F800ST & R12RT...impressions

[Basso]

Okay, I so wanted to like this bike. I have a weight loss challenge with the wife, where if I get to my goal and hold it for a month, an ST bike purchase is green lighted. I wasn't sure I wanted to go big (ST1300, R12RT, FJR1300 etc) so I checked out the F800ST. The dealer gave me about 20 minutes to try it out.

I'm 5'11" with a 32" inseam, and I currently ride an M50.

The Bad:
I could not believe how cramped I felt on the BMW. I also found the shifter to be difficult to find, but after I found it it was good. The mirrors gave me a good view of my shoulders, and for a faired bike, there was precious little protection from the wind. I wasn't crazy about the sound it made either. Price was around $12K. This seems a bit steep for this bike.

The good:
This bike is LIGHT. It felt like a scooter in terms of weight. Turn-ins were really easy, and power application was smooth.

Overall I didn't think I could live with the cramped feeling, so I asked if I could ride the RT.

The bad:
Its heavy, and in the middle seat position, I feel like I'm really high off the ground. I also had trouble finding the shifter on this bike. I'm guessing this is really more of a get used to it item that an flaw, but I didn't like it, so it goes in bad. Price. $17k. (although this is as I would want it equipped. The ST would require another 1k for bags, so its really only $4k more, not $5k. STill, the Honda, Yamaha and Kawi are more like $12-$14k. I felt like the engine had a raspy feel to it. The clutch engagements were more like stop and go's. Its like the whole bike just quits going when the clutch is engaged on gear shifts. This too I think would improve with experience on the actual bike.

The good:
Wow...wind protection, the adjustable screen was wonderful. Heated seats/grips are nice also. The bike weighs as much as my current bike, but it didn't feel like it. I was very comfortable ergonomically, and the bike is really well suited to the type of riding I want to do.

Overall. The only thing keeping this from being top of the list right now is price. If I could find a low mileage used one, I'm thinking this will be my next bike.

Remaining contenders. Since the F800ST is out, I'm left with larger bikes. I don't want a chain, or I'd also look at V-strom or SV bikes. I will look at the Connie, the FJR and the ST1300. Now if I can just find a dealer that will let me ride them.

Diet progress: one week elapsed, 2 lbs down, 33 lbs to go.

[JmalB]

My dad rides either a Goldwing or a YZF600R. When he rode my M50 he had the damnedest time finding the shifter. Location, location, location.

Otherwise good review. I have the F800 on my list for my next bike, but it's on the high end. Bimmers are just so expensive.