BMW F 800 R

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BMW most recently struck out on a new path in the segment of medium category motorcycles with the F 800 series launched in 2006. In addition to the sporty F 800 S, the first model variation to be presented, and the F 800 ST with its touring capabilities, the fourth BMW Motorrad engine series was supplemented in 2007 with the F 800 GS and the F 650 GS – two dynamic enduro models in the very best BMW GS tradition.

With the new F 800 R, BMW now takes the logical step of expanding the F 800 model series further by presenting at the EICMA 2008 – the Milan motorcycle show – a sporty roadster in the segment of medium category naked bikes designed for a high level of riding dynamics and maximum riding fun.

Alongside the two roadsters R 1200 R and K 1300 R, this is now the third BMW roadster to see its world premiere in the BMW Urban world of experience: the new F 800 R, the dynamic BMW naked bike for the medium category. The engine of the F 800 R is the parallel twin with 4-valve technology and a capacity of 798 cc, already familiar from the F 800 S.

While the highly distinctive in-line 2-cylinder engine of the previous models was especially impressive due its pulling power, spontaneous response and low level of fuel consumption, the new model now reflects a further optimization of engine and throttle response thanks to a new throttle valve kinematic system.

The rated output of the engine is 64 kW/87 bhp at approx. 8,000 rpm and produces a torque of 86 Nm at approx. 6,000 rpm. The mass compensation of the parallel twin is implemented by a system which is still unique in serial production motorcycle construction in which an additional swivel rod compensates the first-order and second-order mass forces, ensuring that the 2-cylinder engine runs with an unusually low level of vibration which is especially pleasant for the rider.

Closely based on the big BMW roadster K 1300 R in its design, the distinctively sporty F 800 R with its orientation towards a high level of riding dynamics delivers just what its dynamic exterior promises. From standing, the F 800 R possesses considerable sprinting power.

What is more, shorter gear ratios in fourth to sixth gear ensure improved continuity; in conjunction with the excellent pulling power of the two-cylinder this makes for a highly agile and sporty performance.

Important contributions to the outstanding dynamics of the new F 800 R are also made by the low dry weight of approx. 182 kg or approx. 204 kg fully fuelled and the chassis with double-sided rear-wheel swing-arm which is especially adapted to the requirements of a sporty naked bike.

In accordance with the style and purpose of a sporty naked bike, the new F 800 R also has a secondary drive with O-ring chain. In line with the demands of a dynamic roadster, the chassis is designed for excellent handling, agility and steering precision, and therefore maximum riding fun on winding country roads, though without compromises in terms of directional stability at high speeds, for example when riding on the motorway.

The streetbike freestyle World Stunt Champion Christian Pfeiffer provides a foretaste of just how playfully the rider can handle the F 800 R (see our report on the 2008 European Stunt Riding Championships, including a slide show!). For over two years now he has ridden a version of the F 800 S exclusively tailored to his needs at international competitions and shows: the similarity of this bike to the current F 800 R is by no means coincidental.

In future, the motorcycle acrobat will be able to demonstrate his skills on a machine based on the new F 800 R. But the new F 800 R boasts more than just sporting talent: in the very best tradition of BMW it also possesses classic virtues such as outstanding seating comfort for rider and pillion passenger as well as an exemplary level of safety.

For example, the F 800 R is optionally fitted with an ABS whose newly developed pressure sensor provides an even finer regulation of the system and therefore even greater safety – especially in connection with sporty riding.

What is more, the extensive BMW Motorrad accessory program meets all customer demands in terms of individual fittings.

Powerful parallel-twin for characteristic roadster dynamic performance. The new F 800 R is fitted with the 2-cylinder in-line engine with cylinders tilted forward by 30 degrees: the engine is largely familiar from the F 800 S.

With its full torque curve and spontaneous response at all engine speeds, it offers an excellent basis for use in a roadster designed for a high level of riding dynamics. In the segment of medium category naked bikes, the 2-cylinder offers a number of technical highlights.

