Nice article. I have one and a VFR Vtec. I love the twin in London commuting - but for pure grin factor the Viffer wins hands down and is built to survive our wet climate.
Your video inspired me to take the plunge to buying a 2012 F800ST. I am so glad you mentioned the Helibars - they're the first mod I added. Thanks for inspiration from across the pond :-)
I'm glad you were inspired 🥰. I bought a 2014 Kawasaki Concours 14 and just sold it last year. Now I have a 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX. It is much more forgiving to shorter riders. It has cruise control, so that was a really nice thing for me.
Hi Mark, just a remark, ABS is not standard for STs. What seems to be standard here is rather the rear shocks, which are actually adjusted manually, to make them softer or harder, which affects height. Other than that, beautiful bike, great video, thanks for sharing it.
Quick update. I purchased one and have done around 100 miles on it. Very nice (non ABS model). Happy with purchase, great first big bike, would also recommend!
This is the lowered version,a bmw option ,which does not come with the centre stand ,I suppose bmw remove it at the factory due to ground clearance ...hope this helps regards MARK.
Hi jonathon,thanks for the comment ! ,no it retained the origonal brake and clutch line,couldnt quite get my head round it at first, but what heli bars get you to do is disconnect both cables and cleverly reroute them which give you the necessary couple of inches required ,it took me a good days work to do it though !,..where did you get your side stand extender from because I really dont like the tiny footprint of the stand ..regards mark (POOLE DORSET)
Good question !,I think it can vary from person to person as we are all a different shape ,but I have spent many long days riding this arround the uk with no problems ,as long as you stop every two or three hours for the necessary food ,toilet breaks it was fine :),you could always go down the custom seat route though..regards mark.
I personally would start on something smaller say 125cc -500 cc up to about 33bhp here in the uk ,but once you gain confidence this would make an ideal first "proper" bike due to its easy going engine manners ,great handling and upright riding position :)
Hi bryan ,yes the heli bars make a huge difference to the riding position,alot more upright,I also like the way heli bars designed them so you just reroute the brake and clutch cables to make them long enough to reach ..regards mark :)
Hi ,this bike is a 2012 model,I believe that on earlier models say 2007/8 the bearings could fail in the rear wheel at say 20,000 miles but dont think its a problem on later models ,just go on the f800.org forum and youll find out all you need to know there ,as for a first big bike I would highly rate this ,the power delivery is very forgiving as is the size and handling for someone new to a big bike ..enjoy your test ride regards MARK.
Good and fair comment,id agree with you that the honda build quality is legendary,I owned a vfr800 for a while and the engineering in them is incredible ,its just that if your in the market for a light(ish) sports tourer these f800s are well worth a look and a test ride ...regards mark
Hiya, more or less the difference is in the operation of the indicators, now instead of left hand thumb to the left and right hand one to the right its "normal", one hand thumb to left or right, which to me makes more sense. And the panniers are different, they look like just 2 boring boxes, that is very GT. I hope BMW won't screw a cool bike any further :)
I wasnt aware of it ,however if you google it or look it up on the f800 forum there seems to be an unlucky few that have this problem ,I wouldnt let this put you off as its a great bike though.
Thanks for the reply ,I have fitted a z technics,v stream screen to mine which helps alot with the wind buffeting,I know what you mean about "chuggy" low down though, but its a great all round engine :)
Hi,gas mileage is unbelievably good on these bikes ,touring riding at say a steady 60-70 mph im getting 68mpg(uk gallons),and more "spirited" riding it never drops below 60mpg!,ive heard reports of people getting over 70 mpg though ... :)
Hi glen,ive had two vfrs ,an early 750 and an 800 (NON VTECH),the vfrs were great with their v4 engines but this has quite a different feel with its punchy twin engine,the vfrs had the edge on perfomance 100 odd bhp vs 80 bhp but the bmw feels abit lighter to throw arround ...best try and get a test ride and see if you like it ..mark
@@markpulling12 Thanks, man! I am still a little bit worried, could you watch this video and share your point of view? czcams.com/video/QamlCZWC8S8/video.html
If it rides ok I wouldn't worry too much ...many of my bikes have fluctuated a bit on rickover . Check things like air filter ...rubber air pipes etc Good luck best regards mark
Nice bike. Would never compare it with a VFR in terms of build quality, reliability and engineering. I regularly tour with a friend who has a BMW. Rust everywhere after a couple of years, absolutely manic oil consumption, total driveshaft failure at 9k and lots more problems. Aint what they used to be. BMW UK when asked about numerous suspension failures on GS1200's replied that it was due to 'sleeping policemen' on our roads. On a bike that is meant to go off road around the world!!
