BMW F 800 S. Nov 2006

Having launched leading contenders in the superbike, enduro, touring and sports touring categories, BMW Motorrad has turned its attention to the sports middleweight class. The F 800 features a powerful, torque rich 800cc parallel twin engine (the first in BMW's history), a new suspension system and maintenance-free belt drive.

Previously BMW had a gap in its range between the single-cylinder F650 bikes and the 1200cc Boxers and four-cylinder motorcycles. This gap has now been filled with the new F 800 S and ST models. The 798cc twin-cylinder machine is available in two versions - the sporty half-faired F 800 S and the sports touring orientated F 800 ST - both of which are designed to provide a thrilling ride for novice riders and experienced bikers.

At the heart of these machines is an all-new 798cc twin-cylinder engine that produces an impressive 62.5kW and a punchy 86Nm of torque, a perfect combination because the rider is able to 'surf' the torque curve rather than constantly changing up and down the gearbox - just one of many factors that will endear the F 800 series to all types of riders. Acceleration to 100 km/h is of the order of 3.5 seconds, making the F 800 a remarkably brisk machine.

The chassis is as impressive as the engine. Attached to the rear of the aluminium frame is a single-sided swing-arm, while the front end uses conventional telescopic forks in place of the Telelever suspension usually fitted to BMWs. This means a lighter, more straight forward chassis design. The aim of producing a light responsive chassis has worked well, as the F 800 S only weighs 182kg dry (187kg for the ST.)

To make the F 800 S ownership as easy as the rest of the BMW range, while keeping weight to a minimum, the engineers have fitted a belt-drive system. This is more practical as it doesn't need the constant lubrication and adjustment of the chain drives found on most bikes. It's also lighter than the shaft-drive systems found on the bigger BMW models.

The F 800 S and ST are confident entries to the middleweight category and raise the stakes in this important class. Competitively priced to appeal to non-BMW riders, the F 800 S and ST motorcycles will be in BMW dealerships from November 2006.

The BMW F 800 S will be priced from $14,500 plus on road costs, and the F 800 ST will be priced from $15,000 plus orc.

The cost options on Australian market F 800 models include anti-lock brakes ($1,250), tyre pressure control ($375), on-board computer ($325), white indicator lenses ($65), on board alarm ($495), while a lower seat is a no cost option. For the BMW F 800 ST model, there is the additional option of pannier fastenings ($125).

Key differences between each model

F 800 S

Low windscreen

Upper fairing section cut short

Low-fitted short handlebar

Grab handles at the rear

Speed wheel design

Black front wheel cover

F 800 ST

Higher windscreen

Fairing with side panels

Higher tubular handlebar

Luggage rack

Dynamic wheel design

Painted front wheel cover

Key features of the new F 800 S and ST.

_ Compact sports/sports touring machine with excellent riding qualities and superior agility.

_Liquid-cooled 798cc parallel-twin, featuring four-valve technology and unique mass compensation.

_ Max output 62.5kW at 8,000 rpm, max torque 86 Nm at 5,800 rpm.

_ DOHC valve train as on the new K-generation.

_ Intake manifold injection with electronic BMS-K engine management, oxygen sensor, fully-controlled three-way catalytic converter with secondary air system.

_ Close-ratio six-speed gearbox.

_ Low-noise, long-life rear wheel belt drive.

_ Torsionally stiff aluminium frame.

_ Stable telescopic fork, outer tube diameter 43 mm.

_ Single-sided swinging arm made of die-cast aluminium.

_ Easy handling and superior steering precision.

_ Dry weight/weight in road trim with full tank: 182/204 kg (S), 187/209 kg (ST).

_ Superior seating comfort for both rider and passenger.

_ Good protection from wind and weather, excellent aerodynamic qualities.

_ Fuel tank located beneath the seat for a low centre of gravity and with easily accessible filler manifold.

_ High-performance brake system, with optional ABS.