BMW F800GT (2013 - 2020) Review

For me it seems decent. But I'm a crap rider so cannot really tell. Good compromise between sport and comfort, front diving a lot on braking is main criticism I can do on chassis. Corners well, with the large handle bars you feel in control. Seat not very comfy, I expected better from higher position compared to the ER6-F. VIBES - that's the sore point causing the overall rating. Once past 4500 rpm the engine shakes, so driving faster than 120 kph (Tacho, probably a mere 110 real) is a pain. So much for fast mile munching...

2 points for torque and low consumption. I feel the belt is eating a lot of power, so considering the fuel consumption is excellent. I do 4,4 - 4,6 l/100km, not holding back (except on highway, thanks vibrations). Great! Killing the engine at takeoff is there as well, apparently normal (I'll see with the dealer if throttle wire can help this). VIBES - man, those vibes are a rotten thing, spoils it all. Past 4500 rpm the engine wants to shake the bike apart. I don't think it's a one off issue, the maintenance manual is full of torque checking the bolts.... terrible. I chose this bike on careful and long rational analysis: frugal, no chain greasing, low weight ( incidentally this means no shaft drive, always adds at least 30kg to gearbox and rear swingarm), good chassis & brakes, good quality. But due to the VIBES I'm looking for a 4 cyl Kwak again, it'll be scottoiler instead of belt.

Build Quality is only average at best, I would comparé it to my old Kawa ER 6F from 2006. Possible the Kwak is even better... Had to change fork seals, but no surprise as it was not well maintained before. Reliability seems good so far, really no issue in 1 year

Still have to find Out, first dealer visit coming up. One thing is sure: you should je alle to make thé belt change by yourself. The part costs about 250€, having it done by dealer is apparently 2-3 times as much. Belt is apparently on since beginning, now 10y and 46k km later still looks like new

Has it all, at least when you pay for the options. Bought it second hand, with all the bags, some additional options except the ESA. I don't need electronics too much except ABS, but the cockpit info is good, the luggage is very good, heated grips work, center stand is nice even if I don't need it for the chain.

For me it seems decent. But I'm a crap rider so cannot really tell. Good compromise between sport and comfort, front diving a lot on braking is main criticism I can do on chassis. Corners well, with the large handle bars you feel in control. Seat not very comfy, I expected better from higher position compared to the ER6-F. VIBES - that's the sore point causing the overall rating. Once past 4500 rpm the engine shakes, so driving faster than 120 kph (Tacho, probably a mere 110 real) is a pain. So much for fast mile munching...

2 points for torque and low consumption. I feel the belt is eating a lot of power, so considering the fuel consumption is excellent. I do 4,4 - 4,6 l/100km, not holding back (except on highway, thanks vibrations). Great! Killing the engine at takeoff is there as well, apparently normal (I'll see with the dealer if throttle wire can help this). VIBES - man, those vibes are a rotten thing, spoils it all. Past 4500 rpm the engine wants to shake the bike apart. I don't think it's a one off issue, the maintenance manual is full of torque checking the bolts.... terrible. I chose this bike on careful and long rational analysis: frugal, no chain greasing, low weight ( incidentally this means no shaft drive, always adds at least 30kg to gearbox and rear swingarm), good chassis & brakes, good quality. But due to the VIBES I'm looking for a 4 cyl Kwak again, it'll be scottoiler instead of belt.

Build Quality is only average at best, I would comparé it to my old Kawa ER 6F from 2006. Possible the Kwak is even better... Had to change fork seals, but no surprise as it was not well maintained before. Reliability seems good so far, really no issue in 1 year

Still have to find Out, first dealer visit coming up. One thing is sure: you should je alle to make thé belt change by yourself. The part costs about 250€, having it done by dealer is apparently 2-3 times as much. Belt is apparently on since beginning, now 10y and 46k km later still looks like new

Has it all, at least when you pay for the options. Bought it second hand, with all the bags, some additional options except the ESA. I don't need electronics too much except ABS, but the cockpit info is good, the luggage is very good, heated grips work, center stand is nice even if I don't need it for the chain.

