BMW F800GT SE - First Impressions - Orwell Motorcycles
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- Never owned a BMW motorcycle but considered a BMW F800GT a couple of years ago but never got round to trying one. They seemed a good compromise on price and German engineering. The belt drive always made me suspicious but I understand that they are very good now. The last BMW I rode was one of my dads and that was about 45 years ago and I only remember the swing of the bike at tick over as it rocked from side to side. No chance of this bike doing the same. You will have to bare with the early motorway part of the video which has a lot of wind noise. Believe me, it was worse in my helmet.
Orwell Motorcycles
orwell.co.uk
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Email: allyearmotorcyclist@gmail.com
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You said it, ‘bike for a job.’ I had a BMW R850R. Rode 40k on it, rear wheel bearing collapsed other than that not a problem. BUT never loved it. Came home put it away - never gave it another thought. Unlike my Moto Guzzi’s and other bikes. I’d ride home put them away, give them a pat, then go and get a tea and come back in the garage and commune with them. 😂
I know exactly what you mean😂😂😂 wife- where are you going -me- to the garage- wife - why- me - errrr I just need to check something 😂😂😂
Mine a 17 year old f800st....all those years on still brilliant all round bike...
Excellent 😁 thanks Pat 😁 I think it sounds as though the older ones are better than the latest models 😁
The classic wind screen problem.. Not big enough screen and the wind concentrates in the helmet. No screen is better then not long enough.
It was unbearable, I couldn’t wait to get off the A14. I literally wanted to stop and walk😂😂😂😂 much better going the other way though. Thank god the wind wasn’t stronger😂😂😂
Hi TAYM was it just me or did Spider-Man emerge from the back of the transit van at 1:20? I think he heard you talking oval clocks and wanted to check it out for himself. Love your videos, recently subscribed. 😊
Well spotted, I never noticed dare mention it just in case it was only me who saw him 😂😂😂
No. Get a paddington. Simple. Look gorgeous. Sound great. Will be more reliable.
All very true 😊
I have the st model and it's an excellent bike and I bought a new replacement belt for about 100 pounds and they last a long time, put a slip on exhaust and it sounds great as the catalytic converter is in the original
Marvellous. I quite liked the sound as it was but could always improve on it 😊
I’m not sure of the accent, I’m from the Uk and really struggling.
😂😂😂 I’ve lived everywhere but born in North Yorkshire 😁 sorry you struggled with it 😁
Don’t apologise we all have an accent🤣🤣 I’m from Portsmouth. Accents are a good thing👍
I have a F650CS that uses the belt drive, single-sided swingarm and fuel tank under the seat like this bike. It has a single cylinder engine and is very economical. My bike has an indentation where the traditional fuel tank would be. BMW made accessories that would fit in the space. I have the BMW tank bag and storage box with speakers. Each fits nicely in the area. I suppose it was a form of storage like the NC Hondas have, but more versatile. Anyway, I would prefer the 800 since the 650 is rather small and cramped for me. Since I paid very little for it, and have had no issues with it in the 4500 miles I’ve ridden it, I can’t really complain.
I guess the F900xr replaced the 800 but looks much more like an adventure bike.
I had a F650CS for afew years. Loved it!
I have a 2017 F800GT down in Sydney. I previously had an MT09 but decided to tone it down a bit and include my partner on weekend rides. Very happy with this bike and ya it’s a BMW 😅
Marvellous 😊
Lack of Bertiness and sounds like a hoover but gobbles up roads not really my thing. No character ok if want to tour.
Agreed
Marvellous review 👍
I have just bought a 2019 F800 GT SE from Bahnstormer BMW and ride it back 160 miles. Really comfy bike and great handling and not too heavy. The battery and airbox is under the tank cover. I have been looking at these for years now and I am not disappointed at all. My partner (Tamsin) rode it the other day and likened it to a magic carpet ride when compared to her Triumph Street Triple R. Anyway, I've bought it for carrying all our luggage so Tam can just ride her bike when we go touring. Oh yes! It's pretty good on fuel too. I got 80 mpg on our last ride out 😳
I reckon I will be keeping this one for a long time to come. 🤔
Kind regards Paul
BTW, I don't think cruise control was an option.