Have you ridden a VFR? I'm in the market for a sport/touring and not sure which direction to go. I have had great luck with Hondas, but I know BMW's have great repulation, so I guess I don't have too much loyalty. I want something that is reasonably comfortable for the passenger and I realize neither bike is ideal for that, but I can't go for a cruiser yet...
What year is that bike? Also, I have heard a lot of problems with the "dangerous" rear wheel fitting of the belt drive...any thoughts on that? I have been advised of this bike as a first big bike for me. Hopefully have a test ride in a couple of days.
Hey! I have a question or two. I intend to buy a new (2nd hand) bike. There is one available at a reasonable price, so it's interesting for. I've heard of serial drive shaft bearings failing on these bikes, is this a fact for you guys? I also want to know what is the capacity of the panniers? I now have 2x36liter Givi's on my 600cc CBF plus a rear 42liter box..and is just about enough. How is it for driving with a passanger, enough torque and comfy handling? Wind protection is OK? Thanks!
Mark, thanks for the review, I know it's been years but it's still very informative. In the comments below, I've read that you dont have this bike anymore. But how about it's passanger comfort? Do you recomend it for riding with a passenger behind ? Please feel free to compare it with other bikes you've own/ed.. I'm on the second hand market to buy this guy, especilally to ride long distances with my girlfirend, but I've couldn't try it yet , so your opinions are important for me. Thanks!
fattohead Hi ...yes it would be fine for a passenger .. obviously not goldwing comfort but alot better than a sports bike ....make sure you get a top box fitted it's nice for the passenger to lean back against all the best mark
Hi Mark. Quick question for you.I've been told these are a great bike to get back on the road after having been off bikes for a couple of years.( get rid of saddle rust) the question is, I'm 6ft 4 would you know the saddle height of this bike and would they suit a tall rider? Also great video, Beautiful sounding machine.
kevin griffin Hi kevin ,seat height on the new 800 gt is arround 800mm..+or - 20 mm with optional seats so even though this bike would be great for you ,at 6ft 4 your going to dwarf it and be very flat foooted with bent knees...might be worth having a look at the 800gs which goes up to 900 mm seat height...best thing is test ride as much as you can ..thats what I do ,I find most dealers very approachable..all the best mark...ps suzuki vstrom650 ....kawaski versys 650 are great too...another option for you maybe. ?
I will try the the f800st and the gs version to see.never even thought of the vstrom so thank you for that suggestion..haven't looked at many kawasakis. Have my heart set on a BMW haha
Great Video, nice and simple with good attention to detail. I have an ST and love the engine - loads of torque whenever you need it, and amazing MPG - I get 64 regardless of use. I have modified some aspects of the OE - mirror extenders, side stand extender (the foot's way to small), front mudguard extender and a small Pyramid hugger - makes a great bike even better! Took my ST to Austria and back in the summer of 2012 and she never missed a beat. Do you need longer cables with these handlebars?
Since you have the handlebars risers installed, I think you replaced the brake line and probably also the clutch cable. I'm trying to install some risers myself. Could you tell which brake line (and clutch cable if also) you installed? And if anything else needed to be replaced for the risers? Thanks.
clns hi ...no i didn't need to replace any cables on these risers just needed to take off the brake line and reroute it ...i don't have this bike anymore ...i think the risers were wunderlich .. All the best mark
I've just destroyed my 2003 CBR600F4i It's my 7th CBR. I'm thinking of something else a VFR or this. I worry about the reliability though. As I went round the world in 2009. NONE of the BMW F800s made it beyond Mongolia as they exploded. How reliable has it been since you filmed this?