As reflected in the engine designation parallel twin, the crankshaft has a crank offset angle of zero degrees. This means that the engine, installed transversely to the direction of travel, operates with an even firing sequence in which a combustion cycle is initiated at every rotation of the crankshaft. This results in an intentional similarity in sound to the flat twin "boxer" engines, which also operate at a firing angle of 360 degrees.

In particular, the even firing sequence supports a balanced gas exchange cycle with high torque efficiency and a harmonious curve, thus fulfilling the basic requirements for a dynamic engine in a sporty naked bike.

The first and second-order mass forces which are unavoidable in 2-cylinder engines are neutralized by a unique compensation mechanism which is familiar from the existing models of the F 800 series.

Instead of using the conventional method of so-called compensation or counterbalance shafts, compensation of oscillating mass forces is effected by means of a system of pivots which is linked centrally to the crankshaft with a specifically defined arrangement of counterbalance masses: a tappet on the crankshaft offset from the crank pins by 180 degrees carries a so-called compensation rod.

This rod is hinged on a balance arm which is virtually horizontal. The kinematics of the system is designed so that the compensation rod moves up and down in the opposite direction to the two engine rods. Due to the fact that it runs via a relatively long arm, the rod head moves virtually in a straight line.

The distribution of masses at the rod head and arm has been selected so that the mass forces resulting from the swivel movement counterbalance the oscillating mass forces of the crank drive (piston and rod elements) in every position. This almost entirely eliminates the first and second-order mass forces and makes for a very low level of vibration when the engine is running.

Another great advantage of this elegant construction is its low noise level, since the typical engine noises of cogs and chains do not apply here.

Oil circulation with semi-dry sump lubrication. The oil circulation also has a number of special technical features which go beyond what is standard in this category of motorcycle. In order to minimize splash losses, the F 800 engine series has a semi-dry sump lubrication system. Any oil escaping from the main bearings of the crank drive runs into the sealed off shaft of the compensation system.

An oil pump extracts the lubricant from here and distributes it to the oil jets in the gearbox. Oil escaping from the gearbox via gaps in the crankcase is collected together with the oil escaping from the cylinder head via the chain shaft in the remaining space of the crankshaft casing around the rod shaft. This space is thus used as an integrated oil tank. A second pump feeds all bearings from this reservoir.

Two overhead camshafts rotate in the engine of the F 800 R, driven by a chain drive and activating four valves per cylinder via cam followers. As a light, low friction and high-rev-suitable cam follower construction, the entire valve drive is extremely low-wear in spite of the large valve stroke, making for generous maintenance intervals.

Other characteristic BMW features are demonstrated by the fuel-mixture preparation which is carried out by an intake manifold fuel injection system with BMS-KP engine management and two 46-millimetre throttle valves. Here the engine management system controls the injection quantity not by means of the duration of injection but via the pressure provided by the fuel pump depending on the required level of power.

The fuel system works without a return system and only transports the quantity which the engine actually needs. This power-saving quantity control means that fuel pressure can be adjusted across a wide range to achieve optimum carburetion. This unique principle is patented.

In order to measure the quantity of fuel injected, not only are the familiar parameters such as load, engine speed and temperature used but also the residual oxygen content of the exhaust emissions. The relevant information is provided by an oxygen sensor positioned behind the junction of the manifold pipes: this is indispensable for effective conversion of exhaust emissions by the separate 3-way catalytic converter which is installed as standard in the F 800 R.

For the first time, a new throttle valve kinematic system is used in the F 800 R which ensures an even more sensitive throttle response and improved engine response. It was especially important to developers to make sure that the accelerator maintained a gentle, finely tuned response, especially in the lower speed range.

