BMW is in the middle of completely redefining its identity and is desperate to stretch its market beyond the aging baby boomers who have been the core customer for years. It started a few years back with the K1200S, HP2 and R1200S. But those exciting new models were just the tip of the iceberg of what BMW had in store for ’07. Rounding out the product line are two fun and more-affordable mid-size bikes, the F800ST and F800S.
One of the keys to catching the attention of “conquest” buyers (BMW’s term for riders trading in other brands) is performance. Its HP2 has competed in Baja and the R1200S won the inaugural Moto-ST event at Daytona last fall; these have definitely given the Bavarian company a fresh shot of credibility. One problem still existed, however–most of BMW’s lineup was a bit pricier than first-time buyers and younger riders were willing to spend. The F800S ($9,950, base) and ST ($10,950) provide two options that offer good performance, fresh styling and a pile of options and accessories at more reasonable prices.
The U.S. introduction for these two new-from-the-ground-up models took place on Hawaii’s “Big Island.” As it turned out, Hawaii was an awesome location for the launch. Exciting roads—including one of my new favorites, Saddle Road—plus fantastic scenery and more than enough square mileage to put some serious digits on the odometers.
The new long-stroke, liquid-cooled parallel-Twin fills the void between the 650cc Single and Boxers in BMW’s line quite nicely. Interestingly enough, the “little” Twin feels very similar to the flat-Twins the company is so famous for. Fuel-injection response was smooth and power linear through the rev range. Top end isn’t what this bike is about, so using the torque pays nice dividends. Despite a smallish 4.1-gallon underseat fuel tank and some ham-fisted riding both bikes sipped lightly from the tanks. BMW claims that 56.5 mpg isn’t out of the question.
Despite being very similar in mechanical function, the two bikes are quite different on the road because of the contrasting seating positions. The most impressive element of the pair of bikes is their chassis. BMW engineers didn’t skim on components. Both bikes glided through Hawaii’s winding twisting roads far easier and faster than many of the locals are used to, apparently—sorry folks, just doing our job…
These two bikes are unique to the market, providing all the polish and accouterments we expect from BMW in a more affordable package, which leaves them feeling anything but entry-level. If creating a gateway to other models was one of the design goals, then mission accomplished. More importantly, the 800s, like Hawaii, serve quite nicely as a destination unto themselves.
