On the subject of range, BMW has announced its 2014 F800GS Adventure model with a huge gas tank holding nearly 6-1/2 gallons (6.34 to be exact). While BMW has long offered an Adventure version of its large displacement Boxer GS, the new middleweight F800GS inherits the long distance, off-road capabilities of its larger sibling for the first time.
The parallel twin 798cc engine remains the same, but several other changes are incorporated, not the least of which is the fuel tank that is more than 2 gallons larger than the one found on the base model F800GS.
All the details are below, but the highlights include a taller seat height, new seat design, greater wind protection via different wind screen and hand protectors, engine guard and luggage rack.
ABS is standard equipment, just as it is on other BMWs, but both electronic stability control and suspension adjustment are options. Special equipment packages will include a Comfort package, Enduro package and the Active package, all described in greater detail in the press release that follows:
Woodcliff Lake, NJ – May 2, 2013… Building upon a track record of success in the large-capacity and mid-size enduro segments, BMW Motorrad proudly offers the new F 800 GS Adventure. Based on the dynamic, off-road-oriented F 800 GS, the Adventure model offers an optimal combination of agility, touring practicality and off-road capability. Following the tradition of the popular boxer-engined GS Adventure models, it provides off-road-oriented touring aficionados, world travellers and endure fans with an authentic GS Adventure experience in the mid-size segment.
The F 800 GS Adventure is powered by the liquid-cooled 798 cc four-valve twin-cylinder engine featured on the F 800 GS, with electronic fuel injection, closed-loop catalytic converter and six-speed transmission. Delivering maximum power of 63 kW (85 hp) at 7,500 rpm, and with maximum torque of 83 Nm (61 lb/ft) at 5,750 rpm, this engine impresses with quick and lively response, powerful torque and low fuel consumption.
Engineered and equipped for world travel.
Like the F 800 GS, the Adventure model features a robust, torsionally resistant tubular steel frame, while the rear subframe is reinforced to accommodate the larger, 24-liter tank (6.3 gallons) (8 liters (2.1 gallons) more than the F 800 GS model), which increases the bike’s range. Like the F 800 GS, the Adventure model is equipped with ABS as standard, while further safety and performance-enhancing systems – Automatic Stability Control (ASC) and Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) – are available as factory equipped options, and in the case of ASC, also as a dealer installed special accessory. These features position the BMW F 800 GS Adventure, along with the F 800 GS, as the safest mid-size touring enduro on the market.
The new F 800 GS Adventure is also available with Enduro mode as part of a package featuring ASC as a factory option.. At the push of a button, the rider can increase the slip threshold of the ABS and ASC systems when heading off-road, for an even more dynamic riding experience with improved acceleration and braking on loose terrain.
The F 800 GS Adventure boasts new, masculine bodywork that underscores its globetrotting abilities, while a new, very comfortable bench seat, a larger windscreen for improved protection against the elements and hand protectors also support this image. Other new standard features on the F 800 GS Adventure include wide enduro footrests, an adjustable, reinforced foot brake lever, an engine protection bar and a pannier rack which also functions as a tank protection bar.
Highlights of the new BMW F 800 GS Adventure compared to the F 800 GS:
- Based on the same versatile overall concept as the F 800 GS, with powerful twin-cylinder engine and agile suspension, but with enhanced off-road and globetrotting abilities.
- Robust and masculine GS Adventure bodywork styling.
- Balanced proportions, despite large rear tank.
- Larger, 24-liter (6.3 gallons) fuel tank (+ 8 liters/ + 21. gallons).
- Extended range (by approx.100 miles).
- ABS as standard, ASC as a factory-fitted optional extra or as a special accessory.
- Enduro mode as a new optional extra, in combination with ASC.
- Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) as a factory-fitted optional extra.
- Reinforced rear subframe.
- More comfortable bench seat.
- Large windscreen.
- Wide enduro footrests.
- Adjustable, reinforced foot brake lever.
- Engine protection bar.