Pulls from 0 to 60 and beyond like greased Weasle poop. For me, feels very responsive, agile and light, yet well and truly planted on the road. Has great stopping power with the reassurance of ABS. Getting in neutral can be fiddly sometimes, but once you get used to it is no show stopper.

For an 800 twin it pulls great and I don't get much vibration.

These bikes seem to suffer from engine paint flaking on the left side, but nothing a tin of heat resistant engine paint can't fix. ACF50 is a bikes friend and keeps corrosion away, so no other problems to report. My drive belt has now done over 24k miles and still looks good. Last tyres did over 11k miles before replacing (Michelin Road 6).

I do a lot of miles commuting (1800 ish per month), so my annual cost will be a couple oil and filter changes (do my own) and a set of tyres, etc...

Would have been awesome to have an adjustable taller screen and cruise control, but what is there for me is sufficient and the instruments are easily readable. Love the BMW factory alarm and centre stand.

I don't know why but my hands really cramp after 30 minutes, also my ass hurts like hell after 1,5 hours. already replaced the seat with a gel seat but same result, never encountered this discomfort with my 6 previous bikes, they were mostly nakeds which I also used for long travels. (6000km f.e.)

it's fast enough when alone, although I really miss torque, you have to keep it in high rpm, but when you do this, the whole bike vibrates till your hands go numb, and it sounds u healthy (keeping it around 5000rpm when loaded, 2 up traveling in the Pyrenees ). engine braking is good. mounted a quick shifter which doet it's job well except 4-5th gear often pops to neutral.

decent , no troubles. made 7000km in last 6 months, (20.000 now) bad weather commuting, spirited riding, 2 up fully loaded mountain riding, very reliable.

good price for a mid sports Tourer with luggage, belt drive is very user friendly, no oil consumption.

great and user friendly bmw top and side cases. Metzeler roadtecs Z8 are awesome so far in rain, dry, and durability. 7000km and still very good profile.

My old bike is a Honda Deauville NT 700. The F800GT is a step up in power. Compared with the Deauville it revs fantastically and pulls well. Great for overtaking. Brakes are great. Back brake on the deauville is crap, the F800GT back brake is slightly better. Cruises well on faster roads, fantastic on the bends of all roads. Perfectly weighted. Almost perfect with my upgrades.

I can't find one gear for around town. Always going between 2/3. Out on the country roads the enngine is superb. Nice engine braking on/before bends. I'm very happy to cruise along but the bike will comfortably overtake on country roads.

I've not had for a full year yet but has been ok so far. Questions I have for myself: how much will an new drive belt cost, given the age of the bike (2018) how much can I service myself and save on BMW service prices!!

I had to put a number here. I'm not sure as I've not serviced yet. I have BMW warranty but I suspect this might might be be better for the dealer to charge me more for a BMW service so I can keep the Warranty! I'm tempted to service some basics myself!!

I changed the screen for a puig and changed the seat for a (BMW) lowered one. The change in screen transforms the bike for me. Long rides on motorway and generally in Scotland are much more relaxing. The lowered seat suits me and is very comfortable. The rain mode is great, lowers torque, works well. My bike came with panniers which take a full face helmet. Carries the shopping easily. I will add a top box at some stage ( bike has a carrier installed). Will try some longer distance touring soon!!

No problems,

No problems so far

Again, seat comfort and small windscreen major problems.

Some vibrations, but easy to ride for 2-3 hours before taking a break. The knees are a bit bent, but it feels ok. A decent all-rounder. Very easy to handle on twisty roads.

Vibrations on high rpm’s but fun to ride when using the torque at low rpm’s. For me it’s the first bike, and the engine feels fine. No surprises but still powerful enough, so I’m not looking for something new.

Had it for three years. Had to adjust all valves at service, otherwise no problems

Low on petrol, normally around 60 mpg. Otherwise only the normal stuff.

