BMW F800R motorcycle: technical specifications, photos and reviews

The BMW F800R, the photo of which is presented on the page, is a high-class sports motorcycle aimed at urban use. However, this is not important. Lightweight, agile and powerful, the F800R has proven itself to be an ideal vehicle both in the city and on the highway. The tireless “Bavarian” will pass through any traffic jam in a metropolis, and on a country highway he will have no equal in high-speed sprinting. The maximum speed declared for the BMW F800R (220 kilometers per hour) can be achieved with good settings, on a decent autobahn.

BMW F800R: characteristics

Dimensional and weight parameters:

motorcycle length - 2145 mm;
height along the steering wheel line - 1160 mm;
width - 905 mm;
height to saddle - 775 mm;
distance between axles - 1520 mm;
net weight - 177 kg;
curb weight of the motorcycle - 199 kg;
maximum permissible weight - 405 kg;
Fuel tank capacity is 16 liters.

Operating standards:

fuel consumption: in mixed mode - 4.8 liters, outside the city - 3.6 liters per 100 kilometers;
acceleration characteristics: the bike reaches a speed of 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.

Power point

The BMW F800R motorcycle is equipped with a four-stroke Twin-type injection engine with a parallel cylinder arrangement:

number of cylinders - 2;
number of valves per cylinder – 4;
working volume - 798 cubic meters. cm;
piston stroke - 76.5 mm;
cylinder diameter - 82 mm;
maximum power - 87 horsepower;
torque - 86 Nm at 6000 rpm;
recommended fuel - AI-95;
water cooling;
starting system - electric starter.

The gas distribution mechanism (GRM) is designed on the principle of a cam camshaft operating on two cylinders at once, but in different modes. An automatic system for changing the valve opening height helps to achieve optimal combustion of the working mixture, which means that the traction capabilities of the engine can be fully realized. Often, the engine power of 87 horsepower, which is comparable to the engine thrust of a middle-class car, remains unused. Tasks that are usually assigned to a two-wheeled vehicle require much less power. Nevertheless, the engine is designed for completely different reasons; it bears the proud title of the power plant of one of the best motorcycles in the world.

BMW F800R (2015) – TEST

POLISHING

2015, 798 cm3, 90 l. pp., 202 kg (curb weight), from RUB 539,000.

text: Vladimir Zdorov photo: Nikita Kolobanov

In the photo: Vladimir Zdorov

>>In the world of medium-sized naked bikes, the BMW F800R has long been harshly and cynically offending its more successful Japanese counterparts in previous, but already so distant times. In modern conditions of a total failure of sales and the endless fall of the ruble, the Germans manage to keep very attractive prices, quite comparable with their competitors, but at the same time, not a single “Japanese” in its class has such an amount of electronics. Of course, there is also MV Agusta with its incomparable Brutale, Dragster and Rivale “eight hundredth” series, where there are no less electronics, but this is a completely different price niche, as well as a consumer audience.

The joy of a neophyte BMW F800R is a kind of entrance ticket to the world of Bavarian motorcycles, high-tech machines, brought to perfection by the Germans. But if you offer a test drive of the BMW F800R to those who have driven the “senior” colleagues of the “800”, they will not feel like poor, deprived relatives who, due to some misunderstanding, were invited to a construction shed instead of a country cottage. First introduced six years ago, this model was revised and improved in 2015. And if the asymmetrical headlight, which has sunk into oblivion, which was replaced by traditional head optics, can be attributed exclusively to “cosmetics,” then in the “hardware” the Germans have turned around as they should. The first two gears have been “cut”, which in theory promises improved acceleration dynamics, the inverted fork is designed to increase stability on poor surfaces and make handling “sharper”, the Brembo radial brackets silently speak for themselves, and now, albeit in a slightly reduced form , the BMW F800R is available with proprietary electronically adjustable suspension ESA, as well as an automatic stability control system ASC (Automatic Stability Control).

The new model has acquired “normal” head optics , leaving the asymmetrical headlight a thing of the past. turned out not bad, but is somewhat reminiscent of the Suzuki GSR750. The dashboard has been moved here from its predecessor without any changes, and rightly so: the best is the enemy of the good. Everything here is clear, understandable, concise and pedantic - that is, in German. The button with ESA symbols is also present on the older “brothers” of the model, but here it is a more budget version “under sanctions”.

