[mbrewer566]

Greetings all. I've had numerous bikes over the years, and recently thought I'd add an F800ST to the stable. I've had it for 3 months now, and am regretting the decision. I can't get it comfortable to ride. I'm 5'11" and enjoy an upright riding position. I have lowered the foot pegs, got the windshield I like, and added risers to the handlebars. Even with the changes, I end up leaning too far forward, and after about 15 minutes have numb wrists and sore hands. No, I don't use a death grip on the handlebars.

I am sad, and the F800 pretty much just sits in the garage. I love the BMW style, reliability, and reputation, so am seriously considering going to the R1200R. I already have a nice touring bike in the Road King, so don't really want the fully dressed 1200.

For those that have ridden some time, how is the riding position and ergonomic comfort of the R?

Thanks

 

[fleuger99]

Greetings all. I've had numerous bikes over the years, and recently thought I'd add an F800ST to the stable. I've had it for 3 months now, and am regretting the decision. I can't get it comfortable to ride. I'm 5'11" and enjoy an upright riding position. I have lowered the foot pegs, got the windshield I like, and added risers to the handlebars. Even with the changes, I end up leaning too far forward, and after about 15 minutes have numb wrists and sore hands. No, I don't use a death grip on the handlebars.

I am sad, and the F800 pretty much just sits in the garage. I love the BMW style, reliability, and reputation, so am seriously considering going to the R1200R. I already have a nice touring bike in the Road King, so don't really want the fully dressed 1200.

For those that have ridden some time, how is the riding position and ergonomic comfort of the R?

Thanks

Sorry to hear about your woes. Before I ordered my R1200R I was also interested in the F800ST. I went and test rode both for half an hour each in a mix of backroads and highway. I rode the R1200R first and loved the smoothness, solid chassis and great acceleration when I opened the throttle. I then rode the F800ST and liked it for the most part. I did prefer the more upright riding position, the tighter chassis of the R1200R and overall smoothness of the R1200R.

Ever thought of seeing how much they'd give you on trade for a R1200R? BTW, wife and I are thinking about relocating to Phoenix hills area or Scottsdale in 2013. Tired of lousy winters here in the NE.

 

[mbrewer566]

Congrats to the Pats!

Sorry to hear about your woes. Before I ordered my R1200R I was also interested in the F800ST. I went and test rode both for half an hour each in a mix of backroads and highway. I rode the R1200R first and loved the smoothness, solid chassis and great acceleration when I opened the throttle. I then rode the F800ST and liked it for the most part. I did prefer the more upright riding position, the tighter chassis of the R1200R and overall smoothness of the R1200R.

Ever thought of seeing how much they'd give you on trade for a R1200R? BTW, wife and I are thinking about relocating to Phoenix hills area or Scottsdale in 2013. Tired of lousy winters here in the NE.

Thanks for the reply. I'm probably going to see what I can get on a trade up. The dealer generally treats me pretty good, so while I know it will be a big cost, it's probably worth it to get what I really want and will ride.

We moved from Northern Ohio to Phoenix 8 years ago and don't regret it for a second, even during the torture of July/August!

 

[Koalaballa]

I'm in the same boat, my f800st vibrates unacceptably and I've tried everything. Bar ends, rubber at the handlebar mount, thicker grips, liquid snake. I must have an unusually vibey machine.

I also am interested in the r1200r. I assume no one gets numb while riding this bike for long distances? Any owners care to chime in?

 

[sup909]

I also tested both the F800ST and the R1200R. For me I liked the seating position of the R1200R better. The foot pegs on the F800 left me a bit cramped, and I am only 5'8". The F800's posture is much more of that for a sport bike so I can see it being really fun for some short twistie riding, but I was personally looking for something with a bit more relaxed seating position.

 

[Dave]

Greetings

I had an F800s a few years ago and loved it BUT the R1200R is so much better. The F800 could be thrown about in the twisties but always felt like a lightweight, which it was. The R12 is it's equal in the twisties and sticks to the road as if on rails. The riding position on the R12 is upright, but not quite as upright as a GS, no strain on the wrists at all.

Good luck on getting a good deal from your dealer.

 

[Hoshiko]

I have no experience with the f but a can tell you that I'm 5' 11 " too and the R it's just PERFECT.
You said the dealership likes you, go on a do a long test ride before you buy.

 

[las]

I had an f800r for 12,000 miles or so last year. The seating on an f800r is more upright than the f800st. But the rest of the bike sans fairings is pretty much the same- same engine, chassis, suspension, frame, instruments etc. I loved th f-r, but found it to be a bit too light and cramped for my 5'11 frame and daily 90miles + of commute. I also got the wrist buzz at higher speeds and numb wrists and hands at low speed. I traded for a new R1200r last April and just crossed the 15,000m. mark with it. It is a keeper. Much more responsive, more torque, solid, smooth, comfortable, no pain anywhere- butt, wrists, hands, arms, legs. It is as flickable as the F800r despite its heavier weight, more versatile, and as easy to handle in tight spaces. It is truly an all- around winner. I have had and ridden many bikes of all types in my 62 years. Nothing ive ever owned or ridden comes anywhere near to the all around highs of this machine. The r1200r has its quirks- but after a very short while, they disappear from your consciousness. In short, if you have the sheckles to afford the trade, make it. You won't regret it.

 

[Clem]

F800 vs R1200R ?

How would you rank an F800 against the DOHC Roadster?
...and I love the little F800S!!!
One picture is worth a thousand words.

 

[Koalaballa]

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but I'm seriously considering a trade-in. Any suggestions on how to negotiate a good deal?

 

[Dave]

Just be prepared walk away if you don't get what you want. You can normally get a better price selling privately, it's just a bit more hassle.

 

[Hoshiko]

How would you rank an F800 against the DOHC Roadster?
...and I love the little F800S!!!
One picture is worth a thousand words.

I'm sure they both are great, just different.

 

[ravinxd]

Am a new member here and currently have the F800ST with handlebar risers and lowered pegs - till a tight fit at 5' 10". The R1200R definitely has me salivating!

 

[Newportcycle]

I can understand your frustration, when I moved from cruser type seating to the more agressive forward riding bikes it took some getting used to before I settled in and began to enjoy the benefits. The F800ST will require you grip the tank with your knees more and support your upper frame with your lower back and not put all your weight on your wrists, it takes some practice but gripping the tank with your knees will help, over time your lower back will gain strength. I'd give it some more time. To answer your direct question, I cannot comment yet as Im going to pickup my 1200R this Saturday. Good luck.