BMW Motorrad is set to release the naked version of the highly acclaimed F Series. 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.

“We are ecstatic to be able to bring the F 800 R to market this year, which will certainly assist in continuing our strong sales position”, says Cameron Cuthill General Manager BMW Motorrad.

“Gauging by the early interest in the F 800 R, this urban and sporting style of riding is sure to appeal not only to existing BMW customers but also to those that may not have considered a BMW before,” says Cameron.

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 a new throttle valve kinematic system providing even greater engine and throttle response.

The rated output of the engine is 64 kW at approx. 8,000 rpm and produces a torque of 86 Nm at approx. 6,000 rpm. The mass compensation of the parallel twin is implemented by a system which is still unique in its construction, in which an additional swivel rod compensates the first order and second order mass forces, ensuring that the 2-cylinder engine runs with an unusually low level of vibration, delivering superior comfort for the rider.

The new F 800 R is available initially in three attractive paint finishes. A two-colour finish in Alpine White non-metallic with Black silk gloss, Fire Orange non-metallic and White Aluminium metallic.

The frame, swing-arm and engine of the F 800 R are finished in black in all three colour versions. Together with the light alloy wheels, also finished in black, this makes for a particularly dynamic look which reflects the sporty ambitions of the F 800 R.

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.

The new dynamics of the F 800 R are assisted by the low dry weight of 182 kg or 204 kg fully fuelled and the chassis with double-sided rear-wheel swing-arm which is especially adapted to the requirements of a sporty naked bike. In accordance with the style and purpose of a sporty naked bike, the new F 800 R also has a secondary drive with O-ring chain.

In line with the demands of a dynamic naked bike, the chassis is designed for excellent handling, agility and steering precision, and therefore maximum riding fun on winding country roads, though without compromise in terms of directional stability at high speeds.

The new F 800 R is also the motorcycle of choice for streetbike freestyle world champion Christian Pfeiffer who has demonstrates just how playfully the rider can handle the F 800 R. But the new F 800 R boasts more than just sporting talent: in the very best tradition of BMW it also possesses classic virtues such as outstanding seating comfort for the rider and pillion passenger as well as an exemplary level of safety. For example, the F 800 R is optionally fitted with switchable ABS with a newly developed pressure sensor providing an even finer regulation of the system and therefore even greater safety - especially in connection with sporty riding.

Official retail pricing will be released closer to launch with initial pricing expectations in the vicinity of $14,000\*.

\*Estimated Manufacturer List Price is shown and excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges which are additional and vary between dealers and States/Territories. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing inquiries.

For further press/media information contact:

Tim James
Product Communications Manager
BMW Group Australia
Phone: 03 9264 4150
Fax: 03 9562 2799
Mobile: 0439 568 819
Email: Tim.James@bmw.com.au