Revelation - test rode the F800ST

[gazuk]

Done 16.000kn on th 1100GS and with my work in London being extended for another year thought I might treat myself.

Took an F800ST out for a demo on Saturday morning. Down the A25 through Ranmore common etc. I was expecting it to be not as good a fit as my GS but for it to handle the corners well (being a sports tourer and 12 years younger than my GS) and a nice lively motor.

Well, it fitted great. comfortable and felt good. The only problem, it didn't really want to go around courners and the engine just seemed so linear and bland, had to use the gears alot. Handed it back to the dealer and he admitted it was a used one just taken in and hadn't gone throught the workshop yet so maybe the previous owner has messed witht he settings I expected it to turn with a small push of the bars and hold a nice line. It needed a good push and the front seemd to want to go straingt on. The front shocks were in a shocking condition with corrosion as well, on a 2 year old bike

Now, all this could be because I'm used to the riding style of the GS, but after the test I took my GS on the same route I took the ST and had a whale of a time. The ride though Ranmore was superb, beating any of my previous bikes I've taken through there (hadn't been there for quite a few years though)

I so wanted to like the ST cos it looks good n practical and there have been alot of good words about the engine (and I was keen to give a sports tourer another go), but I couldn't believe how muck I enjoyed the ride on my GS after the demo. So, the GS is staying, and my treat will be a new sargent seat, new wilbers rear shock and maybe some paniers

 

[Backmarker]

Funny things test rides. Had a long go on an R1100S a few years ago (after 60k on a GS). Really didn't like it.
Then, a year ago (after another 20k on the GS) I bought one (without a test ride). And I loved it from the off. Still do. And have done twice the mileage on it as I have the GS over that year (despite laying it up completely over the worst of the winter months).

 

[Dylan]

GS just so suited to the normal roads

it must be the wide bars of the GS. I took a brand new Z1000 out expecting to be street demon. Same problem. It was down to the bars and the weight put on each hand rest. You need to move around alot more on a bike like that. That is why I love the GS so much, so easy to go fast and turn then pull out of the bend in near enough any gear,

 

[Navy Boy]

Test rides and loan bikes...

Both funny things. I've ended up on more than one occasion buying bikes on the back of one and then found it wasn't quite what I expected. Then again I bought my last 2 Triumphs without any rides and loved them both.

Interesting to hear what you thought of the ST though. I've ridden 2 F800Ss and have really liked them both. I did twiddle with the rear preload to bring the back end up on both occasions though...

As for the engine. Yes it is a bit linear but it certainly makes progress well enough. It does remind me of a turbocharged cement mixer to listen to though

 

[Stu_C]

I bought my Ducati ST4 without a test ride, never again!!

I initially was looking to get a R1200ST but they seem to be pretty rare in this country so I thought the F800ST might be a substitute. I read akll the articles, watched all the films I could find on youtube and really thought this bike is for me! On the testride I knew straight away that I would get uncomfortable on this bike. Luckily I rode the 1200GS that day aswell, purely coincidental as I wasn't out to buy a GS!
But 3 hours later I did buy one

So glad that I did!