Not a lot, panniers are good for weekend rides. The top case just large enough for a helmet. ABS is good, the display looks cheap and the speedo is to small.

Front brake is excellent, the best I have ever experienced. Instant on, so much stopping power and ABS too, this is countered by having no rear brake fitted. It looks like one is fitted but it is impossible to reach the lever with my foot, therefore unable to use it. Ride quality was rubbish, a weird floaty feeling that completelt disconnects you from the road, removing any confidence in ay corner.

Just. The. Worst. Completely guttless requiring reving like a moped, but at the same time the engine hates being revved and feels in constant strain. So smooth and quiet you have no idea what speed it or you are doing. The absolute worst engine i have ever experienced. Futhermore, in 120 years of motorcyles, including 1900s right-hand-side hand change, none has a gearbox as bad as this. Clutch is painfully heavy so you want to be in neutral at standstill, but SURPRISE! it is impossible to get into neutral with engine running, actually impossible, also 3rd takes 2-3 attempts too. Massive throtle delay and also constantly feels like running out of fuel, engine often loses power, then surges again, don't know if all fuel injected bikes like that, but really horrible.

Seemed very good, although all fasteners are star heads to prevent any home maintenence

can't really say here, sold it after less than 100 miles

Awful dash, a tiny speedo that is unreadable, clogs up with water, and (compared to my 100% accurate testing equipment) over-reads by at least 10%! Dash is dominated by a giant screen showing.... the gear you are in, why not a digital speedo? oh, because you have no idea what gear you are in because the engine is so bland.

Great for both touring and commuting. Riding through Europe was comfy but a leg stretch at 2 hours in the saddle was welcomed.

Engine performs well at higher revs if you are looking for speed and thrills. Otherwise, touring, it provides all you need and if frugal with it. Fully loaded up and I mean loaded up, I achieved inro 66-68 mpg.

It's been amazingly reliable. After almost 8 years of ownership, small rust spots on the forks which are easily removed. Oil seals on the forks are in the process of being changed (as I write) for the second time.

Cost in Euros as I rode the bike to Cyprus. It's an economical machine and has a comfortable range of 200 miles from a full tank.

Panniers are useful whether touring or commuting. Use of liners is recommended.

Hidious wind noise

It rusts

See above

Do not let BMW anywhere near your bike £180 to change the oil and filter? Your having a laugh ain't ya?

Smooth power delivery, crisp throttle and brake response

Love the heated handlebar grips

Put it in comfort mode and it’s a magic carpet. Brembo’s are magnificent. Progressive and powerful.

Willing and eager but also content to bimble. Could sound a bit meatier though.

So far, so perfect. Great fit and finish. My bike is three years old but looks mint when washed.

Came with a 2 year BMW warranty so using the main dealer for now.

SE model so all kit present including (fairly feeble) heated grips. TPM, 3 ride modes, ASC and ABS. No LED headlights though and the bulb is a faff to change but not as bad as many online reports claim.

Really easy to ride with a pillion. But not all day comfortable as I wrote above.

Could do with 10% more torque and power. But it likes to rev and has good acceleration when you give it some stick in the right gear. Just don't plan on doing any fast overtakes starting at less than 3000rpm. Bit buzzy at motorway speeds, but it is a parallel twin.

Everything works.

Measured fuel economy is 55 mpg (imperial gallons).

Equipment is 8 years out of date. Halogen headlights (one low, one high) not LED. Single bulb brake light. Analog speedometer which is hard to read. No linked brakes. Changing the headlight bulb is a disaster area; very easy to break a small plastic clip which will have you spending the next 2 hours taking the front of the bike apart. The top box is stupid small. Even though my bike came with one, I ditched it and bought a larger aftermarket box. Alternator seems to put out enough amps. I run a heated jacket in winter, aux LED lights, heated grips (these are standard) and a GPS. It has ESA but I struggle to feel the difference. It also has Rain/Road/Dynamic throttle maps. I use Dynamic all the time, except on that week when it was snowing and I put it on Road. Haven't tried Rain but it must be silly if you can use Road when it is snowing...