Hi ken ,ive got another bike now but i wouldnt doubt the reliability of a modern bmw to any other bike ,they are all pretty reliable these days regards mark
Geordi La Forge CBR or BMW? CBR was a T-bone crash at 40mph. Driver turned right across me (we drive on the left) I went into her side and went flying. Bike is a total loss so is her car. It's been a very long time since my trip but I remember it was the big end bearing failures inside the engine. A major engine out job to fix. It's been documented on horizons unlimited (the HUBB) if you want to look around 2008 and 2009.
Hi, i have 2007 Suzuki Vstrom and i use it with my wife mostly and rarely solo, i am planning to buy F800st, if i buy one shall we lose so much comfort when we compare Vstrom
Looking to trade a low Sargent seat for a standard Sargent seat for this bike. If anyone has this bike and wants to trade seats please comment and connect with me
dont know what country your from but here in the UK people start on 125s then say 500 cc with a power restriction...I would say this would be a bit heavy and powerful for your first ever bike ...give yourself six months at least then your be ok all the best mark
@@Rickreynasr no if you get the right ones you don't have to change any of the cables as there is enough play in them ,I got the 2inch ones which still made a nice difference good luck and best wishes mark
mark pulling ....sir in the video I think you said you got the 4.inch raisers .....so did you get the 2in??...your bike looks amazing....thanks sir!!!!
Hi ,I got them from bykebitz.co.uk,but if you cant get them there, just have a good search on the web and you should be able to find some,they made a big difference to the riding position...alot more upright and laid back :)
Hi ,I got them from bykebitz.co.uk,but if you cant get them there, just have a good search on the web and you should be able to find some,they made a big difference to the riding position...alot more upright and laid back :)
I've had one for 7 months now and it's honestly, in my opinion the perfect bike for the road.
Nice article. I have one and a VFR Vtec. I love the twin in London commuting - but for pure grin factor the Viffer wins hands down and is built to survive our wet climate.
Thank you, this helped me a lot. In fact I ve destroyed my vfr and was looking for a 800 st but i'm really stuck into indecision
i brought a 2014 F800R, the bike has done a bit over 5000ks on her & i still love it.
Your video inspired me to take the plunge to buying a 2012 F800ST. I am so glad you mentioned the Helibars - they're the first mod I added. Thanks for inspiration from across the pond :-)
I'm glad you were inspired 🥰. I bought a 2014 Kawasaki Concours 14 and just sold it last year. Now I have a 2021 Kawasaki Ninja 1000SX. It is much more forgiving to shorter riders. It has cruise control, so that was a really nice thing for me.
Let me know if you want any other tips.
Hi Mark, just a remark, ABS is not standard for STs. What seems to be standard here is rather the rear shocks, which are actually adjusted manually, to make them softer or harder, which affects height. Other than that, beautiful bike, great video, thanks for sharing it.
Quick update. I purchased one and have done around 100 miles on it. Very nice (non ABS model). Happy with purchase, great first big bike, would also recommend!
great stuff ..glad you like it :)
Great bike...I have mine 16 years...never missed a beat...pity we're discontinued..Torque great handling ..even by modern standards..
This is the lowered version,a bmw option ,which does not come with the centre stand ,I suppose bmw remove it at the factory due to ground clearance ...hope this helps regards MARK.
Hi jonathon,thanks for the comment ! ,no it retained the origonal brake and clutch line,couldnt quite get my head round it at first, but what heli bars get you to do is disconnect both cables and cleverly reroute them which give you the necessary couple of inches required ,it took me a good days work to do it though !,..where did you get your side stand extender from because I really dont like the tiny footprint of the stand ..regards mark (POOLE DORSET)
Good question !,I think it can vary from person to person as we are all a different shape ,but I have spent many long days riding this arround the uk with no problems ,as long as you stop every two or three hours for the necessary food ,toilet breaks it was fine :),you could always go down the custom seat route though..regards mark.
I personally would start on something smaller say 125cc -500 cc up to about 33bhp here in the uk ,but once you gain confidence this would make an ideal first "proper" bike due to its easy going engine manners ,great handling and upright riding position :)
Hi bryan ,yes the heli bars make a huge difference to the riding position,alot more upright,I also like the way heli bars designed them so you just reroute the brake and clutch cables to make them long enough to reach ..regards mark :)
Hi ,this bike is a 2012 model,I believe that on earlier models say 2007/8 the bearings could fail in the rear wheel at say 20,000 miles but dont think its a problem on later models ,just go on the f800.org forum and youll find out all you need to know there ,as for a first big bike I would highly rate this ,the power delivery is very forgiving as is the size and handling for someone new to a big bike ..enjoy your test ride regards MARK.
