2017 BMW F800 GT Test Ride & Review

[@desdog100]

Good video ..i have had one for a year and done 12,000 miles including a trip to Madrid. If you hate maintenance and just like driving like me this is the bike. You can leave it 2/3 weeks at not worry about battery,no soding around with the chain. Turn the key and away you go.. Its not the fasted bike in the world but it is all things to all men . I travel from suffolk to Bath to visit my daughter at uni and its a breeze. I had a tiger before and although it isnt as soulful it is more reliable as you would expect but because of its low center of gravity it is more fun into the twisty roads. Peg position takes a bit of getting used to. The other good thing is the luggage is understated which is better than those silly pizza boxes you get on the bmw gs and triumph bikes. It is however a light tourer which means 200 mile week end away with partner ok but a week in France should be on your own . I normally get bored easy and chop them in every year but I think I will keep this one..

[@motobob]

Thanks for taking the time to write some substantial thoughts! I've pinned your comment for others to see. I can see what you mean about the maintenance free appeal. Wish I could have taken it out onto some twisties like you mention but I only had an hour from BMW Park Lane. Maybe another time!

[@BMRTV]

What's the vibration like on the highway/freeway? I heard they have a lot of vibration.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

I borrowed my brother's F800 to ride from Warwickshire to Dorset and was very impressed. Not too heavy, reasonably nimble, and frugal too. I reckon it would be a decent tourer...

[@billwilliams9362]

Had the ST version , did 86,000klm was a great touring bike two up and no issues . Got 80k out of the belt and that is only because someone reversed in to the rear sprocket and i ended up freying the belt before i noticed it . Yes im getting the GT version next .

[@jameswhite1692]

I have the same 2017 model bike here in Aus. Great all-rounder which suits weekend rides with my partner and commutes here in Sydney. Nice review as is all your content.

[@nigeldavies1526]

Thanks, good review and food for thought. After more than 20 years on R80, R1100 & R1150 RT's I've been toying getting a GT as a daily ride. Thanks again, all the best and stay shinny side up.

[@motobob]

You sound just like my dad - a BMW man! He's currently got an R850R, R1100RS, and R1100RT. There must be something about them... I've had a little ride on his R and RS, and I think they've a bit more character than the F800 GT, but it's still a good bike. I especially enjoyed riding the F800R recently - hired one abroad. I think it's the one I'd pick out of the F800 range if I was choosing something for a fun ride!

[@nigeldavies1526]

MOTOBOB Hmmm not that old, don't even smoke a pipe let alone wear slippers. Tried the F800R on a demo day, light, nimble and great fun but not enough weather protection for my liking. I'd freeze my bits off come February. Will just have to try a GT now.

[@motobob]

+Nigel Davies haha 😂 pipe and slippers come standard issue with the RT don't they??? Yeah I can see your point about the R - naked bikes definitely don't do the job on the motorway. The thing I loved about the R was the quality of the shocks. But the GT is great for day to day use for sure and a lot more practical.

[@leroyjones769]

The traffic in England always blows me away ..and I live in Southern California

[@motobob]

You get used to it! I ride right into the middle of London so it’s much worse here than the rest of the country

[@AJG76]

We do get to filter / Lane split tho ;)

[@mindspinn311]

These bikes are starting to experience demand on the used market. I want one. Belt drive is a rarity, not to mention its an ideal all around bike if not terribly exciting as a sport bike. BMW motorcycles have become too mainstream and because of that they’re more expensive than ever, or they’re making bikes like the F 900 to fit a trend and meet a price point, making themselves more like the rest of the industry.

[@marcusboyce8609]

Awesome video mate, has given me determination to get my full license :P keep up the great videos

[@motobob]

+Marcus Boyce cheers Marcus. Full license is an expensive process but definitely worth it in the long run. You got a bike in mind?

[@pawelkisiel6539]

Good review m8! I do like the paint scheme and finish on this bike, especially in faux tank area. I saw your filtering on A4 and I must admit it was hard work keeping these mirrors out of the way. On my F800gs it is easier especially when passing passengers cars as bike is tall and mirrors are high. It has flaw when dealing with white vans and suvs though :) Looks like you need to decide what you really like and want, which is always problematic if you have some many bikes to choose from. Ride safe.