The engine has acquired three more “horses” – its power is 90 hp. s., and the torque remained the same - 86 Nm at 5800 rpm. Despite not the worst power figures, everything related to wheelie and brutal acceleration is not about this motorcycle... Judging by the unfortunate chirping of a sewing machine (and this is exactly what the German parallel “two” sounds like in the lower and middle speed range, switching to a disgusting falsetto on high), in the stock muffler, German engineers cleverly killed a good dozen “odd-toed ungulates”. I’m sure that specialized specialists with a dynamometer, and even on a motorcycle with a direct-flow muffler (or better yet, a full exhaust), would make the 800 cc Bavarian “two” breathe completely differently, and the power figures would probably reach three digits...

The parallel “two” BMW F800R is a real Bermuda triangle: in some incomprehensible way, 90 hp disappear here without a trace. s.. How, mechanical preload adjustment with the ESA system?! Easily! For example, there are no adjustments at all on the fork, and ESA, as they say, is there, and there is no smell...

Exterior

The appearance of the BMW F800R motorcycle gives the impression of swiftness. The contours are somewhat angular, but this does not spoil the overall picture; all the details of the plumage, overhangs and scutes are organically connected with each other. The only thing that looks rather dubious about the harmonious appearance of the motorcycle is the asymmetrical arrangement of the front headlight. Optics shifted to the side looks illogical and even strange. This engineering solution, other than blatant pretentiousness, does not find any explanation. The plastic shield, also asymmetrical, located higher, only enhances the impression of distortion and lack of thought.

The well-placed gas tank is organically continued in the form of a compact double seat, which at first glance seems too narrow, but is actually very comfortable and ergonomic. The motorcyclist can freely sit in his seat, even lie down on the hump of the fuel tank, if required by the resistance of oncoming air flows when driving at high speed. In normal driving mode, the driver's position seems quite comfortable.

Control

The steering wheel is adjustable both vertically and horizontally, which allows you to choose its optimal position relative to the height of the motorcyclist and the length of his arms. This is an important condition necessary for a comfortable ride, and it must be observed. If all controls on a motorcycle are well adjusted, you can travel a fairly long distance without feeling tired.

The ride of the BMW F800R sports motorcycle is softer than that of other cars in its class. The shock absorber springs are specially selected for a more comfortable ride, and the small amplitude of the suspension swing contributes to smooth movement. At the same time, the bike has an undeniably sporty character and all those qualities that distinguish a high-speed machine from an ordinary road “intelligent” on two wheels. And this character manifests itself from time to time, you just need to create certain conditions for the motorcycle.

Engine life bmw f800r

4 of 5 September 02, 2020 Shane Livesley

Version: 2019 Sport (BMW Motorsport Colors)

Year of issue: 2019

Annual maintenance cost: £277

Bought as a return to motorcycling after being away due to lack of a garage and having children, I wanted a bike. Which was convenient and affordable for commuting. It was available on PCP's Big Deal, so signed up for it. I decided to drive naked to help slow down. The bike does everything I need. Has a reasonable amount of energy. Great brakes and easy to ride. The angles are good. The headlight is pretty useless for night driving, although if you commute to work at any time and throughout the year.

My commute is A and B roads. The bike has now been replaced by an F900R and X R. This has affected the cost. I've seen dealers get rid of over £2,000 worth of new old stock. Good for the buyer if they don't want the F900R wasn't too good for me. When I have a bike for a year and I owe more than I see. How new old stocks are sold. I have the sport model but didn't go with the optional dynamic and touring packages. Since this added another £1000 to the cost I thought. That they are not needed. However, this will affect the resale value.

Ride quality and brakes 5 out of 5
Ride quality is excellent. You read a lot about vibration. Not a problem on my commute, longest ride is about 2 hours and my hands felt it. The mirrors aren't that great at certain speeds with vibration. The brakes are simply amazing. Ride quality is ok, could use a higher screen as I'm fed up of being hit by bugs on my rides. If you want a reasonable bike. Which is relatively cheap to run, it is a good option. Bring extra luggage bags and a tall screen and you're good to go on tour.

Engine 4 out of 5 Going from online 4 to Gemini, there is a slight difference. Also used to sports tourists who are a little faster. Honestly, the twin does everything well. Yes, it vibrates at a certain speed through the mirrors, but I can live with that. Enough power for overtaking and driving.

