Dear BMW: You missed the boat (pun intended) by not offering cruise control as an option on the "new" F800GT. I would have paid whatever the additional cost would have been. I can live with the non-adjustable windshield and the small gas tank, but my right wrist aches (another intended pun) for electronic cruise control.
Sincerely,
Cruiseless in Iowa
2013 F800GT Graphite Metallic-Gone to a new home
Not a 2nd childhood, still in the 1st
Totally agree. BMW might want us to spend several thousand more on a bigger, heavier tourer with cruise control, but I ,for one, don't want to do that.
I totally agree BMW should offer that but as I've said before the will probably bring a F800GTL in a few years time with electronic cruise control, integrated GPS and an electronically adjustable screen so trust me and be patient
For me, BMW missed the boat by not offering adjustable screen!!!!!!! The NEW 2014 kawasaki ninja 1000sx has an 3 way adjustable windscreen. Come on BMW
Ride Safe, ( 2014 F700GS ) Richard K7TNT-DN74 IBA #59670, MOA #114372, GS Giant Bighorns & Be the Adventure Billings 2015
The F800GT is marketed as a relatively "cheap" bike. (By BMW standards.) Because it has a throttle cable instead of drive-by-wire a cruise control is a pretty expensive, heavy, complex proposition. A ride-by-wire system, on the other hand, needs nothing more than a switch and some computer programming.
Motorcycle Cruise Controls offers an excellent system, custom made for the F800GT, but costs about $900 U.S. THAT is why it's not offered by the factory. No one would buy a bike with cruise if the cruise cost almost a grand extra.
Motorcycle Cruise Controls offers an excellent system, custom made for the F800GT, but costs about $900 U.S. No one would buy a bike with cruise if the cruise cost almost a grand extra.
Then who is buying the Motorcycle Cruise Control unit made specifically for the GT? And I know one person who would have paid almost a grand for cruise.
2013 F800GT Graphite Metallic-Gone to a new home
Not a 2nd childhood, still in the 1st
Ok so everyone agrees the cruise control is missing. I am searching for best option to install one but not for a huge amount of money. What works as a lower coast option?
I've got the Kaoko (similar principle to the Throttlemeister) and it works perfectly. The big advantage these have over cheaper throttle control devices is that they become part of the bike and don't have to be removed when you park up. As a result, you never forget to fit it, so its always available.
CrampBuster was my inexpensive solution. But, I agree that a proper cruise control would have been good.
Our 'midrange' car came with a cruise control as standard and I use that surprisingly regularly (it also has a max. speed function for avoiding tickets in built up areas !).
Ian
2014 GT Orange. Just the comfort pack and heated grips - not into gizmos.
"Pity the man who wasn't born in the Highlands and hears the pipes"
You could kluge together a Sparkomatic automotive cruise control system from J.C. Whitney. It'll work. Sort of. With ugly bits sticking out, and holes in the tupperware to make room for components.
The reason why MCC is so expensive, other than the lousy exchange rate, is that it's made specifically for motorcycles, with a kit specific to the F800GT.
In a few years all bikes will be ride-by-wire, and most of them will have cruise control.
"Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself......" -Mark Twain
Motorcycle Cruise Controls offers an excellent system, custom made for the F800GT, but costs about $900 U.S. THAT is why it's not offered by the factory. No one would buy a bike with cruise if the cruise cost almost a grand extra.
Costs $900 because how many will they sell? 20?
I disagree with other's claim that drive-by-wire is an exotic expensive proposition. Once one has ventured into electronic fuel injection something like servo control of the throttle starts simplifying and reducing costs. Among other advantages drive-by-wire ensures the control system that one can't yank the throttle open faster than conditions permit. That was one of the benefits of the old CV (constant vacuum) carburetors which allowed more accurate mixture.
Agree with dinging BMW for not including CC as a factory option, or standard feature. This is exactly the kind of thing that will drive me to other brands next time I go shopping.
2016 Yamaha FJR1300A; 2016 Beta 430RS; 2007 BMW F800S; 2009 Husaberg FE450; 2016 Subaru Outback; 2018 F150; 2013 Tesla Model S 85; 1983 Porsche 928S; 9 cats
A rider couldn't use the BMW F800GT with cruise control in the UK, the road conditions & traffic will not allow this.
