BMW F800ST Reviews

★★★★☆
4.3 / 5
87.0% of users recommend this
  • Build quality

  • Reliability

  • Value For Money

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Latest Reviews

★★☆☆☆

“Engine failed at 27000 miles”

Written on: 04/03/2013 by Pinkyponk (2 reviews written)

I bought a high mileage bike from Viva Moto in 2010 and sold it in 2012. I had to sell it as I have emigrated to NZ. The bike was reliable through this time being used for daily commuting but it became increasingly rattly and fuel consumption increased. It became apparent that there was a major cylinder problem, costing 1000 plus gbp to fix,so I took a major loss on the bike. It had a full service BMW history but being out of warranty they were not interested. Also the engine paint flaked... (read more)

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★★★★☆

“Engine cut out”

Written on: 28/09/2012 by Katevstar (1 review written)

You said your bike would die too. Mine cuts out while riding also. What was the fix? Scary. My mechanic couldn't find the fix. (read more)

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★★★★★

“My first BMW, WOW.”

Written on: 12/07/2012

Having been riding for a good few years now and into my 60's, I need comfort and syle, I've had Zuzuki's Honda's and my last bike was a Harley Davidson super glide custome, a brill bike but a little too heavy for my old body to push about when not riding, I've just bought the BMW f800 st and its absolutly brilliant, comfy, sporty and light to handle, the power is there when you need it and I found it quite good in traffic which is contrary to some reviews i've read,its quick through the... (read more)

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★★★★★

“Fun excellent all rounder”

Written on: 10/02/2012 by dragonboat (1 review written)

Bought my f800st new in 2008 and have put just over 56,000 kms on it. Pros: light, nimble and responsive. beautiful low end torque ... really pulls nicely thru the twisties in lower gears incredible fuel economy expandable panniers work well ... impressed on how much stuff I can pack in to them lots of extras like tyre pressure monitor, on-board computer are great. heated grips are so nice on those late fall rides. Cons: not many ... had a valve gasket leak but it was repaired... (read more)

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★★★★☆

“GREAT AROUND BIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Written on: 26/06/2011 by BRUCEJILLSCOTT

i had couple of issues at about 13500 miles with fuel pump when i would go around corners the engine would DIE,SCARY, took it in they fixed it under WARRANTY. they ,BMW , stands behind their PRODUCTS. enough of the NEGATIVE, i have almost 19000 MILES, the engine runs great enough power to go around town and keep up with 600 streetbikers out riding AGGRESSIVE,JUST tighten up the suspension and go after it HARD. also comformable eough for a 500 mile day touring just again adjust the... (read more)

Guest's Response to BRUCEJILLSCOTT's Review

Written on: 10/10/2011

What a terrible way to write anything. Random capitalisation of words makes it near impossible to think about what you are saying as your mind gets constatntly filled with the thoughts of \"the guy who wrote this is a twunt\".

Shame as I am sure that you actually have a valid point or two to make about the bike.

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Guest's Response to BRUCEJILLSCOTT's Review

Written on: 14/06/2012

I don't care about the capitalization. Yeah, it was a bit overdone, but I got the points that Bruce was making.

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★★★★★

“What a bike. Having owned Kawa 600s and a Triumph...”

Written on: 02/01/2011 by ianmci (1 review written)

What a bike. Having owned Kawa 600s and a Triumph ST1050 this BMW is a breath of fresh air. Good, comfortable performance. Low down grunt and a planted feeling have re-kindled my passion for some of the best mountain passes in South Africa. One thing I'd improve on is the screen. 2 inches taller and it would be perfect.
Mine was ordered with all bells and whistles except the tire pressure thingy. The panniers are great and the fitmentof a GIVI small top box has given me an excellant... (read more)

Davidmarc's Response to ianmci's Review

Written on: 24/03/2011

I found this review very helpful because... it confirmed all the points I had wanted to know

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★★★☆☆

“The bike is an absolute joy to ride. Extremely...”

Written on: 24/05/2010

The bike is an absolute joy to ride. Extremely flickable, but comfortable enough for 300-400 mile days. But the reliability is abysmal. In a bit less than two years, mine has spent six weeks in the shop. It's had five warranty repairs. I've used BMW roadside assistance twice (and endangered myself by riding it to the shop instead of using roadside assistance for a third incident). (read more)

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★★☆☆☆

“When originally brought out the F800 series rear axle...”

Written on: 13/04/2010

When originally brought out the F800 series rear axle (drive shaft as BMW call it) was made of a metal too soft for the job. The wheel bearings eventually wear into the shaft causing movement which then causes the weather seal to fail & everything rusts up & then seizes. BMW know about this as they changed the spec (harder metal?) a couple of years ago. They are refusing to do a recall (they say it's just an improvement). However, as bikes age the problem gets worse until the rear wheel... (read more)

Guest's Comment

Written on: 11/09/2011

My rear bearings did eat into the shaft of my 2007 F800ST one month ago. No goodwill repair offered from BMW Motorcycles Reliabilty of this bike has been poor. Looking for a replacement all purpose bike. Any suggestions?

