Road test of BMWF 800 ST 2006 The missing link?

the on-board computer thermometer reads 15.5°C, yet we're only in mid-February.we're only in mid-February, the engine is purring along at 4,600 rpm in 6th gear at 130km/h, and instantaneous fuel consumption has stabilized at 4.6 litres.
I enjoy the luxury of riding upright, sheltered by the bubble and my hands warmed by the heated grips. Rhoo, what a pleasure this BMW is. With its 16-liter fuel tank, I could do almost 300 kilometers in one go, but the sign indicating the exit I need to take brings me back to reality.

a little technical information:

the F 800 S and ST sisters arrived to fill a missing link in the range between the F 650 and Scarver monos and the first Boxers.
This ST is quite powerful (85hp) and not too heavy (187kg), and the bi allows you to wind without any problem thanks to a torque of 86 NM at 5,800 rpm. It shares its little sister's toothed belt transmission.
As an aside, let's start with the only negative point I could find: the gearbox.
The BMW used for this test was a press bike with almost 10,000 km on the clock. Was it the heavy use that caused the gearbox to jump? To counteract this phenomenon, the gears had to be shifted dryly, which doesn't happen naturally given the smoothness of the gearbox!

cockpit:

with its German roots, the dashboard and all the elements in front of the rider's eyes breathe seriousness.
Beneath the bubble (which protects the rider's chest up to 140km/h without any problem), we find an instrument panel that betrays the machine's sensible side. Instead of the large rev counter overhanging a small speedometer we're used to seeing in Japanese production, here we have the opposite right in front of us. The only "sporty" detail is the over-rev indicator light (which I happened to turn on during 4th-5th gear shifts when it wasn't locking). To the right of this unit is a large display showing oil temperature, fuel level, gear engaged, clock and trip 1 or 2. What's more, thanks to the optional on-board computer, you can select (by means of a button above the left-hand switch) outside temperature, instantaneous fuel consumption, and the engine's fuel consumption.temperature, instantaneous fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, number of kilometers before reserve and the captain's age ... well, not age!
Each time I try out a BM, I quickly get used to their indicator system, which I find very practical, as are the heated grips, which I didn't turn off for a single second despite the mild temperature.

contact:

the starter makes a not very sexy humming noise, but the engine compensates for this with a particularly lively rev-up if you're on the move.the engine makes up for this with a particularly lively acceleration if you don't forget to anticipate the long pull on the throttle. The gearbox is very smooth (apart from the above-mentioned locking problem), and is rather long, with the first two gears rising to 90 and 130 km/h respectively. It's worth noting that 6th gear is practically an overdrive, to be used on freeways when driving smoothly.
On the other hand, and this is rare on a motorcycle, the top speed is reached at the limit of the red zone (close to 9,000 rpm) and stands at 230 km/h on the odometer, despite the suitcases.
Let's talk about the panniers, unfortunately still an option, but they're full of practical solutions: in addition to the fact that they can be removed very easily, without detracting from the bike's lines, a gusset and two rigid straps allow them to practically double their capacity (of course, don't forget them when going up between lanes!).
The tank, located under the seat, is another solution that lowers the center of gravity. The only drawback is that the hinged fuel cap will rub your passenger's knee.

dynamics?

now we come to "THE" important chapter! For some of these models, BMW continues to convey a rather "clumsy" image, despite their real dynamic qualities!
The F 800 ST is in a transitional position, as is its place in the range. As this bike is designed to attract a new clientele without shocking the brand's regulars, it's full of intermediate solutions:
Suspension settings combine suppleness at the start of the ride with firmness. Just get used to the floatiness in between.
The torquey, powerful engine allows you to drive smoothly in town, to pick up without batting an eyelid at 1500 rpm in 3rd gear, and then to leap to the red zone. And all without violence. Perhaps also thanks to the final drive by toothed belt.
Even the rider's position is a subtle blend of sportiness and grand touring: the upright torso thanks to high handlebars and the comfortable buttocks in a soft seat contrast with the rather bent legs. The only concession to leg comfort: two small spoilers on the lower fairing relieve your boots from direct water splashes.

conclusions:

adding ST behind the displacement, BMW has hit the nail on the head: this is indeed a sport/touring bike. Good in all respects but not excellent, this machine reminds me of the TDM with the same power but a little less comfortable, more playful and stable but less supple, it remains a success nonetheless.
Offered at a decent price, less than 10,000 Euros (9,700 Euros for the basic version), it comes within 900 Euros of the Yamaha!
It's aimed at a rolling clientele who will enjoy the low-maintenance transmission, luxury features such as heated grips, side cases and safety features such as abs and steering damper.
If you opt for its matte gray livery, you'll have a bike that's stylish, classy and appealing to the female sex!
How cool is that?

Oli the Belgian
(photos: by "shooter" Fred Arijs)