The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

General Category => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: nhmaf on March 12, 2014, 09:26:09 PM

Title: BMWMOA F800R sweeps bike
Post by: nhmaf on March 12, 2014, 09:26:09 PM
Well, maybe I am getting old, but despite the MOA sending me propaganda every month trying to entice me to buy tickets to win this customized 800R they are giving away - it is just waay too damn ugly, IMO, and I wouldn't want it even if someone GAVE it to me.

What do you think?  
http://bmwmoafoundation.org/f800r/
Title: Re: BMWMOA F800R sweeps bike
Post by: Bob_Roller on March 12, 2014, 09:41:43 PM
Not a machine I would have, it looks too much like everything else on the road these days !!!
Title: Re: BMWMOA F800R sweeps bike
Post by: steve hawkins on March 13, 2014, 04:46:42 AM
It does nothing for me either.

Far too fussy and over-designed/complicated....Be a bugger to clean.

As I get older (approaching 50), I am much more drawn to the simpler approach.  A unfussy, general purpose machine that is easy on the eye and simple to ride, maintain and tinker.

Which is why I like bikes from the 70's.  Or 80's bikes with their roots in the 70s.

A bike with a steel twin loop frame.  

A fuel tank - with some range.  200 miles, on a run.

Engine - reasonable power, low down grunt, from an air-cooled motor that has been design to be viewed as a part of the ensemble - not an amorphous blob festooned with low quality fixings/pipes/sensors and wiring, that needs to be hidden behind a load of fussy plastic panels

Two wheels - spokes are a preference, not too wide.  

A flat saddle that can take a passenger for short trips.  

Conventional front suspension.  

Decent but not spectacular brakes.

Twin shocks.

Wider handlebars  

Able to take a set of basic throw-over panniers for a longer trip.

Most of my riding is local.  I do not need to be much over the limit often.

I need to be able to ride urban, extra urban, minor roads/bridle ways in the country.  If I am going on a long trip, it will be at a reduced speed.  I want to see my surroundings as I pass through.  No longer into tunneled vision.

The modern bike just does not fit the bill for me.

I went down to my local bike show room recently.  They are all clustered together in my town.  There were very few bikes that I even stopped to look at.  I liked the Yamaha W800 and the little Motoguzzi - basic models, the simpler the better.  Not struck with the Triumph.  Nothing else.  Wasted an hour though.

Massive multinationals, trying to provide 'one size fits all' bikes for the entire world, just do not get it - or at least many don't.  And if they do, the importers do not - so you never see the models that you actually want.

A slight ray of hope was that the Yamaha SR 400, is being re-imported to the UK this year, apparently.  Unfortunately, Yamaha/importer has seen fit to slap a £5000+ (fashion tax) price tag on it.  Would probably sell like hot cakes if they sold it for £4000.

Rant over....

Rev light
Title: Re: BMWMOA F800R sweeps bike
Post by: Julio A. on March 13, 2014, 06:21:30 AM
wtf is with that green and grey stripes? That pretty much ruined the whole bike for me. It looked like preschool children scribbles to me.

In fairness, from my perspective, the bike itself is pretty cool. The stuff they bolted on there are pretty nice. They could have just left the color alone. It should have looked pretty decent with just white.
Title: Re: BMWMOA F800R sweeps bike
Post by: montmil on March 13, 2014, 08:27:53 AM
Both the bike and the car are just plain ol' butt ugly. [smiley=thumbdown.gif]
Title: Re: BMWMOA F800R sweeps bike
Post by: suecanada on March 13, 2014, 09:49:58 AM
I really don't like it very much so I guess I am not rich enough to buy a ticket anyway! Would only sell the bike. So not buying a ticket this year.
Title: Re: BMWMOA F800R sweeps bike
Post by: Ed Miller on March 13, 2014, 12:38:18 PM
I liked the F800GS they gave away at Redmond, but I didn't win it.  I don't like the one above.