- Pannier rack also serves as a tank protection bar.
- Wide range of dealer installed special accessories and factory options.
Key technical differences at a glance:
| BMW F 800 GS Adventure | BMW F 800 GS | |
| Tank volume: | 6.3 gallons | 4.2 gallons |
| Standard seat height: | 35.0 in | 34.6 in |
| Low seat height: | 33.9 in | 33.5 in |
| Low Suspension option: | no | yes, 32.3 in |
| DIN unladen weight: | 505 lbs | 472 lbs |
| Max load: | 496 lbs | 507 lbs |
| Dimensions | ||
| L / W / H: | 90.7/36.4/57.1 in | 90.6/36.2/53.0 in |
| Fuel consumption | ||
| 55 mph | 55mpg | 62 mpg |
Model Characteristics and Design
BMW GS Adventure is a byword for the finest in two-wheeled exploration.
For many years, the Adventure versions of the large BMW GS boxer bikes have been discovering far corners of our planet and pressing on where others have turned back. With the arrival of the F 800 GS Adventure, BMW Motorrad offers this same concept for the mid-size enduro segment for the first time – and just like the boxer-engined GS Adventure models, the newcomer is also built for increased off-road riding and operation under the harshest conditions.
High-torque, smooth running parallel-twin engine.
Just like the F 800 GS, the new F 800 GS Adventure uses the extremely compact two-cylinder engine inclined forward at an angle of 8.3 degrees with a displacement of 798 cc and four valves per combustion chamber. Equipped with electronic fuel injection, closed-loop catalytic converter and a six-speed gearbox, the engine excels with its quick throttle response, acceleration and low fuel consumption. Its system of balancing masses using a swivelling connecting rod that compensates for first and second-order inertia forces is the only one of its kind to be installed on a standard production bike. Valve actuation is by means of double overhead camshafts and speed-resistant rocker arms. Output of the liquid-cooled engine is unchanged at 63 kW (85 hp) at 7,500 rpm, with a peak torque of 83 Nm (61 lb-ft) at 5,750 rpm.
Robust chassis with reinforced rear frame and ABS as standard.
The chassis of the new F 800 GS Adventure is based on the proven concept used on the F 800 GS, featuring a robust, torsionally stiff steel frame in tubular construction with the engine integrated as a load-bearing element. The steering head connection via gusset plates and the one-piece double-strut swing arm made of diecast aluminum is unchanged. The only difference is that the rear frame in square steel tubing has been strengthened to allow for both the 8-liter/2.1 gallon increase in fuel tank capacity and the more rigorous demands on the bike’s off-road abilities. ABS already comes equipped as standard on the new F 800 GS Adventure, as it does on all BMW production motorcycles.
The new, extra-light and compact two-channel Bosch 9M BMW system featured on the F 800 GS is also included. It comes equipped with inlet valves that can be infinitely adjusted for even better response as well as wheel sensors that automatically monitor the distance between sensor and sensor wheel. ABS can be deactivated at the press of a button if the rider so wishes – ideal for riding in off-road terrain.
Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) as a factory equipped option.
The list of factory equipped options includes a unique feature for the mid-size enduro segment in the form of Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA). This allows the rider to conveniently adjust the rebound damping of the rear spring strut in the same way as on the F 800 GS with a simple push of a button on the left handlebar panel, even while on the move. Depending on the damping mode selected – “Comfort”, “Normal” or “Sport” – the electronic control unit determines and sets the appropriate damping rate. This is done by means of a small, light stepper motor on the shock absorber, while a corresponding symbol appears in the instrument cluster display. The spring preload, on the other hand, is adjusted manually using an easily accessible hand wheel.
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) with new Enduro mode available as a factory equipped option.
A unique feature of BMW’s mid-size enduro segment is the Automatic Stability Control (ASC) system on the F 800 GS. This anti-slip control function regulates the amount of engine drive torque transmitted as a function of the friction coefficient between the road surface and the rear tire. This has the effect of preventing the rear wheel from spinning, thereby enhancing traction and handling safety. Riders can disengage the system by pressing a button, even on the move.