All the F800GTs BMW sell in the UK would be sans cruise!
That's definitely not true. When I had my RT's I used the cruise control virtually every day.
One of its best uses is ensuring you don't exceed speed limits on routes with average speed cameras. The fact that you can rest your right hand is just a plus.
If your argument had merit, RT's would be sold without cruise control in the UK. Remember, there are plenty of roads in other parts of the UK that are both free of damage and congestion free.
That's definitely not true. When I had my RT's I used the cruise control virtually every day.
One of its best uses is ensuring you don't exceed speed limits on routes with average speed cameras. The fact that you can rest your right hand is just a plus.
If your argument had merit, RT's would be sold without cruise control in the UK. Remember, there are plenty of roads in other parts of the UK that are both free of damage and congestion free.
Have to agree. I have just retuned from a 300 mile round trip (in the eurobox) and used the cruise control most of the time - even the non-dual roads in East Anglia. Last year on one trip, I rode the GT 200 miles Norwich to Dover overnight on dual/motorway and could have set the cruise and let it run all the way !
None of that detracts from being able to use the bike "properly" on good roads or for getting past cagers - but a cruise control to crunch the miles would be a bonus.
Ian
2014 GT Orange. Just the comfort pack and heated grips - not into gizmos.
"Pity the man who wasn't born in the Highlands and hears the pipes"
Agree with dinging BMW for not including CC as a factory option, or standard feature. This is exactly the kind of thing that will drive me to other brands next time I go shopping.
Currently enjoying my 2016 Yamaha FRJ1300 with factory cruise control.
With the buttons correctly designed and located within reach of my left thumb the CC can be engaged in an eye blink. Then any action to override with clutch, brake, or throttle instantly disengages. Is extremely useful in low speed zones where it is hard to ride slow manually.
2016 Yamaha FJR1300A; 2016 Beta 430RS; 2007 BMW F800S; 2009 Husaberg FE450; 2016 Subaru Outback; 2018 F150; 2013 Tesla Model S 85; 1983 Porsche 928S; 9 cats
I fitted my first cruise control on my car many years ago and transferred it each time I changed cars until they were fitted to 'average'cars and use it every day, including in towns to keep to speed limits without having to keep checking the speedo. As has already been pointed out it is great when going through average speed roadworks on motorways. Strangely I've never seen the need on any of my motorcycles as I avoid motorways whenever possible. However about ten years ago I lashed out nearly £10 for a Crampbuster which again has been transferred from bike to bike. So simple and avoids right hand/wrist getting tired with just the palm of my hand resting on the CB. The only time I twist it down a bit is if I'm traversing rough tracks to avoid unintentional operation when my body is pressed down into the seat and my arms drop in sympathy, resulting in instant acceleration. Interesting and fun, unless it is in a corner or when getting close to the next rider!
The 2017 GT has ride-by-wire, but no mention of cruise control. Serious omission now that the RBW has been implemented, in my opinion. The cruise control on my R1200R-LC is one of the features I appreciate the most - aside from the enormous torque available, of course ...
R1200R-LC Exclusive in Thunder Grey with Touring Pack. Formerly Graphitane F800ST 04/2007. I rarely visit the forum these days ...
The "omission" isn't a big deal, really. Before I bought my F800GT, I was looking at the FJ-09 and reading up on the bike on the forum. The FJ-09 didn't come with cruise control either, but since it was ride-by-wire, they were able to do a group buy and get a third party product for only a few hundred dollars. It seemed to be a pretty simple and inexpensive mod.
The 2017 GT has ride-by-wire, but no mention of cruise control. Serious omission now that the RBW has been implemented, in my opinion. The cruise control on my R1200R-LC is one of the features I appreciate the most - aside from the enormous torque available, of course ...
Sad because once they have the hardware for drive by wire, cruise control is but a couple of buttons plus software. Software BMW already has for hundreds of other models.