Reliability and build quality 5 out of 5 Reliable. To date there have been no problems with 2800 miles (limited due to Covid). Have a BMW service plan included with your PCP plan so there is no need to budget for service.

Supplies I had to have the rear LED because it broke, probably because it had a cover on it. I have some oil, but haven't needed to top it up since.

Value against rivals 4 out of 5 Three years of service for £829. The insurance is quite reasonable. Tax according to motorcycle. So far hasn't needed anything other than standard maintenance. Good mpg.

Equipment 3 out of 5 This is where it lets itself down compared to the likes of the Yamaha MT and other competitors.

You have to pay a little more for extras. I have a sports model in BMW motorsport colors. The Sport gets wheels with a red stripe around it, an engine hood and a rear seat hood. It comes with rain and road mode as standard. There is no temp, gear indicator TPM S unless you have upgrades. You cannot upgrade them as they are factory options. If only I had heated hands, I think. That could convert the above items like this. So that they are shown on the liquid crystal display. It's a shame the seller didn't know this when he sold it to me! ! The new F900R and XR now come in different trims that offer the most extras. The tractor is adapted, but I would think about it. To have it again as it's £120 a year and I don't think so. I'll save it on insurance though. Since it is not strictly guarded, I thought. What's the best way to get it?

Purchase Experience: Purchased from a dealer. Total cost £9,206 with BMW service plan included. Got a 0% PCP deal without which I probably would have bought an older bike but needing one. To get your claims back. I chose a middle class bike. Which could do that well. What I need.

Second wind

The “voice” of the BMW F800R, a uniform, muffled growl of restrained power, does not allow either the motorcyclist or those around him to relax. Everyone is waiting for the uncontrollable rush of a fast car. A slight movement of the accelerator handle - and the bike is already far away.

The motorcycle begins to fully demonstrate its character after reaching a speed of 120 kilometers per hour. The engine seems to get its second wind, and then it can no longer be held back, the speedometer needle falls to the right, and the engine only slightly raises its sound tone. And the “crescendo” is still far away. This is a dangerous moment; calm notes in the engine’s operation can dull the motorcyclist’s attention, and this is undesirable at speeds over two hundred kilometers per hour.

The calm and reasonable nature of the Bavarian bike forces the owner to behave accordingly. It never occurs to anyone to sit on a BMW F800R and do something like that. Raise the motorcycle on its rear wheel or spin on the asphalt, burning the tires. Such tricks are more suitable for Ducati motorcycles from Bologna; for them this lifestyle is natural. The Bavarian respects its owner and demands respect.

Hello everyone. My name is Dmitry. I myself am from Yekaterinburg. I want to tell you about my first motorcycle. And also about how I went to the motorcycle life. All opinions about the motorcycles listed in the post are purely subjective, therefore, owners - no offense. I wanted a motorcycle for a long time, since I was 19 years old. However, as soon as I saved up the required amount for a good used Japanese one, the desire to exchange the car for a more comfortable one overpowered me, and, as a result, the garage was upgraded. Perhaps if at least one of my friends had a motorcycle, I would have bought one earlier. And so, the situation turned out that I just wanted a motorcycle, but there was no such real incentive to purchase it, since I had never ridden a motorcycle before, not counting my early childhood, when my father rode a tank a couple of times. Therefore, the motorcycle was not infected with the virus. I just liked the look of them and it seemed to me that riding them was probably also pleasant and interesting. As a result, having changed a bunch of cars over the past 10 years, I finally bought something that suited me completely. And for the next three years I didn’t see any point in replacing it. It was then that the thought returned that since there was a break from the car, it was time to think about the motorcycle again. Since the young stupidity had long since disappeared from my mind, there were no thoughts about buying a motorcycle, and only then getting a license. Life was seen in a strict sequence: license, equipment, motorcycle. As a result, in June 2011 I went to a driving school that taught for category A. Since category B was open, I agreed that I would not go to theory, but would only go to practice. As a result, in August I passed the category. True the second time. The first time I was nervous and made a couple of unfortunate mistakes on the court. A week later I was much calmer, since this was not the first time, and as a result, my license was in my pocket. However, the month outside was August, even the middle of it. Therefore, this season I decided not to twitch, but to calmly study on the Internet what kind of motorcycles there are, what I want, and choose the model I like. Well, at the same time, buy equipment in the fall. As a result, I purchased: a motorcycle jacket with built-in protection, jeans with built-in protection, motorcycle boots and a helmet. For some reason I didn't like the gloves. I decided that I would buy it at the dealership where I bought the motorcycle. At the same time, I scoured the Internet, looking for a model to purchase. Sports are just not my thing. And the landing is uncomfortable for long trips, and provokes speed. I don’t even drive a car above 140. When I was young, I wanted to, but, fortunately, cars couldn’t do it, and when a car could do it a long time ago, I didn’t want to. And it’s not realistic to race in the city, but to drive fast on the highway - I considered this an unreasonable risk to my life. Because a couple of times at 110 I flew into a couple of pits that suddenly appeared in front of the wheels, and I realized that on a motorcycle rushing at a speed of even 120, I would simply crash. So my instinct of self-preservation and other ergonomic feelings did not want sports. Therefore, I only considered classics and choppers. In principle, it was not so difficult to choose, since I definitely wanted a new motorcycle from the showroom, so as not to worry about its condition at all. And I set a price limit for myself.