The new F 800 GS Adventure is the world’s-first mid-size bike to offer an Enduro riding mode as an option with ASC. When changing from roads to rougher terrain, a handlebar control enables the rider to simply switch to Enduro mode and thereby activate an ASC and ABS setting that has been specially tuned for off-road riding. In this mode, the ASC and ABS control logic is modified to delay intervention. The slip threshold is increased, resulting in improved acceleration and stopping power on loose surfaces at the same time as making the riding experience even more dynamic and active. The Enduro mode can only be ordered in conjunction with the optional ASC in the Enduro package, although ASC is available also on its own.
New styling and extended equipment features.
The new F 800 GS Adventure underscores its credentials as an enduro bike eminently suited to world travel as well as a safe and dependable means of exploring even the remotest regions of the planet with a host of specialized equipment features.
The introduction of the new F 800 GS Adventure clearly signals what its name promises. It takes its cue from the large boxer GS Adventure models by adopting the same authentic, and robust look. The characteristic GS styling continues to stand out clearly from all angles.
When it comes to ergonomics and comfort, the new F 800 GS Adventure further demonstrates its globetrotting capabilities with a seat that is more comfortable and slightly higher than the F 800 GS, making longer day rides even easier to cover. A lower seat can be selected as an accessory. Meanwhile, an enlarged windscreen provides even better protection from the elements, while sturdy hand protectors and adjustable brake and clutch levers are also standard..
Suitability for off-road use is further enhanced by widened enduro footrests with vibration-damping rubber tops that can be removed for riding off-road. The adjustable rest for the foot brake lever allows for optimum operation of the rear-wheel brake when the rider is in a standing position off road.
The severe operating conditions often encountered in rough terrain prompted the reinforcement of the foot brake lever and the inclusion of an engine protection bar plus the pannier racks that double as protection bars for the enlarged fuel tank. Its capacity of 24 liters/6.3 gallons means that it holds 8 liters/2.1 gallons more than the F 800 GS, increasing the bike’s range by around 100 miles.
Equipment Range
Optional equipment and accessories for a wide range of personalization.
BMW Motorrad offers its customary extensive range of optional equipment and accessories for further personalization of the new F 800 GS Adventure.
Options are factory equipped while accessories are retrofit items that can be added by BMW Motorrad dealers or customers themselves.
Optional equipment.
- Automatic Stability Control (ASC).
- Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA).
- Low seat.
- Center stand.
- Comfort package: onboard computer, heated grips, center stand.
- new: Enduro package: ASC, Enduro mode.
- new: Off-road tires.
- new: LED Fog Lights. .
- Anti-theft alarm system.
- Active Package: LED Fog Lights, ESA
Special accessories.
- Safety.
- Automatic Stability Control (ASC).
- new: LED Fog Lights.
- Anti-theft alarm system.
- Add-on spoiler (small and large) for hand protectors.
- Add-on windscreen spoiler, large.
- Storage options.
- new: Tinted windscreen.
- Case Holder, large, for aluminum topcase.
- Aluminum case.
- Inner bags for aluminum case.
- Aluminum topcase.
- Waterproof tank bag.
- Softbag Sport, small.
- Softbag Sport, large.
- Enduro rear bag.
- .Sound.
- Akrapovic sports silencer.
- Ergonomics and comfort.
- Wind deflector set.
- Heated handlebar grips.
- Low seat.
- Splash guard extension, rear.
- Navigation and communication.
- new: BMW Motorrad Navigator Adventure.
- Holder for navigation system, cable and accessory set.
- Function pouch for Navigator.
- Maintenance and technology.
- Service tool kit.
- Center stand.
Colors
The new F 800 GS Adventure also signals its adventurous nature through two new colors.
In Sandrover matt, the F 800 GS Adventure stakes its claim to adventure riding. Racing red, on the other hand, lends the F 800 GS Adventure a particularly light and sporty look while accentuating its dynamic qualities.
