BMW F 800 R 2016 — Specifications

Entering the BMW motorcycle lineup through the mid-range, is to immediately accept an uncomfortable position. The F 800 R has known this since its inception, and the 2016 version attempts to address this identity problem with a few well-placed cosmetic adjustments. Faced with an MT-09 that spits out 115 horsepower or a Triumph Street Triple that plays the card of pure agility, presenting with 90 horsepower extracted from a 798 cm3 parallel-twin requires a certain commercial boldness. BMW assumes, and not without arguments.

The aesthetic redesign of this version marks a clear break with the previous generation. Exit the asymmetrical twin headlights that polarized opinions for years, replaced by a more angular, more tense face that clearly claims its belonging to the world of sport roadsters. The false side tank, with its fairings oriented towards the front, accentuates the visual muscularity of the whole. Savory detail for counter-trend enthusiasts: while the entire industry chases touch screens and digital dashboards, the BMW F 800 R retains two needle gauges for the tachometer and speedometer, complemented by a central digital window. This choice stands out, and ultimately, it ages well. Refueling still takes place from the rear, under the seat, which is sure to surprise the uninitiated during their first fill-ups.

On the engine side, engineers have grappled three extra horsepower compared to the previous generation, to reach these 90 hp at 8,000 rpm. The torque of 86 Nm arrives at 6,000 rpm, which guarantees a frank availability in everyday use. The two first gears of the six-speed gearbox have been shortened, which gives the BMW F 800 R a more biting exit from corners than before. Honestly, it doesn't rival the punch of an MT-09 or a GSR 750 in their respective redlines, but the Bavarian engine convinces by its regular temperament and its total absence of misplaced nervousness. For A2 license holders, a restricted version at 48 hp is available, which makes the BMW F 800 R a credible option for young licensees wishing to evolve within the range.

The front end has benefited from the most significant evolution: the telescopic fork with straight tubes gives way to an inverted 43 mm fork, noticeably stiffer and more precise. Radial-mount front calipers complete the upgrade, with floating double discs bitten by four-piston calipers. The aluminum bridge-type chassis retains its philosophy, with the engine integrated as a structural element. The rear monoshock, adjustable for hydraulic preload and rebound, can optionally receive the ESA system which electronically manages three damping modes. Legitimate regret: the front fork is not pilotable by the same system, which creates an asymmetry in dynamic management. ABS is standard equipment, traction control remains a paid option.

At €8,555 at the base price, the BMW F 800 R price positions itself in the high average of the mid-size segment, but this sum is accompanied by a significant list of options that can lengthen the bill beyond €10,000 if one succumbs to the temptations. The 790 mm seat opens access to a reasonable build, and optional adjustments allow it to be adapted further. For an urban rider seeking a reliable and versatile roadster, or an intermediate rider wanting to progress without violence, the F 800 R used represents also a serious track on the used market. It does not seek to scare you. It seeks to convince you through duration, and that is often where true loyalty is played.