ABS. Optional traction control not fitted. Optional bar switched, 3 setting electronic rear shock not fitted but who needs it? Brakes are strong but progressive, with lots of feedback. Oozes confidence. Ride is smooth. Some reviewers talk of vibey engine but you must expect some buzz, particularly on a parallel twin, and I don't notice any problems. Some reviewers drone on about exhaust note but you just can't hear it with any amount of speed or wind whizzing past. I'm thinking the only people who could comment on zorst howl would be the teen at the bus stop doing the Wimbledon swivel as they watch you sweep by.

Frugal, as I said. Competent, fast but revvy for a twin. Lower gears short and some early changes sometimes miss a cog, and good luck finding neutral at the lights (that might be just down to the microscopic gear pedal). Would like it to be a bit more tractable than having to run the up and down the box so much. It is willing for a 900. Will just go and go. More than enough for UK speed limits and snappy acceleration on tap at the lights or an overtake . .

Very well put together, if a bit computer designed and clinical. Lacks soul and character and no individuality.

No high maintenance and messy chain drive here. Clean and easy belt final drive. For a revvy 900 twin it is very frugal on petrol. I imagine the cost of replacement belt drive is pricey pit stop but at more than 20k interval, not that onerous. Mine came after that mileage and with new belt fitted, so I am saved that. I imagine the bike is routine for any shop servicing but their is something to be said for branded dealer servicing to protect resale value. A patchy service book could lose you a grand.

It is a great bike and very rewarding whether your blasting the twisties with the hard luggage left in the shed, or cases on and loaded for bear. Accessories. BMW standard gear pedal is spindly little casting that is sometimes hard to find through a bike boot. Like trying to hold a pen with a boxing glove. Hence aftermarket pedal sleeve enlarger. Will somebody tell manufacturers that a functional rear mudguard and a centre stand are essential parts of a bike, not optional accessories? Are handlebars optional extras? A hugger essential to protect monoshock and belt. Belt drive is exceptional but you don't want to be flicking gravel at it. Fender extenders essential to protect radiator at front and to avoid that vertical jetski, water spout at the back on rainy trips. My bike came with a lot of aftermarket stuff, scorpion can, Givi smoked tall screen, Koako throttle assist, bar ends, Givi rack and Kappa top case. Most of it a waste of money in my opinion apart from the extra luggage if you want it. Certainly replacement can and throttle assist are just deadweight and wallet thinners. Standard equipment on this model, heated grips, hard panniers, multi function display etc. all useful. For OEM standard equipment, the panniers do not locate well, they jiggle like Beyonce. Why design a "tourer" with an upswept silencer that reduces pannier depth and capacity? RH pannier will hold a full face helmet, which is useful.

Front Brembo's are very good, good stopping power and feedback. The bike's easy to ride on all road types but is at it's best on curvy A-roads. A two hour ride without stopping is no problem. I tend to stop for the comfort of riding buddies.

Power delivery feels like its almost linear. Good torque low down and I've noticed a slight peak at around 5750 rpm. It has an unfair reputation for being slow and boring but it has plenty of speed and acceleration just don't expect it to pull away from other bikes with similar power/torque output. The ECU claims I doing +65mpg but I take that with a pinch of salt but having said that fuel economy is very good. The big-bang 360 degree firing sequence of the parallel twin is proper old-school in nature. Manufactured by Rotax you just know it'll be resilient and last for ages.

Build quality is good, a solid machine which will outlast me! An issue with warped front brake disks was sorted under warranty.

Not the cheapest but you don't buy a BMW if reducing expenditure is your top priority.

The equipment is BM's usual high standard, heated grips, sat nav, electronic suspension adjustment and 3 riding modes. The bike came with a full set of BMW panniers and top box. I'm just glad the previous owner shelled out for it though! The belt drive is a godsend, 15,000km of maintenance free riding, get in!

Good for pillion mostly break after 2 hours.