As a result, the Kawasaki VN900 Custom was an excellent choice for choppers in my price range. I almost decided on it, but after sitting, looking, listening more carefully to my inner world, I realized that choppers are not my thing yet. Then, after forty, it will definitely be mine, but for now it’s not. In the end, it became quite simple, since we don’t have many new classics. The choice was between the Kawasaki ER-6n, Yamaha XJ6 and BMW F800R. We don't have a Suzuki showroom in our city. There is a Honda salon, but I didn’t want a Honda, I don’t know, somehow inside, something doesn’t fit with it. I never had a car, nor did I want a motorcycle. Of these three, I really liked the Beamer, but the volume of 800 cubic meters suggested excessive power for the first motorcycle. Another mandatory requirement for the motorcycle was the presence of ABS. So Yamaha dropped out, since they install ABS only in the version with a fairing, and I wanted a naked one. Bottom line: only two options. I decided to choose with my brain and take the calmer, judging by the reviews on the Internet, and more suitable for beginners, all according to the same reviews, ER-6n with ABS. About the Beemer, I decided that I would definitely have it, but in the future. season, after one season on ER-6. I'll just run it for a spin. Since by the end of 2011 I had decided on the mot and put a beautiful wallpaper with it on my desktop, I calmly waited for March to go to the salon, make an advance payment and let them slowly bring it to me by May. That's where I'll roll out. But he didn’t wait until March - he went on reconnaissance at the end of February. At the showroom they told me that the ER-6n would arrive in March, already in a new body, and it would be possible to look at it, sit and touch it. Well, I think I'll wait. I left my contacts and lived in peace. In March they called me and invited me. I sat on it and just as much as I liked its appearance, I didn’t like its dashboard. Sybaritism apparently took over in me. This panel seemed a bit small to me. It somehow reminded me of my old 9 - it also had a narrow panel, just like in any other domestic car of those years. I’m already used to the fact that foreign cars have a panel that’s almost a quarter of the length of the interior. And on the ER-6 it’s something like: the steering wheel, the instrument panel on it and that’s it, then the wheel. There was a Z750R nearby. I liked everything there right away. It feels like a full-fledged motorcycle, wide, the panel is beautiful. A very beautiful motorbike.

Well, I say to the salon managers, I’ll go have a smoke and think. I went out and smoked. I think. 750 cubic meters is no longer small. But I like it - and I, after all, ride it, love it. And I’m no longer young and reckless; I have enough brainpower not to turn the throttle to maximum. After all, the Impreza STi can be driven carefully and not quickly, despite its potential. And the ER-6 - I already understand - is not my type. I will just use it as a training one with the thought of selling it at the end of the season and buying another one. But you don’t want to buy a motorcycle for one season, you want to buy a good one right away, so that you like it and ride it calmly. In general, I decided to take the Z750R. I almost returned to the salon, and suddenly I realized: since I signed up for 750 cc, then why not a BMW?.. There are 800 cc, about everything is the same - but it’s exactly what I wanted so badly. At the same time, I remembered the descriptions of the F800R from badmf on this site, and how he recommends it as a first motorcycle, with a reasonable approach to your safety, of course. In general, I decided. There is a head, the motor is needed not for annealing, but for pleasant riding, and let there be a reserve of power. I turned around and drove to the BMW motorcycle dealership. The 2012 model year F800R was just delivered there.

