New F800 R, can it be?

[lenrt1200st]

I found this on the Triumph RAT site. They are interested in parallel twins like the Bonneville over there. I thought the F-twins forum might enjoy a teaser.

But, i can't seem to post the link!!!!:dunno Try this...
http://www.fasterandfaster.net/2008/11/2009-bmw-f800r-first-official-pics.html

Len

[aaaaaa]

Sure looks like it. Funny you saw it first on a Triumph site. I just saw it on a Honda site. Too bad it's a chain and not a belt drive.
robert

[mtbenson]

Here too: http://www.motorcycledaily.com/05november08_bmw2009f800r.htm

Fugly!

[PGlaves]

It was announced at the Milan Show. BMW put out a press release with "remarks" making the introduction. It is for real. Intro date not stated, however. I'm guessing spring in Europe. No good guess for the U.S. I just don't know.

[ultracyclist]

I wonder if the OEM seat will be like sitting on a wooden plank.

Bike looks quite sporting.

[PGlaves]

I wonder if the OEM seat will be like sitting on a wooden plank.

Bike looks quite sporting.

Probably:)

[lenrt1200st]

Sure looks like it. Funny you saw it first on a Triumph site. I just saw it on a Honda site. Too bad it's a chain and not a belt drive.
robert

Don't want to start an argument, just expressing an opinion. As a recent Triumph Bonneville owner, I'd have to say, "What's the matter w/ a chain?" I know the advantages of this and alternative drive options. To me. all options have +'s and -'s.:stick

Chain drives can be easy to maintain, cheap to replace, can be easily swapped out to alter ratios, and when kept in good repair and lubricated, very reliable.

Len

[redrider1100]

Overall I like it. Except for the big ol' ugly brake fluid reservoir sitting way up high on the bars. You would think they could have at least made it black or something to make it less noticeable. That's the first thing my eyes went to.

Then I read this line in the press release:
"BMW has also paid special attention to quality details in the immediate field of vision of the rider."

Right. They should add this prefix: "Except for the brake fluid reservoir, BMW has..."

[108625]

Why does BMW insist on using those d@#^ asymmetrical headlights as some sort of styling trademark? They make every bike they're put on look like some off-kilter mechanical cross between Bill the Cat and Marty Feldman.

[k75s]

I think they keep doing it because they are pretty sure no one else will do it! As an owner of an R1100S, I did get used to the looks. But I do not think the R1100S asymetry is as bad as what I am seeing on some newer models now.

Maybe this will still catch on yet- hey I know, I am going to ask my optometrist for a pair of glasses with one BIG lens on the right and one SMALL lens on the left. Then I will feel balanced when riding. :stick

[PGlaves]

I think they keep doing it because they are pretty sure no one else will do it! As an owner of an R1100S, I did get used to the looks. But I do not think the R1100S asymetry is as bad as what I am seeing on some newer models now.

Maybe this will still catch on yet- hey I know, I am going to ask my optometrist for a pair of glasses with one BIG lens on the right and one SMALL lens on the left. Then I will feel balanced when riding. :stick

I don't happen to own a bike with weird headlights. But Voni does - an R1100S. We have ridden thousands of miles together, often with me in the lead. Glancing in my mirrors they don't look weird at all.

BMW does it because they use two different sized bulbs and two differently shaped reflectors to create the lighting pattern they want. They could do it other ways, but I rather like the function over form attitude displayed by those headlights.

If it is too weird - then buy something else.

[108625]

I don't happen to own a bike with weird headlights. But Voni does - an R1100S. We have ridden thousands of miles together, often with me in the lead. Glancing in my mirrors they don't look weird at all.

BMW does it because they use two different sized bulbs and two differently shaped reflectors to create the lighting pattern they want. They could do it other ways, but I rather like the function over form attitude displayed by those headlights.

If it is too weird - then buy something else.

I'm throwing the Bravo Sierra flag on this one.

