The F800ST has a natural riding position for comfort on long rides. A touring windshield and full fairing give good wind and weather protection. As you expect from BMW, superb brakes are part of the package. Big 320 mm front discs and four-piston Brembo calipers combine with the latest BMW Motorrad 2-channel ABS option for exceptional stopping power and safety. For more peace of mind, an available tire pressure monitoring system will warn of a flat tire due to a puncture before the tire deflates to a dangerous level.

The engine is a new BMW concept produced and developed in co-operation with Bombardier-Rotax GmbH of Austria and shipped directly to BMW in Berlin. The fuel-injected, liquid-cooled engine has four valves per cylinder actuated by a Formula-One derived system as used on the K1200S. A unique rocking-arm balance mechanism gives this engine smoothness on a par with BMW's legendary Boxer. Maintenance requirements of the engine and indeed the entire motorcycle are very low. Valve adjustments, for instance, are only called for when signalled by the engine-management computer, based on the way the particular machine has been ridden. A liquid-to-liquid oil cooler keeps engine and oil temperatures stable for low wear, and the revised ABS system has fluid change intervals which are not only extended but reduced in labour. The kevlar-belt drive system is clean, quiet, and low-maintenance.

STANDARD AND OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

Each F800ST is equipped with heated handgrips, adjustable-reach control levers, hazard warning flashers, touring windscreen, and a luggage rack.

Available factory-installed equipment includes

• Antilock brakes (lightweight two-channel system)
• On-board computer
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Anti-theft alarm system
• Centrestand
• Luggage brackets for removable expanding sport cases
• Clear turn indicators
• Lowered seat as a no-charge factory option
• Lowered suspension as a no-charge factory option

The narrow design of the F800 allows the seat to be optimized for "inside length" of the rider's leg. With the standard seat there is sure footing for most riders of 5'7" or more. The lower seat suits those less, well, vertically equipped and gives even those of 5'3" a good foot hold. Further, a lowered suspension is available.

As with any BMW, the rider is supported by an impressive line of accessories to allow full enjoyment of the bike. Among these accessories are:

BMW Navigator GPS system Two sizes of tankbag Expandable sport cases with integral watertight liner Low windshield Supplementary tool kit Titanium Sports Silencer for lighter weight and a throatier exhaust sound

COLOURS

• Blue Metallic

• Graphitan Metallic