Good and fair comment,id agree with you that the honda build quality is legendary,I owned a vfr800 for a while and the engineering in them is incredible ,its just that if your in the market for a light(ish) sports tourer these f800s are well worth a look and a test ride ...regards mark
Hiya, more or less the difference is in the operation of the indicators, now instead of left hand thumb to the left and right hand one to the right its "normal", one hand thumb to left or right, which to me makes more sense. And the panniers are different, they look like just 2 boring boxes, that is very GT. I hope BMW won't screw a cool bike any further :)
I wasnt aware of it ,however if you google it or look it up on the f800 forum there seems to be an unlucky few that have this problem ,I wouldnt let this put you off as its a great bike though.
Thanks for the reply ,I have fitted a z technics,v stream screen to mine which helps alot with the wind buffeting,I know what you mean about "chuggy" low down though, but its a great all round engine :)
Good review! I have thought of a purchase and may someday. I like the myriad details the 800ST has.
I read the wheel bearing problem affected 2008 and older bikes - and that bikes from 2009 and newer should be fine.
I bought mine from Wunderlich - I feel much more secure now when the bike is parked on non-metaled road surfaces!
Hi,gas mileage is unbelievably good on these bikes ,touring riding at say a steady 60-70 mph im getting 68mpg(uk gallons),and more "spirited" riding it never drops below 60mpg!,ive heard reports of people getting over 70 mpg though ... :)
Hi glen,ive had two vfrs ,an early 750 and an 800 (NON VTECH),the vfrs were great with their v4 engines but this has quite a different feel with its punchy twin engine,the vfrs had the edge on perfomance 100 odd bhp vs 80 bhp but the bmw feels abit lighter to throw arround ...best try and get a test ride and see if you like it ..mark
Ha yes passenger ejector ! no its if you want to fit a sat nav mount ,it just screws onto that black ball :)...regards mark
Hi, guys! Is it a normal thing that there is a small movement of tachometer while you are not touching acceleration handle?
Yes it's fine I've seen this many times. ;)
@@markpulling12 Thanks, man! I am still a little bit worried, could you watch this video and share your point of view? czcams.com/video/QamlCZWC8S8/video.html
@@kanstantsinr7344 had the bike just been started from cold ?
@@markpulling12 no, it had been worked a couple of minutes before this. But it workes the same when it's cold, too. There are no problems with start.
If it rides ok I wouldn't worry too much ...many of my bikes have fluctuated a bit on rickover . Check things like air filter ...rubber air pipes etc
Good luck best regards mark
I have an 08 FZ1 and I am really putting a lot of thought into getting one of these instead. I get tired of refueling every other day.
Chuck Norris Hi chuck ,yes these are very economical I can easily get 65 mpg (uk) gallons...thanks mark
Its a great mix of the two,good fun round the bends but good for touring too :)
I also added the side stand foot enlarger from Ilium Works - I just couldn't bear my baby falling through the little foot and onto the bare earth.
Why have you removed the very useful centre stand? Is it because the bike now sits much lower, or is there another reason?
Nice bike. Would never compare it with a VFR in terms of build quality, reliability and engineering. I regularly tour with a friend who has a BMW. Rust everywhere after a couple of years, absolutely manic oil consumption, total driveshaft failure at 9k and lots more problems. Aint what they used to be. BMW UK when asked about numerous suspension failures on GS1200's replied that it was due to 'sleeping policemen' on our roads. On a bike that is meant to go off road around the world!!
Hi, it is the 482 mm version ....regards MARK
Nice vid. Yet I have a question to share. Is this a rational choice for a beginner or not. Cheers
Hi Mark, nice video. I love the way your bike looks. I have f800st grey, I love it. Where can I get these heli bars, Cheers, Stas
Have you ridden a VFR? I'm in the market for a sport/touring and not sure which direction to go. I have had great luck with Hondas, but I know BMW's have great repulation, so I guess I don't have too much loyalty. I want something that is reasonably comfortable for the passenger and I realize neither bike is ideal for that, but I can't go for a cruiser yet...