Thanks for your comment. I noticed that Orwell have another in with a much bigger screen. I would be interested to see if that made it quieter. How tall are you?
@@TAYM I am 5' 10" and you do get a fair bit of buffeting with the standard screen. I may try a deflector. Had one in the past on a Tiger 1050 which worked OK.
@@itsalldoable not just me then, that’s a relief 😊
I have the 2008 f800st version down here in Australia , done 86,000klm all over NSW and it has been a great bike , im.5'9" 76 kilo . Got 80,000klm out of the belt before changing but that is only because we think someone reversed into the rear belt sprocket which then made the belt frey . Im going to upgrade to the GT version later.
Marvellous, that’s incredible isn’t it, that must be worth at least 3 new chains and a couple of sprockets 😊 so it sort of makes it irrelevant how much a belt costs. Excellent
@@TAYM yes that is how i see it . 🙂
Awesome. I'm considering one, a 2010 model, here in the UK. I've not tried one out, they're quite rare. How's the power on this bike? Does it give you a good rush of adrenaline or is it more on the tamed side? Also, how's the gearbox?
Yeauh.
😂😂😂😂 thanks C 😁
You guys over there park cars dangerously on side of road.In NZ you'd get a ticket parking like how you guys do,one car was parked close to corner.
😂😂😂
@@TAYM Solo moto gave me a shout up.Bloody grease issues.Relays are shite too I had a faulty one on my fuel pump loosing power on deacelleration when bike hot.I saw a few videos about grease & one where a guy cut one in half after 1300km & it had signs of corrosion.Cleaning grease fixed my starting issue & still had fuel issue & then put Hitchcocks Relays in & done over 2000km no problems.It a shame that such a small issue causes problems on such a great bike.R.E knows about this but I guess it comes down to dealerships not cleaning grease off & using a lithium dialectic electrical grease spray which is thin.Himmy has same issue but haven't heard anything about 350's luckily.Truly are great bikes.
@@ruahinesrider I saw, marvellous 😊
Two round clocks, one on top of the other - what's that all about? If you ride it in Norfolk, people will probably remove the road signs when they see you coming. It is hard to find belt lube, which puts me off. It can't be a faultless motorbike, they started it! 😁. All bad jokes aside, it seems like a good touring bike. By the way, thank you for commenting on my 3 min video clips. I think that you are the only one who does!
☺️😂😂
800gt is one of the best motorcycle ever, 213kg kerb weight with 90NM torque at 5800 rpm even today no one can beat ... rotax engine was masterpiece
Yes, Rotax make fantastic engines 😁 loved riding the bike but just needed a different screen for me. 😁 thanks Prof 😁
No longer made and dated design but no maintenance belt drive suggests all year motorcycle. In this colour or blue looks nice simple practical bike (in white maybe you might be mistaken for an off duty German police rider!!) Some of these have electronically adjustable suspension I believe....
Marvellous, electric suspension🤔 trouble is with used BMW’s is the cost of parts should things go wrong😊
Great review 👍 I've had quite a few BMWs and love the boxer engine especially the new 1250 shift cam if you get the chance pop to Suffolk or Essex BMW and get a test ride on the new R1250RT or one of the GS family just to experience that engine and the quality of a top of the range BM. Just to be totally honest I have a new RT on order 😜👍
I shall do that, if they’ll let me 😊😂😂
Nice - but you need 2 X round clocks ! My fantasy bike is the Yamaha FJR 1300 - can you have a ride on one of those ?
Maybe 😂😂
Do you think it would be a good beginner motorcycle. I am 190cm tall and weigh 106kg, would I even be able to fit comfortably on it? This bmw model made me look at the motorcycle. I think it is the most beautiful model of those years.
Well I am 2cm shorter than you and weigh a little bit less and I found it very comfortable to ride. The power is very evenly distributed and it only does what you ask. Not sure this helps but hope it does 😊
I have one that I bought for my first motorcycle. It's very nice and easy to learn on IMO.
