BMW F800GT Long-term report | Video Diary | Motorcyclenews.com

[@stevegarrod4764]

Yes, I took my F800GT down to the Alps to La Pagne, in France. Great on the Autoroute and on the mountain passes. Good sized luggage which I managed to buy second hand from Motor Works in Yorkshire (Halifax I think) for roughly half price. I am 5'8'' and felt no buffeting on the open roads. It is rock solid and give you confidence if looking to progress from a smaller bike. Can't wait for my next trip!!

[@ricardobraden9415]

i dont mean to be offtopic but does anyone know a way to log back into an instagram account? I was stupid forgot my login password. I would love any assistance you can offer me!

[@kenzotanner8105]

@Ricardo Braden instablaster :)

[@ricardobraden9415]

@Kenzo Tanner thanks for your reply. I found the site on google and I'm trying it out now. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@ricardobraden9415]

@Kenzo Tanner It worked and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thanks so much you saved my account :D

[@kenzotanner8105]

@Ricardo Braden No problem xD

[@colbrt]

I’d consider renaming this. Not really a long term report as I think of them. Details! Service history and costs! Build quality! Etc.

[@mikegan73]

He forgot to review the bike.

[@kwakkers68]

Some input on build quality and servicing costs would be beneficial. The early Fs were noted for having (some) fasteners made out of cheese, wonder if this has been resolved.

[@garyives1218]

exceptionally listenable to the ear

[@staninjapan07]

How about a servicing / repairs / reliability update please.

[@ivancardenas2860]

Go to a mechanic and ask

[@sexycowman]

@@ivancardenas2860 ignoring the pointlessness of your comment, you've replied to a comment from 5 years ago.

[@MrJohnQCitizen]

Thanks for inluding the music credits

[@hunkyleepickle]

love ya mcn, but this is more a travel review than a bike one....

[@nryme]

My biggest cons: engine vibration, heat coming up around my bent knees (very noticeable when riding with mesh outfit in warm >28*C weather), mirror position (I'm considering wideners) and the flimsy side standard (the "footprint" is way too small, so I carry a piece of plastic to put under it on earthy ground).

[@TheSpainy]

How tall are you and how did you find wind and buffering etc?

[@eduardorebelo]

Been on dl650 for 6 years and I'm looking into one of these. I'm 6.1ft.. I was concerned about the BMW being too small. I'll test ride one. I need it for daily commute 50 round trip

[@SLFYSH]

How about some specific details of the bike performance other than "no complaints, brilliant, good...", ect. What was it that was so good and gave so much confidence in the bike? What do you have to compare to? What else have you ridden? Beautiful ride. Wish I were there.

[@ivancardenas2860]

Google it

[@SLFYSH]

@@ivancardenas2860 then was was the point, if no references?

[@An.Individual]

I am not sure but I think he liked it :-)

[@dbauernf]

Was the 'piston slap' issue ever resolved on these engines? I remember it being common on 2006, 2007, 2008 F800S and F800ST and that's why I didn't buy one back then. I'd consider a used F800GT as good choice for my needs/wants if it doesn't fall apart (like so many BMWs seem to do).

[@Zbroja69]

Hi! How is this bike for pillion? Is there a way of installing a backrest for pillion on this bike? Cheers!

[@Nrx__]

Rather good, not at good as a GS.. You can add a cushion on the oem topcase

[@kdssi648]

how many hours/km maximum a day would you recomend to ride? I am thining about using this bike to travel from Guildford[UK] to Krakow [Poland] 3x a year [May, July, September] its about 1600km [1000 miles] thanks

[@spitfire83]

+K Dabal get to know your pace That is a 2 day car drive for me and a 3-4 day bike (weather depending)

[@keithmartinson1733]

1:10 intro? There was no substance to this review. How about maintenance costs? Tire wear? Fuel economy? Reliability?

[@hossesarse]

How can you say that when the music was so slick and the camera angles so unique? I wish I had more thumbs up to give you and more thumbs down to give this pointless video.

[@RiderReview]

Obviously your answers were not answered

[@scottishmale1970]

as clearly stated ( as part of our long-term, test fleet for a few months now.)

[@TheCannonRoar]

As far as vibrations are concerned: it's a bit vibey, mora the the strom, but not an issue for me, regardless of the speed (the vibration was stronger during run-in but now it's gone). The heat issue? I never experienced, compared to my zzr 1400 it's stone cold ;-)

[@tHaH4x0r]

Very wll done! Nice overview of your experiences with the bike!

