Not an F800ST owner... yet.

littlepoison · 03-10-10

Hi; I'm an NCO in the USAF currently stationed in the United Kingdom (RAF Fairford). I'm currently motorcycle-less, but am looking to purchase one when I move back to the States later this year. Really my only criteria for a motorcycle is that it not be chain driven. I was mainly looking at shafties, but couple weeks back I recalled BMW made a belt-driven bike.

I have a soft spot in my heart for the ST1300 (last bike was an ST1100); also was considering FJR13, and VFR12F. But the more I think about it, the less I think I need a bike of that size. I like the idea of having 7.5 gallons of gas on the ST13, but doubt I'll need it all that often. So the F800ST is on the top of my list; can't wait to try one out when I PCS.

So basically joined to get more information about the F800ST, and look forward to basking in your wisdom.

**notacop** · 03-10-10

Moto Guzzi has a nice little shaft drive O.D. Green 750 on the market now. Makes all of 45 HP. Then again you could get the ST and wonder when your belt is going to leave you.
The one good thing about U.S. BMW dealers is that they do let you test ride the bikes. Can't do that with the Japanese bikes.
Be sure not to get one in the UK. They seem to slap happy pistons and don't do well in the snow and ice. I'm sure a state side issue will be opf far superior build. BMW NA never gets any bad bikes.....

Mike in Ohio · 03-10-10

Thank you for your service.

ST8Fred · 03-10-10

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlepoison

BMW made a belt-driven bike.

I have a soft spot in my heart for the ST1300 F800ST is on the top of my list; can't wait to try one out when I PCS.

So basically joined to get more information about the F800ST, and look forward to basking in your wisdom.

I own the ST13 and joined this site, like you, to get info on the F8. I bought the F8 and my ST13 is getting real nervous. The F8 rocks, plain and simple. I'll have more $ in the F8 ( bags, top case and a few other upgrades), but, as good as the ST13 is, and it IS a real good bike, the 300 # weight diff is a big negative for the Honda, when compared to the BMW.

I've only got 15 miles on the BMW, but this bike has me very excited. I like my Honda more than any other BMW, but the F8 is different. The motor, as I've said on our site, is what has spurred my interest. Its' got character, with the 'thumper' feel, attitude, with the 12:1 compression, power, with a wild power-to-weight ratio and efficiency, with an honest 65 MPG. That engine is something else!

Good luck in your search and thanks also, for your service.

**davidaid** · 03-10-10

Hello and welcome. I have nothing but good things to say about my ST. I use it mostly for commuting, but have done a few trips with no issues. I had a headlight burn out, but changed it in minutes.

Thanks, too, for your service.

littlepoison · 03-11-10

Yes, I think i'll be getting the F8ST. When I had the ST1100, it was my only transportation and the mileage and comfort were very beneficial. As this bike will be for fun and occasional commuting, I think the smaller size and weight will work better. Any clue if BMW will change the switch gear to industry standard anytime soon?

ST8Fred · 03-11-10

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlepoison

Any clue if BMW will change the switch gear to industry standard anytime soon?

The 2010 engine is painted black and still carries BMW style switch gear. I believe some BMW models have gone to industry standard gear, but not the F8.

IMO, it is a problem only if one rides both set ups on a regular basis. But even then, I feel it is not at the level of being a safety issue.

Gus · 03-11-10

Poison, why not go to one of the BMW dealers there and take a test ride? (assuming you haven't already done so)
A couple of observations on some of the above comments: weight differential between the F8 (in any model) and the Honda is a BIG factor, center of gravity on the F8 is much lower, fuel efficiency better on the F8.
And finally re the 'non-standard' switch gear - and some of the folks on here will get upset with me on this - it is different - but are you telling me you can't learn new techniques? I've been riding 40+ years (so if I cna relearn anyone can) - learning new controls is just that - a matter of adapting to the new system. You do that every time you buy (or rent or borrow) a different car. Of course if you are incapable (or unwilling

) to learn a very minor change in motor skills, then stay with the Honda. NAH - the advantages of the F8 far outweigh any (perceived) disadvantages. Try it - you'll like it!