Great importance was also attached to an accommodating load-change response while retaining a spontaneous and agile engine response. The air required for carburetion reaches the intake silence by means of an intake snorkel positioned ideally in the cool air stream. As in all models of the F 800 series, this favorable positioning above the engine and the large volume for enhanced torque is possible due to the shift of the fuel tank under the seat.

A new exhaust system with a separate catalytic converter has been developed for the F 800 R. This is no longer integrated in the silencer as in the F 800 S. As a result the silencer of the F 800 R, made entirely of high-quality steel and with a matt surface, is considerably shorter and contributes to the sporty, dynamic look of the new BMW medium category roadster.

The engine management system has been adapted to the new circumstances. A secondary air system enriches the exhaust gas with fresh air so that pollutant emissions are reduced to a minimum after treatment in the closed loop catalytic converter.

As with the F 800 S, not only the state-of-the-art fuel injection system of the new F 800 R contributes to the bike's highly agile power delivery but also the low centrifugal mass. Even in the lower engine speed range, the not especially short-stroke 4-valve engine with its bore-stroke ratio of 82.0 to 75.6 millimeters quickly gains engine speed and delivers 90 per cent of its maximum torque at 5,000 rpm.

Between 5,000 and 8,000 rpm the engine demonstrates impressive power delivery to the accompaniment of a unique sound. The rated performance figures of the 798 cc twin – 64 kW/87 bhp at approx. 8,000 rpm and 86 Nm at approx. 6,000 rpm – provide a high level of performance potential for the F 800 R, especially when riding on country roads.

While the gear ratios for gears one to three are identical to those of the F 800 S, gears four to six have been adapted to more common use on winding country roads with a shorter ratio so as to increase riding fun, agility and riding dynamics.

In this way, the parallel twin of the F 800 R combines impressive pulling power with dynamic spring capacity. At the same it demonstrates that sporty performance by no means comes at the price of a high level of fuel consumption.

When riding the bike on country roads, a fuel consumption rate of well below 5 liters of premium fuel to 100 kilometers is feasible, allowing for an impressive range of 300 kilometers or more with the 16-litre fuel tank. (NOTE: See the note regarding the U.S. fuel tank capacity in the Comments section below).

BMW Motorrad also offers an ex-works power-limited version at no extra charge with 25 kW/34 bhp at approx. 7,000 rpm and 55 Nm at approx. 3,500 rpm, for motorcycle novices who hold a restricted license, for example. The power reduction is implemented by means of an altered throttle valve system which limits the opening angle of the throttle valves.

In order to do justice to its sporty, dynamic orientation, the new F 800 R has been fitted with an O-ring chain for its secondary drive. This has proven its low maintenance and reliability and is in keeping with the especially dynamic appearance of a naked bike in this segment.

In the F 800 R as in all models of the F 800 series, the compact design of the engine and chassis provides the ideal basis for exemplary riding properties which set benchmarks in terms of agility and directional stability.

The extremely torsionally stiff aluminum frame, familiar from the F 800 S and made of welded extruded sections and die-cast mould parts, ensures a virtually straight-line connection between the steering head and swing arm pivot point. In order to optimize weight and space, the engine is integrated in the chassis as a load-bearing element and its casing with reinforcement in the rear section also performs the function of a bearing for the new double-sided swing-arm in light alloy cast with a total of four needle roller bearings.

The engine block is bolted to the frame immediately above the swing-arm bearing. The frame rear section in steel tubing is largely the same as that of the F 800 S and is connected to the main frame by means of four bolt connections.

The new F 800 R is fitted with a double-sided swing-arm. Unlike single-sided swing-arms it is a highly filigree construction in light alloy cast, giving an especially agile and sporty look and highlighting the very dynamic overall character of the new F 800 R, especially at the rear.

For the front wheel suspension in the F 800 R, a telescopic fork is used with 43 millimeters of stanchion diameter and generous covering of the immersion tube and stanchion. The solid suspension system benefits not only directional stability but also steering response.

