2009 BMW F 800 R
The new F 800 R is fitted with the 2-cylinder in-line engine with cylinders tilted forward by 30 degrees: the engine is largely familiar from the F 800 S. With its full torque curve and spontaneous response at all engine speeds, it offers an excellent basis for use in a roadster designed for a high level of riding dynamics.
In the segment of medium category naked bikes, the 2-cylinder offers a number of technical highlights. As reflected in the engine designation parallel twin, the crankshaft has a crank offset angle of zero degrees. This means that the engine, installed transversely to the direction of travel, operates with an even firing sequence in which a combustion cycle is initiated at every rotation of the crankshaft. This results in an intentional similarity in sound to the fl at twin “boxer” engines, which also operate at a firing angle of 360 degrees. In particular, the even firing sequence supports a balanced gas exchange cycle with high torque efficiency and a harmonious curve, thus fulfilling the basic requirements for a dynamic engine in a sporty naked bike.
The first and second-order mass forces which are unavoidable in 2-cylinder engines are neutralized by a unique compensation mechanism which is familiar from the existing models of the F 800 series. Instead of using the conventional method of so-called compensation or counterbalance shafts, compensation of oscillating mass forces is effected by means of a system of pivots which is linked centrally to the crankshaft with a specifically defined arrangement of counterbalance masses: a tappet on the crankshaft offset from the crank pins by 180 degrees carries a so-called compensation rod. This rod is hinged on a balance arm which is virtually horizontal. The kinematics of the system is designed so that the compensation rod moves up and down in the opposite direction to the two engine rods. Due to the fact that it runs via a relatively long arm, the rod head moves virtually in a straight line. The distribution of masses at the rod head and arm has been selected so that the mass forces resulting from the swivel movement counterbalance the oscillating mass forces of the crank drive (piston and rod elements) in every position. This almost entirely eliminates the first and second-order mass forces and makes for a very low level of vibration when the engine is running. Another great advantage of this elegant construction is its low noise level, since the typical engine noises of cogs and chains do not apply here.
The oil circulation also has a number of special technical features which go beyond what is standard in this category of motorcycle. In order to minimize splash losses, the F 800 engine series has a semi-dry sump lubrication system. Any oil escaping from the main bearings of the crank drive runs into the sealed off shaft of the compensation system. An oil pump extracts the lubricant from here and distributes it to the oil jets in the gearbox. Oil escaping from the gearbox via gaps in the crankcase is collected together with the oil escaping from the cylinder head via the chain shaft in the remaining space of the crankshaft casing around the rod shaft. This space is thus used as an integrated oil tank. A second pump feeds all bearings from this reservoir.
Two overhead camshafts rotate in the engine of the F 800 R, driven by a chain drive and activating four valves per cylinder via cam followers. As a light, low friction and high-rev-suitable cam follower construction, the entire valve drive is extremely low-wear in spite of the large valve stroke, making for generous maintenance intervals.
Other characteristic BMW features are demonstrated by the fuel-mixture preparation which is carried out by an intake manifold fuel injection system with BMS-KP engine management and two 46-millimetre throttle valves. Here the engine management system controls the injection quantity not by means of the duration of injection but via the pressure provided by the fuel pump depending on the required level of power. The fuel system works without a return system and only transports the quantity which the engine actually needs. This power-saving quantity control means that fuel pressure can be adjusted across a wide range to achieve optimum carburetion. This unique principle is patented. In order to measure the quantity of fuel injected, not only are the familiar parameters such as load, engine speed and temperature used but also the residual oxygen content of the exhaust emissions. The relevant information is provided by an oxygen sensor positioned behind the junction of the manifold pipes: this is indispensable for effective conversion of exhaust emissions by the separate 3-way catalytic converter which is installed as standard in the F 800 R.
2009 BMW F 800 R
For the first time, a new throttle valve kinematic system is used in the F 800 R which ensures an even more sensitive throttle response and improved engine response. It was especially important to developers to make sure that the accelerator maintained a gentle, finely tuned response, especially in the lower speed range. Great importance was also attached to an accommodating load-change response while retaining a spontaneous and agile engine response. The air required for carburetion reaches the intake silence by means of an intake snorkel positioned ideally in the cool air stream. As in all models of the F 800 series, this favorable positioning above the engine and the large volume for enhanced torque is possible due to the shift of the fuel tank under the seat.
A new exhaust system with a separate catalytic converter has been developed for the F 800 R. This is no longer integrated in the silencer as in the F 800 S. As a result the silencer of the F 800 R, made entirely of high-quality steel and with a matt surface, is considerably shorter and contributes to the sporty, dynamic look of the new BMW medium category roadster. The engine management system has been adapted to the new circumstances.
A secondary air system enriches the exhaust gas with fresh air so that pollutant emissions are reduced to a minimum after treatment in the closed-loop catalytic converter.
As with the F 800 S, not only the state-of-the-art fuel injection system of the new F 800 R contributes to the bike’s highly agile power delivery but also the low centrifugal mass. Even in the lower engine speed range, the not especially short-stroke 4-valve engine with its bore-stroke ratio of 82.0 to 75.6 millimetres quickly gains engine speed and delivers 90 per cent of its maximum torque at 5,000 rpm. Between 5,000 and 8,000 rpm the engine demonstrates impressive power delivery to the accompaniment of a unique sound. The rated performance figures of the 798 cc twin – 64 kW/87 bhp at approx. 8,000 rpm and 86 Nm at approx. 6,000 rpm – provide a high level of performance potential for the F 800 R, especially when riding on country roads.