2016 Yamaha FJR1300A; 2016 Beta 430RS; 2007 BMW F800S; 2009 Husaberg FE450; 2016 Subaru Outback; 2018 F150; 2013 Tesla Model S 85; 1983 Porsche 928S; 9 cats
While it can be added, the aftermarket gizmos are bulky and the buttons aren't well integrated into the remainder of the switchgear. The R series cruise requires simply a flick of the forefinger to set or adjust, and a dab to take up the slack in the clutch lever to disengage (or apply brakes or wind the throttle back hard). Few clutch lever switches are that sensitive unless cruise is integrated at the factory.
R1200R-LC Exclusive in Thunder Grey with Touring Pack. Formerly Graphitane F800ST 04/2007. I rarely visit the forum these days ...
I got a used Kaoko off ebay...Such a great elegant simple cheap upgrade. Cost me less than 60 dollars. It is like
a thin large diameter nut you spin with your little finger that tightens; however it won't completely freeze the throttle in a position. With a little
muscle you can always back off your throttle in an emergency without loosening the nut. It is pretty much a bar end with a thin large diameter nut.
I used a Kaoko to good effect on my ST - surprising how many situations where it could be used even when not 'slabbing it'. Proper speed control at the flick of a finger, though, is an order of magnitude better again. Not only does it help keep the right arm relaxed, but you can be confident you are maintaining and not exceeding your set speed. In these nanny state days of overzealous speed limit policing (read, "fund raising" and "pretending we're doing something about the road toll") it can make your ride a whole lot more relaxing.
R1200R-LC Exclusive in Thunder Grey with Touring Pack. Formerly Graphitane F800ST 04/2007. I rarely visit the forum these days ...
I started this letter in May of 2013 and I'm starting to lose hope for cruise control. While my throttle lock helps alleviate the throttle hand blues (sounds like a dirty song ) it isn't real cruise. I tell everyone that 2 things on a motorcycle will spoil you for life - cruise and an electric windshield. Dear BMW: Either offer these on the GT or put the R1200RT on a diet.
2013 F800GT Graphite Metallic-Gone to a new home
Not a 2nd childhood, still in the 1st
The BMW cruise control on my R12RS sure works well. Just like the one in a car. That is likely just one of those features that BMW hopes you will want when you trade in your GT for one of their more expensive larger models. Let's face it. The 800-series never really got much respect from BMW. Perhaps when the 800's get trashed and BMW introduces the new 900-series it will receive cruise control and some of the other electronic aids that have been introduced on the R, S and K models.
Last edited by Richard230; 10-10-17 at 04:38 PM.
Richard - Current bikes: 2016 BMW R1200RS, 2018 16.6 kWh Zero S, 2011 Royal Enfield Bullet 500 Classic, 2009 BMW F650GS, 2020 KTM 390 Duke, 2002 Yamaha FZ1 (FZS1000N) and a 1978 Honda Kick 'N Go Senior.
When I did a couple test rides on the R1200RS, I didn't find much difference in the bike when comparing it with the F800GT. Ride, handling, comfort seemed about the same. But one of the big differences was the electronic aides. You get cruise control as Richard wrote. It also has Dynamic ESA and Dynamic Traction Control. There's a lot of electronic goodies that come on the more expensive models once you get to the RS.
I think if I were taller, I'd probably be more interested in the RS. But I'm not and the GT fits me perfectly.
Chris
Elnathan - 2014 BMW F800GT
IBA# 49894 True Rounder = 0-20's - Rounder -- to -- 100's+ Red Hot Rounder
I don't need a cruise control as my cramp buster does all I want (I don't have long motorway rides at constant speed as I prefer to ride on interesting roads). However I would pay a fair bit more if my GT had an electrcic screen. I find on bikes fitted with electric screens, that even small adjustments make a significant difference to air flow and it is much easier to get right than chopping and changing screens!
Oh and except for ABS I don't want all the electronic (expensive) gizmos which I suspect once played with are rarely changed!
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Come on BMW
) Richard K7TNT-DN74 IBA #59670, MOA #114372, GS Giant Bighorns & Be the Adventure Billings 2015
Originally Posted by Mickey Bitsko
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) it isn't real cruise. I tell everyone that 2 things on a motorcycle will spoil you for life - cruise and an electric windshield. Dear BMW: Either offer these on the GT or put the R1200RT on a diet.
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