SMALLER 800 IS TROPHY WINNER
BMW’S big adventure bikes have dominated the UK market for some time. The firm’s R1200GS Adventure and R1200GS were the top two sellers (above 125cc) last year. But what of the bike’s smaller sibling, the F800? Or, to be precise, the F800GS Trophy special edition I was testing.
The bike stands out in its exclusive ‘light white’ livery on a black/grey frame, with ‘racing red’ struts.
It looks smaller and lighter than its big brother the 1200, although I was surprised by how high the seat is. I’m 5ft 11in, with longish legs, and I could only just get both boots flat on the floor.
But shorter riders need not despair, as an LS version comes with seat-height reduction and lowered suspension. This Trophy model has ABS, ‘road’, ‘rain’ and ‘enduro’ riding modes, heated grips, hand guards, engine protection bars, pannier mounts and a centre stand.
Optional extras include Electronic Suspension Adjustment (£305), which allows rear shock adjustment while riding, with ‘comfort’, ‘normal’ and ‘sport’ settings.
Automatic Stability Control (£320), limits torque to stop rear wheel spin.
Handlebars are wide and the riding position is upright and comfortable. The throttle is ride-by-wire so the twistgrip response is smooth.
Two oval analogue clocks show speed and revs, while a rectangular digital display gives gear selection, riding mode, temperature, fuel, mileage, time etc.
The bike weighs 217kg fully fuelled, compared to 244kg for the standard F1200GS or 263kg for the big Adventure – and that difference is pleasantly noticeable.
On the road the 800 is just more manageable, feeling light and easily manoeuvrable – possibly even a little twitchy at the front end.
The 85hp on hand won’t set the world alight but it proves more than enough to keep you happy as you flick easily through the gears.
And the 300mm twin front and 265mm single rear brake discs do an excellent job of pulling it up.
I have yet to take the bike off-road onto the rough stuff, so watch this space.
But, as a road-going adventure bike, the F800GS is easy to ride, comfortable and unintimidating.
Dare I say that I actually prefer it to the 1200?