BMW F 800 ST, the near perfect bike | Old Bike Reviews

The BMW F 800 ST was by many experts regarded as the near perfect motorcycle, back in 2006. Despite this, it didn't sell very well initially because of it's transmission. I tell you the story and share my personal experience on the bike.
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[@Norquay.Mikado]

I had a 2008 F8ST for 6 years and a F8GT since 2014. Lovely bikes. I've been coast to coast in Canada and the USA on those bikes.

[@Sony_ZV_e10_motoman]

My 2009 BMW F800st was written off, just two weeks ago. I must say, I absolutely loved the machine for all the reasons that most of us who own one can attest. I just purchased my replacement, a 2012 F800st with only 12k on the machine, never dropped and spotless. Obviously, I loved the bike enough to buy it twice. It's nimble handling, low center of gravity, excellent braking and the torquey engine still bring a smile to my face. If you want a reliable, quiet and accomplished sport-touring machine, you should take an ST or GT for a cruise. Enjoy and keep the shiny side up.

[@ExtremeDeathman]

Thank you for the comment. I wish you all the best for your future journeys.

[@meseahunt]

ken, i am looking at a 2012 now, do i have to do anything to the tranny or is there something i should look for? thanks

[@Sony_ZV_e10_motoman]

@@meseahunt o The transmission is a bit notchy. Getting in to 1 st requires a soft tap. It is easy to miss neutral. Just a glitch of the tranny. Both bikes were the same.

[@ichhasseamerika]

Love my F800ST! (2010) And yes, it is a bit boring. . . . but for us older riders who have already had our fun in younger days, not necessarily a bad thing,. ;-)

[@farisalhourani5202]

Today i bought my F800ST 2007 ❤️💪🏽

[@shammon1]

Bought this for one reason- the ability to ride in rain storms. Its amazing, I have ridden my F800ST in two severe storms and it was faultless. its a real gem of a bike. Power for a 800cc is not what you expect and it was lacking but still good.

[@zibingotaeam3716]

The problem with an F800 is what happens after you lose it - you realize just how much you relied on it and how good this thing really is. It's a bit of a Volvo bike. Unassuming, outwardly boring, but when its gone and you have to find something else you wish you hadn't lost it.

[@ExtremeDeathman]

I can imagine!

[@billwilliams9362]

👍 agreed 🪃

[@bikerchris6506]

Yep...after 6Ears i buy IT again ;)

[@bikerchris6506]

Sounds Like Arnold Schwarzenegger Englisch/deutsch😊

[@jesuseinzigerettung]

Perfect Review, thanks a lot deathman. What i can leave you is a path to master your death Problem. It's Jesus Christ, who everybody will meet after his journey here. So it's better to know him, than meeting him. Nobody will get to the father without him, our ONLY saviour ✝️🫱🏻‍🫲🏼❣️ So, get the things right between you and your god right and enjoy a completely new life, peace and real joy through him. God bless and lead all of you brothers and sisters and your dear families through Jesus Christ 🙏🏽🥰🙌🏽🫶🏼✝️🫱🏻‍🫲🏼❣️💟☀️✅🫂😊

[@Mr121953]

I have owned my F800 ST for nearly 4 years and agree on most of the points mentioned . It is the near perfect motorcycle in everyway. One thing I would like to discuss is the replacement of the stock exhaust . The original system is very well made by Lafraconi in Italy it is a superb piece of engineering . The problem is that houses the catalytic convertor and is very big and heavy . I swapped mine for a bespoke exhuast made by Delkevic and apart from being much lighter increases the power output and helps the engine run better ... Highly recommended for anyone buying one of these bikes . No remapping needed , fits straight on and away you go . The sound is lovely with a deep 'burble' and has made the bike much lighter ... Power increase is 7 bhp giving a good 91 bhp at the back wheel ...Torque is constant throughout the whole rev range giving max power at 7,000 rpm. I hope this is is helpful to owners of these wonderful bikes ? ...

