BMW Owners News

[Bob_Roller]

Got my current copy of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America monthly magazine, Owners News.

There is a test article about the F800GS, and it was done in the home town area (Durban, South Africa) of one of our members, Danie.

If you can get a copy it's an interesting write-up on BMW's newest offering.

[NC Steve]

My copy of ON came today and I haven't read the test yet, although I have read others in different mags. Unless some heretofore unknown reliability problems creep up with this bike, it's looking like the F800GS is going to be a HUGE sales success for BMW.

The R1200GS has grown too big and bulky for many, and although it's still a very strong seller, BMW hasn't had a lighter weight "adventure tourer" since the old R80GS andR100GS of the late eighties through about 92, I believe. The new F800GS should easily surpass the R100GS' performance, while offering 21st century technology to boot.

The F800 S and ST have suffered from some ABS problems which probably wont be an issue on the GS.
I've heard some early potential buyers have been put off by BMW's delay in bringing the bike to the US, but once it's here, expect to see them sell many thousands of the things! I know if I was in the market for something brand new, I'd definitely have to give them a long hard look! [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[msbuck]

We already have at least 3 deposits on the F800GS.  I think this one will be a real winner, but personally, I'm waiting on the new F650GS....  It should be hear in July - sooner than the F800GS!!

[nhmaf]

Of all the new models from BMW, I am most interested in the F800 GS, or if they were to come out with a bit more
"street" oriented version, like a modern R80ST, based on this same chassis, and perhaps switch the chain for a toothed
belt drive, I'd be really, really, really reaching for my checkbook.

The R1200 GS and Adventure are nice machines, but not everyone wants to ride the "Hummer" of motorcycles..IMHO

[Danie]

I have read the (world launch) test article  in a local motorcycle magazine (Bike SA) as well, and according to other reports the F800 GS already seems to be a huge success locally - as far as demand and waiting lists are concerned.

According to the Bike SA magazine, the title of the new F650 GS is a bit confusing - the F650 GS has the same 800 cc straight two-cylinder engine as the F800 GS - the F650 GS differs from its big sister in its lower seat height, lower weight, and reduced engine power.

The F800 GS and F650 twins replace the F650 GS single.

I would really like to have one of these bikes..........

[Bob_Roller]

It appears that BMW Motorrad, had finally realized that to draw more buyers from outside the traditional BMW owners ranks, is the only way the marque is going to survive.

While I am a bit more traditional about BMW bikes ( horizontally opposed twins), this new family of bikes is interesting to say the least bit!

Continued success in this market will  finance BMW's support of the old airhead family of bikes with parts for a while longer.

[msbuck]

It appears that BMW Motorrad, had finally realized that to draw more buyers from outside the traditional BMW owners ranks, is the only way the marque is going to survive.

This is what they were 'trying' to do when they came out with their "cruiser", the R1200C.  It didn't work out quite like they had hoped though...as you see, no more cruiser style bikes.  They had the right idea, trying to draw from the 52% market share that cruiser style bikes have.  But, you know BMW, they had to do things their own way and it was just too different from the 'Harley look-a likes'.  Although I have to say I appreciate BMW for their desire to make their own statement instead of just copying what everyone else has done.  That's what put them where they are today.

[Bob_Roller]

I saw an R1200 'chopper' last summer locally, it just didn't look right, or sound right.

The rider was dressed up as one of the 'one percenters' and he too didn't look good on the bike.

I guess that nothing produces the sound of a V-twin engine, with an open exhaust better than a Harley.

[MrRiden]

BMW has yet to produce my dream desert adventure bike. Mine would be a 850cc oilhead boxer GS but these new vertical twins do sound interesting. Lots of people love big singles but I've never had the opportunity to experience one which makes me shy of the current F650gs.
rich

[Danie]

I found this pics elsewhere on the Internet

[Danie]

Another pic

[Danie]

F 800 GS without panniers

[suecanada]

Bob, the 2008 F650GS is a 798cc parallel twin based on the same frame as the 2008 F800GS. I am waiting for my '08 F650GS to arrive at the end of this month or early May. I ordered it before Xmas. Actually I ordered the twin 800GS but it got held up in production so I was asked if the twin 650GS would be OK. I said yes as I had already sold the single F650GS and I don't want to have to push LRB all summer. Glad I said OK to the cheaper 650GS as once the bottom line is reached with all the add-ons....holy smokes the price goes up!!!!! Over 50% higher easy!

The 800 has a 21 inch front wheel....the 650 has 19 inch front wheel
800 has sturdier front forks and more play.
800 sits much higher......lowest the 800 goes is 33.5 inch seat....650 has a 31.1 seat/or lowered frame for a low, low 29.9 inch.
Handlebars thicker on the 800.
Spoke wheels for the 800; cast alum. for the 650
twin discs on 800; single disc. on 650
85hp on 800;71hp on 650 (done by softer cams and valves not lifting so high, bore and stroke the same.) Gear ratios and torque range different.
800 weighs the same as LRB:456lbs. wet.  The 650 will be about 437lbs wet.

Touratech has lots of accessories already. All other aftermarkets trying to catch up quick.

Probably more stuff but I think that for me I got lucky the 800 was delayed and I am getting the bike best suited to my size and needs...OK wants.!!

USA is getting the F650GS this July I have heard. At first they weren't getting it at all this year. 800 coming later this Fall as a 2009 model I hear. Always rumours with these bikes. Production and Marketing evidently in different buildings!

I have been following the forums on the 2 new twins all winter avidly. Europeans already riding theirs!! First blip: stalling out.

I got all the dirt pretty well. Boatload of F650GS destined for BMW Canada have been stuck in the clay in the St. Lawrence River since March 8th. Being onloaded and on their way to Montreal by now I think. My bike was not on that ship but on one passing it last week some time! The ship that was stuck lost its engine during our last big wind snow storm across the upper States and St' Lawrence River valley. Remember last year when a boatload of BMW bikes fell into the sea for salvage off France was it??? Sure would be cheaper that way!!

[suecanada]

How about of pic of the F650GS (aka 798cc F650GS) too??! Red, Blue or Silver.

[msbuck]

OK, here's Blue...

And here's Red...

Still looking for the Silver...