I came, sat down, and realized that this was it, everything I wanted. And ABS, and damper, and heated grips, and gear indicator and a bunch of everything else - in general, the maximum configuration. I gave the money and agreed that I would come and pick it up in April, depending on the weather. This is where I spent the entire month of March on pins and needles. And April too. And then April 10th - sunshine, no snow, temperature +15. It's time to go and pick it up. I arrived, signed all the documents, showed the motorcycle, told me how and why. They wished me a safe journey and off I went. Oh, how unusual it is to ride a motorcycle after a car. The clutch is by hand, the brake is by hand. You also need to release the clutch very smoothly - otherwise it will stall at first. But three hundred meters along the platform in front of the salon, and everything seems to be at least understandable. I went slowly. I drove to the garage and installed it. There was no inner happiness, there were no thoughts at all. I just thought that it was good that I got there without incident. But in the evening, before going to bed, it went away. I suddenly realized that I didn’t have to want or dream about a motorcycle anymore. I already have it, and it’s exactly the one I wanted. I fell asleep smiling. The weather turned bad for two whole days, but I insured it during those days. And on Friday the sun is back. And I went to get the numbers. Which was completed by lunchtime. So now I’m a full-fledged motorcycle owner. And now about the motorcycle itself. Since I’ve never had any other motorcycles, and haven’t ridden anyone else’s, I have nothing to compare with. Just my feelings from the motorcycle: in first gear without a half-depressed clutch, it’s uncomfortable to ride at low speeds, it jerks sharply when you open the gas and jerks just as sharply when you release the gas. With half-squeezed it goes very smoothly and stably. In general, apparently I’m just not yet accustomed to accurately dispensing gas, so at low speeds it sometimes jerks. You twist it a little, then you close it sharply. As a result, either a small jerk or a peck. But every day it gets better and calmer.

Since it’s still being run-in, the revs can’t be raised above 5000, as a result I can’t feel its full dynamics, but I’m also satisfied with the one that’s available at revs up to 5000. I have a “METRO” Cash&Carry not far from work, and its parking lot is healthy, and is always 1/3 full at most. So the race track is always at hand and it’s huge. I ride there almost every day. There I also appreciated the taxiing. The motorcycle steers very easily. Shifting on the figure eight is no problem. The turning radii are small - the main thing is not to be afraid to lay it down too much. I cranked the eights for two hours - until I was mentally mature enough to bring the steering wheel to the limiter when making ultra-small turns. It was morally scary - I was always afraid that I would fall. But no, he holds it.

There, at the site, I checked the operation of the ABS - when braking sharply at 50 km/h with both brakes, the ABS in the rear turns on quite quickly. On the front - no matter how hard I pressed, the abs did not work. The rubber clings to dry asphalt efficiently. I decided that it was good that I decided not to skimp on ABS. After all, if my rear ABS turns on so quickly - and if it weren’t there, this means the rear one will block and a possible fall. Undoubtedly, with daily practice, I would learn not to block, especially since even the pros recommend practicing sharp braking more often to develop the skill. But in a critical situation, you no longer think, you act like an automaton. And I would hardly have done everything correctly like an automatic machine. In a critical situation, I definitely won’t have time to think about the predicted force on the rear brake pedal, as a beginner. I'll slam on the brakes as hard as I can and that's it. So, I recommend to all beginners - if you are already buying a new motorcycle, then do not skimp on your safety - get it equipped with ABS. Not on dry asphalt, but on a wet road - it will definitely be a serious help.

The computer shows fuel consumption so far at about 5.1 l/100 km, I have driven 700 km, according to the receipts, approximately the same figure is obtained. There is no wind protection along the route, as everyone said. But driving 90-100 km/h is quite comfortable. Then it blows strongly. But I didn’t take it for long-distance trips, I mainly traveled around the city. And there is beauty there. In general, now I’m slowly getting used to the motorcycle on the site, I drive carefully around the city, I almost don’t climb into the aisles - only if I really see that it’s wide. There is no sense of the motorcycle's dimensions yet. Driving in the city is not difficult, since I have been actively driving for 12 years. Therefore, I don’t get distracted by reading the traffic situation, everything is already familiar. Some more photos of my motorcycle:

Now I have ordered a set of all sorts of wunderlich parts for my motorcycle. When it arrives, I will install it. Based on the results, I’ll make another post with the parts already installed. Thanks for reading. Smooth roads everyone. Best regards, Dmitry.

