BMW F800S
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It will probably cost less than ten grand, have adequate power (80hp), good handling , hard bags (I hope), and the aftermarket support that BMWs enjoy.
I doubt,however, that it will have much of the overall goodness of an Airhead. This will be an entry level Beemer without the over-engineering and gadgetry that has come to characterize that brand.
I doubt,however, that it will have much of the overall goodness of an Airhead. This will be an entry level Beemer without the over-engineering and gadgetry that has come to characterize that brand.
As a long time BMW rider I lament the passing of the airhead and its replacement with the overly complex and porcine bikes that BMW has offered since. Let's hope that this model will usher in a new commitment to the production of lighter, simpler motorcycles. VWW
Parallel twins are inherently impossible to balance. This is the reason why so many great British bikes from the glorious era kept self destructing.
This one may not self destruct, thanks to 50 years of progress in engineering, electronics, metals, and other details, but it will still shake like a cub scout at Neverland (who did I steal that from?).
This one may not self destruct, thanks to 50 years of progress in engineering, electronics, metals, and other details, but it will still shake like a cub scout at Neverland (who did I steal that from?).
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57 Posts
BMW already has an F650CS and GS, they are thin, light, have ABS option and the CS is belt drive so no chain oiling. The gas is below the seat so it feels more scooter size than motorcycle so for me it is a hoot in LA traffic, in fact it is my primary LA transport.
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57 Posts
Well after I found out the F650CS was discontinued I was hoping for something even lighter and smaller, a BMW standard/motard. Looks like they decided to go more sporty as they have with their other bikes. Looks like they kept the single sided swing arm, which is good, hope they kept the belt drive from the CS vs a chain. I also hope they kept the gas under the seat, but it looks like they ditched the storage tank and put on a traditional gas tank 
Handle bars look like clip-ons vs the more comfy standard style bars the CS has now. In general I am disappointed as BMW no longer has a beginner friendly standard any more.
Handle bars look like clip-ons vs the more comfy standard style bars the CS has now. In general I am disappointed as BMW no longer has a beginner friendly standard any more.Are you kidding? One word: COUNTERBALANCERS. The modern triumph Bonneville engine family has them, as does EVERY modern parallel twin, such as the Yamaha TDM, MZ 1000S, Kawasaki ER6, and certainly this BMW 800. I bet it'll be smooth as silk. Remember, IT'S A BMW.
For what it's worth, I've ridden 197os era Kawaski KZ750 twins, and those are pretty smooth too.
For what it's worth, I've ridden 197os era Kawaski KZ750 twins, and those are pretty smooth too.
I think ABS will be the primary reason folks pick this bike over other better bang-per-buck bikes. I'm eager to read some reviews on the bike, and I applaud BMW for at least trying to fill the void between its thumper and uberbikes. However, as you mentioned, the costs will be the deal breaker.
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