BMW F800 Problems – What Should You Know about It?

Among dual-sport motorbikes, the BMW F-Series is like a half-god among people. This motorcycle has numerous versions, but to this time, only more capable modifications are still in production. Today, we'll be talking about the most powerful BMW F800 which is available in GS and GSA modifications.

We won't describe all of the modifications and types of motorcycles available on the market. You can find now GS and GSA, but there was also the GT sport version and F800S (the oldest one in the series). We'll be talking about the problems of the BMW F800 and will also see if this is a good choice for you or if you should better choose something else on the market.

Here are some important things we'll cover:

1. The BMW F800 - is it actually a good dual-sport motorcycle?
2. What problems of the F800 are considered to be common issues?
3. What are the important things to look at when buying a used F800?
4. What's the longevity of the BMW F800 series?
5. Some maintenance tips you should consider with this bike.

Let's get started!

So, is the BMW F800 actually a good motorcycle?

All bikes of the series are now powered with the 798cc engine with a power range from 71 to 85 hp. This engine is a parallel twin, it's a water-cooled unit with 8 valves. The head has DOHC construction. The 4-stroke engine seems to be optimal for such a vehicle. But some experienced riders will say that there isn't enough power.

We would disagree with this claim because the weight of the F800 is 395 to 472 lbs which is not that much. And if BMW decided to install a much more powerful engine in this frame, you could barely control the motorcycle. We think the power-to-weight ratio is one of the best in its class.

Also, here are some important things to consider:

• the motorcycle belongs to the dual-sport class where power doesn't decide anything, it should be capable for all types of tracks and it is;
• the water-cooled engine is great because it won't overheat much and it won't die after long rides or after off-roading;
• the top speed of 120 mph is impressive for such a light motorbike (well, at least, in comparison with cruiser bikes);
• the F800 offers up to 85 hp of power and up to 61 lb-ft of torque - this is huge for a mid-sized dual-sport motorcycle;
• the 6-speed transmission seems to be optimal, it allows you to flexibly choose the needed mode when riding;
• the front suspension is predictably the telescopic fork, while the rear is the dual swing arm and the strut with 215 mm travel - not bad at all;
• after 2013, all F800s have electronic suspension adjustment which is great for this class of motorcycles;
• the seat height of 880 mm makes this model a bad choice for shorter people while tall people will be quite comfortable when riding.

What's interesting, the standard fuel capacity is 4.2 gallons, but the GSA modification offers a 6.3-gallon tank which makes its range much more interesting. The average MPG is claimed to be about 55-62 MPG which is great for a powerful motorbike with a sporty soul. This is a great way to get a multi-purpose bike for those who don't know what they really want.

Yes, it's not a cheap toy. The base price (MSRP) is $12,595 as of July 2022. But you will surely want to add some extras making the price of your chosen motorcycle at one of the BMW dealers up to $15,500 or something like that. So, it's not cheap at all, especially compared to different dual-sport bikes available at three times more affordable prices. But this is BMW and this is what it takes.

What problems should you expect with your BMW F800?

The series is not very popular in Europe, but American buyers choose the F800 model really often. That's why it wasn't hard to investigate the forums and talk to mechanics to make the list of the most common problems of the BMW F800 bikes. And these problems can really make you think twice before you get your hands on this bike.

First of all, we want to say that we love BMW motorcycles and we would still pay 15 grand to own the F800GS. But sometimes, these motorcycles just surprise with some common issues nearly all owners experience. Shouldn't they be of better quality for this money?

Here are some pretty common problems with the BMW F800:

1. Difficulties with transmission shifting. If it's your first bike or you've never driven BMW motorcycles, you may find the transmission shifter pretty hard to operate. Finding neutral is a challenge as well as getting right to the needed gear.
2. The ABS system which is optionally available after 2013 is not pretty well set. ABS may activate braking assist when it's not needed. Also, it makes your everyday ride a little nervous because you never expect it to come into action.
3. Battery drains. Unfortunately, BMW wasn't able to solve this problem and it's still presented in the F800s. The bike will suddenly leave you without any chance to start the engine because the battery has been drained completely.
4. Vibration. Well, if you had an old bike before, you will say that the BMW F800 is as smooth as an electric car, but it isn't in reality. Owners claim that over time this noise and vibration start getting on their nerves, especially during long rides.
5. Corrosion on engine bolts. If you are getting a used bike with high mileage on it, you will probably have problems with disassembling the engine for thorough repair because its bolts are covered with rust.
6. Minor head issues. Earlier bikes had problems with head stock bearing and they needed to be replaced. But newer models don't have this problem anymore.
7. Mirrors. Well, if you get the older F800, you should probably replace mirrors with some aftermarket ones because the stock mirrors won't show you a fraction of the road behind you and this is not safe at all.

Anyway, these issues are not that bad. If you compare the list of BMW F800's problems with the issues of other dual-sport bikes in the same price niche (are there any), we are sure you will still choose the BMW. Why? Because it's one of the best bikes in the class that delivers emotions when you ride it.

And yes, you will have to forgive something to this motorcycle just because there is nothing in the world that wouldn't have some issues and possible problems. But still, the BMW is one of the coolest options and you'll understand it after you agree to a test drive.

How long will your BMW F800 last?

This is quite an old model with a lot of reviews and now we can form an opinion about its longevity.

We would say that the BMW F800 will last for about 40K miles with no issues at all. After that, some minor problems will start appearing now and then. You should be careful with the clutch, oil, cooler leaks, etc. But these issues won't stop you from riding your BMW motorcycle for another 30K miles.

So, we suppose, the real lifespan of the BMW F800 is about 70,000 miles which is over 14 years for an average rider (5K miles a year). But of course, the longevity may be much shorter if you don't maintain the motorcycle or forget about the advice given in the rider's manual.

How to prolong the life of your BMW F800?

The only way to prolong the life of your BMW motorcycle is to be careful with it and also maintain it strictly in accordance with the requirements. The manufacturer wants you to at least ride your bike with no problems up until the warranty period is over. So, BMW gives good advice on regular maintenance.

We would suggest these important things:

• change oil and cooler as soon as needed (maybe even sooner for high-mileage bikes);
• watch out for any leaks and immediately go to specialists once you notice them;
• buy original fluids, filters, and spare parts for longer life of your motorcycle;
• never let inexperienced mechanics get their hands on your bike, BMW dealers are the best choice;
• be careful when riding your bike, don't get the soul out of it.

We understand that some of these tips are incompletable. And BMW owners won't think much about being careful on the road. But at least, you should obey some of these rules.

Final words

We believe that a BMW bike is still one of the best choices if you can afford it in terms of quite a high price and surprising maintenance costs. But of course, what we recommend you is to take it for a test drive and check if it's OK for you. Also, you can get another dual-sport bike for a test drive and compare the feelings.

We are pretty sure that the BMW will win. Please read our list of common problems and compare it with what you are expecting from a motorcycle.