What year is that bike? Also, I have heard a lot of problems with the "dangerous" rear wheel fitting of the belt drive...any thoughts on that? I have been advised of this bike as a first big bike for me. Hopefully have a test ride in a couple of days.
What size are the panniers and top box in litres, (with the side panniers expanded)?
Hi no I havent,your better off with an enduro/adventure bike like a GS for dirt roads ..regards mark
Cheers Mark, loved the test ride...bike is the one for me I think :)...now to find one!
Might be worth posting this question on the F800RIDERS forum :)
Hi, got same question as 1Engineer, have you heard about the rear axle/shaft bearing problem?
I have a question, where have you buy the handlebar's extensions.
I need the same.
Thanks, Herman van Wijk, Holland
Hi! I really like yours and I would like to know if your vstream ZTechnik is the version 482 mm high or the versio of 419 mm?
Thank you very much!!!!
Very nice bike where canI find that windshield?
Hey! I have a question or two. I intend to buy a new (2nd hand) bike. There is one available at a reasonable price, so it's interesting for. I've heard of serial drive shaft bearings failing on these bikes, is this a fact for you guys? I also want to know what is the capacity of the panniers? I now have 2x36liter Givi's on my 600cc CBF plus a rear 42liter box..and is just about enough. How is it for driving with a passanger, enough torque and comfy handling? Wind protection is OK? Thanks!
Hi
Could you travel around Europe on this? Long days in the saddle or would I be facing the numb bum problem? Cheers
Mark, thanks for the review, I know it's been years but it's still very informative. In the comments below, I've read that you dont have this bike anymore. But how about it's passanger comfort? Do you recomend it for riding with a passenger behind ? Please feel free to compare it with other bikes you've own/ed.. I'm on the second hand market to buy this guy, especilally to ride long distances with my girlfirend, but I've couldn't try it yet , so your opinions are important for me. Thanks!
fattohead Hi ...yes it would be fine for a passenger .. obviously not goldwing comfort but alot better than a sports bike ....make sure you get a top box fitted it's nice for the passenger to lean back against all the best mark
How is the aerodynamic wind force ? I get lot of wind force on the helmet that makes me extreme dofficut to ride
Hi yes it's fine for cruising...it's a very aerodynamic bike ...I had no problems with wind noise
Best wishes mark
Mine did same but it went away after they replaced the software.
Hi Mark. Quick question for you.I've been told these are a great bike to get back on the road after having been off bikes for a couple of years.( get rid of saddle rust) the question is, I'm 6ft 4 would you know the saddle height of this bike and would they suit a tall rider? Also great video, Beautiful sounding machine.
kevin griffin Hi kevin ,seat height on the new 800 gt is arround 800mm..+or - 20 mm with optional seats so even though this bike would be great for you ,at 6ft 4 your going to dwarf it and be very flat foooted with bent knees...might be worth having a look at the 800gs which goes up to 900 mm seat height...best thing is test ride as much as you can ..thats what I do ,I find most dealers very approachable..all the best mark...ps suzuki vstrom650 ....kawaski versys 650 are great too...another option for you maybe. ?
I will try the the f800st and the gs version to see.never even thought of the vstrom so thank you for that suggestion..haven't looked at many kawasakis. Have my heart set on a BMW haha
kevin griffin I had a 2014 vstrom 650 last year .. brilliant bike ...check out my onboard review youtube vid :)
Hi any chance you have a link to where you got the top box from please?
Hi its BMW luggage...you should still be able to get hold of them
Best wishes mark
any problems with the belt
Hi, Mine keeps cutting out as I slow down to junctions or roundabouts. It just cuts out. Anyone else have this problem? I have done 35K on mine.
The rear wheel its beatifull,ok allbeautifull 😍
Great Video, nice and simple with good attention to detail. I have an ST and love the engine - loads of torque whenever you need it, and amazing MPG - I get 64 regardless of use. I have modified some aspects of the OE - mirror extenders, side stand extender (the foot's way to small), front mudguard extender and a small Pyramid hugger - makes a great bike even better! Took my ST to Austria and back in the summer of 2012 and she never missed a beat. Do you need longer cables with these handlebars?
Mark, Thankxxxx
Puuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrfect !
