Also making its debut in Milan was BMW’s revised F 800 R. With more performance, a new look (including a symmetrical headlight arrangement) and several detail improvements, this is much more than “Bold New Graphics”. Together with the bump in horsepower, BMW improved acceleration with new gear ratios.
New suspension components and brakes are also on offer, together with revised ergonomics from a lower seat height, new handlebars and footpegs.
Here is the full press release from BMW:
The new F 800 R is the latest in the line of characterful parallel twin-cylinder motorcycles from BMW Motorrad. Consistent development of its all-round qualities has ensured the dynamic roadster is ready to delight owners with its sporty performance, agile handling and even greater versatility – all wrapped up in a dynamic package.
Power is sourced, as before, from a liquid-cooled four-valve twin-cylinder engine with 798 cc displacement. With output increasing to 66 kW (90 hp) at 8,000 rpm (up from 64 kW (87 hp) at 8,000 rpm) and shorter ratios for first and second gear, the parallel twin offers even greater sprinting ability while retaining the impressive pulling power, instantaneous responses and low fuel consumption familiar from the predecessor model. Peak torque remains 86 Nm (63 lb-ft) at 5,800 rpm.
The engaging riding experience on board the F 800 R is further enhanced by new suspension components and optimised ergonomics. For example, an upside-down fork now takes care of front suspension duties, while a hydraulic double-disc brake with radial brake callipers provides fade-resistant stopping power. A new seat fixed lower down (at 790 mm instead of the previous 800 mm), combined with new handlebars and rider foot pegs, creates even better ergonomics for the rider.
The design of the F 800 R – which is also pitched at novice riders – also provides a visual showcase for that extra rider engagement. With its newly designed fairings, radiator shields, front mudguard and wheels, plus a new range of colours, the sporty roadster cuts an extremely dynamic figure. The now symmetrical main headlight also gives it a distinctive “face”.
In keeping with the “Safety 360°” principle, the new F 800 R is fitted with ABS as standard. It can also be ordered with optional systems such as ASC (Automatic Stability Control) and ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment), ensuring it sets a new benchmark in the segment in terms of its safety performance and all-round qualities.
The new features of the BMW F 800 R:
- Higher output than its predecessor – 66 kW (90 hp) at 8,000 rpm (previously: 64 kW (87 hp) at 8,000 rpm).
- Modified ratios for first and second gear.
- New body features with an even more dynamic design.
- New colours.
- Symmetrical main headlight arrangement.
- Upside-down fork.
- Radial front brake callipers.
- Lighter wheels with dynamic design.
- Rider foot pegs.
- Seat height reduced to 790 mm (previously 800 mm).
- New tapered aluminium handlebars.
- ASC (Automatic Stability Control) – optional / special accessory.
- ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) – optional.
- Output reduced to 35 kW (48 hp) – special accessory / optional.
What ever happen to just a nice round headlight??
Amen to that, Brother!
And leave you dealing with your local BMW dealer…
How much does this thing weigh?
The 2014 was 445 lbs fully fueled. It doesn’t look like they changed anything that would drastically alter that spec.
Nice bike, but it looks like it got punched in the nose after talking smack to a Triumph 800XC…hope they’re still friends.
I did a test ride on a 2011 a few years back and was not impressed. The amount of vibration after 5K RPMs was ridiculous. I also don’t like the location of the gas fill cap.
I don’t know if BMW has made enough improvements, but the middle weight naked/streetfighter/roadster segment is very competitive, both in price and performance, and there are a lot of good bikes to choose from.
“The amount of vibration after 5K RPMs was ridiculous.”
Thats a deal killer – where is the “engineering”?
“The amount of vibration after 5K RPMs was ridiculous.”
That is interesting. I rented its fully-faired sibling a few years ago and put about 1000 miles on it. It did vibrate a little at higher rpms; but I never found it ridiculous, especially since I rarely found myself riding above 5000rpms which transalated near to 90 mph if I remember correctly. The Olympia gloves I use also have gel in the palms which may have also tempered the vibrations in the bars.
Or perhaps years of owning a Buell have significantly raised my vibration tolerance threshold.
I’ve ridden a friend’s 800ST and don’t recall vibration issues. I thought the motor on that was great. Maybe they tune this one differently, or maybe it has something to do with a different suspension system. I was impressed with the motor, especially how quickly it revved. He gets crazy good gas mileage out of his ST.
I think sensitivity to vibrations is very subjective and varies quite a bit from person to person. I found long distance touring at highway speeds on my KLR-650 complete tolerable but I accept that many others would find it less so.
I shall name mine Igor, pronounced “eye gore” of course
Like so many other bikes today there is no flow to the design, no symmetry just crap tacked on hither and yon. Might be a great bike riding it but I sure hate looking at these things.
Good news for those who like symmetry.
790 mm seat height equals 31 inches. That’s okay with me. The boost in power makes it as much as my old r1150. I have always liked the f800r.
The old F800 was a dud. It was one of the few bikes I’ve ever seen get a bad review. This one looks somewhat improved with the new suspension and shorter gearing. $8-9k would be a smart base price up to ~$10k with some bells and whistles, given that the FZ09 exists now. Knowing BMW, I’m probably a grand off though.