Engine Output and Torque
Technical Specifications
| Engine | |
| Type | Water-cooled 4-stroke in-line two-cylinder engine, four valves per cylinder, two overhead camshafts, dry sump lubrication |
| Bore x stroke | 82 mm x 75.6 mm |
| Capacity | 798 cc |
| Rated output | 63 kW (85 hp) at 7,500 rpm |
| Max. torque | 61 lb/ft at 5,750 rpm |
| Compression ratio | 12.0 : 1 |
| Mixture control / engine management | Electronic fuel injection, digital engine management (BMS-K+) |
| Emission control | Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter / emission standard EU-3 |
| Performance / fuel consumption | |
| Maximum speed | 120 mph |
| Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 90 km/h | 55 mpg, at a constant 55 mph |
| Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 120 km/h | |
| Fuel type | Premium Unleaded |
| Electrical system | |
| Alternator | three-phase alternator 400 W (rated power) |
| Battery | 12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free |
| Power transmission | |
| Clutch | Multiple-disc clutch in oil bath, mechanically operated |
| Gearbox | Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox integrated into crankcase |
| Drive | Endless O-ring chain with shock damping in rear wheel hub |
| Chassis / brakes | |
| Frame | Tubular steel trellis frame, load-bearing engine |
| Front wheel location / suspension | Upside-down telescopic fork, Ø 43 mm |
| Rear wheel location / suspension | Cast aluminium dual swing arm, WAD strut (travel related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable, rebound damping adjustable |
| Suspension travel front / rear | 9.1 inches / 8.5 inches (230 mm / 215 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 62.1 inches (1,578 mm) |
| Castor | 4.6 inches (117 mm) |
| Steering head angle | 64° |
| Wheels | Wire spoke wheels |
| Rim, front | 2.15 x 21″ |
| Rim, rear | 4.25 x 17″ |
| Tyres, front | 90/90 – 21 54V |
| Tyres, rear | 150/70 – 17 69V |
| Brake, front | Dual floating discs, Ø 300 mm, two-piston floating calipers, ABS |
| Brake, rear | Single disc, diameter 265 mm, single-piston floating caliper, ABS |
| ABS | STANDARD |
| Dimensions / weights | |
| Length | 90.7 inches (2,305 mm) |
| Width (incl. mirrors) | 36.4 inches (925 mm) |
| Height (excl. mirrors) | 57.1 inches (1,450 mm) |
| Seat height, unladen weight | 35.0 inches Standard; low seat 33.9 inches (available as accessories and/or factory options, see an authorized BMW Motorrad dealer) |
| Inner leg curve, unladen weight | 77.2 inches Standard; optional inner leg curve (inseam) 75.6 inches (seats available as accessories and/or factory options, see an authorized BMW Motorrad dealer) |
| Unladen weight, road ready, fully fuelled 1) | 505 lbs (229 kg) |
| Dry weight | |
| Permitted total weight | 1,001 lbs (454 kg) |
| Payload (with standard equipment) | 496 lbs (225 kg) |
| Usable tank volume | 6.3 gallons (24.0 liters) |
| Reserve | Approx. 1 gallon (4.0 liters) |
I own a 2010 GS800 and have ridden over 10,000 miles in the last few years. I ride on and off road. It’s an “Adventure” bike not a “Dirt” bike. I’ve used it as a dirt bike and, as long as you don’t mind banging up a $12,000 bike, it does ok(with upgraded stiffer suspension).
Where it really shines is riding, on pavement, down the coast or up to the mountains, and THEN doing light to medium off roading. I like the fact that it’s kind of like having two bikes in one. I’ve ridden a lot of bikes and this seems to be the best “all-arounder”. The KTM Adventure was a close 2nd but weighed too much, got crappy gas mileage, and was a pain to service. The KTM did have much better off road suspension but that wasn’t enough.
All bikes are a compromise.
If it weighed 150 pounds less and cost 10K I’d buy one right now!
