800R

[thefooleryoftom]

My 1999 1100GS developed an undiagnosed gearbox fault, throwing out various components over a sixth month period. After getting into the gearbox three times, it let me down again on the way to work, so had to go. The wife suggested a newer bike and after much deliberation I've ended up here:


2013 BMW F800R by thefooleryoftom, on Flickr


Black as... by thefooleryoftom, on Flickr


Boreham House and the 8R by thefooleryoftom, on Flickr

2013 800R with 6.5k miles on the clock from Cannon's in Essex. AC Schnitzer bellypan the size of a bathtub has been removed, as have the pannier rails and I've just fitted HIDs. £17!

Onwards...

 

[RJT_Berlin]

Like the look of these - first impressions?

 

[thefooleryoftom]

First impressions of the test ride are here.

Further to that, the bike felt flighty next to the battleship-stable GS I was used to, but I've now realised that's translate into how easy it is to change direction and line mid-corner. The brakes are a lot more easy to use, too. There's loads of feedback through the forks, making braking input very precise.

The engine is great, a good mix of torque but it really sings above 5k. A pleasure to thrap along. The tyres are freakishly good Michelin Pilot Road 3s, one of the main reasons for going with the 8R - tyre sizes mean a far superior tyre selection. The wet supermoto front in my shed will find it's way onto the bike when the frost arrives. That, combined with the heated grips and HIDs mean it'll be a great winter bike, once sheep-dipped in Waxoyl.

 

[PeterNI]

Great photos and bike review on your blog. Did you test ride the F800GS?

 

[Bendy toy]

Waxoyl is fab until you want it washed off.

 

[thefooleryoftom]

Great photos and bike review on your blog. Did you test ride the F800GS?

Thanks very much. No, the 800 isn't really what I'm interested in with knobblies and 21" front. I imagine it'd be fun with that engine tune though and some decent tyres.

Waxoyl comes off with white spirit, no problem. My old Ducati looked better after winter than before.

 

[thefooleryoftom]

I've now removed the flyscreen after establishing it does sweet fanny adams* for me, and fitted the wee protector that clips onto the back of the dash to neaten things up:


Instrument cover by thefooleryoftom, on Flickr

It's looking pretty nice now, we're bonding well. Couple more subtle changes and I'm about done!


Washing the fleet by thefooleryoftom, on Flickr



*may not apply to all, mileage may vary

 

[thefooleryoftom]

It's also now sporting the oh-so-fashionable 'speed grime' that seems to accumulate during winter. Lovely.

 

[Nick V]

I've now removed the flyscreen after establishing it does sweet fanny adams* for me, and fitted the wee protector that clips onto the back of the dash to neaten things up:
Washing the fleet by thefooleryoftom

Okay, then I know it's not just me: the R DOES look better without the standard flyscreen than with it.
Tom, have you considered going for a slightly bigger aftermarket screen?

I just wish we had the R on our shores. BMW SA have never seen fit to import it.

 

[thefooleryoftom]

Okay, then I know it's not just me: the R DOES look better without the standard flyscreen than with it.
Tom, have you considered going for a slightly bigger aftermarket screen?

I just wish we had the R on our shores. BMW SA have never seen fit to import it.

Lord no, I much prefer it with nothing. If I were more technically-minded (or had money to burn) I'd redesign/replace the clocks to hunker them down towards the top yoke more to minimalise the front profile further, but I'm not that bothered. Lots of work for something only I would notice every now and again.

Hoping to nip out tomorrow in the more pleasant weather to get some coastal shots. Riding in cold rain gets you down after a while...

 

[thefooleryoftom]

WP_20150216_004 by thefooleryoftom, on Flickr

Next to a colleage's FZ Shed, the 800R is positively beautiful...


Dry (ish) Road by thefooleryoftom, on Flickr

The days are less grey, and the roads are clearer and my lean angle is creeping up.

 

[thefooleryoftom]

It got warm enough here in sunny Essex to wash the winter crud off and go for a quick spin on the now mostly clear roads. Lovely.


Winter Clean by thefooleryoftom, on Flickr


Winter Clean by thefooleryoftom, on Flickr


Local Roads by thefooleryoftom, on Flickr

 

[thefooleryoftom]

Took these the other day as I couldn't ride it, but could take photos of it (I was home with the kids).


My BMW F800R by Tom Whiting, on Flickr


My BMW F800R by Tom Whiting, on Flickr


My BMW F800R by Tom Whiting, on Flickr


My BMW F800R by Tom Whiting, on Flickr


My BMW F800R by Tom Whiting, on Flickr

 

[linnet]

Great photos Tom,
Looks like you are enjoying your new bike!.

 

[thefooleryoftom]

Very much so


Lovely day for it... by Tom Whiting, on Flickr

 

[thefooleryoftom]

Started on the fork seals late last night, also mucking around with the 35mm lens.


Nighttime fettling by Tom Whiting, on Flickr


Nighttime fettling by Tom Whiting, on Flickr


Alloy filler cap by Tom Whiting, on Flickr


Nighttime fettling by Tom Whiting, on Flickr

 

[thefooleryoftom]

Probably about time this happened:


Kneedown by Tom Whiting, on Flickr

 

[thefooleryoftom]

 

[brut33]

I don't think I'll be getting my knee down like on the thread above, but this is a much underrated and overlooked bike. I've been on the lookout for a middleweight for a while and this ticked all the boxes.
Just got it home from Southport Superbikes and it's now got 24 miles on the clock. Can't wait for tomorrow's run to North Wales.