Thoughts, opinions on F800ST

[Raux]

Well, looked at another bike today.

2010 BMW F800ST

Rode a demo today. The bike really needs to be turned hard. not a nimble as the monster. The clutch is easy pull but the shifter is really short or i just have big feet. the throttle is all on/off. it's hard to be smooth from zero throttle and the power doesn't really pour on more oozes. but for a long distance tourer or commuter i can see the benies. Great gas mileage, comfortable sitting position, light controls. a fuel GAUGE!.

there is a new  model that has short side panels that won't be coming to the US, but supposed they aren't that expensive, really opens up the bike. but for weather and touring the long sides make better sense.

anyway, what are your guys' experience with the F800ST?

[Triple J]

Never ridden the F800ST, but I have ridden the F800GS. I wasn't impressed with the engine at all...it was boring and buzzy.

I have looked over the F800ST quite a bit, and it is obviously an entry level bike. The components just aren't that nice. I'd go with a used ST-3 or 4...or with a Triumph Sprint, before the F800ST.

Disappointing actually, as I really wanted to like the F800 bikes. But after riding the F800GS, and looking over the F800ST, I didn't even want to ride the ST. 

[Raux]

i also have a line on a 2002 ST4s ... i know what an ST4 is. the 916 motor, what is the ST4s and does it have the flaking rocker problems like the ST4?

i agree on your buzzing assessment. i thought the monster vibrated... the monster feels like a freight train vibration compared to the toy vibration (not the dirty kind geez people). just annoying a bit.

[Triple J]

The "s" just means it has the better suspension, and maybe a few bling bits...kinda like a 1098 vs a 1098s

Here is a good thread about the ST4 series.
http://www.ducati.ms/forums/showthread.php?t=59083

Looks like flaking rockers is indeed an issue. Most love their ST4s though...hopefully a couple people here who have them chime in.

[silentbob]

The ST4s has the 996 engine.  Neither should have problems with rockers.

[Raux]

thanks for the feedback.

i think the F800ST is out for now.

[DRKWNG]

I took an F800ST for an extended demo ride while still in Germany.  Took it through the forrest south of Kaiserslautern and then a quick stint on the A6 from Landstuhl back into K-town.  Bike didn't really do much for me and the one thing that stood out more than anything was how badly it caught a crosswind.  Almost got pushed out of my lane there where the forrest clears when heading east from Ramstein towards Einsiedlerhof.

The ST4s has the 996 engine.  Neither should have problems with rockers.

IIRC the 996 motor had flaking issues as well.

[silentbob]

IIRC the 996 motor had flaking issues as well.

My dealer has never had to replace rockers on an ST4 or ST4S.  My ST4 (916) and my S4R (996) have high mileage and have never had rocker problems.  916 and 996 SBKs are a different story.

[DRKWNG]

My dealer has never had to replace rockers on an ST4 or ST4S.  My ST4 (916) and my S4R (996) have high mileage and have never had rocker problems.  916 and 996 SBKs are a different story.

Fair enough then.  My experience with that motor was with a 996 (sbk).

[sugarcrook]

...the one thing that stood out more than anything was how badly it caught a crosswind. 

I had the same problem with the F800GS.  Overall, I was unimpressed with the model for what they charge for it. 

Here's another thread about the F800ST: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=500134

[Raux]

ok gonna close the thread as i decided against it.