It’s interesting to note that the original R80G/S weighed 186kg wet and produced 50hp, and had a 19.5L/4.3gal fuel tank (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_R80G/S). I’d consider the F800GS to be the spiritual successor to the R80G/S – a bike that never claimed to be a full-on dirt bike.
So, in 34 years, they’ve managed to improve the bike by making it weigh 100 lbs. more and offset that with 35 more horses (at 1000 more rpm) and got rid of shaft-drive in the process.
Hmmm..? 😮
It absolutely cracks me up that people get upset about what other people post. Who cares? Read what they say, laugh quietly or out loud for that matter since they can’t hear you, call them idiots, then go on to the next post, until you find one that agrees with your way of thinking, if you like the run with the herd mentality.
I call them zebras..even though each one is technically different, they all look alike, ride alike, dress alike, talk alike, THINK alike.
All the ADV zebras only want to read positive posts about ADV bikes, all the Electric bike Zebras only want to read positive posts about e- bikes, all the cruiser bike zebras …well you get my drift.
Here’s a tip …. We all don’t think or see things the same way.
A beast, I tell ya, bigger than two of my girlfriends put together. Does it have warning beeps when you back out of the garage? It is a nice looking road bike, but it burns Premium gas and has tube tires, what’s up with that? But hey, look at the bright side, they fixed their problematic shaft drive, they put a chain drive on instead. It’s a nice bike, I’m sure they’ll sell the hell out of them but what market research do the manufactures have that indicates the buying public wants behemoth dirt bikes? Drink the Kool Aid, it’s “the look”.
I guess BMW paid attention to the fact that they have for decades been the leader in adventuring touring bikes and everyone else is now trying to copy them. If you have ever ridden one, you would know it’s the performance, not “the look.” I’ve been through 48 countries on bikes like this, and I can assure you they just work. Try it, you’ll like it!
Don’t “dirt bikes” pretty much all have tubes in their tires, and what is “problematic” about shaft drive?
Guess if you consider this a “dirt bike”, then tube tires you shall have. Not a darn thing is wrong with shaft drive, although this company has had a bit of history with final drive failures.
I don’t think they need any market research at this point. The empirical data is proving to manufacturers that the public IS buying behemoth dirt bikes.
i think “bey oom veh” have another hit on their hands. this may not be light in the absolute sense of the word, but it’s reference of comparison is it’s own stablemate the GS adventure (ie. a behemoth). this is the german equivalent a dark “light beer” (if there were such a thing). Adventure Jr… tastes great, less filling.
That’s a long press release for such simple changes. No wonder they cost too much – paying the marketing department for overtime.
BMW did make a lightweight street legal dirt bike. It was a 450. Nobody bought it and they discontinued it. Actually, I think it got morphed into a Husquvarna which you can still buy for $2K less than a KTM.
Dirtbikes don’t weigh 500 lbs..
Why doesn’t BMW take the lead from KTM and build a lighter dual-sport dirt bike.
Why would a person buy this bike over say a 690 KTM Enduro? In fact I think the 950 KTM is lighter than this thing?
It’s really an adventuring touring bike and not a dirt bike. In that role it is far superior to the KTMs, which excel off road but can’t really compete with the BMW GS bikes on 500+ mile days. Most adventure touring involves lots of marginal pavement, gravel roads and hard packed trails. That’s what the BMWs are really made for, and they do a great job of it. I rode both a BMW GS and a KTM 950 back to back in New Zealand, and the BMW was more comfortable, had much better mileage, better luggage and performed flawlessly. It also had plenty of power and handled great. I like KTMs, but not for long hauls.
Yup, it’s an “adventure” every time you take one of these 500#’ers off-road. Might as well be on a Fat Boy for all the off-road capabilities that this 500# gorilla
has.
Ever consider the possibility that you are not a very good rider since others don’t seem to have the difficulties you do? People travel all over the world in everything from deserts to village roads to tropical trails on bikes like this.