[@motobob]

+Pawel Kisiel I think I enjoyed the GS a lot more. Was grinning the whole time I tested it. The engine doesn't really feel right in the sports tourer. It doesn't rev up enough. But on the GS it's just right - grunty! Do you think you'll stick a different pipe on it? Think it would sound awesome. The paint is nice, but your bike is one of my favourite looking bikes I've tested. The red frame! 👌

[@pawelkisiel6539]

I don't have plans to put new pipe yet, but I would fancy putting akra or some other aftermarket pipe on it. Check youtube, it has plenty of videos with f800gs that sound great with aftermarket pipes.

[@motobob]

+Pawel Kisiel akra sound awesome but expensive. Most folks seem to think they're worth it tho

[@Da.Onus.Burger.618]

Great review! Your video quality is very nice. This has been a dream bike for some time now. When I finally got to ride one I didn't spend as much time on it as i'd hoped for and plan on going back to try one again this week as well as the new VFR just to compare. I'll probably buy one "used" as a new one is just outside of my budget. I currently have a '78 BMW R80/7 which also has a great low center of gravity and has served me pretty well, but she's a little long in the tooth and its time for an upgrade. You and The Missenden Flyer are my two favorite UK motovlogers! I look forward to more videos from you! #newSUB

[@motobob]

Hey Owah! Thanks for the kind words. It’s definitely a great bike, but I’d be interested to hear how you like the VFR if you test it as I’ve never had chance to ride one. Stop by and let me know if you can!

[@apb5986]

Good review, good job !! Allow me please to ask you a question. I am thinking of changing from my old Honda CBF 600, to another bike and the F800GT is in my budget, but I have always read about the annoying engine vibrations when you speed up at around 4000 rpm and on. I don´t know if it´s true, and if they are so unpleasant for such a nice bike. Thanks !!! Arturo

[@MotoMichelle]

I rode one yesterday, and was fine for me No vibrations :)

[@patrickfleming4481]

@@MotoMichelle I've owned two. Both vibrated much more than an inline four and I had to change bike. Grip puppies offer some relief, but better isolation built in should be the solution. You will also struggle to get a decent screen.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

The first road is where Cycling Mikey catches people using their mobile phones whilst driving...

[@davidpayne965]

I purchased a 2013 model last year. Pretty well the same I think . Took me sometime to get used to it. ( still think it sounds like a bag of spanners ) But it's grown on me. Mostly ride 2 up, with luggage. Does everything fine and is comfortable. Did a 300 mile day trip an it was fine. ( do have the comfort seat ) . It isn't exciting, but easy to ride/travel on. DONT like BMW costs !!!!

[@motobob]

Thanks for taking the time to comment David. I can definitely see the value in having this bike with full luggage - would be a perfect bike for some 2 up weekends away. Does the '13 model have a regular cable throttle? Can't say I enjoyed the fly by wire too much on this version. Also when you mention costs, do you mean servicing or parts?

[@prof.2248]

90NM at 5800 rpm and 213kg wet - even today is no bike witgh better stats ... Rotax masterpiece

[@G91YS]

What about wind protection? I'm 1m80 and since I ride fairly on highways... plus I can''t decide between a VFR800, the F800GT (or even GS), or any trail. :(

[@motobob]

I think you might need an extension on the screen to get good highway protection. I think there are plenty available from third parties

[@mathieuboissier3021]

hello, what size are you?! to know if the bike could suit me .. thank you

[@christianweller4288]

I hire an F800R from time to time... well worth giving that a go. The GT is a great bike but with all the add-ons it's just too expensive. The Tracer 700 and the latest Versys 650 in all honesty provide 95% of what the F800 can offer.

