BMW F800 R - the Rotax Roadster Thread

I picked up my leftover 2012 on Saturday, and immediately set out on a two-up 5 hour, 160 mile ride in northwest CT with my better half.
Fall foliage, cute towns, and perfect weather.

Great bike and nice photo!

Enjoy the F8r I am really enjoying mine.- best colour too.

How did you wife like the 5 hr ride? Mine has nit been for a ride yet.

Thanks!

She (not wife quite yet) thought it was a fair bit more comfortable than some other bikes we've ridden together (Triumph Street triple, Brammo Empulse) Mostly more leg room.

We were both a little tired and sore after it, but nothing that a beer at home didn't take care of!
I'm 5'11", 170, she's 5'6" and fit.

Seat shape is good, with the raised portion at the front of passenger zone, so she wasn't pushing me into the tank.

an extra 3 half-turns of rear preload got it working well enough, but there were a few undulating sections that got it a bit out of shape.

Installed a battery tender wiring kit last night, both for charging & running accessories, but it's not yet switched, since that'd be counterproductive with charging. GPS now will last for a lot more than a charge!

Shouldn't this threads name be changed to the Rotax designed, Kymco built Roadster Thread ?

Tsk, tsk.

Once you agree to rename all the KTM threads: KTM -Bajaj

Why Kymco build? My F800R was build in Germany, Spandau near Berlin and the Rotax engine was build in Austria. Some parts may be from Asia, but why Kymco? Or do they assemble the F800Rs for the US market? OR do I miss a pun here?

Kymco made some engines for BMW (450cc single and their new scooter) etc.. not sure about the connection to the F series.

Don't take this as definitive, but: My understanding is that at some point in the recent past (MY2012?), BMW shifted manufacture of the engines from Rotax to Kymco. I don't know about final assembly or about other component manufacture. What I haven't seen is any visible change in build quality, and I've not read about reliability issues. Perhaps someone else can be more definitive, but that's what I gather.

Installed a GIVI 37 liter "tech" topbox tonight, also used the new-to-me wunderlich center stand for a chain lube. Loving every minute with this bike, and now my girlfriend will have a backrest!

Side note- If anyone is looking to sell their BMW sidebags, I'm in the market.

Please post a photo, what rack did you use? still undecided about luggage. I would Like to keep the bike as naked as possible using a Kriega 20 but the top box is a great option that can be quick;y removed. Was considering a 33 lr with a Motech rack but the 37 may be a better option. Also, has anyone used the Wunderlich HB top box/rack specifically developed for the F8R? http://www.wunderlichamerica.com/motorcycle/8160664.html

That is not pretty!

Down anyone know why the F800R has disappeared from BMW USA's website?

M

Interesting, the "urban" category is now called "roadster", and is populated only with the NineT and the R1200R

I wonder if they just stopped importing it or if they're ending the model. They announced 2014 colors for it.

No 2014 F800R for USA said the dealer when I was looking to order an R1200R. That was a month ago when the one-T was but a placeholder on the dealer ordering portal.

-Dan

BMW Canada is importing it for 2014. Nice colours too.

http://www.bmw-motorrad.ca/ca/en/in...ca/ca/en/urban_mobility/k18/k18_overview.html

I used the BMW rack, it attaches well with the mounting plate for the GIVI- You will want some longer M6 bolts though..

Sorry for the poor photos, but it's dark out & I just took them.

The box in question;


Mounting:



On the bike:

Thanks for the photos, the styling of the box complements the bike.

Now also thinking of the BMW rack as well.

Sure thing. It's not perfect, but I also think it's about as good as it gets for a match. I can snap another one of these days when it's light out.

The BMW rack is a nice piece, and it's compatible with the factory side racks, if you decide to add that.