VG, sometimes neutral avoids finding but being gentle and changing down before stopping helps. Dealer can resolve if still in warranty with changing clutch basket & maybe springs. Throttle cable needs fine tuning as low speed & moving off can allow stalling.

BMW dealer costs high independents better after warranty.

Panniers good, fitting larger top box works well. Avon 3D STORM tyres or newer versions better than OEM Continental road 1’s.

Handling is good this bike goes well and stops as well

Great balance between adequate power and economy

All looks good except the common problem of corrosion around the Disc brakes

Lind have been excellent

Get the eggshell shaped expandable panniers, they are great

Don't buy the overpriced panniers nor topbox. if you want to filter through M6 and M25 traffic, get a decent roll bag for 2000 mile regular round trips.

Power delivery sufficient even with belt drive.

Only corrosion has been on the discs and pads, not on the bodywork. Very reliable and always starts first time. Bulletproof engine and gearbox. A great all round bike.

Cost from a reputable non BMW dealer

Electronic suspension adjustment best feature. No maintenance belt drive is a close second. Recommend BMW panniers and top box if touring. Standard metzeler tyres are very capable.

The handling is brilliant.

The engine is quite torquey and pulls well.

This is my third one so I think that demonstrates that I like the bike. Only criticism that I would put forward is that the front forks are a bit budget.

About average I would say. Prefer to do my own but on board computer has to be re-set by dealership.

Definitely needs a front fender extender and rear mud flap.

Can see where BMW have cut corners

Very simple service, only real expense is belt every 4 years

perfect for my needs.

could be doing with a few more horse power.

too new to make accurate judgement

not sure of service costs as run in service was included in purchase cost.

SE version, so came with full luggage, heated grips, comfort seat, led lights, dynamic package, and sat nav as standard. All the extras you need. only thing I fitted retro was a taller screen for more wind protection.

The ride is very poised and I think the bike handles precisely and is confidence inspiring. The stability control seems to help where nasty road undulations and similar are encountered, for example in a turn. ABS works well and the brakes are great. I would fit a touring seat if I was doing very long distances. When I ride lanes in the country side the bike is at home.

Nice torque and acceleration. I like the way the engine spins up and I can get very nice shifting with some power on. For daily road riding the power is sufficient. I was more used to a four cylinder K100 though so I find that at motorway speeds the motor seems a little more ... urgent ... than I expect. I think though that they have found a sweet spot for power vs economy. There are some very smooth RPM bands for a twin, I prefer the side to side vibes from the R series bikes but for me this bike works better in town. The engine can throw off some heat on those scorching summer days.

One niggle on finding neutral sometimes. BMW say they'll sort it out if I can leave the bike with them for a few days, they will need to wait until the weather gets much worse, this bike is in constant use.

I think the bike was fair value for money when compared to some alternatives both from BMW and other manufacturers. I really like the belt drive and service costs are predicted to be lower than many other bikes.

The bike was "SE" spec so heated grips, I got a sat nav, ABS. ECS, Traction control. It all works well. The shelter from the fairing is very good so comfortable at low temperatures (down to near freezing in spring). I experience a fair amount of wind noise and buffeting at higher speeds as I prefer to look over the top of the windscreen. I have not found a solution for this yet. My bike has the taller screen. I hope the next generation/replacement has more adjustment. The bike did not come with a hugger, it does need one.

This bike is great all round. With a pillion, I braked in the shortest distance against various bikes in a braking distance test. It loves cornering and gives confidence, rolling in and out easily and sitting steady mid-corner.

I'd like about 20 more horsepower but wouldn't you always. I've got another bike for that (Ducati Supersport S), which my wife won't ride on.

Watch out for the indicators, they can snap off quite easily.

The factory luggage is expensive.

There are more modern dashes now but I am happy with the computer and other functionality. I haven't really wanted to put anything else on it other than a factory toolbox (expensive). I like the EOM tyres - they last well and ride nicely in all conditions. It has ABS, traction control and ESA - I like all three (not sure if I've invoked traction control or not but ABS occasionally triggers when slowing quickly at slow speeds).