Agile banking changes in the new F 800 R are carried out with a high degree of steering precision and a very direct sense of the front wheel – a guarantee of maximum riding fun on winding country roads. The spring-damper settings are adjusted for increased riding dynamics and the 125 millimeters of spring clearance ensure both outstanding comfort as well as solid road-holding.

A steering damper is fi tted as standard. A new upper fork bridge forged out of light alloy, with steering stem clamps which are also forged, supports broad, butted light alloy handlebars. The fork stabilizer is also new, ensuring additional torsional rigidity and further increasing ride stability and steering precision.

Balanced weight distribution and a favorable total weight equally contribute to the excellent riding dynamics of the F 800 R. Road-ready and fully fuelled it weighs only approx. 204 kg – its unladen weight is approx. 182 kg.

The rear strut has adjustable rebound stage damping and an easily accessible handwheel for adjusting the spring pre-tension. Its spring-strut settings have been adjusted for use in the new F 800 R. A socket wrench enlarges the contact surface of the handwheel so the rider can quickly and easily adapt the spring pre-tension to different load conditions.

Directly pivoted to the double-sided swing arm, the strut also provides 125 millimeters of travel.

The F 800 R features the wheel design "Speed" of the F 800 S. In these light alloy die-cast wheels, the valve is mounted on the side, which makes checking the tire pressure very convenient. The front wheel size is 3.5 x 17″ with a 120/70 ZR 17 tire, while the rear wheel is 5.5 x 17″, allowing a size 180/55 ZR 17 tire to be mounted.

With 320-millimetre steel brake discs and Brembo 4-piston fixed brake calipers for the front wheel, the F 800 R is fitted with a brake system which one would generally expect of a large-volume naked bike. The brake calipers work with sintered metal pads and the main brake cylinder has an adjustable lever as well as a separate storage container.

At the rear there is a single-piston floating caliper on a 265 millimeter steel disc. High-quality steel-reinforced brake lines, been re-laid to meet the special requirements of the F 800 R, ensure a stable pressure point which can be clearly felt.

The new F 800 R can be optionally fitted with ABS. This BMW Motorrad ABS is distinguished not only by its compact construction and low weight but has also been further optimized for use in the F 800 R with a new pressure sensor.

In keeping with the sporty function of the F 800 R, the re-adjusted pressure sensor system allows even more finely tuned regulation of the ABS, for example when going over bumps. What is more, BMW Motorrad ABS provides integrated diagnosis functions.

For example, wheel rotation sensors automatically monitor their distance from the sensor wheel, thus enhancing the bike's excellent safety level.

The electrical system of the new F 800 R works with the progressive CAN bus system familiar from the existing models of the F 800 series. The Single Wire System (SWS) offers numerous advantages: it reduces the amount of wiring, allows all control units to be networked with each other and thus simplifies the provision of extensive diagnoses.

What is more, safety fuses are no longer required because the system automatically deactivates the affected component in case of malfunction. Since the introduction of CAN bus technology, an electronic vehicle immobilization function has been a standard feature of most BMW motorcycles, and this also applies to the new F 800 R.

The electrical plug connections are waterproof and thus insusceptible to faults. A powerful battery with a capacity of 14 Ah and a powerful alternator with an output of 400 watts provide the power supply.

The cockpit with its analogue instruments informs the rider at a glance. For the F 800 R the dials have been redrawn and adapted to the dynamic appearance of the F 800 R in terms of design. As a special equipment option, BMW offers an on-board computer which also provides a stopwatch function among other features.

The asymmetrical dual headlamps with the technology familiar from the F 800 GS give the new F 800 R a sporty, aggressive face and intentionally echo the design of the big roadster model K 1300 R. Two H7 headlamps ensure that the rider can see and be seen.

As in the new K 1300 models, the F 800 R features switches and controls of an entirely new generation. The new switch units use MID technology (Moulded Interconnect Devices; lasered conductors instead of individual wiring) and are thus much smaller and more compact while also offering a wider range of functions, clear design and optimum reachability.