Since you have the handlebars risers installed, I think you replaced the brake line and probably also the clutch cable. I'm trying to install some risers myself. Could you tell which brake line (and clutch cable if also) you installed? And if anything else needed to be replaced for the risers? Thanks.
clns hi ...no i didn't need to replace any cables on these risers just needed to take off the brake line and reroute it ...i don't have this bike anymore ...i think the risers were wunderlich .. All the best mark
Awesome, thanks for the quick reply!!!
How would you rate it now? Perhaps as an affordable first larger bike?
Yes definitely Jim ...these are great bikes ..very affordable now , lovely parallel twin engine and 70 mpg all the best mark
good review. helped me decide and so I just bought an 09 ST
Now I got to sell my 98 VFR ;)
I'll just update this 7 years later - had my ST800 for 7 years now 😂😂
have you ridden these on dirt roads?
I've just destroyed my 2003 CBR600F4i It's my 7th CBR. I'm thinking of something else a VFR or this. I worry about the reliability though. As I went round the world in 2009. NONE of the BMW F800s made it beyond Mongolia as they exploded.
How reliable has it been since you filmed this?
Hi ken ,ive got another bike now but i wouldnt doubt the reliability of a modern bmw to any other bike ,they are all pretty reliable these days regards mark
What do you mean exploded?
Geordi La Forge
CBR or BMW? CBR was a T-bone crash at 40mph. Driver turned right across me (we drive on the left) I went into her side and went flying. Bike is a total loss so is her car.
It's been a very long time since my trip but I remember it was the big end bearing failures inside the engine. A major engine out job to fix. It's been documented on horizons unlimited (the HUBB) if you want to look around 2008 and 2009.
Ken Morgan OK, thanks.
I've done the globe myself and wouldn't take any F800 in the direction of Mongolia. The best bikes for global travel are Japanese bikes
Thank you
So, didn't bother riding the thing then???
Wow noce bike, year model??? Thx!
2013: model :)
@@markpulling12 thx
Thanks
It took you 5 years to heart this comment?! Wow, you must be busy. lol. I've since bought an R1200RT
Hi, i have 2007 Suzuki Vstrom and i use it with my wife mostly and rarely solo, i am planning to buy F800st, if i buy one shall we lose so much comfort when we compare Vstrom
Hi the bmw is comfortable and good for long journeys not as upright as the vstrom you wont loose much in comfort thanks mark
Looking to trade a low Sargent seat for a standard Sargent seat for this bike. If anyone has this bike and wants to trade seats please comment and connect with me
is this a good bike for my 1st bike ever?
dont know what country your from but here in the UK people start on 125s then say 500 cc with a power restriction...I would say this would be a bit heavy and powerful for your first ever bike ...give yourself six months at least then your be ok all the best mark
Hi sir can you please give me the spelling of the windshield and the bar raisers on your f800 and please where you got them....thanks
Hi I think the screen was a vstream
And the bar risers were wunderlich ,just Google it and you should find a local seller
Regards mark
mark pulling hi sir...thanks for the info I found the screen on the bar raisers are they 2in 3in or 4in...thanks sir
mark pulling I apologize one more question...did you have to change out all the cables ....thanks sir
@@Rickreynasr no if you get the right ones you don't have to change any of the cables as there is enough play in them ,I got the 2inch ones which still made a nice difference good luck and best wishes mark
mark pulling ....sir in the video I think you said you got the 4.inch raisers .....so did you get the 2in??...your bike looks amazing....thanks sir!!!!
I see it also has the lowered level of brake fluid in the rear pot! 🤣
Hi ,I got them from bykebitz.co.uk,but if you cant get them there, just have a good search on the web and you should be able to find some,they made a big difference to the riding position...alot more upright and laid back :)
The abs is not standard.
Don't know if I like it or not....."nice growl" heard a louder sewing machines
Love my Beamer. Marriage in heaven mate.. luvit.
Hi ,have a look on .ztechnik.com, then click find a dealer ..hope that helps regards MARK .
Hey. You're Amazing. babies idiotic What's your opinion about 11
Nice garbage cans
Hi ,I got them from bykebitz.co.uk,but if you cant get them there, just have a good search on the web and you should be able to find some,they made a big difference to the riding position...alot more upright and laid back :)