Rides smooth and delivers power when needed in 5th and 6th gears!

$250 for service maintenance every 6,000 miles (service every 6,000 miles reommended).

Brembo brakes and electronic adjustable suspension lifts this above the other bikes I've owned.

Smooth as silk, quiet and utterly bomb-proof powertrain.

Describe? I would say it's the nearest thing to a magic carpet for long distance. Lovely handling if you are carving up A roads. For touring comfort and practicality its one of the best. I managed 64 mpg on my NC 500 trip.

Last service was bang on £200 (Lind Norwich). For a dealer service, test ride and wash I thought it was good value.

Not a rocket but gets up to road legal maximums easily and will cruise all day at them. I did 540 miles non-stop going, and 600 miles non-stop returning from Scotland. I struggle to think of another machine i would like to do those kind of distances on.

Very easy to ride with progressive power deliver and no sudden surges etc. It can be buzzy at higher revs but there is no need to be in the higher range anyway - I've never triggered the rev limiter warning light. I downsized from a much more powerful machine and it's a joy to be on a bike where you can open the throttle and enjoy the power without being 30mph over the speed limit in 3 seconds and constantly having to back off and bumble along frustrated by only being able to enjoy the engine very occasionally. The F800GT is much more enjoyable in every day real world conditions.

Needed to have the gear selector drum changed at 2,800 miles due to a "notchy" action and the leaver not returning to it's rest position between changes. Completed without complaint by BMW under warranty but it should not have happened as I ride very gently and in 40 years riding have never experienced this before.

Second year service with brake fluid etc.

Equipped with both "packs" so has traction control, heated grips, on board computer, tyre pressure monitor, electronic suspension, centre stand etc. Very good.

Irritating vibration and woefully underpowered. My VFR eats it for breakfast.

Overpriced for what it is.

Hard bags work well.

I've ridden continuous journeys across Europe of just under 1000 mile - in decent comfort on the maker's optional "comfort" seat. The fuel tank is, however, at 15 litres, too small and the range a paltry 225 miles - though it's easy, with the tank beneath the seat, to plumb in an extra supply fed through the tank's breather tube.

I like the torquey engine - that will also rev. However, the "third-con-rod" balance system is nowhere near as effective as a proper Lanchester rotating shaft and some vibration - similar to that of a BMW flat twin - is evident, though not intrusive.

Nothing has failed or broken - through the exhaust pipes take some cleaning...

..but if you need to change the belt it's £450+ - though the maker's recommended 24,000-mile limit is very conservative and many owners report double that mileage. Having a belt and not a chain is wonderful - no more messing with foul and disgusting lubrication rituals - perhaps the £450 is worth it after all.

The latest version of the maker's panniers are, to my mind, far too wide; a better option is the original "egg-like" expanding type that, providing they are not filled to capacity, allow filtering to the width of the mirrors. The screen is inadequate and, if you are old, like me, you'll probably want bar risers and footrest lowering kit. The headlight is hopeless - I've had to fit a xenon on dipped beam - which is what BMW should have done. As mentioned, the fuel tank is too small, the 24-litre unit from the F800 Adventure would be a great improvement.

Ride quality is ok. The whole bike feels 'taut'. I would persoanlly like the ESA to soften the ride quality more than it does in 'Comfort' but as it is, its ok. Brakes seem strong (Brembos). Discs are looking a bit rusty and Ive carefully washed it regularly

Not bad at all. Quite torquey low down, a bit empty in the middle (shame when overtaking) but with a bit of go at the top. It actually likes to rev which is nice. A little buzzy up the rev range but overall very acceptable

Generally ok. The worst bit is the 3qtr fairing leaves too much of the engine exposed. Even after a few hundred miles, the sump had taken a pasting (only powder coated). It needs a sump protector of sorts. I ride all year round and because of the lack of lower fairing, my boots are always soaked and filthy from puddles etc. Discs have started rusting

Too early to say on the servicing costs but a twin should be reasonable even accounting for BMW rates. MPG is impressive. Currently getting high 50's on my commute, hopefully his will rise further.

