS threads..if you have never had it fella, you aint gonna miss it!

under seat storage or lack of it...hmmm, you get used to it, and as for two up with luggage, its a torquee beast, so i dont think that will be an issue..

Bridgestone tyres are pretty damn good, new 021 will grip in all sorts of conditions, cant speak for the Metzelers..

my two pennies worth..

[Pat H]

Originally posted by fw190

...if you look closely you will find endless for/against ABS threads..if you have never had it fella, you aint gonna miss it!
my two pennies worth..


Till you do hit that (truck, car, van, scooter, bike, pedestrian)
Just because you never have doesn't mean you never will.

But as fw190 says it's a personal choice. Just depends if it's important to you or not. If it's not then grab it quick. It was made for you.

[Philco]

Hello to all who have replied since my last post.

Steeler. The bike is at Performance Suzuki in Cheltenham. 01242 262555

Greyerbeard. Yup know about the Wed eve rideouts and get to most of them ..... unless it is chucking it down!!

All.

So, the road test. A dry bright afternoon, perfect for a ride. First thing was to get it home and see if it fitted through the side gate!! It did. Took a few pix for posterity then nipped indoors and had a quick surf of the web (more later) and then off out again. Did a 15 mile or so run on roads I know well and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Found the clutch a bit fierce and the indicator switch gear is a definite distraction; no doubt one long journey with lots of turns and it would become second nature.

Loved the sound of it when it was above 3000rpm and it felt light and nimble when dealing with the bends and no problems in town - other than taming the fierce clutch and eyeballing the indicator switches. Perhaps on the downside I thought there was quite a bit of bodywork noise when accelerating that never really died down whether cruising or in town.

So back into the dealer and let him know I thoroughly enjoyed the bike and if there were room in my life for two bikes I would take the beemer away asap. Loved the styling, belt drive and the fact it is something a little different but at the sharp end of 21st century motorbike technology. I also told him I thought that with it as my second bike I would love it for solo riding .... but thought that two up and two up with luggage would leave it just a little short of ooomph for the way I ride (which is pretty sensibly but not afraid to enjoy myself when conditions are right). I told him I hoped another buyer came along because it was certainly an interesting bike that would make the right buyer very happy.

So, what was I surfing the web for? To check out the 2007 Suzuki Bandit 1250S due for launch on 24th Feb. Saw one at the dealers and realised it was the bike for me. It's a fazer in disguise!! All the questions I asked on here are totally irrelevant on the Bandit - none of them are problems. Storage, electrical connections ... all ok. And a deal on panniers should see it on the road on 1st march for £6000 or perhaps a little more depending on the cost of the rack/panniers. It has ABS as standard.

Now, I think the pecking order on Jap bikes is Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kwackers ... which is perhaps why I've owned Hondas and Yams. Having given this Bandit 1250s a serious once over it is hard to find fault with the build quality. If its looked after half as well as my Yam I reckon at the 3 year point it will look as good if not better. It has all the power I need for 2 up and occasional touring and at a budget price.

I'm a great believer in getting what you pay for but I'm willing to put up with any shortcomings that ownership of the Bandit reveals when I think of the value for money that it represents.

Thanks again for all your help and I'll pop back here every now and then to see how you peeps are getting on with your F800s. And if I win the lottery I'll be back here as an owner.

Bye for now.

Phil