There is no shortage of features on this bike: a color-matched wind deflector, LED turn signals, remote-controlled antitheft alarm, dual-intensity heated grips, a steering damper and generously-sized passenger hand grips. The instrument panel is nicely laid out and provides all the usual info plus tire pressure, engine and ambient air temperatures, selected gear, real-time and average fuel economy as well as a timer.

Agility and precision
Despite a totally different architecture than the Boxer 1200, the engine of the 2010 BMW F800R reproduces the brand’s signature twin-cylinder sound at idle and low revs. It gets excited from 3,000 rpm, delivers solid, effective torque at medium revs, then flies from 7,000 rpm all the way to the redline, accompanied by a nice, almost mechanical growl. What’s more, flexibility in the early part of the rev range means you don’t have to tap dance with the shift lever, while the shorter 4th, 5th, and 6th ratios make for satisfying roll-on acceleration at higher speeds.


The F800R emphasizes rider-friendliness with a low seat and a natural sit-up riding position. Beyond its bad-boy looks, it delivers superior handling (better than other F800 models) along with surprising stability, enough so to instill confidence in less experienced riders.

Sleek and slender, with an ultra-low center of gravity, this naked bike is able to maintain a very spirited pace even though the front fork damping and springing seem too soft for aggressive riding; the nosedive upon braking feels excessive, and the fork offers too little feedback. Still, the R throws itself into corners with disconcerting ease, not to mention that it changes directions as freely as a bicycle and slows down safely thanks to powerful yet easy-to-modulate brakes.

The soul of a sportbike
The more you spend time with the 2010 BMW F800R, the more you enjoy flirting with its playful side, taut chassis and excellent Metzeler Sportec M3 tires. One corner after another, the riding gets increasingly (and insanely) intoxicating, so much so that I caught myself dragging my knee on the pavement on an 8oC autumn day.

Great access, comprehensive equipment, near-perfect ergonomics and a smooth, charismatic new engine all wrapped in a decidedly-sporty chassis is the formula BMW used to create this amazing new toy. Have fun on twisty roads and enjoy the friendliness day in, day out.

Fun, easy riding dynamics
Exceptional agility
Performance that lives up to styling
Effective ABS brakes
Natural riding positionNice growl

Front fork lacks firmness





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Photo Credit : France Bastien