BMW obviously finds the "lighting patterns" of round, or otherwise symmetrical headlights acceptable enough to use on various R, K, F and X bikes. Buying into the belief that somehow every little detail is the product of engineering, not design, is just plain gullible... It's more likely that such designs are adopted specifically to create the impression of "function over form", rather than as a result of it.

Bring back Hans Muth, or learn how to make a naked bike look good from the Brits and the Italians.

[FredRydr]

Bring back Hans Muth, or learn how to make a naked bike look good from the Brits and the Italians.
BMW could have taken the R1200R round light out of the parts bin and used that instead, for what I think would have been a better look. But then again, I'm biased.

Fred
F800GS (Bill the Cat - I like that!)
R1200R (modern retro with round headlamp, and black with white stripes)

[AKBeemer]

Any rumors of an RT or RS version of the 800? BMW seems to think we are all 6'2" and I believe there is a market for a fully faired smaller bike.

[Mika]

It was election day so I guess the thread title was a bit off track, but the release was on the forum 11/4

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=30885

The entire press release and a link to a slide show of all of the pictures for the F800R and the Lo Rider can be found there.

I have not heard anything but rumors and wants about an RT version of the F800

[PGlaves]

I'm throwing the Bravo Sierra flag on this one.

BMW obviously finds the "lighting patterns" of round, or otherwise symmetrical headlights acceptable enough to use on various R, K, F and X bikes. Buying into the belief that somehow every little detail is the product of engineering, not design, is just plain gullible... It's more likely that such designs are adopted specifically to create the impression of "function over form", rather than as a result of it.

Bring back Hans Muth, or learn how to make a naked bike look good from the Brits and the Italians.

I said, "They could do it other ways" but that went unnoticed in your reading comprehension. So your reading mishaps make me gullible.

And, you are welcome to your Muth designed bikes. I prefer the 21st century. I ride too much to depend on antiques for my travels. But each to their own.

[wezul]

I ride too much to depend on antiques for my travels. But each to their own.

I used to think that I was in the minority in this opinion. Paul, it's a comfort to me to hear this coming from someone as learned as yourself.
I'm of the opinion in this modern world whatever advantage in technology we two-wheelers can get is to our advantage.

[108625]

I said, "They could do it other ways" but that went unnoticed in your reading comprehension. So your reading mishaps make me gullible.

And, you are welcome to your Muth designed bikes. I prefer the 21st century. I ride too much to depend on antiques for my travels. But each to their own.

I beg to differ, I thought I made it quite clear they in fact DO it other ways, as a counterpoint to your "function dictates form" comment.
I'll wager you next year's membership dues that the BMW's lopsided lights have more to do with styling than engineering anyday.

I own a 21st century Beemer by the way, and I'm quite pleased with how far it's come along beyond my Muth designed museum piece. (Which incidently, has never left me stranded, and I ride the h#!! out of each of them.)
However, I don't think it will ever earn it's place in a museum based on appearances alone.
I stand by my assertion that the British (21st century Triumph Speed Triple) and Italians (21st century Ducati Monster, 21st century Moto Morini Corsaro) build better looking naked bikes.
As they did last century (Norton Commando, Laverda Jota, and so on).

P.S. I'll happily take in any Muth designed antiques you are afraid to rely on.

[PGlaves]

I beg to differ, I thought I made it quite clear they in fact DO it other ways, as a counterpoint to your "function dictates form" comment.
I'll wager you next year's membership dues that the BMW's lopsided lights have more to do with styling than engineering anyday.

I own a 21st century Beemer by the way, and I'm quite pleased with how far it's come along beyond my Muth designed museum piece. (Which incidently, has never left me stranded, and I ride the h#!! out of each of them.)
However, I don't think it will ever earn it's place in a museum based on appearances alone.
I stand by my assertion that the British (21st century Triumph Speed Triple) and Italians (21st century Ducati Monster, 21st century Moto Morini Corsaro) build better looking naked bikes.
As they did last century (Norton Commando, Laverda Jota, and so on).

P.S. I'll happily take in any Muth designed antiques you are afraid to rely on.

