BMW F 800 R 2019 — Specifications

The F 800 R aims to firmly establish itself within the mid-size roadster clan. However, it must contend with increasingly cunning competition and a very present fraternal rivalry. The 2017 update and adaptation to Euro4 standards sharpen its teeth somewhat, making the roadster even more appealing.

Good news: it doesn’t lose power. Its 90 horsepower still piaffe at the call; the change is on the injection side. The BMW gains a ride-by-wire throttle, guaranteeing a finer response to the throttle. Above all, this allows for the implementation of Riding Modes, which many BMWs already have. The F 800 R can now be driven "à la carte": a Road mode for everyday use, a Rain mode for challenging conditions. And if you choose to draw from the options bag, a Dynamic mode is intended to make piloting more sporty.

More anecdotally, the motorcycle benefits from engineering work to lift the exhaust and enrich the dashboard (redesigned instruments, engine anomaly indicator, display of the riding mode). Then, it is a roadster that is both serious and mischievous that awaits users:

The F 800 R – It fulfills several roles: versatile roadster, and entry-level model at BMW. It leaves the fury to the S 1000 R and the notoriety to the R 1200 R. From there to provoke a slight identity frustration, there’s only a step. So, it decides to change its perspective. What to do with these asymmetrical eyes, a symbol of the BMW house and a source of both light and questions? Oblivion seems to be in order, to make way for a more aggressive and prominent block. One can guess a certain influence from the face of the Husqvarna 900 Nuda, a short-lived cousin. And the teenage crisis ends with tank scoops (the fake) that go to conquer a fresher air on the front of the machine. On the rear and under the seat, the fuel cap still has its little effect, ensuring filling of the (real) tank under the seat. The rebellion is also present where it is least expected: on the dashboard. Everyone succumbs to the digital trend. But the F 800 R believed it was right to retain two good needle gauges to indicate engine speed and speed. A digital window judiciously completes the information stock. When the classic becomes original...

Equipped with the 798 cc parallel-twin engine, the F 800 R wanted a little more watts to assert itself. The engine specialists thus offered it 3 extra horsepower in 2015. The 90 horsepower obtained at the same 8000 rpm, and the 8.8 mkg of torque perched at 'only' 5800 rpm, will not be the only ones to offer more responsiveness. The two first gears of the gearbox were shortened, offering thus more robust acceleration. Not lazy, willing and available, this block will satisfy many in all situations but it still lacks a handful of horsepower to go and provoke the fulminates of the segment. It is also available in the A2 version, with a power reduced to 35 kW (48 hp) and a torque reduced to 7.1 mkg.

The aggression is more marked on the front end. As if to go hand in hand with the fervor of the optical block, the direction is entrusted to an inverted fork. This offers greater rigidity and precision to the small BM. This continues and is confirmed at the bottom of this same fork, with the adoption of radially mounted brake calipers. The rest of its chassis remains, with an aluminum perimeter frame, swingarm mounted on the engine, and a single shock absorber. The latter can receive the reinforcement of the ESA as an option. A click of selection and the electronics adjust it in Normal, Comfort or Sport mode. It’s a shame the fork isn’t in concert. The roadster can also be equipped with optional ASC (Automatic Stability Control). However, ABS is standard.

Pleasant to drive from its birth, the F 800 R refines its ergonomics with a new handlebar and footrests advanced and lowered by 10 mm compared to the previous generation. A bit of relaxation for the legs. The seat takes the opportunity to lower to 790 mm (- 10 mm) and facilitate access for smaller riders. But if this seat height doesn’t suit you, there’s room to adjust it as an option; especially since a higher handlebar comes to lengthen the catalog list.

With a bit of mischief to break with the rigor and versatility of all-German engineering, the F 800 R asserts itself and its evolution confirms its good manners. Its price retains a desire for entry-level, allowing to afford a roadster stamped with the Bavarian seal for the same price as other mid-size roadsters. The F 800 R has, however, a much more extensive list of options, which can make the bill climb beyond 5 figures.

M.B - Photos constructeur