[@ExtremeDeathman]

Thx for the advice. Although I really doubt an increase of 7 bhp, as even open, non-road legal exhausts barely ever make that much without remapping.

[@Mr121953]

Has been tested and can confirm the power output is 91 bhp .

[@ExtremeDeathman]

@@Mr121953 That's about the stock power output. German magazine MOTORRAD has tested 3 different press bikes back then - power output was between 88 and 93 hp. BMW likes to understate their HP. ;)

[@Mr121953]

@@ExtremeDeathman Good point made . Best test of the power is at the crank never the back wheel ...Approx 2% is lost with the transfer due to Windage , Friction and Drag .Take away the weight of the original pipe , potentially we could be looking at another few horses ...Whichever way we look at it the torque curve is constant right up to around 7.000 rev's . Just right where you need it .Certainly a strong engine with enough power for most riding ...I still think the engine performs much better with the lighter exhaust system ...I could go the route of remapping and that could be interesting !

[@TheTopdogski]

Got a 2008 ST with 32K miles on it in 2020, and I love the old girl. I agree with some of the comments concerning the ergos, I'm 5'10" and I found the pegs to be a bit too high and the bars stretching my arms a bit. But after installing a footpeg lowering kit and a set of risers, it's all-day comfortable now. And I get a chuckle from those who say the bike is boring. If so, it's my kind of boring-very flickable with nice low-end power and fabulous brakes. If you're bored on this bike it's probably because you should've bought a loud, 4 cyl squid missile that wears you out after an hour in the saddle. Or a Harley that scrapes the pavement with the least little lean. Or a 700-lb 2-wheeled land yacht. I'll take the little beamer, thank you.

[@tonyhughes1751]

Thanks for taking the time to list this vid in English. You are obviously fluent. Great little vid and told me a lot re the bmw f800st.

[@harryxilouris6814]

I' ve got a 2007 ST model and I totally love it. Great review and just to the point

[@MrNayyar100]

Great video and review, I am about to purchase a used 2009 model and after watching this now I can make up my mind. Thanks a lot!

[@grandpasmountain]

Excellent review! The best I have seen!! Great job.

[@telmodias]

Thanks a lot for the review, it's very complete. I'm considering buying one as my 1st motorcycle.

[@ExtremeDeathman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@saltygrin2]

Nice review and very informative! I'm contemplating buying a 2010 F800ST and your comments really help.

[@billwilliams9362]

I had this exact same bike , i put 86,000 klm on it and sold it , about to buy the EXACT same bike again with 20,000 klm . Both 2007 . Now its 2023 . Comfortable 2 up , she is 50 kilo i am 76 kilo age 71 .👍🇦🇺🪃

[@elementalview1]

I'm checking out a 2008 F800 ST with 32,000 km this weekend. Your positive review is making me excited for this bike!

[@tellisrobinson3125]

Great bike I have one

[@f800gt76]

I had a fully packed F800GT (all possible options) as my first bike. Still lots of good memories about it. Now I've switched a country, switched a bike to a more touring and heavy K1300GT, but still remember lots of fun without major problems with F800GT.

[@digitalride6017]

An excellent and very complete review, thank you

[@BrotherdMike]

Great review, I enjoy the attention to details like the engine and gearbox. Thank you 👌

[@ExtremeDeathman]

No, thank you!

[@jameswhite1692]

Thanks - nice informative review! I just bought a 2017 GT down here in Sydney Aus and enjoyed a 300Km weekend ride without feeling shot. Handles beautifully.

[@thomasdabb8393]

Great review - Thank you very much!

[@blueheelerfriend8450]

Great review thank you!!

[@reconnaisancesapper]

I have one and it has proven to be very reliable and for long range amazing durable. The only disadvantage is that the bike is uncomfortable for long legged riders. The one with the upside-down front forks and cool dash is unbelievable.

[@bobevans4040]

Thank you for your very informative video and as the previous comment said, thank for doing it in your perfect English.