All this from a rider who owns an R1200ST. Pot - Kettle - Black :)

[lenrt1200st]

It was election day so I guess the thread title was a bit off track, but the release was on the forum 11/4

Excuse me? Maybe your comment is a bit off track?:hide

I made the original post on 11-7-08, from the Triumph RAT site. Saw the Low Rider link, but missed the F800R. The Low Rider IMHO is an abomination, anyway!

My caption reflects, my interest in this F800R machine. Light, simple, pratical, powerful, etc. And, my hope is that it will be offered soon and in the USA.

I saw no other F800R release on the forum at the time of my posting, but certainly could've missed it. There's a lot goes on I don't notice or understand...its probably the age thing.:type

I thought the F-800 guys and dolls would be excited about this ride. And, I was amazed to find it on the Triumph site, first. Although, those ole Bonneville riders :gerg are always on the lookout of something new and exciting to put between their legs. So, I plopped it into the F-forum.

Cheers,
Len :beer

[Mika]

You’re excused, now will you cut me a break and excuse me. My comment was directed at myself and the poor thread title I wrote when sitting up waiting for the press release from BMW at the EICMA Milan show. It was election day, I was watching the news while putting it the post together and feeling a little Puckish at the time I wrote the thread title. The news was on the forum I just put a lousy title on MY thread and feel bad that people missed the information.

[MCMXCIVRS]

And, you are welcome to your Muth designed bikes. I prefer the 21st century. I ride too much to depend on antiques for my travels. But each to their own.

:p:p

Some people state they prefer older simpler bikes because they can work on them at the side of the road. I like riding newer bikes so I don't have to. :whistle :whistle

To each their own.

And I like the look of most of the new models the afore-mentioned boxer ST being an exception.

[lenrt1200st]

You’re excused, now will you cut me a break and excuse me. My comment was directed at myself and the poor thread title I wrote when sitting up waiting for the press release from BMW at the EICMA Milan show. It was election day, I was watching the news while putting it the post together and feeling a little Puckish at the time I wrote the thread title. The news was on the forum I just put a lousy title on MY thread and feel bad that people missed the information.

Certainly you are excused, Mika. Sorry for any misunderstanding on my part

Len:deal

[108625]

:p:p

Some people state they prefer older simpler bikes because they can work on them at the side of the road. I like riding newer bikes so I don't have to. :whistle :whistle

To each their own.

And I like the look of most of the new models the afore-mentioned boxer ST being an exception.

To which I repeat, my "older, simpler bike" has never left me stranded by the side of the road....While both my 21st century beemer, and my wife'sR 21st century beemer have.

You might want reread the forum categories and see how many threads are about people being stranded by 21st century Beemers.

As far as the ST goes, I did suggest it would never make it into a museum based on appearances alone. However, it's still better looking than the GS and the RT.

But we digress, this thread is about the F800R, a great idea, let down by the execution.
Once again, BMW has built a "butter face".
(She looks great from behind, but her face!)

[PAULBACH]

To which I repeat, my "older, simpler bike" has never left me stranded by the side of the road....While both my 21st century beemer, and my wife'sR 21st century beemer have.

You might want reread the forum categories and see how many threads are about people being stranded by 21st century Beemers.

As far as the ST goes, I did suggest it would never make it into a museum based on appearances alone. However, it's still better looking than the GS and the RT.

But we digress, this thread is about the F800R, a great idea, let down by the execution.
Once again, BMW has built a "butter face".
(She looks great from behind, but her face!)


http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g264/PaulBach/Friedles%20Rally/08%20Hunter%20Mt/truckride.jpg
Like my 2009 F650GS twin which had to be hauled home from Colors In The Catskills. Reason - cell in battery died - only 1,300 miles on the clock. The worst part? Wife came on got me in Troy and said, "Daddy just had to have a motorcycle."

[Mika]

I have anticipated the release the F800R as the release or what potentially would be my next bike. If it had been released earlier the timing would have been right to happily pick up a used one about now. The delay would require me to open my wallet for a new one if I were to add another roadster to my stable.

