F800ST weather protection

[bobzeliff]

I'm an old R1100RT rider who wants a smaller bike. I just sat on a lowered 800ST and liked the size, feel and weigh a lot. I note the wind screen is small and low.
How well does it protect on 500 mile days? How does it work in rain, side wind?

Any feed back or suggestions would be welcome to help be make up my mind to buy the lower 800ST or not

[riders]

I had a R1100RT and a R1150R before my 800S; I did put a Cee Baileys windshield on it which gives a little more protection. I really don't miss the RT's windshield other than maybe when it is really cold. My hands do fine with the heated grips; I think my hands got colder on the RT and with the R I had handguards. I love the nimbleness and the lightness of the 800 and am thinking I may trade it for a ST; I find it just as comfortable and have did a thousand mile day and several 600 mile plus days. I think a lot of people would be happier with the 800 but are so obsessed with having something bigger and think bigness means comfort. I have 55,000 miles in the 27 months that I have ridden it. I did put Givi bags on it as I didn't care for the BMW bags. Get the 800ST!!!!

[108625]

:thumb "What he said".

You can change windshields on an F800, but you can't make an RT much less porky.

My wife bought the F800ST (lowered version), and I found I liked it as much as she did, for the same reasons you do; its lack of needless girth and light, nimble feel. Little things like 60+ mpg, fuelling up without moving the tankbag, and not worrying about a final drive failure are nice plusses, too.

In answer to your questions, the heated grips help with dealing with cold weather, and she doesn't get blown around on it in our fierce Montana winds any worse than she did on any other bike she's had; including an R1150RS.

I would advise you to shop around though. While I think its one of the best bikes BMW sells, it is priced higher than the competition.

[pffog]

The 800 will not match the ultimate protection of an RT, but it is sufficient, and a LOT more fun to ride.

[32232]

Weather protection is surprisingly good for a small fairing.

I haven't used my electric vest since I got the ST; it was essential on an R1150R in the same conditions. I've actually ridden 10 miles in light rain without my pants getting wet.

[bobzeliff]

I appreciate the info. I checked out the Bailey windscreens, The "euro" seems the best size for my height

bob

[Hench 1200]

I have a07 f800st I am 5`8`` 186 lbs found wind pressure on my helmet excessive at 80 mph switch to cee bailey " euro " windscreen. pressure gone. PLus Bugs only hit top of helmet now Hank

[deitscher]

Own an 09 ST and just got back from a 18 state, 7,300 mile cross-country trip. The ST did great in the weather. A little light for some of those cross winds in the plains...but overall the bike did an awesome job. Also....I got 70 miles per gallon in Wyoming! Averaged 62-63 the rest of the trip.