F800ST Questions

[staciebug]

We recently purchased a 2007 F800ST. It was wheelied and the guy went too far, it was then sold at auction to the man whom we purchased it from. It does have a rebuilt title, but we paid less than half the market value for it and want to keep it to ride, not to sell. Once we got it home, we did the string test to see if the wheels were tracking straight, seems fine, snowing, so we only got one quick ride on it. BUT, if you stand behind the bike, you can see that the rack and seat area are off, one side has been pushed down slightly, (assuming where it hit when the wheelie went to far). Is there anything we can do at home to try and tweek the frame where the seat is, or would this jeopordize the integrity of the frame more? Just trying to save some money and do anything we can at home. Also, I figured the wheels tracking straight was pretty important, but what other issues may we have with that area being tweeked, besides comfort over long distance... Would love to hear your thoughts. :D

[roadcrave]

Yes

[PAULBACH]

If it is running well why temp fate by trying to fix something that just does not seem broken?

It may not look well to your eye but who will notice when the bike is underway?

Other opinions?

[dbrick]

I wouldn't try to tweak the frame. As Paul implies, it might be straight where it counts. If you want to know more, I think you should take it to a mechanic with some experience working on the F800 twins. OTOH, if it runs well now, maybe you're better off not knowing. :whistle

[roadcrave]

If we are talking just the rear frame cage 1/2 tubing and not the main frame it can be straightened pretty easily...matthew

[108625]

Best bet is to remove and repair or replace the rear subframe, which is a bolt on unit supporting the seat and tail section. Trying to straighten it on the bike rarely works well enough and risks damaging the main frame. Rather than buy new, look for an F800 being parted out (I've seen whole bikes being sold as individual parts on Ebay) and save yourself a few bucks. There is also the beemer boneyard and other sources you can check. Someone out there has probably wrecked their ST and bent the forks and front parts by now without damaging the rear subframe.

Good luck, and happy hunting!

[108625]

By the way, do the math and set yourself a firm budget. If it will cost more to fix the bike to what you could get for the same price at 3/4 market value, stop.
You can rebuild it to like new condition and it will always have a rebuilt title. Even if you never plan to sell it, if it gets stolen or wrecked again you're out of luck with your insurance company and all that money and work will have been for nothing.
If you do decide to throw in the towel on it, consider parting the bike out. You can probably recoup your investment, or even make a buck or two.
When you have the rear subframe off, throughly check the main frame for alignment and other components for damage, like the fuel tank, which is housed in the rear section. It will cost you nothing to take the bike apart to this level, but can pay off in sound decision making and peace of mind in the long run.

You may find more F800 specific knowledge here: http://f800riders.org/forum/

[85138]

What the previous poster recommended ...

Check if there's a G.M.D Computrack in your area or ask around in Sport bike circles for mechanics who specialize in chassis alignment or local BMW dealer. If it's just the rear frame then no major worries.

[staciebug]

Thank you for the feedback! I finally got to ride the bike 2 days ago! I had a blast. Fast little bugger compared to my old Brick (still love it though). The throttle is so touchy. My boyfriend tried riding with no hands to see if it pulled really bad, he said it was pulling just barely to the right, (my k does that) assumed it could be from the single side swing arm, Or, becuase that is the side that the seat pulls down on. Matt, you should come see it if you are down in the valley. I know you have an ST at home. Thanks to everyone again! I think we will leave it for now and just see how it goes. And yes, found out our insurance only will do liability on the bike since it is a rebuilt title. So, probably won't dump a lot into it. I will keep you updated! :bow

[staciebug]

:clapYes

Nice Matt, short and sweet!

[108625]

The throttle is touchy because BMW programs their fuel injection to run so lean, for better mileage and emissions. It takes a while to get used to.

As far as pulling to the right goes, it should not do that. I would try riding it on a nice straight level pavement on a non-windy day and make sure about it. Then I would definitely check the frame alignment.

[staciebug]

The throttle is touchy because BMW programs their fuel injection to run so lean, for better mileage and emissions. It takes a while to get used to.

As far as pulling to the right goes, it should not do that. I would try riding it on a nice straight level pavement on a non-windy day and make sure about it. Then I would definitely check the frame alignment.

Hopefully it is just because of the tweeked seat frame, when you ride behind, you can see the difference in how the rider is seated, down on the right. First chance we get will will find some nice road, (can be hard in spokane) and try it again. Thanks

[roadcrave]

Hey there Stacie ,, This will do (http://www.framestraightsystem.com/Motorcycle%20Frame%20Check.htm)

[staciebug]

Hey there Stacie ,, This will do (http://www.framestraightsystem.com/Motorcycle%20Frame%20Check.htm)

I had found that exact website, and we did the test, seemed ok. Rode it on the freeway, LOVED IT!!! Way less vibration than my K bike

[ddevol]

Stacie,

I recently bought a salvage 2008 F800ST that sustained a frontal impact. My plan was to rebuild it, but when I got into it too many parts were damaged to make it worthwhile; mostly broken plastic parts, and the engine case had damage on the front around the oil filter that did not appear in the photos.

Anyway, I have completely disassembled the bike and am in the process of building a spreadsheet listing all the good parts. The rear end of the bike was just fine, so I have whatever parts you might need including a nice straight rear subframe assembly (looks like same P/N as the 2007). Let me know if you are interested.

Dave

[roadcrave]

HELLO, Im really interested in a Project test of the abs pressure modulator, if you cant sell it i want to dismantle the modulator, Let me know matthew

[staciebug]

That would be great! Can you email me the list? Or post it on the forum?

Stacie,

I recently bought a salvage 2008 F800ST that sustained a frontal impact. My plan was to rebuild it, but when I got into it too many parts were damaged to make it worthwhile; mostly broken plastic parts, and the engine case had damage on the front around the oil filter that did not appear in the photos.

Anyway, I have completely disassembled the bike and am in the process of building a spreadsheet listing all the good parts. The rear end of the bike was just fine, so I have whatever parts you might need including a nice straight rear subframe assembly (looks like same P/N as the 2007). Let me know if you are interested.

Dave