BMW F800ST
Encyclopedia
The BMW F800ST is a sport touring motorcycle, made by BMW Motorrad
from 2006. Along with the closely related BMW F800S
, other bikes in the F-bike range are the dual-sport F800GS
, and the naked F800R
. It has the same frame, engine, and suspension as the F800S, but differs primarily in fairing
design and handlebar type.
BMW developed with Rotax
a 798 cc parallel-twin engine with a 360 degree firing order. This produced an exhaust note reminiscent of BMW's signature air-cooled boxer twins
. However, this firing order required both pistons to move up and down at the same time. To counter the significant inertia produced by the pistons reciprocating, BMW devised a third vestigial connecting rod
to a balance weight. The result was a parallel twin with significantly reduced vibration compared with other parallel twin engine designs. The engine is oiled by a dry sump
system, and a soft ignition-cut rev limiter engaged at 9,000 rpm.
BMW tuned the F800 series engine to run lean, typically with air-fuel ratios in the range of 15:1 to 16:1.
The F800ST has a low-maintenance belt drive
and single sided swingarm
. Bikes equipped with ABS also include a rear-wheel lift detection system. Other options include LED signals, a lower seat, an alarm system, heated handle grips, a tire pressure monitoring system and an on-board computer system.
BMW Motorrad
BMW Motorrad is the motorcycle brand of the German company BMW, part of its Corporate and Brand Development division. The current General Director of the unit is Hendrik von Kuenheim....
from 2006. Along with the closely related BMW F800S
BMW F800S
The F800S was a sport bike made by BMW Motorrad from 2006 to 2010. Along with the F800S, other bikes in the F-bike range are the dual-sport F800GS, the sport touring F800ST, and the naked F800R....
, other bikes in the F-bike range are the dual-sport F800GS
BMW GS parallel-twin
The BMW F800GS and F650GS are members of the GS family of dual-sport motorcycles manufactured in Berlin, Germany by BMW Motorrad. Both bikes were launched in 2008, and use the same 798 cc parallel-twin engine with chain drive, but with different power outputs and equipment levels...
, and the naked F800R
BMW F800R
The BMW F800R is a naked motorcycle introduced by BMW Motorrad in 2009. It is the newest addition to the F-series, which includes the F800S, the dual-sport F800GS & F650GS, and the sport touring F800ST....
. It has the same frame, engine, and suspension as the F800S, but differs primarily in fairing
Motorcycle fairing
A motorcycle fairing is a shell placed over the frame of some motorcycles, especially racing motorcycles and sport bikes, with the primary purpose to reduce air drag. The secondary functions are the protection of the rider from airborne hazards and wind-induced hypothermia and of the engine...
design and handlebar type.
BMW developed with Rotax
Rotax
BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co KG , commonly known simply as Rotax, is an Austrian engine manufacturer. It develops and produces four-stroke and advanced two-stroke engines for Bombardier Recreational Products products as well as for motorcycles, karts,...
a 798 cc parallel-twin engine with a 360 degree firing order. This produced an exhaust note reminiscent of BMW's signature air-cooled boxer twins
Flat engine
A flat engine is an internal combustion engine with multiple pistons that move in a horizontal plane. Typically, the layout has cylinders arranged in two banks on either side of a single crankshaft and is sometimes known as the boxer, or horizontally opposed engine. The concept was patented in 1896...
. However, this firing order required both pistons to move up and down at the same time. To counter the significant inertia produced by the pistons reciprocating, BMW devised a third vestigial connecting rod
Connecting rod
In a reciprocating piston engine, the connecting rod or conrod connects the piston to the crank or crankshaft. Together with the crank, they form a simple mechanism that converts linear motion into rotating motion....
to a balance weight. The result was a parallel twin with significantly reduced vibration compared with other parallel twin engine designs. The engine is oiled by a dry sump
Dry sump
A dry sump is a lubricating motor oil management method for four-stroke and large two-stroke piston internal combustion engines that uses external pumps and a secondary external reservoir for oil, as compared to a conventional wet sump system....
system, and a soft ignition-cut rev limiter engaged at 9,000 rpm.
BMW tuned the F800 series engine to run lean, typically with air-fuel ratios in the range of 15:1 to 16:1.
The F800ST has a low-maintenance belt drive
Gilmer belt
Gilmer belt is a trade name for a type of belt used for transferring power between axles in a machine. The belt itself has ribs on the inner side to engage special pulleys mounted to the axles....
and single sided swingarm
Swingarm
A swingarm, or "swinging arm" is the main component of the rear suspension of most modern motorcycles and ATVs...
. Bikes equipped with ABS also include a rear-wheel lift detection system. Other options include LED signals, a lower seat, an alarm system, heated handle grips, a tire pressure monitoring system and an on-board computer system.