Tuning

The production of the BMW F800R is closely associated with the German exterior styling company AC Schnitzer, which is located in the city of Aachen. All motorcycle accessories (clutch and handbrake handles, toggle switches and levers, footrests, carbon fiber casings) are produced in the AC Schnitzer workshops.

Regular clients of the company in Aachen are manufacturers of Bavarian sports motorcycles, among which is the BMW F800R model. Schnitzer, a reputable company, works with the latest technology in the field of heavy-duty materials for cars and motorcycles. All the company's activities are based on the use of carbon fiber. Wheel rims are made from ultra-light titanium alloys according to space weight standards.

Customers' opinions

The vast majority of owners primarily note the excellent engine from the Twin family. The operation of two parallel pistons is flawless, the engine reacts sensitively to the slightest movement of the throttle, and the exhaust sound is mesmerizing. The speed increases gradually, smoothly and without delay. The bike starts easily at medium and even low speeds and never stalls.

The BMW F800R motorcycle, reviews of which are consistently positive, is considered one of the best models of Bavarian manufacturers. Buyers appreciate its speed qualities. The BMW F lineup includes six more R series motorcycles, but the “eight hundredth” confidently holds the lead in technical characteristics among its peers.

A separate line in the reviews of bike owners is the unique ability of the machine to pass through the narrowest gaps in traffic flow on the streets of a big city. The motorcycle is truly extremely maneuverable, and the relatively small width along the handlebar line allows it to slip between cars. Sometimes rear-view mirrors get in the way, but motorcyclists have learned to raise them up, thereby increasing their chances when driving through particularly narrow areas.

Test drive BMWF 800 R, DucatiHypermotard 796

Let's assume that you have a decent budget to purchase a mid-range motorcycle. The model should be comfortable, lightweight and at the same time powerful enough so that you don’t get bored after a couple of weeks. In addition, it is desirable that the bike looks unconventional and attracts attention - after all, few people would want to classify themselves as one of the notorious “gray masses”.

If you look at the pages of motorcycle catalogues, your eye will be drawn by two non-trivial 800 cc machines. They are both European, and their two-cylinder engines are well suited for city driving. As you guessed, we are talking about the Ducati Hypermotard 796 and BMW F800R. Although their technical characteristics and areas of use are comparable, these motorcycles differ from each other not only in appearance, but also in character. Can you expect it from them? You will find out this first hand by reading the test.

Ducati Hypermotard 796

If you compare this motorcycle from Bologna with a person, it will undoubtedly be a brilliant person. He can charm you with his skills, talent and charm. Like any other genius, he can take you to new heights beyond the reach of mere mortals. At the same time, it has disadvantages that make it impossible to live with it on a daily basis. After all, Ducati does not tolerate routine and does not recognize dull everyday life.

The Hypermotard 796 is a smaller version of the larger Hypermotard 1100. But is smaller better? This motorcycle is in many ways the opposite of its “big brother”. With a lighter and more compact engine, the Bologna motard is much more comfortable for the rider and easier to control. What about the design? It's hard to pass by this motorcycle calmly! The aggressive blood-red plastic body kit, the amazingly beautiful design of the mufflers and the wide steering wheel make it clear that this “design” is intended primarily not for driving, but for adoration.

The two-cylinder engine used on the 796 is the quintessence of Italian engineering. Two cylinders arranged in an L-shape, desmodromic valve drive, fuel injection and air cooling make the engine very recognizable. At low speeds, he likes to shower the pilot with heat, as if charging him with his temperament. True Italian! The only deviation from the canons can be considered a 6-speed gearbox with a wet multi-plate clutch (rather than the dry type that is usual for Ducati).

There is a belief that a Ducati chassis is always perfect. This is true. How could it be otherwise, considering that the motorcycle was made in a sunny country with good asphalt and a record number of turns per kilometer of road. The Hypermotard 796 inverted fork doesn't have any adjustments, but if you're in Italy, you don't need it. In Ukraine, you may be jumping over bumps... The standard calibrations are such that even an experienced driver will not complain about the lack of proper compression damping, or imperfect hydraulic rebound. The same goes for the aluminum alloy rear cantilever swingarm, paired with a monoshock absorber.