[@motobob]

+Christian Weller the R is a nice looking bike. Bet it would be a lot of fun around town. But you're right you pay a premium for a BMW. They're beautifully made though - there's a notable difference between the BMWs I've tried and my Kawasaki

[@jurgentreue1200]

@@motobob ,, I have a 2015 F800R. It's okay around town but shines in the twisties. It's light so you can chuck it around and the wide bars make it very nimble. The radial Brembos are brilliant. Best handling bike I've ever owned. A pretty good touring bike also.

[@motobob]

I actually got chance to ride the F800R - I rented one in Portugal. It was a hoot to ride, good for pillion too. And yeah I agree that the brakes are awesome

[@예서파파]

Hello. I watched your video very well. I have one question. If you have to choose between 2017 f800gt and 2017 f800gs, what would you choose? In my case, i'm short.

[@motobob]

+전민규 hey! How short? I'm 5 foot 9 and the GS was a little tall for me. But it was definitely my favourite out of the two bikes. Maybe you could get the lowering kit? Or try the F700GS? It's similar to the 800 but much lower 🙂

[@JimmySlacksack]

dunno why they dont have that gorgeous single swing arm and belt drive on the R model too

[@motobob]

That’s a good shout - it looks awesome. Would be so good on the R

[@jurgentreue1200]

Probably to save weight and cost. I have a 2015 F800R. Great bike.

[@markneff9251]

Great review, thanks!

[@motobob]

Cheers Mark

[@posapie]

Love your vids, articulate and sophisticated. I commented on a video you did on the street twin, and now having watched your videos on the F800GT and the F700GS I was wondering which one you would buy between those three. Im a little taller than you - 6ft, so the height is not so much an issue for me... so which one did you like best - Street twin / 800 GT / 700 GS, and lets say money would not be the no 1 consideration ?

[@posapie]

* corrrection the 800 GS... which is the one you reviewed

[@motobob]

+pierre verwey cheers pierre - appreciate the kind words! 🍺🍺 It would either be the GS or the street twin for sure. I think the street twin was the most fun because of the sound and the torque, so if I was just using it around town I'd go for that. But if I was doing a bit of touring etc then the GS would be much better. The GS is also great around town but less of an out and out smile on your face fun factor!

[@posapie]

The Triumphs, especially these later versions are absolutely fantastic! A bullseye in terms of appeal on every level. However, I do have a concern, and a rather serious one. Its not one that should be a problem for UK riding conditions, but one for here in Bangkok where I live. Its the tropical heat combined with traffic lights that take up to 10 mins to change. The placement of that exhaust is potentially going to be a mood killer considering the heat it generates. I spoke to a Thai rider recently (at a traffic light - cause we had 5 mins to kill) He was on a drop dead gorgeous T100 with wrapped pipes. I did not want to ask him, but he was rather eager to tell me all about it. Quite incredible how something like that could be nothing in one part of the world and a potential deal breaker in another! The reality is, there is always something missing from the tickbox list when buying a new bike... Its whether you can live with it or not. I will have to talk to a few more Triumph owners, but right now the 700GS is looking like the more likely choice as I will be spending most of my time commuting on it and only occasionally doing a weekend trip. I don't mind the GS, in fact, I really like it a lot, though for very different reasons.

[@motobob]

+pierre verwey interesting! Never really a problem in the uk of course but I totally understand. The GS is an awesome bike so I'm sure you won't regret it. Perfect bike for commuting etc.

[@posapie]

Went to the Triumph dealer today to clear up the bit about the engine pipes being hot. Apparently its not the pipes but the fan that blows onto your legs, which is noticeable when you stop for a long time at a traffic light. Still, its a g o r g e o u s bike, I totally get why you favor it. I am still undecided. Doing a facebook vote on which one my friends prefer. So far the Triumph is winning hands down...

[@Proagrassiv]

Does it have cruise control?

[@motobob]

No it doesnt

[@Shawnlalond]

Well spoken and presented. Thanks.

[@motobob]

+Shawn Lalonde cheers Shawn 🍻

[@Greenmile-lw9il]

Nice Job ! Having also the 2017 Model in blue colour. A very safety bike and really nice for country roads. On motorhighway its a bit unsecure and in the city more a car than a bike but cool to ride.