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★★★★☆

“Fantastic Bike... Great mileage, and performance...”

Written on: 30/03/2010

Fantastic Bike... Great mileage, and performance combination. Only complaint is the windscreen is too small. (read more)

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★★★★★

“The BMW F800ST is a terrific bike. It genuinely does...”

Written on: 13/04/2009 by gringo66

The BMW F800ST is a terrific bike. It genuinely does feel like a proper sports tourer; for the Sunday morning blast (I mean stroll) it accelerates briskly from all revs and doesn't need to be red lined like some bikes to keep it up to speed. It is a very torquey engine which means overtaking is a breeze, even with two up. The handling is excellent, it flicks from side to side to easily and precisely that I'm sure it does it via telepathy! Longer distances are effortless. The riding position... (read more)

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★★★★★

“I am a 57 year old long term motorcyclist & I bought...”

Written on: 12/12/2008 by 2old2dieyoung (1 review written)

I am a 57 year old long term motorcyclist & I bought my 2006 BMW F800ST second hand from my local BMW dealer after buying my first BMW, a K75 which I bonded with on a 2,500 mile trip around Switzerland. Unfortunately, the K75 was the victim of a SMIDSEY (Sorry I didn ' t see you). Fortunately I was luckier than the K75. I loved the F800ST from the moment I sat on it, everything felt so right. The seating position enabled me to touch the ground with both feet, all switchgear was to hand,... (read more)

B9Kee's Response to 2old2dieyoung's Review

Written on: 11/10/2009

I found this review very helpful because...I have just passed my test and because of this review I'm going to buy an 800ST.

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Berzerk's Response to 2old2dieyoung's Review

Written on: 30/11/2009

I found this review very helpful because... I am trying to decide if I want to buy this bike. I was only entertaining the thought of a naked bike until I went into the dealership and spoke to another customer about his f800st. I wasn't crazy about the whole fairing thing, but I'm finding it seems to have a practical use. This would be my first motorcycle and I'm not into getting something cheap and beat up just to ride for awhile. The fact that you stated that a beginner would enjoy this bike means alot to me.

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★★★★★

“I am a 50+ yo woman and this is my second bike--it is...”

Written on: 12/09/2008 by shbart22 (1 review written)

I am a 50+ yo woman and this is my second bike--it is a dream bike. I am 5ft 3inches. I bought a low seat version with a standard suspension. I flatfoot the bike easily due to my long legs.
I'm a long distance rider and the bike fits me to a T! I've completed a 20 hour, 1,076 miles ride on the stock seat and had no problems--it was great! The bike is lightweight, easy to lean, loves twisties and extremely manageable--even loaded with hardcase luggage, I have no concerns about handling this... (read more)

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★★★★★

“The BMW F800ST is a thoroughly enjoyable bike with an...”

Written on: 08/07/2008

The BMW F800ST is a thoroughly enjoyable bike with an undemanding and forgiving nature. Sufficient performance to be exciting, but not so much to intimidate. Next to my ST1100, it's the best bike I've had. Servicing costs are reasonable, and Dealer Support is excellent. BMW insurance is unbeatable. Bought mine in mid winter from a dealer with 200 miles on the clock, for £1500 below list. Way to go! (read more)

Attixx's Comment

Written on: 03/07/2012

Terrible bike. 2007 F800ST seized rear wheel because of faulty bearing from BMW, regularly served, but BMW does not help/does goodwill or cost sharing fix, therefore BMW quoted £1300.
Useless customer service.

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★★★★★

“Well put together. Engine is torquey and it takes a...”

Written on: 26/04/2008 by runtoski (1 review written)

Well put together. Engine is torquey and it takes a little time to get used to the effect of twin cylinders if you're used to a fizzing 4-pot 600. Result is less gear changing. Well balanced, maybe due to the positioning of the fuel under seat. Accessories are plentiful and work really well (panniers, ABS, heated grips). Belt drive is so refreshing after the hassle of maintaining an oily chain. Very economical. Enjoyable to ride - & that's the main thing, anyway. (read more)

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★★★★☆

“2007 BMW f800st vs. 2008 f800st: Virtually Identical....”

Written on: 18/04/2008 by BMW247 (4 reviews written)

2007 BMW f800st vs. 2008 f800st: Virtually Identical. Only differences in Spec Sheets are 2007 standard seat height is 32.3" vs. 33.1" in 2008 (but 2008 gives options that can be also done in 2007 model) Otherwise for 2008 BMW came out with a Comfort Package and a Safety Package that incorporates Heated Hand Grips, ABS, Tire Pressure Monitoring, On Board Computer. Versus paying for these optional equipment individually. Only found a $225 price difference increased for 2008. AND THAT's ALL.... (read more)

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★★★★★

“A Great Sports Tourer Bike for commuting by BMW, but...”