It's hard to say anything about the brakes other than that they are large and bear the Brembo logo. The huge openwork discs are perfectly complemented by radial calipers and steel braided hoses. Together they can complete any task the driver asks them to do.

Now let's raise a question that is key for many. How does it all go? Hmm, I'm afraid it will be difficult to express this in one sentence... There are clear references to off-road in the driving position, in the lines of the chassis and cladding. Is there any point in confirming them? Based on my daily observations (and probably yours too), we can say with confidence that very rarely bikes, even those with a sufficient off-road component, are at least sometimes used outside the asphalt. Well, if you drive only on roads, then the direct landing of the pilot has its drawbacks. Indeed, in this case, the driver plays the role of an aerodynamic brake, which prevents rapid acceleration when overtaking at speeds of 120-130 km/h.

But when the two-cylinder engine catches “its” mode, the smell of adrenaline appears in the air and a desire arises to have a blast! Like many other Italian models, this Ducati has, in my opinion, the first two gears that are too long. At low speeds, the motorcycle requires throttle support and active clutch operation, otherwise it will not be possible to move smoothly. He doesn't like to maneuver at low speeds. This seems to irritate Hypermotard and he expresses his indignation in the form of convulsive jerks. Only reaching the 4000 rpm bar by the engine can smooth out the situation. In other words, the 796 loves the mid-range of speeds and revs - in this case, it responds superbly to the gas, delivering smooth and powerful thrust.

If you are concerned about the “poverty” of the front fork settings, then the following paragraph is for you. Ducati engineers made sure that the front suspension of this motard, even without the possibility of extensive adjustment, does its job very well. Its calibrations are optimal for aggressive driving, although there are those who are sure that the front end is too soft. When braking with the front brake, the fork sags quite a lot, but at the same time leaves enough travel to handle uneven road surfaces. In addition, despite significant “dives” forward, the motorcycle does not allow any braking instability. The rear suspension is set up quite rigidly, and the damping is very “tightened” - this is a good help on high-speed turns. Unfortunately, this combination is only suitable for driving on perfect asphalt. In our case, excessive rigidity can give a “kick in the butt” to the driver and unbalance the tail of the motorcycle when hitting bumps, knocking it off the trajectory.

Whatever you say, choosing the ideal suspension calibrations that will ensure the stability of the motorcycle during braking and acceleration is a great art. The Italians did a really good job here. The Hypermotard doesn't respond by quickly lowering its ride height when you close the throttle, it doesn't sit on its tail when you quickly add throttle, and it doesn't bounce the front wheel when you quickly release the brake. There are no objections from my side. It holds direction very well and provides very good road feel – providing the latter, but not the latter, quality.

Before this, I already talked about genius, but I did not mention that genius is often irritated by his face - hence the dislike of mirrors. The situation is similar with this Ducati. The mirrors look great, but they raise the question: why haven’t they broken off yet? When they are folded, everything that happens behind them becomes a big mystery to you. Well, if you lay them out... then in city traffic jams sooner or later you begin to hate these pieces of plastic with reflective glass, because in this case the motorcycle is close to the width of a small car. It's a strange thing: the bike is designed for driving around the city, but it has mirrors that simply cannot be used in heavy traffic. Why then were they installed at all?

After the initial euphoria wears off and the entertainment becomes boring, the realization of the total impracticality of this motorcycle comes. Trips to the hypermarket and back, daily routine routes are not for him. There is a feeling that the engine is not suitable for this kind of expedition. A slow parade through narrow streets is troublesome for both the driver and the motorcycle. Trying to ride the Hypermotard 796 quietly will eventually get you down with the slap of the chain drive, long gears and engine heat. This motorcycle seems to say to its driver: “either ride or contemplate - I’m not a cable car to provide you with both!”

BMW F800R

This is a really interesting car. The BMW F800 S is a brother to our counterpart and a clone of the generally accepted standard of a street bike, but, as we know, the Bavarian company has achieved perfection in the discipline of “test tube breeding”. This model was created for city driving and received everything necessary for this: a lightweight chassis with a modern compact engine, dressed in a plastic body kit of a slightly rebellious design. Well, the “detonator” who brought hooligan features to the character of the motorcycle was Chris Pfeiffer. When you see what he does with this BMW, you realize that the bike is not as simple as it seems.