Styling
European bike designs are something of an acquired taste for Americans. Part of the appeal of a European bike is the fact that they often are different than the other bikes you meet going down the road. The look of the ST was very well received in the European market while leaving many on this side of the pond cold. The problem faced in Europe the ST had to compete with the Suzuki Bandit for the target audience and in the end it lost out on price.

The F800R front leaves me cold. BMW seems to have chosen to remain with design queues that harkens back to the original design queues developed for the line when it was originally conceived. That is a period of Transformer looking naked bikes and the market and tastes seem to be moving in other directions. The disappointment as this is released is it offers no insight into the look of future offerings. I take comfort in the fact that when riding a F800R I would not have to look at the front end of it.

Dependability
My big bike roots go back to British bikes. They had the incredible capacity to leak oil form every orifice, even ones that had no visible oil related supply, had parts that would break due to material failure and electrics form the Price of Darkness. This combined to provide for the enjoyable Saturday morning ritual of inspection and repair before going for a weekend ride limited in range by my resources to either repair or retrieve the bike when it failed. The Japanese bikes that replaced them were dependable, fast, gave my rides coastal reach from my home in the heartland and totally devoid of personality.

Anecdotally my first R100 BMW had a propensity to eat diode boards and had a port side carb that never stayed in adjustment. My current R1150R has been rock solid dependable, even in settings it was never designed to be ridden in. That said, with each post or article about final drive failures I find myself planning more and more for what I would do. None of my BMWs have been perfect yet to my taste have delivered well beyond what I have experienced in the past.

Progress
I am fascinated regularly reading about innovative design possibilities for the future of motorcycles. Yet I find myself asking just because you can build it in a concept bike should it be built in my production bike?

Roadsters appeal to me because I see them as a platform for me to refine or modify to my tastes and needs. I can replace the headlight set up with something of my own choosing.

The mechanicals from engine to final drive seem to offer options that work for me.

The electronics and the growing complexity of controls and electrical systems is where I am nervous. I am more and more dubious that I need the developments sold as progress in my day to day riding. Complexity increases the potential for failure. I am not a Luddite, but problems in this area have never been in my area of competency (if in fact I have any). I am concerned that these systems seem to be designed and built by the heirs of the Prince of Darkness.

We ride in interesting times.

[AZ-J]

Roadsters appeal to me because I see them as a platform for me to refine or modify to my tastes and needs. I can replace the headlight set up with something of my own choosing.

The mechanicals from engine to final drive seem to offer options that work for me.

The electronics and the growing complexity of controls and electrical systems is where I am nervous. I am more and more dubious that I need the developments sold as progress in my day to day riding. Complexity increases the potential for failure. I am not a Luddite, but problems in this area have never been in my area of competency (if in fact I have any). I am concerned that these systems seem to be designed and built by the heirs of the Prince of Darkness.

We ride in interesting times.


Mika, the "electronics and the growing complexity of controls and electrical systems" should make you nervous. If you were to replace the headlight setup of an F800R, I'd guarantee you'd see a CanBus error of some sort.

In fact, the recent circumstance of one 2007 Canbus bike not recognizing what another 2007 one did, illustrates how "interesting" these times are. If I still had the damned F800S, I could test it again, but since it has already been picked up for its trip to Montvale, NJ, I can't any more.

[r60us]

Why does BMW insist on using those d@#^ asymmetrical headlights as some sort of styling trademark? They make every bike they're put on look like some off-kilter mechanical cross between Bill the Cat and Marty Feldman.

+1

Make mine with a round headlight and dual exhausts please. And yeah, do something about the brake master cylinder ;).

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/958/f800rru9.jpg

[108625]

+1

Make mine with a round headlight and dual exhausts please. And yeah, do something about the brake master cylinder ;).

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/958/f800rru9.jpg

Now that's a lot better!

[AZ-J]

Rumor has it the R is not coming here. Supposedly in Rider Magazine.

See it here (http://f800riders.org/forum/showpost.php?p=217113&postcount=9)