[@rogerkay8603]

Love my 2017 GT, not going back

[@sqd8r]

Enjoyed that. Esp from perspective of a new rider. thx

[@XenonOzHID]

Great review - thank you.

[@GeorgiBonchev87]

Sorry to say it, but this isn't long-term review. Probably a long-distance one and not very informative. It was fine, no vibrations, comfortable, good handling - we got that the first minute or so. Probably a more experienced rider could've compared it to other bikes in this category, told something about its performance, technical details, what's good, what's not so important, accessories(what to get, what's a waste of money, what's on the bike) - there are tons of things to talk about.

[@liam1666]

nice review nice 1st big tour as it were :D

[@Joooooooosh1]

I think this has been stressed. DETAILS! What is the engine character like, what does the handling compare to and are there any parts of the bike that deserve special attention. If you are not experienced enough to raise any of these points, YOU ARE NOT QUALIFIED TO REVIEW A BIKE!!!!

[@ivancardenas2860]

Shut up and do your own report

[@nryme]

Don't you have a lot of vibrations in the handlebar(s)? I notice a lot of engine vibration when doing over 4000 rpm which numbed my right hand pretty quickly (after 20~25 min of motorway). Installing "grip puppies" solves the numbed had partly (it still happens when riding for an hour or so on the motorway) but doesn't take away the vibrations of course. Besides that I like the bike as my daily commute. Good protection, good performance, good riding position (I'm 182 cm), decent fuel economy..

[@ianfoimbora]

How has he maneged to make a full review without ever letting us hear the sound of the bike????

[@RobDavisTelford]

I like this bike but I've had more problems with it than all my Hondas put together. Front brake discs warped, discs and pads replaced under warranty. Computer ignition box failed, new box supplied by BMW but I had to pay for the installation. Then at 10,400 miles the front fork seals failed, I had to pay for this. And yes the bike does vibrate a lot. Over nine Hondas, one warranty claim on a broken kickstart on a 1973 CB125. My 650 Deauville's fork seals were hardly worn at 45,000 miles.

[@live4java]

Nice review. I can say that my F800GT (US tune) sounds almost exactly like my friend's '07 F800ST.

[@michaelscott356]

Now THAT would be a disappointment for ME because I took my first ride ever on an 800ST yesterday and it felt cramped for space and buffety. (what function DOES that postage-stamp sized windscreen perform?) I almost couldn't FIND the foot pegs, in spite of bending my legs in an almost full Lotus angle at the knees. Is there no model in BMW's 800 lineup that affords a COMFORTABLE riding position.. with a modicum of wind and weather protection?

[@live4java]

@@michaelscott356 - I wound up getting an F800GT since posting this 9 years ago, and used it for sport touring and commuting. For me the riding position was good, though I agree the weather protection was lacking compared to an R12nnRT. Though it is better than a GS. I haven't been on the most recent iteration of the F bike. But they don't even make a GT anymore - which means I'll probably clock another 40K miles on mine. For riding position, there are a range of aftermarket windscreens and kits to reposition bars and pegs. So there's probably a solution for you, but out of the box? Can't say.

[@michaelscott356]

@@live4java I saw an aftermarket footpeg... ONE... For $175USD, so, plus the other peg plus extended shift and brake lever plus bar alternative plus optional high windshield.... plus?? FJR1300 looking interesting. 😁

[@live4java]

@@michaelscott356 - Ah, OK. I've never really shopped for pegs are bars for mine, since it's a decent fit for me. Though I have considered a windshield. As for the FJR, they are a nice ride. I considered that and the Connie 14 when I was looking at the F800, but decided to go with the BMW because of size, weight, etc. Good hunting for the right ride! :)

[@kvaegenbjergvej]

no vibration...lol. there are lot of vibration, its common on those bikes, but if you come from an old bike w vibrations you wont notice it :-)

[@dantethunderstone5766]

Travelling 400+ miles in 5h is not touring. You’re missing the point entirely. There is also the question of the law and consideration for other people 😕

[@BroqHans]

424 miles in 4-5 hours including fuel stops and lunch break? Gotta get me one of those.