This "Bavarian" looks like... a Bavarian. The only visible sign that someone in the design department broke down, took off their tie, and momentarily surrendered to the muse, is the asymmetrical headlight. Everything else is beautifully designed, manufactured and... that's it. Some may say: boredom; others, on the contrary, will note that this is the triumph of law and order. Which point of view is closer to you - choose for yourself. But, no matter where you drive this “Bavarian” (by origin) and “Berliner” (by birth), you feel as if you are in your favorite home chair with soft slippers on your bare feet. All the controls are where they should be, and the ergonomics give nothing to complain about. Even the egg-shaped dashboard does not cause a grimace of dissatisfaction on the driver’s face.

What moves your “chair”? Parallel twin with liquid cooling and fuel injection. This compact and modern engine has significantly advanced the Germans on the path to absolute perfection. The 800cc twin is quiet, responds well to throttle and delivers power quickly. The gearshift lever is perfect: it feels like you only need the force of a wash to operate it. The clutch performs its functions smoothly and accurately. Mumbling softly through the exhaust pipe, the Bavarian bike moves off smoothly.

Already from the first meters you can feel its huge difference from Ducati. The engine of this BMW is much closer in performance to in-line “fours” than to two-cylinder “twins”. It's not as strong in the lower half of the rev range as the Hypermotard's engine, but the shorter first two gears provide a very smooth and even power delivery all the way to redline on the tachometer.

If the motard from Bologna was similar in character to an automatic machine with strong recoil, then the BMW is much more composed and calm. You don’t get tired of driving slowly in traffic jams and along narrow streets. The engine runs very smoothly, and the well-chosen gearbox ratios allow you to drive as you please. This motorcycle requires much less attention and concentration from the driver than the Ducati.

Of course, it can be argued that in terms of pleasure from aggressive driving, the “Bavarian” cannot be compared with the native of Bologna. Its suspension travel is shorter and the springs are softer. In addition, the hydraulics do not dampen vibrations as well as in the case of the Ducati. This is not to say that this is bad, but, of course, the situation is not improved by the lack of any adjustments in the front fork. In the case of the rear suspension, everything is much better. The aluminum swingarm, equipped with a monoshock absorber with variable damping characteristics, is able to cope with the workload of the driver and passenger.

The chassis is complemented by an excellent braking system. Large 320mm discs and four-piston calipers with reinforced hoses are well suited to the bike's capabilities and your needs. High braking power is offered here along with the accuracy of its dosage, and standard ABS makes this process completely safe.

Despite all of the above, the question of character remains open. While driving, the F800R reveals many nuances. However, it is very enjoyable to ride, making it accessible and understandable to a wide range of riders. It can be handled not only by experienced drivers, but also by those who recently got behind the wheel of a motorcycle. Even the dashing Chris Pfeiffer, smiling from advertising posters, is unable to convince the public of the radical inclinations of this bike.

So, in front of me are two rather different bikes (I almost said people). On the left is the refined and temperamental Ducati, which, like the hyperactive boy in the yard, has a rather bad reputation and is always hungry for thrills. On the right is a calm and reasonable German burgher who missed all the lectures on the topic “Anarchy in the City”, but enriched himself with knowledge about safety and comfort. Perhaps, in order to find a common language with these motorcycles, the F800R needs to be understood with the mind, and the Hypermotard 796 needs to be felt with the heart.

As I already said, motorcycles have similar technical characteristics. Similarities also exist in comparable prices. In the case of BMW, the client will have at his disposal a wide range of options, looking at which it will seem blasphemous to leave a motorcycle costing €9,990 in the basic configuration. Equipment of the test BMW F 800 R: ABS, Akropovich muffler, heated grips.

Well, the base price for the Hypermotard is €12,500. So what should you choose? Spending my money, I would like to buy a BMW. It doesn't have the spontaneity of a motard from Bologna, but it has comfort, safety and very good performance. Ducati is a brilliant motorcycle in every way. It is great for fooling around and injecting considerable doses of adrenaline into the blood. But... motorcycle tasks in everyday and normal life largely consist of prosaic, everyday moments where the F800R will always be ahead.

Text and photos: Mariusz Łowicki

Translation and adaptation: Sergey Kuznetsov