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Pushing into the midrange.
The new BMW F 800 S.

With its completely new mid-range sport bikes, BMW Motorrad is moving into the next round of the model campaign. Under the name F 800 the fourth model range is going to be arriving from the assembly lines of the Berlin motor cycle plant.

The athletic F 800 S sports bike has a dry weight of under 190 kg (419 lb.) kg, ready to ride 200 kg (441 lb.), and is the first model of a new and separate model series. The precise suspension is designed to achieve high directional control with top handling. The classical BMW qualities such as safety, the fulfilment of the highest environmental standards, ergonomic seating position and comfort even for the pillion passenger define the new benchmark in the mid range. A closed-loop three-way catalytic converter, state-of-the-art digital engine electronics and optional ABS are also typical brand features for this motorcycle.

The first two-cylinder production engine from BMW Motorrad

The engine is a completely new construction, developed in cooperation with Bombardier-Rotax GmbH. It is manufactured in the Austrian Rotax plant and supplied to the Berlin line ready for assembly. The first two-cylinder in-line engine in the history of BMW Motorrad is designed as a four-valve (per cylinder) version. The new engine has a long-stroke design and therefore achieves a similar torque characteristic as a ‘boxer’ engine. Instead of two conventional balancer shafts, this engine features a swing-action balancing rod similar to a conventional conrod for effective vibration reduction.

As a direct derivation from Formula One technology, the eight valves are actuated by cam followers to keep friction to a minimum and provide the necessary strength at high engine speeds. Low moving masses, generous valve lift and rigid valve gear guarantee precise mixture control even at the upper end of the engine speed range. Fuel consumption is well under the class average. The high compression of 12:1 and a combustion chamber based on the new K engine results in effective low-emission combustion.

Among the engine’s technical highlights is the semi-dry sump lubrication. This operates in the same way as a conventional dry sump system, but the oil is kept in a sump that is completely sealed to separate it from the crankcase. The advantage is that no separate oil tank has to be installed on the bike. Dry sump lubrication maintains an optimum oil supply to the engine in all riding situations.

Frame and Suspension

The aluminum frame has exceptional torsion rigidity. The engine acts as a load-bearing element and also incorporates the pivot for the single rear swinging arm. The rear frame section is a steel tube structure, bolted to the main frame.

The front wheel is located by a conventional telescopic fork with stanchions 43 mm in diameter and 140 mm of travel. It is held in two cast aluminum fork bridges. The fixed and sliding tubes overlap well, to provide outstanding rigidity. The steering damper ensures maximum directional stability even when the bike is ridden hard.

The dynamic design and individuality of the F 800 S and ST are emphasized by the imposing appearance of the aluminum swinging arm. Its combination with low-maintenance toothed belt drive is unique in this bike segment. The belt is wider belt than the one used on the F 650 CS and made from a new material that guarantees a lifetime of at least 40,000 kilometers (25,000 miles). Eccentric location ensures that the rear wheel is always correctly positioned. In addition, wheel removal and fitting are simplified, and belt tensioning can be checked and adjusted easily and quickly. The central rear suspension strut is directly pivoted to the swinging arm. Both spring preload and rebound damping can be adjusted conveniently and easily with a hand wheel.

Brakes

Two 320 mm diameter front brake disks and high-quality Brembo four-piston hydraulic callipers with sintered metal pads provide optimal stopping power. At the rear, a 265 mm diameter brake disk and a twin-piston calliper are used. Armored flexible steel brake hoses add to the bike’s appearance and also remain firm under pressure to guarantee a precisely defined, stable brake operating point. The brake and clutch levers can be adjusted for easy reach.

Electronics and electrics

A special feature of the F 800 S/ST is the design of its electrical system. The BMW Motorrad Single Wire System transmits all data relevant to the bike and its performance by way of a CAN bus to the various control units and the central electronics (ZFE). The CAN bus is a data-network concept which links all the control units together by means of a shared signal path. This technology keeps the main wiring harness simple and also permits more detailed fault diagnosis. Electronic accessories can also be connected more easily by way of an accessory plug.

The geometrically optimized clear-glass headlight with free-form reflector surfaces contains two H7 halogen bulbs (1 x low beam, 1 x high beam and has an excellent light output. It is easily accessible for bulb changes.

Body Panels

Although it has compact, sporty body-panel dimensions, the F 800 S provides a degree of wind protection.

The fuel tank holds 16 liters (4.2 gallons). In order to optimize the bike’s handling, it is located as on the F 650, close to the center of gravity in the triangulated section of the frame, under the seat. A fuel tank filler cap is provided on the right. This has the additional advantage that fuel can easily be added when the bike is outfitted with a tank-top bag. The fuel capacity, while not huge at 4.2 gallons is appropriate in relation to the very modest fuel consumption of approximately 4.4 liters per 100 kilometers (53 miles per gallon).

Ergonomics

The dual seat on the F 800 S/ST has been optimized to take the rider’s inner leg length into account. Since the new twin-cylinder engine is extremely compact, the body panels and dual seat can also be very narrow. The dual seat’s width is reduced to a minimum at the front, so that the rider can easily put a foot on the ground, but the knee angle is still comfortable.
The standard dual seat is at a height of 820 mm (32.3 inches) which is ideal for riders who are 5.6 feet, or more, tall.
The ‘ergonomic triangle’ consisting of footrests, dual seat and handlebar, has been designed for relaxed riding. The lowered dual seat is 790 mm (31.1 inches) high and ideal for riders about 5.2 to 5.6 feet tall.

Pure driving pleasure

The compact drive unit with an integrated six-speed transmission has been designed for a balanced engine performance and results in uncomplicated riding pleasure. For power transmission, BMW Motorrad uses the easy-to-maintain and quiet toothed belt. Lighter than a shaft drive, it represents the optimum in terms of weight, space, efficiency and lifetime for this performance class. With top output exceeding 60 kW (over 80 HP) and respective torque, the new BMW F 800 S is ready to go when you are.