The functions of the left and right direction indicators, previously separate, are now combined in a single function on the left-hand side of the handlebars. Activation of the hazard warning lights is now taken care of via a separate switch integrated at the top of the left-hand handlebar panel.

The functions for low beam, high beam and headlamp flasher have been combined in a single switch which can be conveniently operated using the left index finger. The activation switch for the optional grip heating has been moved upwards for easier operability and the selected heating level can be seen in the instrument panel display.

The functions for starter and kill switch have been practically combined in a single rocker switch. This prevents the starter from being activated when the ignition is interrupted if the kill switch is activated by mistake, potentially resulting in battery discharge.

The new technical design allows twice as many functions to be provided with the same number of switches as before. This is an important factor in the incorporation of additional features in the future.

With the F 800 R, BMW Motorrad has realized a design concept which deliberately highlights the connection with the large sporty 4-cylinder roadster K 1300 R. Due to the light effect of the rear section and the compact combination of headlamps and instruments, the F 800 R appears short and compact, further emphasizing the sporty look of this dynamic naked bike.

BMW Motorrad has also paid special attention to quality details in the immediate field of vision of the rider. For example, not only have the faces of the instrument panel been redrawn but also the upper fork bridge with steering stem clamps, milled covering caps and butted handlebars are finished in especially high-quality style.

As compared to the F 800 S, the seat height has been slightly lowered: this will especially benefit re-starters, infrequent motorcyclists and beginners who will find the bike easier to handle as a result. An additional option for the reduction of seat height is a lower seat from the BMW Motorrad equipment program.

Additional design parts for further individualization of the F 800 R — for example the Sport windshield, radiator trim panels, a pillion passenger cover and an engine spoiler — are to be found in the extensive BMW Motorrad equipment program.

Special equipment features and special accessories.

BMW fulfills individualization wishes not only with special equipment features fitted at the Berlin plant but also by means of retrofitted accessories which can be fitted by a local dealer or by customers themselves.

The special equipment features and special accessories have been specially adapted to the new F 800 R so that the buyer acquires high-quality, perfectly fitting products which are in keeping with the character of the machine itself.

BMW Motorrad offers the F 800 R in three attractive paint finishes. The two-color finish Alpine White non-metallic with Black silk gloss reflects the spirit of the times. Fire Orange non-metallic has a provocative, sport effect while White Aluminum metallic matt comes over as technical and modern.

The frame, swing-arm and engine of the F 800 R are finished in black in all three color versions. Together with the light alloy wheels, also finished in black, this makes for a particularly dynamic look which reflects the sporty ambitions of the F 800 R.

The orange-colored spring adds an interesting touch of color. The interplay between the colored and black surfaces highlights the newly designed body features and the powerful character of the new F 800 R, especially the sections which are typical of a roadster such as the muscular front section and the slim, sporty rear. The optional accessory parts such as the pillion passenger seat cover in body color and the Sport windshield harmonize perfectly with the relevant paint finish.

Date of Publication: November 2008

From "A.P." (June 2012): "I’m a moderator at f800riders.org and as well an owner of a 2011 F800R with the U.S. required charcoal canister for emissions requirements.

It has come to the attention of our forum that many of the U.S. based reviews of the F800R fail to mention that the "usable tank volume" of these such US specification F800R with the charcoal canister is not 16 litres, rather it is closer to 12 litres.

Many of us on the f800riders forum feel this is an important specification that is not properly divulged in reviews of the F800R as the smaller tank drops the US spec F800R well out of the 200 mile range that it is touted to have.

(Below) are two photos of a U.S.-spec F800R with the charcoal canister in place, and then removed, to the left of the canister you can see the "dent" that is made into the tank.

It is our hope to raise awareness to potential US spec F800R buyers that their tank size is not what it appears to be in many online reviews and thus, their practical riding range is also diminished."