BMW F Series. August 2009

The sporty BMW F 800 R is due to arrive on Australian shores in September this year and will sit alongside its naked siblings, the K 1300 R and R 1200 R. The F 800 series was launched in 2006 and struck out a new segment in the mid-size category with the sporty F 800 S, the F 800 ST with its touring capabilities and then in 2007 the series was supplemented with the F 650 GS and more recently with the highly successful F 800 GS - two dynamic adventure models in keeping with BMW GS tradition.

With the new F 800 R, BMW now takes the logical step of expanding the F 800 model series - designed for a high level of dynamic riding with maximum riding fun. The engine of the F 800 R is the parallel twin with 4-valve technology and a capacity of 798 cc, already familiar from the F 800 S.The highly distinctive in-line 2-cylinder engine with impressive pulling power, spontaneous response and low level of fuel consumption and equipped with a new throttle valve kinematic system provides even greater engine and throttle response.

Closely based on the larger BMW K 1300 R in its design, the distinctively sporty F 800 R delivers exactly what its dynamic exterior promises. From standing, the F 800 R possesses lightening sprinting power. What's more, shorter gear ratios in fourth to sixth gear ensure improved continuity; in conjunction with the excellent pulling power of the two-cylinder this makes for a highly agile and sporty performance. RRP will be around $14,000.