[@rubberneck2855]

Yes that's quite a romp

[@TheRosycruxian]

He said no Lunch but, yeah, pretty swift! 😁

[@chloroquine99]

This review is just crap. For a start, I own a BMW F800GT. I bought it because I'd had enough of punting a full size touring bike (Honda ST-1300. a 300+kg bike) around congested city streets and wanted to get a bike which could tour but was also good for urban riding. He says he did 444 miles in 4 or 5 hours. This puts the -average- speed between 89 and 111mph. Nope, nope, nope didn't happen. And vibrations. It is a 800cc parallel twin. It vibrates. It is not made for riding all day at 160+km/h. The sacrifice you make with a smaller, lighter bike like this is that it is not as good at long distance touring. It is a lot better at urban riding, but you ain't gonna get somebody on a long tour on a 1200GS wishing they were on an 800cc parallel twin "because their GS vibrates too much".

[@TheCannonRoar]

Compared to dl650 v-strom (2008): much stronger engine, especially low-down torque, lower COG that makes low speed manouvers easier, especially for vertically-challenged people like me (6'8), much better brakes, both front and rear (in v-strom the rear was 0/1), better fuel economy (59 vs 47 mpg). Cons: less comfy (but still i was able to make 1000 miles in one shot), wind buffeting with a stock windshield - I just ordered aftermarket one as otherwise it would become untolerable on longer trips.

[@eduardorebelo]

Been on dl650 for 6 years and I'm looking into one of these. I'm 6.1ft.. I was concerned about the BMW being too small. I'll test ride one. I need it for daily commute 50 round trip. Vstrom has been great but boring.

[@miragegp]

Why is rider resting his hand on the tank ?

[@RiderReview]

MirageGP it's a long drive ya no

[@kwakkers68]

Not to detract from what the F is intended for, but I'd rather have seen a larger capacity sibling, along a similar design model - 1200cc or thereabouts, than the GTLs - an excess, perhaps? And the first batch haven't been without glitches. (I'm not a fan of CanBus wiring, for a kick off - at least with a traditional loom you can repair any given section, with relative ease)

[@oytelnes]

kwakkers68

[@johnnyrequiem]

+1 on MotoTrend Videos. They do seems to have a bigger budget to spend on they're video's.......and crew.

[@johnnyrequiem]

NO!!!!! Great music! Different folks, different strokes :)?

[@davidhale8034]

Sorry but youve not actually reviewers the bike?!??

[@BetamaxBooty]

the talking portion of the review needed heavy editing; far too repetitive.

[@RetiredtoRideSpain]

Your height ?…

[@Dreadzedan]

wish bmw would put a chain or belt drive on one of their 1200 or 1300 models.

[@omarkgad]

Nice..

[@ZeebNinja]

talk a bit more about the bike, maybe it's component parts? If you pay attention to the other comments and adjust future vids based on them, you should be OK. Keep trying mate.

[@elithegreat6463]

Gary Newman 20 yrs later ???

[@MrTice1973]

very poor for mcn come on lads sort it out.....

[@im9282]

That's nice you're having a fanastic time... how about more about the bike and less of you posing in front of it.

[@rubberneck2855]

But he's having fun :-)

[@johnnyrequiem]

Sorry, but no, I don't enjoy constant wind noise in my ears when trying to watch an mcn video. Don't include 'we' in a personal opinion. ;-)

[@BetamaxBooty]

why do brits use the word brilliant every time they like something a lot. there has to be at least a few other words that fit the category.

[@thm4855]

too much talking - the comments could be added when riding. ThM - Norway

[@karlbuttler]

Dude your cruising at 100 + mph?? for how long?? is that legal where you are?? The country side looks very nice... Is Germany a Free country now?? it must be if your riding that fast, hell here in the USA anything 10 to 15 mph above the speed limit and they bust yer ass.. Have you had problems with the belt drive, or axle bearings??

[@eAyeAddio]

Karl Buttler don't confuse the advanced abilities of European drivers / riders with the amateurs in your own country...... There are many autobahnen in Germany without upper speed limits and cruising at 100mph+ is both safe and a regular occurence.....

[@1LifeAdvs]

@@eAyeAddio drivers in the US are laughable.

[@broncosgjn]

Loved your review but dude no one cares about music in the background except wanting it off. Its just a distraction.

[@stuartelwell1975]

NO!! watch MotorTrend, that is how you make a video! GAH.......

[@BetamaxBooty]

speaking of pork, this long-term report had way too much lard in it.

[@ImperialManiac1]

Terrible music...

[@v3ltrucci]

am... am.... am.... am...

[@damianpatrickmcnamara6954]

new to this, new to touring, new to being interesting either...bore!