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So, the invite came in – fancy a couple of days putting a few Ks on a couple of new F800 bikes and sorting a route for the press launch and dealer days? Hard call really, work or ride?? – doh!!
I had to be in Auckland for the second leg of the BMW Driver Training (but that's another story 😆 ) on Monday 25 Sept, so was an easy decision to change flights and stay over a couple of extra days to accommodate Mr G.
It was up early Tuesday to meet Noel (Walker) between 7:30 and 7:45 at Mt Wellington. The plan was to take two F800STs and an F800S across to the Hotel Du Vin. From there we were looking to plan a route for the press contingent, some from across the Tasman, that took in Miranda then on to loop around the Coromandel then back across through the Maramarua Forest.
First up – sort out who is riding what. John, with his blue suit, matched the royal blue F800ST nicely 8) . Noel picked on the Anthracite F800ST, which left me with this lovely little mandarin coloured F800S.
Now, these things have virtually no Ks on them at all having just been delivered, so best a quiet little jaunt along the motorway then left onto SH2, left again Lyons Road and before you know it we're at Hotel Du Vin.
Beautiful day, sun is up already and you know it's going to be warm. We arrived to find the Bentley boys setting up for their customer drive day. I just couldn't resist the photo opportunity here.
So off we went, great run down to Miranda, out to Kopu and left onto the peninsular. First stop, top of the hill overlooking Dead Mans Point. What a view!!
A stop in Coromandel Town at the Peppertree, looks as if this will be the place for morning tea.
Onwards, to Whitianga and a quick stop for the obligatory photo.
On the way down the West side to Tairua where we planned to stop for lunch I led Noel astray a bit. "No Garry, it's not an adventure bike" but I tell you, an 800GS wouldn't be a dumb idea.
Lunch stop in Tairua
An amazing run back across from Hikuai to Kopu, great bit of road when it's dry and warn. The Conti Attacks on the F800S are just so confidence inspiring. It didn't take us long to get back to the start point, already thinking about the next day.
Early start again for us on Wednesday, still warm but foggy as hell when we left for Mt Wellington at about 7:00 am. Only John and me this time out and we elected to swap around so I could get a ride on the ST. Unfortunately no sign of Noel, although I knew he was thinking about another day of work 👿 .
The plan was a more technical route for the dealers. We decided on one loop in the morning again starting from Hotel Du Vin, but this time out to Kaiaua, through to Kawakawa Bay and into Clevedon, out around Maraetai, through Whitford back to Clevedon, then across Sky High Road to Hinua and back down again into Lyons Road. The afternoon session would be out to Mercer, onto Pukekawa, down through Naike then across to Rangariri via Rotongaro, and into Te Kauwhata followed by a quick run up Falls Road back to Mangatawhiri.
The fog lifted as we rolled into Kaiaua, where we stopped briefly - the morning's coffee took its toll.
An obligatory stop at Maraetai for morning tea on the waterfront.
The rest of the day was a blur to say the least, as we both got comfortable with the machines and the pace got vastly quicker than the day before. Again, I could not get over just how tractable these bike are and huge fun to ride.
A nice surprise when we got back, all the others had arrived (Alex, you might just get the red one you're after).
So, what did I think of the bike? First off it's gorgeous, what struck me when I saw it in the flesh is the beautifully sculptured swing arm and the great look of the engine left exposed under the frame. The bodywork actually looks good, which is always a bonus. The wheels have the same sporty look as the bigger 1200S and they've kept the swept back spokes.
The engine is a gem; it's an 800cc parallel twin that produces around 85hp, not bad in a 182 kg (dry) chassis. It's still not what you'd describe as a racer (top speed of about 200K) but user-friendly torque that is instantly on demand is just such a good thing over here. It sounds great as well, with a comfortable burble at idle and a fair old shriek once you get the revs up over 5000, which incidentally is where everything starts to come together. A bit of a rattle from the clutch plates at lower revs but all part of the character of the twin I think. Out on the road it's completely unintimidating, is super stable and very, very secure. The power is there but not in a scary way at all. Did I mention it's got bucket loads of torque that even the doziest rider can haul his/her way out of any "oops-I-forgot-to-change-gear moment? The belt drive is quiet and, unlike chains, provides instant drive. The suspension is surprisingly good, firm but not sporty.
But - the best of the package is the brakes. Truly inspiring!!
It is great to see that BMW have not cut any corners here – big ass 320mm rotors with 4-pot Brembo callipers attached with braided steel lines either side up front means stopping power is not an issue. The 800s get a new version of the ABS system as well with bias to the back, when you're grabbing a handful at the front, kicking in much later than current systems. Having said that, two fingers of pressure and you're going to stop pretty quickly anyway.
You need to ride this bike like you should ride a twin, keep the revs moderate to high and enjoy the torque. I found that if I tried to wring its neck, I didn't actually get any faster through twisty bits (in fact you'll get into a bit of bother - as discovered). I found I was just better of without any aggression or brute force and, because the bike was just so sure-footed and stable, I enjoyed the ride so much more. The thing you noticed in the group was the smiles just getting bigger and bigger at each stop and the eagerness to get going again.
Personally, I enjoyed the ST more than the S, it was just a little more comfortable for my 6' frame and a bit easier on the shoulders. The bars being a bit more user friendly (higher and wider) meant there was less input through the corners.
At around $18,500 or thereabouts you are going to get a lot of bike for your buck. As a shot to fill the gap between the 650 and the 1200, I think BMW has come up with a beauty, but who is going to buy it? It's going to be perfect for someone who has been riding for a while but doesn't feel that 100+bhp is what he or she needs (or wants). Maybe it's right for someone moving up from a 650 V twin or one of the 600-inline fours such as a Bandit or a Hornet? Or what about as a second bike to go with you Superbike - you know – one you can actually take out in all weathers, carry some luggage and enjoy the heated grips etc.
Or maybe – just maybe - you're like my wife who has a 12-year old parallel twin TRX 850 Yamaha and is looking for something to replace it with – Bugger!!! 😀 😀 😀
Thanks to both these guys for a truly enjoyable couple of days - see you Kaipara.
We had a great time running in these bikes. Luckily the weather held off until almost the end of the ride. The roads were dry for all the fun bits.
The bike handles really well and has excellent brakes. It took me a little while to get used to the riding position compared the 1150GS. Once I had settled in it turned out to be quite comfortable.
The engine will obviously need a few more K's on the clock for it to loosen up, but it has quite a bit of torque, so riding it in running in mode wasn't a chore.
I am sure these bikes will turn out to be very popular. Here is a picture of them all lined up, waiting for a rider.
I have more pictures on my camera, but can't find the transfer lead.
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