They may well be right, as the versatile middleweight machines are powered by an 85bhp parallel twin motor, offer a long list of optional extras and are relatively lightweight for an 800cc class motorcycle too.
The new 798cc twin-cylinder machine is available in two versions, the sporty half-faired F800 S (£5,995) and the sports touring orientated F800 ST (£6,495). There's not a huge amount of difference between the two and the sporty S version is just 5 kilos lighter than the sports-touring model.
I think BMW have done well to get 85bhp from their new engine, plus it makes peak power at 8000rpm, considerably lower than many super revvy sportbikes. Both bikes have rapid acceleration, doing 0 -60mph in just over three seconds, which is fast enough for any road rider.
Unusually for a BMW, the bike features old fashioned telescopic forks, which is remarkable because the German company has been banging on about how great its Telelever front end is for some years now. Maybe it's just a budget thing.
Final driveOne smart feature on the new 800 is the belt final drive, rather than the Victorian era chain, which most motorcycles still use.
I hate chains and all the fiddling, greasing and parping about with needlessly complicated adjustment systems that goes with them - so I say, nice one BMW, especially as the belt drive needs no adjustment, just checking on its 6000 mile service.
The F800 S and ST are bold looking bikes, which might not be everyone's cup of tea in terms of styling, but that doesn't matter when a do-it-all package like this can be yours for six grand.
The resale values are generally better for BMWs than many other makes, so you'll be able to have fun, cover a decent mileage and still have a bike which is worth more than a 99p lucky bag at the end of three years.