Standing by for incoming rounds from the guys who don't like the BMW switch gear...................

littlepoison · 03-11-10

I do plan on test riding one; have not done so here. I've ridden my father's R12GS on more than one occasion, so I don't think the switch gear will be problem; just a minor annoyance (hopefully not a constant one).

On the weight difference; it would be nice to be able to pick up a dropped motorcycle. All but once I had to get help with my ST1100.

How necessary are the mirror extenders?

**Pat H** · 03-11-10

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlepoison

How necessary are the mirror extenders?

If it's a later bike 2009/2010 then it has the longer mirror stalks. If it's an earlier one then they are a must if you want to see what's behnd you. Otherwise you will be very familiar with your elbows......

RockBottom · 03-11-10

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlepoison

On the weight difference; it would be nice to be able to pick up a dropped motorcycle. All but once I had to get help with my ST1100.

http://www.ibmwr.org/otech/pickup.html

littlepoison · 03-11-10

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockBottom

http://www.ibmwr.org/otech/pickup.html

Well that certainly would have made it easier. They should teach that at the MSF courses.

RockBottom · 03-11-10

The only way I found out about it was on a video where they demonstrated the technique by having an 85 lb woman pick up a Road King.

03-11-10	#8
Gus From: Fairfax, VA Joined: Apr 2008 Online: 1 Day Ago Stats: 1,134 / 1.28 / 119 / 4	Poison, why not go to one of the BMW dealers there and take a test ride? (assuming you haven't already done so) A couple of observations on some of the above comments: weight differential between the F8 (in any model) and the Honda is a BIG factor, center of gravity on the F8 is much lower, fuel efficiency better on the F8. And finally re the 'non-standard' switch gear - and some of the folks on here will get upset with me on this - it is different - but are you telling me you can't learn new techniques? I've been riding 40+ years (so if I cna relearn anyone can) - learning new controls is just that - a matter of adapting to the new system. You do that every time you buy (or rent or borrow) a different car. Of course if you are incapable (or unwilling) to learn a very minor change in motor skills, then stay with the Honda. NAH - the advantages of the F8 far outweigh any (perceived) disadvantages. Try it - you'll like it! Standing by for incoming rounds from the guys who don't like the BMW switch gear...................

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03-10-10	#1
littlepoison Real Name: Bryan From: Fairford, UK Joined: Mar 2010 Online: 2 Weeks Ago Stats: 5 / 0.03 / 0 / 0	Hi; I'm an NCO in the USAF currently stationed in the United Kingdom (RAF Fairford). I'm currently motorcycle-less, but am looking to purchase one when I move back to the States later this year. Really my only criteria for a motorcycle is that it not be chain driven. I was mainly looking at shafties, but couple weeks back I recalled BMW made a belt-driven bike. I have a soft spot in my heart for the ST1300 (last bike was an ST1100); also was considering FJR13, and VFR12F. But the more I think about it, the less I think I need a bike of that size. I like the idea of having 7.5 gallons of gas on the ST13, but doubt I'll need it all that often. So the F800ST is on the top of my list; can't wait to try one out when I PCS. So basically joined to get more information about the F800ST, and look forward to basking in your wisdom.

03-10-10	#2
notacop F800Riders.org Sponsor From: SoCalif. Joined: Sep 2007 Online: 4 Minutes Ago Stats: 1,124 / 1.02 / 58 / 4	Moto Guzzi has a nice little shaft drive O.D. Green 750 on the market now. Makes all of 45 HP. Then again you could get the ST and wonder when your belt is going to leave you. The one good thing about U.S. BMW dealers is that they do let you test ride the bikes. Can't do that with the Japanese bikes. Be sure not to get one in the UK. They seem to slap happy pistons and don't do well in the snow and ice. I'm sure a state side issue will be opf far superior build. BMW NA never gets any bad bikes.....

03-11-10	#13
RockBottom From: -- Joined: Jun 2008 Online: 3 Weeks Ago Stats: 1,002 / 1.21 / 110 / 4 '08 BMW F800ST	The only way I found out about it was on a video where they demonstrated the technique by having an 85 lb woman pick up a Road King.