[@robogat_the_real]

I still own one F800ST and I'm day by day amazed by it. I purchase used in 2018 with less than 20000 km and full bag kit. Now is more than 56000, only because of covid restrictions. I usually ride over 30000 km/year. The bike fun to use, not much thirsty of gas, speed enough to have fun on normal road (I do not think about track) and comfortable for travellling in 2 person. There is only one problem, but is not on charge of the bike but mine. The sport touring driving position, after two hip operation, is not the best for long trip, but I can manage. I still cannot understand the low commercial success, at least in Italy, of this bike.

[@leftoverporkchop9972]

i recently bought an F800R as my first bike. So far, i can't say anything bad about it, and i completely agree with the description provided in this review.

[@callmekitt]

"Geländestraße" in feinstem Bayrisch! Danke fürs Review :)

[@ExtremeDeathman]

Es leben die Dialekte! Wobei es mich etwas stört, dass mein Englisch nicht mehr wie ein Muttersprachler (bin ich) klingt. Owa wos solls, Arnie-Zeit!

[@jwlenaerts]

Probably I gonna buy one as my first motorcycle thx for the good review

[@bobatwell7505]

Why radge through the gears like that..stupid..

[@pedge66]

I’ve rolled my handle bars up and rearward, my seating position is now more like a Tracer but with a more fun engine, you can really chuck this bike around or ride smooth it’s great 👍

[@TheDavidlyster]

I've a 2007 ST and Iove it. Great review! 😊

[@ExtremeDeathman]

Thx!

[@MMax80]

Grüße nach Burglfeld. Nice review on the bike I instantly started to fall in love with after my first ride.

[@volkerarminhafner8530]

Vielen Dank, hervorragende Arbeit !

[@happypuertorican]

Great review. I thinking about one.

[@Shketri94]

Bought f800gt a week ago, its perfect so far!

[@hanabku2175]

Old video, but beautiful place he's riding.

[@RB-mp2gs]

Excellent review. Thank you.

[@ExtremeDeathman]

No, thank you!

[@anthonplake]

I've had my F800ST for close to seven years now. I live in Texas and have taken it on many trips (including the east and west coast) and it has been pretty amazing! It is not the most comfortable for long treks or offers as great of luggage options and I'd like, but outside of that it's made a great commuter bike for me. From riding in 115°F to 15°F weather it has yet to let me down. My speedometer, odometer, and ABS no longer work for the last few years but it hasn't kept me from giving it up! Really wish they had made the bike for a little longer so that there would be more support/aftermarket accessories

[@spicemoon9962]

Excellent review. Well done

[@clausfriishansen2247]

Trying out a 2011 tomorrow - first ride ever on a BMW - so this review was spot on. Lovely roads - looks like southern Germany / Bayern? Again great review with good informations on comfort, transmission and so on!

[@ExtremeDeathman]

Yes, Bavaria. ;)

[@NickMasseyRideon]

I am test riding one of these tomorrows. Really looking forward to it even more now.

[@alperenerol1852]

How was it?

[@resemblesanacorn6561]

Great review, very informative.

[@ExtremeDeathman]

Thank you!

[@ttv2951]

Someday all reviews will share this germanic detail 👍 i salute you sir 🤘😎

[@kevinbrennan2004]

A great all around machine. Totally bullet proof, with more than a little German grunt, when you need it. Owned one since 2010. Likely, i'll never sell it.

[@DElge-pm3gx]

nice video and review. i like it allot

[@johnrocker2986]

Very good and useful information.

[@mloclam6917]

Great review mate

[@ExtremeDeathman]

Thank you.

[@shiftyshamsk]

I like the GPZ500S so I think I'd like this bike. Good review without rock music. First class review by the way.

[@ExtremeDeathman]

Thx too kind.

[@rubberneck2855]

Yes, great not having over loud music on video

[@hardystuttgart5338]

To change the Gasoline Tank from top to center, was a great idea by BMW. About 16kg weight went nearer to road. The front around the light looks same as the K-models.

