In a country where the biking culture is dominated by size, speed and bragging rights, does the BMW F 800 GT have its place or is it nothing but a ‘girl’s’ bike for beginners?
If you use words like “boet, bench-press, pecks, guns, deltoids, protein shake and klap”, you can pretty much stop reading, this bike isn’t for you. If, however, curiosity is killing you or you want to get your toes wet with this crazy pastime called biking, read on.
What we have here is a decent, well-rounded, pleasant companion that likes to drink tequila body slammers, go for long walks on the beach, write poetry and play in a rock band. Yes, the BMW C 600 Sport is a better commuter and the F 800 GS Adventure is a better tourer, but what this bike does that the others don’t is give you a sense of speed when the dark need or inkling arises. Twist the wrist and you’ll soon be confronted by lawless numbers whilst being serenaded by a raspy exhaust note that growls so agreeably you just want to give it more.
The motor is the, now common, parallel twin shared with its more rugged brother the BMW F 800 GS. The only real visible difference between the units is the way in which power gets delivered to the rear wheel; a chain on the F 800 GS and a massive belt on the F 800 GT. The (claimed) 90HP motor is quite fast but don’t be getting yourself into a drag race with a Honda VFR800 for example, or even a 600cc superbike for that matter. This BMW F 800 GT likes to punch holes through traffic, likes… nah begs, you to get your knee down around a twisty corner. A racer it isn’t but it will easily take you past 200km/h if you desire to do so.
On a long journey, which is what GT stands for anyway, I’m positive you could be whisked away in a hurry without the fanfare of tyres bleeding black lines on the tar and front wheel in the air while you shout terrifying statements in French. On twisty bends and fast sweepers is where this bike will feel most at home.
The controls are easy to reach and understand and the layout is logical, as arbitrary as that sounds. Glancing down you are first greeted by the large oval speedo, below that the rev counter and to the right all the digital readouts the captain of the Starship Enterprise NC 1701 would ever need to travel around space with. Trip metre, fuel consumption, riding mode, time, fuel level, selected gear, blah, blah, blah - you get the picture.
The F 800 GT’s ride is comfortable and you can certainly travel for hours without feeling like Quasimodo after face planting a bell. Compared the F800 GS, the suspension is quite hard and feels “short”. On the F 800 GS, for example, you feel tall, mighty and above the surface you may be riding on, whereas on the F 800 GT you feel lower, faster and more in tune with the tar below you, which isn’t a bad thing for new riders who don’t like height intimidation woes.
Consumer advice time: If you’re solely looking for a commuter the BMW C 600 Sport scooter is your ride. If you like travelling with no restrictions then look at the BMW F 800 GS. But if you like to travel long distances on tar, enjoy a bit of speed every now and then, this German Shepherd puppy might be for you. As an entry-level bike into the wonderful world and heritage of BMW Motorrad you can’t go wrong, and at R101,500 it’s not badly priced either.
For more information logon to www.bmwmotorrad.co.za
