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Parallel Universe
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F 800 S & F 800 ST
Jeff Buchanan
07/01/2006
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As for dependability,
BMW isn’t about to roll anything out of the factory that doesn’t live up to the
standards the company has proudly nurtured over the years. This was evidenced
last year in the delay of the much-anticipated release of the K bike. A
manufacturing problem was discovered and BMW, true to it colors, took one very
publicly on the chin and held back production until the problem was fixed and
tested to its stringent standards—testament to the company’s intent of
maintaining its impressive track record of dependability. It’s no wonder that a
claimed 50-percent of all the motorcycles BMW has produced in its 83 years are
still on the road.
 BMW has imbued the new F series machines with the same
attention to detail and focus on performance that goes into its
large-displacement machines, illustrating the importance the company sees in
serving this segment of motorcycling. As a result, dealers are going to find
themselves entertaining an entirely new customer in their showrooms who, perhaps
until now, didn’t see a machine in the BMW line that addressed their particular
riding habits or level of ability. This opens the door for a larger number of
motorcycle enthusiasts to experience the quality of the German machines and
become a part of the BMW community—a social element that the brand proudly
endorses and has helped create the famously loyal following. (Click image to enlarge)
Unlike so many
mid-range and entry-level machines that wear out their usability fairly quickly,
the F 800 S and ST clearly have a sustainability that will keep their owners
happy for the long haul, through many seasons of riding. In fact, given the
machines’ ability, it’s almost a misnomer to refer to them as novice bikes. They
deliver a substantial level of performance that will keep even the most
accomplished of riders smiling.
www.bmwmotorcycles.com
Back Into The Fold
 The term “returning enthusiast” was coined by manufacturers to identify a
specific demographic of motorcyclist comprised of experienced riders who have
been off a motorcycle for an extended period. This group is increasingly
responsible for a significant number of purchases in the motorcycle industry.
One of the largest factions are middle-aged men who rode in their twenties,
accruing a level of ability and experience, but have gone a bit rusty in the
interim since they were last active on a motorcycle. Along with the influx of
returning riders, there is a new generation of novice that appears intent on
pursuing the sport as more than just a passing fad, as was the case with the
previous motorcycling boon of the early seventies. In either case, it’s
recommended the aspiring rider, regardless of experience, take advantage of the
various riding courses available through the nonprofit Motorcycle Safety
Foundation or specialized companies such as Streetmasters Motorcycle Workshops
to reclaim time-diminished skills. It makes for an easy way to reacclimatize to
being up on two wheels and gives you the best, and safest, odds for an enjoyable
entree to the sport. (Click image to enlarge)
Motorcycle Safety Foundation | www.msf-usa.org
Streetmasters
Motorcycle Workshops | www.streetmasters.info
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