[@motobob]

Yeah it's not too bad for the city but not the most nimble. Really enjoyed the ride though!

[@posapie]

"More like a car than a bike" Wow that is a very interesting and valuable observation.

[@johnsumser9743]

Yes, but I have no idea what it means. Too wide? Too slow? Bad speakers on the stereo?

[@SMU_3L]

Have you thought of the mt09 tracer? I like these alot. But not what I want as 90% of my riding is currently for fun ahha

[@motobob]

+Samuel Wicks they look pretty sick. Do you sub cagerontwowheels? I think he just bought one

[@SMU_3L]

YeahI am. Pretty sure he got the MT07 Tracer?

[@motobob]

+Samuel Wicks ah right. Haven't watched it properly yet. Might try to check one out - there's a Yamaha dealer in Clapham nearby. Really want to try an xsr900 which I believe is the same engine?

[@SMU_3L]

MOTOBOB yeah the MT09 engine is used in the MT09 (obviously), the XSR900 and the MT09 tracer 👌🏽All 3 are great looking bikes built around a cracking engine.

[@raymondfairley5680]

Can I lower the bars slightly ?

[@ptopping2012]

Great Video as always....😆👍✌🚵

[@motobob]

+P Topping cheers P Top! 🙌🍺

[@MotoMichelle]

Agree :)

[@JosezitoMotovlogs]

Thanks for sharing ✌

[@motobob]

👍👍👍

[@MotoMichelle]

I rode one yesterday, it's a great bike :)

[@PIETROMACMOTO]

HOW DO YOU FEEL FRONT SUSPENCION ? THE HANDLEBAR SHAKES ?

[@SmartESET]

Vanilla bike but awesome review as always.

[@motobob]

+Abdi Osman cheers abdi - enjoyed it all the same but you're right that it's not the most exciting. Can see why some folks might buy one tho. I'd be interested to try other bikes in this category with a bit more of a kick. Maybe a vfr 800?

[@nathanknowles1619]

Great music

[@motobob]

+Nathan Knowles cheers Nathan 🙌

[@ijaxon6675]

Had one, nice but in a brisk wind it was a sail. The wind would blow you all over the road.

[@oldskool528]

Had a 2020 model , lovely looking,plenty of power, awesome brakes but awful to ride long distances in my opinion even with a tall screen fitted definitely in wrong catergory more sports than tourer and the build quality was shocking flaking engine paint with only 6k on the clock sold it after 6 months and bought a Kawasaki.

[@patrickallen5781]

Is cruise control available?

[@motobob]

+Patrick Allen I don't think so to be honest, but you can probably check by configuring a bike on the BMW website

[@stevensegaloetdemelderse5059]

Does it still have the known belt drive issues?

[@motobob]

+Jeremy Aelmans not sure Jeremy. What were the original issues?

[@stevensegaloetdemelderse5059]

The belts were prone to come off, and the belt wheel was known for breakdowns. Other than that, it is a very nice bike.

[@motobob]

Thanks for the info. Not sure if that's been resolved. Sounds like a pain though as the belt is one of the big selling points for me, especially if riding through winter.

[@24366937]

What's an Eggzost?

[@motobob]

I said egg sauce!

[@24366937]

@@motobobHey dude, what's up, I thought it was maybe a touch of the American twang that sweeping the UK.

[@trevinormandy14520]

Greetings from LA MANCHE in the Normandy Cotentin penninsula, just across from the channel islands. I'm 1m88 about 6 feet 2 inches, a friend suggested getting seat raised and handle bars risers as well. Anyone around here in my heights? (as cousins long ago) I have an english name but I'm not English. I'm going to test ride one next tuesday and I have the funds its going for €8900 (£7667) year 2019 9876 km (6172 miles) that's nothing for a micro-size touring has dual panniers and a high wind shield which I was already think about getting. Cheers from across the (English) channel :-)

[@TAJS-C]

I wouldn't upload a video of myself illegally filtering on zig-zags.... But meh 😂

[@simonchilli2088]

Or use the underground.