BMW F 800 R 2015 — Specifications

Entering the mid-size roadster segment with a 798 cm3 twin-cylinder engine against machines that produce 100 horsepower or more is accepting an asymmetrical fight from the outset. The BMW F 800 R 2015 doesn’t ignore this. Since its inception, the BMW F 800 R motorcycle has occupied an uncomfortable position in the Bavarian lineup: too sensible to rival the fury of a Street Triple or an MT-09, too affordable to aspire to the prestige of an R 1200 R. This model year attempts to correct this, without renouncing what makes the brand’s seriousness.

The restyling first strikes through its desire for aesthetic disruption. Exit the asymmetrical headlights that divided as much as they characterized, replaced by a more massive, more assertive front block, whose distant lineage can be perceived in the angular shapes of the Husqvarna 900 Nuda. Sculpted flanks dress the faux tank, while the filler cap, hidden under the seat, continues to destabilize novices during their first fill-up. On the dashboard, BMW chooses to resist the temptation of all-digital displays by retaining two needle gauges framed by a digital display. A choice that contrasts with the competition and, paradoxically, ends up being noticeable.

Mechanically, the BMW F 800 R technical specifications improve without revolution. The parallel twin gains three horsepower to reach 90 hp at 8,000 rpm, accompanied by a torque of 86 Nm available from 6,000 rpm. These are not the figures that scare a Yamaha MT-09, but the engine delivers its power with a commendable frankness and linearity. The two first gears of the six-speed gearbox have been shortened, which makes the acceleration more responsive when exiting corners. The engine is not fiery, but it is honest. For A2 license holders, a version restricted to 48 hp exists, making the BMW F 800 R A2 a credible option for drivers in training.

The chassis benefits from the most tangible contribution of this evolution. The 43 mm telescopic fork gives way to an inverted fork, more rigid, which better communicates road information and sharpens the steering. Radial-mounted front calipers complete the picture, with floating discs bitten by four-piston calipers. ABS is standard equipment; traction control ASC and electronic suspension ESA remain optional, the latter benefiting only the rear damper, the fork remaining non-adjustable electronically. It’s a shame for the system’s consistency. With 202 kg fully fueled for a wheelbase of 1,520 mm, the machine proves to be maneuverable without being light.

The ergonomics have been redesigned in the direction of accessibility: handlebar repositioned, footpegs lowered by ten millimeters, seat at 790 mm which facilitates the ground reach for average-sized riders. A 1.75 m driver will feel comfortable without effort. For smaller riders, low-seat options exist. The consumption of 3.6 L/100 km and the 16-liter tank offer correct autonomy for a roadster in this segment.

The BMW F 800 R review can be summarized as follows: the machine just does everything, without particular flair, but without a fatal flaw either. At €8,550, the BMW F 800 R price corresponds to that of a Street Triple or a Z 800, except that these rivals are more incisive in their sensations. On the other hand, the BMW benefits from a network, recognized reliability and a particularly extensive BMW F 800 R accessory catalog, capable of making the bill climb well beyond ten thousand euros. Lovers of BMW F 800 R used motorcycles find on the market examples from all model years, from the BMW F 800 R 2009 to the recent versions, which testifies to the longevity of the model and its confidence rating. It’s not the most exciting motorcycle in the segment, but it’s probably the most sensible, in the noble sense of the term.