BMW F800S (2006–current)

I have a 2006 model, I say this because I would hope that the problems have been ironed out for the newer version. This is a lovely bike to ride, the engine is punchy with great midrange, though snatchy at low revs which takes a little getting used to and gentle throttle control. The ride is great for a bit of everything, but don't be fooled by the s in it's title it's no thoroughbred sports bike. I want to love it because it is so capable but I can't. The downside is the build quality, this bike has had problems, check the forums. Engine cutting out for no reason (now resolved, fault unknown), piston slap (only resolution is a rebuild), rear wheel bearings going at around 15000 (modified bearings fitted, had to pay labour only), and a few smaller niggles, corrosion is a problem. These are not uncommon faults and you should check the mods have been done before buying. Incidentally BMW will not directly admit to these faults (except the rear wheel bearings), but will try to resolve. I can only assume they are reluctant to except responsibilty due to a lack of backup from Germany. Overall a good bike, but be warned make sure any problems have been fixed on your bike, check the forums for details of common faults.

BMW is missing a trick with the F800ST - it is a superb all-rounder but relatively few people seem to know about it. Having tested the usual all-rounders (VFR800, CBF1000, etc), I found the ST completely by accident through BMW's low seat range. Vines of Guildford were excellent (as were most of the competitor brands I spoke to), offering an extended test ride despite having passed my test just one week earlier and doing a very competitive deal on their ex-demonstrator. A recent ride to Switzerland was a revelation - 550 miles in one hit and felt completely fresh when I arrived. The alpine roads were well worth the trip, although the high altitude revealed that the coolant had been over-filled at the factory, forcing the excess to leak out. Occasional false neutrals between 5th and 6th seem to be a common problem on the forums but a heavier boot up the gears seems to have fixed that. I regularly ride the bike two-up with full panniers and it is never short of performance or comfort while delivering over 55 mpg in all conditions. The optional expandable panniers are ample for touring and will each hold a full face helmet to save carrying them around on day trips. Insurance and servicing costs(6K intervals) are very reasonable, while the belt drive minimises maintenance. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the ST - it has certainly raised eyebrows amongst my more experienced biking mates.

Just returned to biking after 25 year absence. Last bike a Z1B, middling brakes and very suspect handling. What a refreshing change the ST is, it goes and stops brilliantly. Comfort good with plenty of space at the back for the larger lasses. Cannot believe what a brilliant package Bee Em have come up with.

im not the tallest guy in the world with only 29" inside leg but the bike is a nice height for me (standard height seat) i bought mine from a bmw dealer in grimsby and found them most helpful. The ride and handling are a delight and the engine is a treat, especially when sha gets busy at over 5000 revs. the quality and finish are top notch as you would expect for a beemer but the worst thing is the gearbox talk about kerrunch!! im sure ill master it its comfy nice riding position and VERY economical (66mpg). Its my first bike for 25 years and im pleased i bought it sure it was more than the equivalent jap bike but its worth it love it to bits

Being a tall rider [all leg] and coming back to two wheels after a gap of 18 years this bike ticked all the boxes for me. It looks big, but feels just right on the bike, its got lots of low down grunt and nippy through town. The local dealer lent me one for the day and after 3-4 hours [avg 55 mpg] in the seat I was still up for some more riding. Compared to the VFR 800, which was high on the list this bike excels in every area and is right up my street and shows that its in a different league altogether. I've order in 2008 colours for 09 plate delivery, just 26 days to go and I can't wait. The only down side for me was the location of the indicator cancel button, in winter with thick gloves this proved to be a little tricky, especially around town but will come with practice. Ive also ordered a slightly higher aftermarket screen, as per the demo bike as this made the high speed journeys slightly more bearable with the wind going round instead of into the helmet face area.

On my second f800 now, First did 21,500 miles went down to south of Morocco on an "S" model kitted out, 67 mpg in all weather and climate. Unfortunately had a head on crash 2,100 miles from home, bike saved me, no injuries but after riding it all way home it was written off,(100 pc to Carole Nash). Now on second bike, f800st, same attributes, very safe and comfy and very economical. Have you noticed what high mileages owners of this model cover?

We have got a 800ST for our mobile service engineer and we have had it for 2 months,so far we have been averaging 60+MPG and on a metzler Z6 rear we got just over 7000 miles!great bike,great handling,very cost effective

It had been 25 years since owning my last motorcycle. I had always wanted a BMW so I started to do some homework. I read all the reviews of the different BMW bikes. I wanted a motorcycle that was fun to rideand easy to handle, it had to have many safety features I was looking for (ABS, self-canceling turn signals). I wanted it to be smooth, reliable and great on gas. Well, I found the perfect bike, a 2007 BMW F800S. It is all of those things and more. It is also sporty. I even added the side bags and top case for touring. This bike is a dream. It is VERY comfortable as well. It gets great gas mileage. The specs say 38 mpg, but I get 60 mpg doing 70 mph. If I get on it I still get high 40's to low 50's. It handles like a cat on carpet. Love the torque curve on this bike, not too touchy, very smooth and fast. If you are looking for one GREAT motorcycle the F800 is is a very terrifc motorcycle. I can't stay off it :-).

I have owned the bike now for over a year and have done over 9000 miles across europe, a few 9 hr days and its done everything I have asked of it, great tourer, I wont be selling it !!

What a rush. When you hit 5-8k revs from 2nd to 3rd to 4th and are doing a fair whack in the blink of an eye, you know you made the right choice. I bought a one year old S version, and bought full luggage kit to boot. Tob box is small which is annoying (had old givi E52 on my old SV). Engine cuts out when you whang the throttle open at traffic lights, or popping the revs to hold your balance at low speeds - can be VERY annoying and embarrasing. Customer service is fantastic.