MILAN SHOW: New BMW F800R unveiled

BMW have given the new F800R more power, a completely new look, different gearing, new brakes, suspension, revised riding position and the option of traction control and electronic suspension in an attempt to revitalise sales for the mid-level roadster.

The F800R has been on sale in almost unchanged form since 2009, and follows two years after the F800GT was revised in similar fashion, with 90bhp and a host of styling changes.

The new look of the bike is dominated by the updated front light, which ditches the slightly unusual asymmetrical front light cluster in favour of a single, larger unit that owes more to the new R1200R, which was launched last month.

Despite a raft of changes the overall look of the new F800R is instantly familiar, with the same parallel-twin engine, twin-spar chassis and major body panels including the tail unit and fuel tank remaining pretty much unchanged aesthetically.

A new inverted fork replaces the old conventional one, and Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) and Automatic Stability Control (ASC) are available for the first time on the R. ABS is standard fit on all models and now works with new radially-mounted brake calipers for greater performance. Improved rider comfort is delivered via a seat that’s 790mm as standard – 10mm lower than the current bike – and new shape handlebars, while lower seat options are also available.

As with all BMWs, the range of available options and accessories is long and varied and the F800R can even be specified with the firm’s Vario panniers which mount on hard-fixed mounting brackets along with a topbox and a reduced power restrictor kit, making it A2 licence compliant.

No UK prices or availability have been announced yet, both of which will be revealed at Motorcycle Live at the end of the month.