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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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Ever since its first foray into motorcycle manufacturing in 1923, BMW has
been deservedly ensconced at the pinnacle of the industry with regard to
innovative design, exemplary engineering and unequaled durability. Over the
years, he exalted German machines have enjoyed a fiercely loyal following
comprised of the most accomplished and serious of motorcycle enthusiasts who,
much like the motorcycles themselves, tend to exude an aura of sophistication
bordering on elitism. In fact, BMW’s revered reputation of building such iconic
machines may have actually alienated entry-level and returning enthusiasts,
easily intimidated by the perception–however erroneous–that BMWs were reserved
for only the most deserving and experienced riders.
All of that is
about to change with the forthcoming release of the new F 800 S and F 800 ST.
BMW’s legendary design and engineering acumen has been applied to an all-new,
mid-range motorcycle specifically targeted at the entry-level and returning
motorcyclist, as well as providing a substantial machine for enthusiasts quite
happy with the versatility and practicality of a midsize motorcycle. The
manufacturer’s decision to include in its line-up a model catering to this
rapidly expanding demographic reinforces BMW’s interest in changing its
perception with the motorcycling public. (Click images to enlarge)
Embracing this emerging segment of
motorcycling, BMW has created the F 800 S (sport) and the F 800 ST (sport
touring), quite literally from the ground up. The idea was to build a mid-range
motorcycle to bridge the gap between BMW’s F 650 single-cylinder machines and
its traditional flat-twin models. The result is a motorcycle of substantial
performance and styling, imbued with the brand’s legendary engineering and
quality. It’s a smart move, and one that will surely attract a new kind of
customer to the brand that in the past may have felt out of sync with the
manufacturer’s aims or overwhelmed with the pedigree of its offerings. With that
in mind, the F 800 S and ST are a welcome mat to the top level quality and
performance that has always been the trademark of the German marque, bringing
riders into the fold of exclusivity.
 Certainly, the most dramatic element of
the F 800 bikes is the new parallel-twin engine. Developed in conjunction with
Rotax—an Austrian manufacturer owned by Canada’s Bombardier Recreational
Products— the liquid-cooled, 798cc, four-valve, fuel-injected powerplant
utilizes a unique swivel-action connecting rod, as opposed to conventional
counterweight shafts, designed to set off the oscillating mass forces of the
crankshaft. The balancing of these centrifugal forces results in greatly reduced
vibration (an inherent trait of parallel configurations) and a smoother running
engine. The vibration that remains is a necessary by-product and actually
contributes to the machine’s character. (Click image to enlarge)
 The primary power delivery criteria
were to produce a machine with rideability at medium speeds rather than to focus
on performance at extreme revs. The engineers achieved that goal, and infused
the F series with some spirit when the situation calls for it. The parallel twin
produces 85 horsepower at 8,000 rpm, arriving at that figure through a solid,
smooth powerband that starts strong down low, thanks in part to a decent torque
curve, and progresses evenly and predictably all the way to its peak. This
even, smooth delivery of power makes the bike extremely forgiving and easy to
ride. Throttle response is crisp and clean, without any traces of injector
hesitancy, falloff or coughs. Thanks to a 360-degree firing cycle and the
determination of the engineers, the parallel twin produces a sound similar to
its famous brethren of Boxers. (Click image to enlarge)
On paper, these basic figures, though healthy,
don’t do justice to the performance of the F bikes. There’s plenty of
power—especially when the low weight (401 pounds dry) is taken into
consideration—to keep the most demanding riders entertained. The end
result of the parallel twin’s performance and manageability is that both F 800
machines—while a perfect platform to learn on or get reacquainted with
riding—have plenty of room to mature into.
The F 800 models, with frame and
bodywork designed to fit tightly around the compact engine, are extremely
narrow. A good deal of effort was put into ensuring an average-height rider
would be able to solidly plant both feet on the ground when stopped. They
achieved this by making the mid-point of the motor-cycle as thin as possible and
fashioning a tapered seat for optimum reach. An optional lower seat is available
to accommodate shorter riders.
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