Written on: 19/03/2008 by stelyn (1 review written)

A Great Sports Tourer Bike for commuting by BMW, but let down with too small a screen and totally useless mirrors. Dealers on the Net are now offering `extensions' for the mirror storks at £35. with replacement screens around £85. BMW should address the `Mirror'issue free of charge or reduce weight by not bothering to fit them. They are cosmetic only. (read more)

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★★★★★

“Easy to ride, fun to ride. Long ride no problem. Great...”

Written on: 21/01/2008

Easy to ride, fun to ride. Long ride no problem. Great gas mileage.
Great motorcycle for the money. This is my 3rd BMW and it's the best bike I ever had. (read more)

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★★★★★

“Bought the F800ST new four months ago, commuting daily...”

Written on: 19/01/2008

Bought the F800ST new four months ago, commuting daily in all weather. Great Bike but let down with poor screen, totally useless mirrors and with no storage facility, built into either side of the fine fairing which just lends itself for some sort of recess pocket for small items like on some Honda's. Bearing in mind the cost, at the very least BMW should realise their error in design regarding the mirrors and recall machines to fit the extender's free of charge. (read more)

Motomanbmw's Comment

Written on: 20/03/2008

Had the same problem with one of the centre stand bolts falling out after 1000 miles. Repaired under warranty but annoyed I had to pay for the cost of the bolt (peanuts but it was BMW's fault!) as parts not covered under warranty.

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359326_Bm Fan's Comment

Written on: 15/04/2008

I found the mirrors to be excellent. Maybe its aimed at people slightly slimmer than the average BMW rider?

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★★★★★

“BMW F800ST good bike pleasure to ride.”

Written on: 05/11/2007 by marryn (1 review written)

BMW F800ST good bike pleasure to ride. (read more)

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★★★★★

“I love my F800 ST. As a rider of 26 years and having...”

Written on: 29/10/2007 by bignick69 (1 review written)

I love my F800 ST. As a rider of 26 years and having had not a great deal of riding experience, I probably am not best placed to comment on the best bike to buy. But I bought my F800 St as a all rounder bike. I wanted something that I could use for a country burn at the weekend and for the weekday commute into the city and this bike covers both bases. It's comftable, a joy to ride, it only sips from the tank, it's low maintenance, extremely cheap to insure through BMW (NIG) and it just... (read more)

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★★★★★

“Comfortable. Very fuel efficient at often 70 mpg...”

Written on: 21/09/2007 by Barry Vanns

Comfortable. Very fuel efficient at often 70 mpg (average 66).
More than adequate performance. Have done 350 miles in a day without discomfort. Didn't need a computer but I wish somebody had told me that this means that there is no petrol gauge! (read more)

Guest's Response to 312235_Barry Vanns's Review

Written on: 09/04/2012

What are you talking about? No petrol gauge...? The gauge is on your computer. It is on left side and when it gets to about 1 gallon left, the yellow warning petrol light comes on and you got about 40-60 miles to find a gas station. Maybe mine (a 2012) is different.

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★★★★☆

“Why do I love this bike when I don't want to? It is...”

Written on: 12/08/2007 by stowkin (1 review written)

Why do I love this bike when I don't want to? It is just so easy to ride-fast-slow cruising-commuting-just anywhere! Sometimes a machine is more than the sum of it"s parts, having a personality which makes you smile-such is the 850ST. (read more)

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★★★★★

“I was after a new bike to replace my (soon to be sold)...”

Written on: 05/03/2007 by skote (22 reviews written)

I was after a new bike to replace my (soon to be sold) CBR1000FS. I wanted an all-rounder so my immediate choices were a Fazer 1000, a CBR600F or a VFR800. I rode the BMW F800ST as a "maybe" and fell in love with it. If you look at the ingredients, it shouldn't work - a sportbike with braided hoses, single sided swingarm, Brembo brakes and a steering damper, but you sit upright and it's a parallel twin with a gear change that clonks like an iron gate at low speeds. Somehow, the brains in... (read more)

Skote's Response to skote's Review

Written on: 04/06/2007

Having owned the bike for 3 months now I would recommend the following:
<br/>
<br/>1. Crank up the pre-load and damping to get the best out of the handling
<br/>2. Fit an after-market exhaust. The stock one is really heavy and strangles the engine low down.
<br/>3. The tall screen BMW sell as standard with the bike is just all wrong. It throws the Von Karman vortex straight at your face. Either fit the smaller BMW screen from the F800S and take the wind on the chest like a man, or fit a taller aftermarket screen, which will work out cheaper.
<br/>4. There have been 2 recalls as far as I know - one for front sprocket, and one for throttle pulleys. Make sure these get done, or are done on a bike you are looking to buy.

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Stowkin's Response to skote's Review

Written on: 13/08/2007

I found this review helpful because I have just bought an ST and reviews are hard to find--Thought I was the only one to have such a love affair--great bike..

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