[@ExtremeDeathman]

Excuse me for the stutter of the first clip 00:35 - 00:50. Can't figure out what causes this, the original footage is smooth, as well as the source video.

[@nikolagrebenarovic]

Good review 🎉

[@prickly-pear]

Bought a 2008 today, I'm looking forward to getting it home.

[@platinumskies30]

How much was it??

[@prickly-pear]

@@platinumskies30 $4k Canadian.

[@patdonnellan1024]

I have 07 f800st...Good review...but totally disagree with gearbox comments...no issues here...

[@worldclassalchemist]

well im buying one next month. looking to keep for years and travel around europe

[@TR5T]

The problem was not the transmission, it was the brand. As a life long BMW rider starting with the /2 I know the mentality. The Boxer to the majority is BMW. Look today and see the 5th gen from the oil heads still boxers. BMW made the K bikes, all brilliant but ultimately failed as few ever experienced them. When BMW rolled out a vertical twin the Beemer people walked past. It had a slow following from the get go. It is only us enthusiasts whom recognize these brilliant machines. I have a Thruxton 1200, Street triple 765 a GT and ST. Both have sweet transmissions are very exciting to me and simply beautiful to walk up to. The only issue is belt supplies, the ST in 23 can be found for $250, the GT $450-650!!! for a $100 belt. The R1000R/RR are in a whole other class.

[@Ciupremo]

Good job, interesting video

[@ExtremeDeathman]

Thx a lot

[@simonfawkner5546]

Yes, can agree with his opinion, as having own an F800S it initially needed a new fuel pump to put an end to cutting out at operating temperatures. That said it cuts through corners like a hot knife through butter and the seating position is comfortable over long periods whilst you sit on it.. not in it which is a little different. All in all love this machine

[@pinteradam134]

Hello there! I am thinking about buying a F800S. Does it not hurt your wrists, and back? i mean, how much sportier is it compared to an ST model? I am 169 cm "tall" 😁 if it helps.

[@simonfawkner5546]

@@pinteradam134 Hi Adam, simply answer No...the ergonomics are exceptional and was the big plus owning this machine. The slight lean to the bars are the only difference as suspension remains the same compared to the ST.

[@eskimo427]

Having owned an ST and now a GT I can tell you the GT is the better bike, the transmission is vastly improved and the indicator switches are like every other bike now.

[@ExtremeDeathman]

Sure. Would be dumb if the newer bike wouldn't have improved, don't you agree? I do like the old indicator system, it's unique.

[@zibingotaeam3716]

I'd say that the old indicator system was better than the current tiny clicky switches on all other bikes. Those have me checking whether I accomplished what I intended to do in the displays or even look for and find the switch. The old BMW setup is very clear and positive in its feedback. You have a different lever for every operation. Push with your left thumb to go left, push with your right thumb to go right. Cancel by pushing your right thumb upwards. It's childs play to do it on sunny days and in comfortable riding conditions, but it also stays easy to do in icy cold torrential downpours with little visibility at night in heavy traffic, where you are forced to concentrate on the road and not waste time on an indicator switch because a second of " is my indicator on?" can mean a crash.

[@eskimo427]

@@zibingotaeam3716 as I own two other bikes I like having them all the same, although I understand what mean once you get used to using a single switch there's no need to check. What I will say is the indicator switches on my triumphs feel better than the Bmw as its the older style.

[@zibingotaeam3716]

@@eskimo427 my hands are size M, as such, I've always struggled with indicating right side while also pulling the clutch. Especially during cold weather. This is a bit of a me issue though. With the BMW setup, I've never had that issue. Cancelling the indicator by accident on the return or not being quite sure whether it cancelled or indicates right has also been an issue on really cold days ( I'm talking sub 5°C) on japanese bikes. I haven't tried newer BMW's yet, but the tiny switch that slides left and right and so forth just doesn't provide as much tactile feedback as the old BMW gear which has very clearly defined stages up to about 170km/h. Above that the break point between stages gets mushy due to air resistance pushing the paddle switches backwards. I have tried riding a Royal Enfield Bullitt and found that switch to be okay. I still had to check which lights were or weren't flashing but the tactile feedback was okay. And while I understand your need for similar switch gear on your bikes, do you actually prefer the japanese indicator switch or the way both BMW used to and HD still makes them to this day, if you could have one get up in your entire fleet?

