Keith, I hope you enjoy many years with your bike. I have had a 2008 F800ST I purchased new at age 60. It was my third BMW. All have been good working motorcycles that I commuted on. Last several years, below 40 F, I would take the truck. That's just me. I had done colder rides as a younger man but I had to admit I wasn't that tough anymore. One thing I like about the F800ST is the belt drive and not having to do chain maintenance when I got home cold or wet. I have stored mine outside under a cover for over 10 years and very little corrosion. Only problem I had was with Ethanol 10% gas. At over 85 degrees Fahrenheit it would hesitate and stall. I know the forums had something about this. I live where I can access Ethanol-free gas, thank god, and that solves the problem.
I have had my 2016 for one month. It is a great bike for me. not too big or too small but just right. I was considering honda 750x and Yamaha Tracer. The belt drive sold me plus as a former BMW owner of a R/75 and K1100LT, I had certain fond memories, except for the parts and service bills. I wish the replies, if any, were public because I would ask some of the same questions. Mine also came with a throttle lock, which is important for me on highways. I added a touring screen (Vtechnik) to reduce wind at highway speeds although stock was not too bad (anyone want to buy it?). Skene Lights accessory lights will be installed in the future
I'm test riding an orange 2014 in a few days that has the same handlebar riser shown, and a tall touring screen, so if it enchants me, I may be looking for a stock screen if not included :)
Lets see, single sided swing arm, belt drive, big parallel twin (torquey) Fair sized tank under butt, injected, brembo, ohlins?, unique component layout-good CG/balance and good ground clearance for twisties and gravel pot roads. Looks like an all around sporty touring bike. Not as aggressive as manageable. All weather & low insurance rates. All this being said, i would never own one because i am a litre class Sport Touring 130 to 160 HP kinda guy. Like the FZ1 or MT10. Once you've been bitten by those G-forces coming out of a long set of Ortega Hwy. like twisties, an 800GT could only be a second or third bike.
I'm 5'6" and am going to test ride one of these in a few days. It has the same bar riser, and a taller touring screen already. Not sure which seat. I've been riding a RE INT650 the last 14,000 miles in a couple years (which I love). I'm just looking for something with really good wind protection perhaps, to make 200+ mile rides comfortable. If I love one of these even more, I'll certainly miss my RE INT650. I love this blue color, but will be looking at an orange 2014.
Because of this video....I just bought one.....thx to you Keith. Now, I'm going to ask you a question, that you didn't address, because you didn't need to. I think you might have some idea, or information that may help me. I'm doing everything to mine you did with a couple of differences. I'm dropping the pegs about 2 inches further down....no biggy....but, your extended handle bars aren't back far enough for me, so I purchased risers that will have the bars slightly higher than yours, but quite a bit back further and closer to me. I just don't want any lean, I also don't want my arms stretched out straight either. Anyway....to do so I will have to lengthen my cables. Now, I've been told by various bikers that it's not a big deal to find places that do that. However, I never asked anyone for companies to check with. Would you have any ideas on this???? Loved your video, and I love my GT too. Everything you stated about it is true and lovely....including the extra great fuel mileage! Looking forward to more videos from you if you choose to do some....yours was very well done.....Thankyou
Great video Keith, I purchased a 2013 f800gt after watching your video and everything you said about the bike was spot on. I have one question, what brand are your handlebar extenders you installed and did you have to reposition any cables lines or wire harness? Thanks again for the video.
Awesome video Keith. I am going for a 2017 model and tried it over the weekend and it rocks. I am slightly older than you so same criteria applies for me too. Might have to write to you about the extra items you fitted to the bike as I feel I am gonna need them too. Cheers
Hi, you say you drive every single month even in cold Connecticut :-) Do you have any issues with salt on the roads in winter? Any corrosion or something?
Hi. Thank you for video, Buying the same model now. Do you service her yourself? Any issues so far? What's the interval for a driving belt replacement? After owning 1200GS my worries now to take on gravel road sometimes.🤔
Hi Keith, Great video! I have the exact same BMWF800GT (color, side cases, year) and was thinking of installing handlebar extenders as well to relieve pressure from my wrists. Did you have to modify anything i.e. brake, clutch cables etc? Thanks.
Hallo Keith , a very nice bike you have. In Europa many people complain about the knee angle on this bike. Because the angle is to small, they say your knees will hurt when you take it for a long ride. Whats your experience? Whats your height? Kind regards from John, the Netherlands,
You told us 3 times that you're 47...but you never mentioned your height, a more important barometer for me to determine the "fit" of a bike I'm six ft tall. You? Also, any costing and sourcing info on your modifications would be appreciated. Oh, and what brand and model ARE those wonderful tires?
Hi Keith, thanks for the review, very nice. I test rode one today, great bike, it's got some character and attitude! Did notice though that it is quite vibey in the upper rev range, mostly in the handle bars, quite common with these bikes it seems; how is your bike? Apparently Grip Puppies and heavy bar ends help a lot? Cheers, Steve from New Zealand.
Hi K. I too am looking to return to biking after 20 years out of the saddle. My last bike was a 125cc and I only had it for 6 months. I intend to get a BMWF800GT. Do you think this will be too much for me as a first big bike ??
No, I started riding on late fifties and have ridden much heavier and more powerful sport tourers and now I’m looking for something lighter and smaller like this, not sure about this bike specifically
I STARTED riding at age 60 and after one year moved up from a 250cc Honda Nighthawk to this same bike (And color) a new 2015 F800GT. I have been very pleased and have no problems handling it. I highly recommend it. Be safe.
Hi Keith, how are you? Im from Portugal and I see your movie and i would like to know if you teel us where you buy the spacer to mirrors and the extenders for handlebar?Thanks and best regards
Josephine, let me chime in on this. I am on my third windscreen for the F800ST. I like the Madstad. They make three sizes. Depending on your height, you may be okay with a stock windscreen. There are many factors to cockpit noise. What the Madstad does is allow airflow behind the screen and you can adjust the angle of attack so you introduce turbulence at a point farther from the helmet. This actually breaks up the high energy stream that can give a loud, higher-pitch noise at helmet contact points. Sadly, trial and error may be the best way to find your solution. Which can be costly.
I've got the F800ST 2007 and it's done 132,000km now. I replaced the cam chain and tensioner as a precaution and put a new clutch in 10,000km ago but other than that it is standard, no issues, nothing other than normal BMW service book maintenance.
