2009 BMW F 800 GS

Summary:

Multi-tasking monster of a bike that's easily tamed and a delight to ride on or off road

Faults:

Rectifier/regulator, stator.

General Comments:

Purchased 12/21 with 24k on it. I haven't been on a motorcycle in about 4 decades. Yeah I know, I know, WRONG bike to be re-starting on, but "Bruinhildebeemer" and I are getting better acquainted every day.

Took the bike in for more-less a "tell me what it needs" service. It needed a LOT!

I am totally satisfied with the dealership. They didn't make any unnecessary repairs or try to "upsell."

All the needed repairs/servicing were explained in a manner I understood.

After hours of YouTube watching, 1-on-1 training sessions and a WHOLE bunch of parking lot practice, I headed out cross country in May, San Francisco to Key West and back with stops in NC, CO, AZ & TX.

I was carrying a substantial load, about 100-130# of tools, clothes and camping gear.

I experienced rain, high humidity, triple digit heat, altitudes of over 8000' without any untoward noises coughs or hiccups. Bruinhildebeemer got 40-52 MPG consistently. (1 "hiccup" more later)

Comfort?

I'm a skinny old dude, turned 69 on this trip. Mileage for my "assets" was nearer 150-250 miles before I needed to STOP!

I probably would have benefited from a higher windscreen or extension. Surprisingly, every other mod the PO had done fit me to a T.

Handling?

I was delighted how nimble this machine is for all its heft (about 440lbs wet + load). Got thrown a curveball from Google maps, ended up on a road that morphed from asphalt to gravel to ruts from the last rain to... The bike ate it all up and I felt confident through everything thrown at me. GREAT GROUND CLEARANCE!

Twisties? No problem! Plenty of lean angle before scraping anything.

Acceleration? More than adequate (long straight stretch, took it up to 110 indicated. No wobbling, felt planted & controllable).

Low speed handling? Definitely takes time & practice, but U turns, lock-to-lock, slow going in traffic are all very manageable.

Crosswinds? Uhhh... not so great but manageable. Experienced 50mph "breezes" hitting me from the side, loads of fun?

Now for the truly bad stuff:

Burned up a stator and rectifer/regulator, made it to Dallas, TX.

Gripe #1

Parts availability/support from BMW? Not so great. 2 week wait on parts. And this is in Dallas, Texas, United States of America!

For one of BMW's "go anywhere, travel the world, dual sport" motorcycles!!?? Too bad my name's not Charlie or Ewan.

Gripe #2

Parts pricing, $1300.00 for OEM stator, $250.00 for the rectifier/regulator!

Gripe #3

No undervolt warning from the "CANBUS" system to dash. Unless you just happen to have an OBDII link, cable and app or a multimeter, you are SO outta luck! (thankfully, I had all 4)

Aftermarket parts total for stator & rectifer/regulator? $450 with overnight shipping. Labor: Free, did it myself.

The Parallel Twin, the whole bike?

Does NOT lend itself easily to all DIY repairs/servicing. Some maintenance is best carried out by a dealership or trusted shop. However... There are several maintenance & repair tasks that can be carried out by a reasonably skilled owner with the PROPER tools.

Pick your poison though, it's all too easy to get in over your head!

Would I buy another BMW? In a heartbeat! (currently looking at/drooling over an 1100RT)

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th January, 2022