[@leonardos.1538]

Great review, thanks ! When has this transmission issue been solved (mentioned 8:00)? Which year of construction do you recommend therefore?

[@ExtremeDeathman]

It has been fixed in all modells as part of the first few services. But if you want an already updated version of the bike, go for 2009 and onwards.

[@v1510nman]

thank you

[@aweson7302]

great video

[@ExtremeDeathman]

Thx!

[@philipsnelling709]

My f800s sounds just like it too... 15k miles with service history... mechanics also say its in good working

[@ryanbruneau1197]

This bike sounds AMAZING when revved to redline!!!

[@ExtremeDeathman]

Not to my liking though 🤣

[@magicantler4044]

It sounds better for people around than for rider himself. If U ride it You barrely hear sounds from exhaust but sounds from engine that are not nesesary nice to ear.

[@Pabloman333]

What year did the transmission improvements appear it were all retrofitted with the improvements?

[@podrugiejstronie7006]

Thanks for the helpful video. Unfortunately, I did not fully understand. Can you write down what exactly needs to be replaced so that the drive is trouble-free and works properly?

[@ExtremeDeathman]

You need rubber dampers in the drive train. Most F800 had them fitted within the first 2 years, if not, it's an easy fix any dealer can do.

[@prof.2248]

F800 GT with 213kg wet, 90 HP and 90NM at 5800 rpm - even today there is no bike on the market with better stats ! fuel consumtion like 500cc and without chain. F900XR is heavier, have chain and torque is on higher rpm... Rotax and BMW made absolutely perfect bike.

[@ericm6633]

Sold

[@Golfspieler]

Sehr gutes Englisch und gute Erklärung!

[@ExtremeDeathman]

Danke für das Lob!

[@rogerkay8603]

Had an F650; loved it but boring, awaiting my F800GT later this week......

[@jfv65]

i'm looking at this bike to possibly buy one. Is it as reliable as a Japanese bike? Would a guy of 1m 86 have enough room on the bike?

[@wilamerwilam5418]

On Your board computer is light error info. Life on the edge☝️

[@ExtremeDeathman]

It's a faulty sensor. Light was still on. Thanks however. 👍

[@TanzanianRoots]

I'm about to get a 2006 F800S with 44000km on it. Anyone know know how I can tell when I look at it if the well know issue with the rear wheel bearing has been fixed?

[@ExtremeDeathman]

YOu either ask a local BMW dealer if he can check your VIN - BMW than can tell you if your bike was amongst the call backs. Or you call your country HQ of BMW Motorrad directly. Maybe the seller still has the receipt of the service?

[@zibingotaeam3716]

If you're still wondering: Check the rear axle around the hole that runs through it on the wheel side. The amount of rings on it mark the generation of rear axle. first gen doesnt have any, second gen has one and the last gen has 3. For everything but the 3rd gen, you might be in trouble.

[@kanstantsinr7344]

Hi, guys! Is it a normal thing that there is a small movement of tachometer while you are not touching acceleration handle?

[@ExtremeDeathman]

You mean shaking? That would be normal, yes.

[@johannjohann6523]

First motorcycle I've heard that had an engine with a very warm sound, not shrill and whiney like so many other bikes. That alone is a great feature. But that little half ass square screen next to the gauges - sucks! I'd get rid of it. Oh wait you can't it has your gas gauge. wtf?

