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BMW has a loyal fan base which has helped it lead the market among European motorcycle manufacturers. But challengers to the throne like KTM are aggressively seeking to gain some of that market share. In the world of sports they say that competition brings out the best (and worst) in people, and that’s the same spirit that the boys in Bavaria have used to bring some of that market back home. Looking at its current lineup, BMW brass realized that among its 650cc singles, 1,200cc boxer twins and in-line fours it had, well, nothing in between. It needed a bike to fill that gap and attract more first-time buyers to the BMW experience. The new F800ST (and its sportier brother, the F800S) is the answer. Call them the affordable Beemers.
The F800ST being a BMW a range of options is available, including ABS brakes and matching saddlebags. There's a clever ratchet system to adjust their size and they're practical enough, if not the capacious carriers of the older machines.
Two key ingredients for successful sport touring are fuel economy and the functionality of the saddlebags. Despite its 800cc, the Beemer is surprisingly efficient with fuel. We averaged just a tick above 46 mpg in a variety of riding conditions, ranging from the quick canyon blast to the weekend getaway. That efficiency could come in handy, too, as the tank only holds 4.1 gallons. Something we noticed was that our ST’s fuel gauge would always show a full tank, even after traveling more than 100 miles, which should put the bike at about half a tank. It wasn’t until the 150-mile mark or so that the gauge would suddenly drop and show a quarter of a tank remaining. Weird.
What really sets this bike apart however is in the turns. Although I was by no means dragging knees on the demo, I have NEVER RIDDEN A BIKE THAT WAS AS RESPONSIVE AND EASY TO TURN. Pressure on the bars send this bike side to side VERY quickly and it tracks very well once put there. The suspension soaks up midcorner bumps with ease, and exhibits no problems on the brakes. (Dive etc...) It is much more well sorted than other BMW suspensions I have ridden (telelever). Brakes are not sportbike powerful but are more than sufficient and give excellent feedback. ABS....works....and is odd on a motorcycle. You choose whether you need/want it.
Although I didn't ride with a pax, my wife came and sat on it and said that the comfort was similar to the Sprint ST and substantially better than the SV.
From the Saddle
BMWs get better the harder and longer you ride them, and the F800ST was no exception. A pleasure cruise through the country may be pleasant on just about any motorcycle, but when I rode the F800 between Montreal and Toronto it was a long, hard and fast day.
Characteristic Bimmer quirks are absent, like the sideways twitch when blipping the throttle and scuffed cylinder heads from aggressive cornering. And who can’t appreciate a gearbox that doesn’t clunk when cogs engage.
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