While the gear ratios for gears one to three are identical to those of the F 800 S, gears four to six have been adapted to more common use on winding country roads with a shorter ratio so as to increase riding fun, agility and riding dynamics.
In this way, the parallel twin of the F 800 R combines impressive pulling power with dynamic spring capacity. At the same it demonstrates that sporty performance by no means comes at the price of a high level of fuel consumption.
2009 BMW F 800 R
When riding the bike on country roads, a fuel consumption rate of well below 5 litres of premium fuel to 100 kilometres is feasible, allowing for an impressive range of 300 kilometres or more with the 16-litre fuel tank.
BMW Motorrad also offers an ex-works power-limited version at no extra charge with 25 kW/34 bhp at approx. 7,000 rpm and 55 Nm at approx. 3,500 rpm, for motorcycle novices who hold a restricted license, for example. The power reduction is implemented by means of an altered throttle valve system which limits the opening angle of the throttle valves.
In order to do justice to its sporty, dynamic orientation, the new F 800 R has been fitted with an O-ring chain for its secondary drive. This has proven its low maintenance and reliability and is in keeping with the especially dynamic appearance of a naked bike in this segment.
In the F 800 R as in all models of the F 800 series, the compact design of the engine and chassis provides the ideal basis for exemplary riding properties which set benchmarks in terms of agility and directional stability. The extremely torsionally stiff aluminium frame, familiar from the F 800 S and made of welded extruded sections and die-cast mould parts, ensures a virtually straight-line connection between the steering head and swing arm pivot point. In order to optimize weight and space, the engine is integrated in the chassis as a load-bearing element and its casing with reinforcement in the rear section also performs the function of a bearing for the new double-sided swing-arm in light alloy cast with a total of four needle roller bearings. The engine block is bolted to the frame immediately above the swing-arm bearing. The frame rear section in steel tubing is largely the same as that of the F 800 S and is connected to the main frame by means of four bolt connections.
The new F 800 R is fitted with a double-sided swing-arm. Unlike single-sided swing-arms it is a highly filigree construction in light alloy cast, giving an especially agile and sporty look and highlighting the very dynamic overall character of the new F 800 R, especially at the rear.
For the front wheel suspension in the F 800 R, a telescopic fork is used with 43 millimetres of stanchion diameter and generous covering of the immersion tube and stanchion. The solid suspension system benefi ts not only directional stability but also steering response. Agile banking changes in the new F 800 R are carried out with a high degree of steering precision and a very direct sense of the front wheel – a guarantee of maximum riding fun on winding country roads. The spring-damper settings are adjusted for increased riding dynamics and the 125 millimetres of spring clearance ensure both outstanding comfort as well as solid road-holding. A steering damper is fitted as standard.
A new upper fork bridge forged out of light alloy, with steering stem clamps which are also forged, supports broad, butted light alloy handlebars. The fork stabilizer is also new, ensuring additional torsional rigidity and further increasing ride stability and steering precision.
Balanced weight distribution and a favorable total weight equally contribute to the excellent riding dynamics of the F 800 R. Road-ready and fully fuelled it weighs only approx. 204 kg – its unladen weight is approx. 182 kg.
The rear strut has adjustable rebound stage damping and an easily accessible handwheel for adjusting the spring pre-tension. Its spring-strut settings have been adjusted for use in the new F 800 R. A socket wrench enlarges the contact surface of the handwheel so the rider can quickly and easily adapt the spring pre-tension to different load conditions. Directly pivoted to the double-sided swing arm, the strut also provides 125 millimetres of travel.
The F 800 R features the wheel design “Speed” of the F 800 S. In these light alloy die-cast wheels, the valve is mounted on the side, which makes checking the tyre pressure very convenient. The front wheel size is 3.5 x 17" with a 120/70 ZR 17 tyre, while the rear wheel is 5.5 x 17", allowing a size
180/55 ZR 17 tyre to be mounted.
2009 BMW F 800 R
With 320-millimetre steel brake discs and Brembo 4-piston fi xed brake calipers for the front wheel, the F 800 R is fitted with a brake system which one would generally expect of a large-volume naked bike. The brake calipers work with sintered metal pads and the main brake cylinder has an adjustable lever as well as a separate storage container. At the rear there is a single-piston floating caliper on a 265 millimetre steel disc. High-quality steel-reinforced brake lines, been re-laid to meet the special requirements of the F 800 R, ensure a stable pressure point which can be clearly felt.
The new F 800 R can be optionally fitted with ABS. This BMW Motorrad ABS is distinguished not only by its compact construction and low weight but has also been further optimized for use in the F 800 R with a new pressure sensor. In keeping with the sporty function of the F 800 R, the re-adjusted pressure sensor system allows even more fi nely tuned regulation of the ABS, for example when going over bumps.
What is more, BMW Motorrad ABS provides integrated diagnosis functions. For example, wheel rotation sensors automatically monitor their distance from the sensor wheel, thus enhancing the bike’s excellent safety level.
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