[@paweszewc3778]

Chodzi jak komarek mojego sąsiada

[@GDLOTKIDOG]

Looking to trade a low Sargent seat for a standard Sargent seat for this bike. If anyone has this bike and wants to trade seats please comment and connect with me

[@ke9g]

I'm very happy with my 2007. This year I took it to a few track days. Heres a video from my beginner class: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmG1Y5WMoZqCl7c&t

[@Yarpen.Zigrin]

Ich fahre auch eine ST aus 2012 und sie wird noch eine Weile mit mir bleiben, da es auf dem Markt nichts Ähnliches mehr gibt. Die GT wurde gestrichen, bei anderen Produzenten sucht man auch vergeblich. Ich brauche keine Enduro sondern ein Bike für die Straße mit gutem Witterungsschutz das keine 300 kg oder mehr wiegt. Die Versus von Kawasaki oder Vstroms von Suzuki sind für mich keine wahren Konkurrenten für die ST.

[@ExtremeDeathman]

Es gibt da ein Mopped welches ich dir empfehlen kann: Z1000SX. Bin ich als Leihgabe vom highbike Testcenter gefahren. Mehr Leistung - wobei unwichtig - wesentlich laufruhiger und in Sachen Handling, Preis-Leistung, Komfort, Reisetauglichkeit und Verarbeitung auf gleichem Niveau. Abstriche gibts an der Lesbarkeit der Instrumente bei direkter Sonneneinstrahlung (zumindest bis BJ 19) und ein Löffelchen mehr Verbrauch. Sind ja auch 4 Tsülinda ;)

[@stevenandriulaitis1896]

Anyone have tire recommendations for this bike? TIA... 😎👍

[@ExtremeDeathman]

Metzeler RoadTec or Pirelli Angel GT

[@stevenandriulaitis1896]

@@ExtremeDeathman Thank you. I ended up putting Dunlop GPR 300 tires on it. The Metzeler and others were much too expensive. The GPR 300s are now broken in and are working great.

[@ichhasseamerika]

We cant hear you at 03:26 and 03:36 due to bike noise. Maybe do a re-edit? Dankeschön trotzdem!

[@ExtremeDeathman]

Shit! I didn't notice until now! Thank you. I was saying the engine was built by Rotax

[@ichhasseamerika]

@@ExtremeDeathman- It is.

[@masqueofhastur]

Just a tip, having a clip with a loud VROOOM playing right while you're talking makes it hard to understand what you're saying.

[@ExtremeDeathman]

Thanks for the tipp. XD

[@Fudders]

Nice review, thanks. I know it's an old video, but as you asked for feedback, I'd say lose (or change) the awful intro! I almost stopped watching, but I'm pleased I didn't as it was a useful review in the end. Credit where it's due... your English (presumably not your 1st language) is excellent and your review/impressions of the bike were very helpful 👍 BTW your channel name and heavy metal-ish intro, might be putting off some potential viewers, as it doesn't really fit with the type of bikes and style of reviews you do ...just my thoughts!

[@ExtremeDeathman]

Thanks for the feedback. English is actually my second native language, but I do realize that after years of not practicing, I sound like Arnold a lot 😂. I changed the intro style, but still it's a process.

[@bootsmanaa]

get to da choppa

[@ExtremeDeathman]

I know. Once you don't practice a language for a few years you'll get an accent easily. XD

[@bootsmanaa]

@@ExtremeDeathman haha, found the similarity striking. ✌️

[@macmroz]

Rattling is true, but who cares? I don't!

[@andymarcelin9578]

i like bmw but i dont like this shape

[@johannjohann6523]

The "Almost" perfect bike? I mean seriously. Can't get a good transmission in 2008? wtf? That's completely unacceptable.

[@emilsoberbro36]

boring bike, unfortunately.... sounds bad too. Great video!

[@Arcturus83]

poor bike lmao

[@user-dc3hf2kq3i]

I've got this bike, and... it sounds terrible. it's kind of geriatric, as a whole.

[@DopeXchanel]

I ride a f800S 2007.