This where the bike is a little deficient as an all year round bike. It desperately needs (but hasnt got as std) Hugger, rear mudguard extension, Front fender extender + flap, higher screen. Also as the bars are quite wide, it could do with Deauville type hand shields - and lower leg shields!! Mine has TC, ESA, ABS, heated grips, TPMS etc The ESA is of debatable value. Computer is good with lots of functions

Good brakes, handles well, beautifully balanced

Eager and willing engine but comes with the annoying 'rattle' built in. Apparently this is normal by I find it a little disappointing given the premium brand.

Well built and equipped

First service was very reasonable.

It's comfortable on the freeway and the Madstad windscreen does an excellent job of letting good clean air flow over the rider. No turbulence. It's quiet and relaxed for all day riding. Riding on a twisty road is effortless. The amount of energy to flick from one corner to the other, takes no effort at all...and leaves you rested for more later.

It's a bit noisy...but aren't they all? Earplugs help a lot. The performance is superb. It has more than enough power to exceed my skill level.

No issues yet in 4000 miles. It seems well thought out. The panels, which can be an issue to remove on some bikes, are a breeze to remove. Perhaps more importantly, you don't need to remove anything to do simple things like an oil change. It makes the bike very feasible to maintain yourself.

Running costs are low. Gas mileage is great for an 800cc bike. Premium fuel is more expensive than regular, but isn't that much more expensive. Being a belt drive instead of chain drive, it is a ride and park it bike. At some point in the future, I'll have to replace the belt, but that's not an everyday experience.

If you're thinking of replacing the OEM windscreen, I highly recommend the Madstad windscreen. It is easily the best accessory I have to take the bike from being just suitable for short commutes, to taking it cross-country.

Fantastic brakes, comfortable for long rides, good handling.

Built to a budget, no problems for me, easy to maintain and keep clean. Belt drive is excellent.

Brakes are strong with good progressive feel, the ABS is amazing, I've had a SMIDYS and the bike stops much faster in an emergency than you'd ever be able to without ABS. Probably would have been a collision without it. I've done 2 touring with top box and panniers. Plenty of room for rider and pillion. The bike is relaxed cruising on the motorway with all the weight, but 800cc isn't quite enough to pull fast. It's a very comfortable bike for the most part, but while touring your bum might hurt a bit after a couple hours (at least mine does and so did my pillion's).

A little 'dull' and sounds a bit rubbish with the standard exhaust. However, the power delivery is perfectly tuned for the bike. Plenty of low down torque with an almost flast torque curve, with 90bhp at the top end. Surprisingly when riding fast it actually likes to rev and becomes a bit more lively in the top end than the bottom end. Has low vibes below 5K rpm but above that the bike becomes a bit vibey, however in 6th gear you'd be going over 90 at that, so unless you're looking for a 90+mph comfortable cruise this isn't an issue. Anywhere upwads of 85ish the bike is relaxed and always very stable thanks to the long wheelbase.

Very well built with a high quality finish, belt drive is amazing and makes me never want a chain driven bike again (I commute all year long). Dash looks nice, all the levers and pedals are well set up and nice to use.

The bike itself is not bad value for an 800cc sports tourer, especially for a BMW. However, BMW servicing is quite expensive, so be prepared for that, and those are every 6k miles and anually.

Must have: Comfort Package: (Heated Grips, On-board Computer, Main Centre Stand, Pannier Fastenings) - especially if commuting throughout the year. Nice to have but definitely not essential: Dynamic Package (ESA,ASC & Tyre Pressure Control) - the ESA is great for adjusting rebound on the fly if you ride often two up, or when doing a mixture of slow bumpy city roads and motorway on your commute (I use Comfort and Normal every day). ASC I don't even think I've activated and you'd have to be doing something very stupid to do so like giving it a fistfull in the rain. The TPMS is actually pretty useful, I've had a flat on the bike, and saw it coming as it was a slow leak got it repaired when I got home.