@@Laudrengen marvellous 😊 thanks L
Did I hear you say "straight as a nut" ? 🤣 . Wind direction, speed, gusts and rider height must make quite a difference. One day I'm expecting, when you say how does it make me feel, for you to sing "miiiiiggghty real"
😂😂😂😂
Sweet as a nut 😂😂😂
@@TAYM ahhh I did wander, but then it is you so it could well have been straight as a nut 😉🤣🤣😁
@@icedidi 😂😂😂😂
Hello decent review ride nice one 👍👍🙏
Thanks 😊
Every BMW I have ridden, fits like a glove. Harley riders wave. My R1150RT is my second most favorite bike I ever owned. Sold it . The Concours 14 is a 2021, which is just like my 2004 R1150RT, just faster.
The wind noise was unbearable going east😂😂😂
I think I’m going to miss my compartment but I won’t miss filling her up at the back end and that’s what I don’t like about the GT800 still that doesn’t keep cutting out 🤣🤣🤣 marvellous video TAYM 👍
How many miles were on the Himalayan when you collected it?
@@TAYM 7 🤔
@@TAYM morning TAYM 😃
@@Ainsworth-Rider what have the shop said about it? Could that be the greasy relays?
@@TAYM I haven’t been in touch with the shop I have looked at the relays and they look clean no grease I have put a new plug In but not been out on the bike yet but she does sound better. When this rain stops I will take her out and if she still cuts out I will take her back to have her looked at 👍
Well, that was a curver. Didn't expect to see you out on that, but very welcome review.
Chester (the grumbling Z-RS) is still in my garage awaiting the two Enfields to replace him. I may have mentioned he was the first four I've ever actually owned, but can't beat a twin.
Most of my riding 'career' has been on BMW boxers - predominantly airheads from back in the 70/80s. I miss them now, especially my 'Wendy look alike' R90S (or maybe it's the other way round - the 90S was the first classic cafe production fairing). I'd have a new one of that exact 74 model in a heartbeat. In contrast, the modern oilhead boxers are a shadow of the old airhead feel. The Interceptor reminded me of the 90 (probably more the R75/6).
In 2018 when I was looking to downsize from an R1150RT, I seriously considered the F800GT, but never did ride one. Rotax engine under licence I think? If I'd listened to your review then, I may have pursued it more. I ended up with the NC750X at that time before changing to Chester.
It's interesting your observation about the BMW feel and their cars. I've had three cars over the years, and there's definitely a BMW feel to all their machines. You could ride any of them blindfolded and know it was a BMW.
Got in touch with Saddlebags. Nice chap. Down my way too, so we may meet up for a coffee and a face to face mutter.
Excellent comment and great to hear you are meeting up with Saddlebags73. I wonder what bike he is getting next🤔
Nice but not my cup of tea
Just about nice 😊😂😂
BMW no way my 350 all day
😂😂😂😊😊😊
There are some people that should never do video reviews on bikes, add your name to that list..
Then again there are some people who've " Never had a dream come true" 🙄😟😖
I am already on so many lists, one more won’t harm 😁
😂😂😂 brilliant 😂😂😂
@@TAYM I did a bit of research, he's an S club Seven fan, says it all really. Though he may own a Street triple, just goes to show you can't judge a character by the bike he rides 😊
@@greywolf9292 😂😂😂
I've had a couple of BMWs, both suffered with bad wind noise and poor finish. They also have more warranty claims and recalls than most. I'd stick with Bertie.😉
😊 me too 😂😂😂
Thank you.
@@Fractal379 😁 thanks F 😁
I hope Wendy didn't hear you say that! 😳 I think you should take her out to make it up to her!
I most definitely should 😊
@@TAYM 👍
I understand the cost of replacing the drive belt on this model is prohibitive.
Ha, I thought as much 🤔😂😂😂
Not true, unless you replace all the pulleys it’s a half hour job to replace the belt yourself and the belt can be bought for c.£220.
@@timparish172 marvellous news 😊
No. Just bought one, £106 inc post. It's a Continental CT1208 belt. Take sabout 15 mins to fit. You need atension gauge about 12 quid on Ebay.
@@hereandthere4763 that sounds excellent and quite a saving over the chains and lube required for winter riding.😊 I think this bike is still for sale which is weird. A bike very hard to fault.