Tell you what: I’ll take the F800GS Adventure and you get on the two hundred and some pound enduro bike of your choice and we’ll spend a few months doing real adventure touring. We each carry all of our own stuff — that includes tools, tents, sleeping bags, spare parts — the works. You don’t get to use anything I carry and I don’t get to use anything you carry. See how that goes.
I plan to make sure that we spend as much time as is possible where there is no cell phone service. I’m going to pick a route where the gas stations are 200 miles apart. I look forward to pulling out my rain gear while you ride around sodden because you didn’t have room to pack any. It’s going to be fun on those days where we are doing 400 miles on Interstate highways with 70mph speed limits. I will enjoy going up in the mountains where it’s frigidly cold at night and watching you get hypothermia because your KTM450 or whatever you chose has no luggage capacity for warm gear. I look forward to your frame breaking and your clutch and or transmission failing because you overloaded your bike with gear it was not designed to carry . This will be fun.
IMHO a bike that weighs 500# (dry)is a pig off-road no matter what either of us thinks. Best keep it on warm, dry pavement or get used to picking it up off the ground the first time you get a bit aggressive with it off-road. Any bike can go off-road if you tip-toe your way through,(this includes Harleys, which I’ve done) and light-weight always improves the handling when you’re dealing with rocks, sand, washes, ruts etc… Adventure bike are the new standards, and they are great at that if you are not short on inseam.
Gronde,
Peace. I’ve ridden full-dress touring bikes off-road, demonstrating to a friend that the hill I was asking him to climb on my XL500R dual sport was not “impossible.” So I know what you mean.
But the best bike for many jobs is not the best bike for any individual job. Adventure bikes are asked to carry massive amounts of weight, luggage, and hold up to abuse off-road that would trash a street bike. They have to have sufficient suspension and ground clearance to handle off-roading (though, of course, they can’t be ridden particularly aggressively). They need to be comfortable for hundreds of miles on paved roads. They need large amounts of range, necessitating large fuel tanks.
All of that said, I don’t own an adventure bike and don’t anticipate buying one. As much as I like to fantasize about shipping one to Africa for ride of thousands of miles, I know that’s just not about to happen. Sadly, most people on adventure bikes are just posers, never venturing off pavement at all.
Re: “IMHO a bike that weighs 500# (dry)is a pig off-road”
While I agree with you, there is a guy who pretty much wailed up Pike’s Peak (when it was not all paved) on a Multistrads. Pretty scary stuff.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTiTPAusog4
‘Cpet that video is newer and doesn’t have the dirt section in it :duh..).
Try this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5jOkasYcGI
When I read about the large gas tank I smiled, and thought:”Somebody gets it.”
Then I read about the taller seat height and wondered:”Is BMW in the land of the Giants?”
I was just thinking that the last thing the 800 needs to attract me is a higher price and a higher seat.
Cool idea, just would be nice to see 800GS x 0.75 =
I know very few people with the inseam to even lift a r1200gs adventure off the side stand and flat foot while up right. I wish that BMW would be realistic about the seat heights. Really I wish that they would make a gsa about the same seat height as a triumph scrambler. If somebody want to travel the Sahara then let those guys pay extra to buy the long forks and large circumfrance wheels. Make a low version standard. Make a LOW version, please.
Why do you have to flat foot? My XR650L seat height is 37 inches, never could flat foot, never have to on the street. On the trails I can slide my azz over to one side if I have to get a solid footing. No big deal.
Just imagining what you said is comical. Coming to a stop sign, sliding over to one side so you can lean the bike over and put your foot down. What could go wrong?
@ ABQ… no need to get nasty.
Please re-read my post. I didn’t day I slid over the seat on the street, only on the trail when the ground is very uneven. On the street I just use the tips of my boots. Sometimes, at a full, I don’t even put my feet on the ground, but that comes with experience.
You know some short people then. I’m 6’2″ and I hate bikes with low seats. They make me fold myself into a pretzel and they’re super uncomfortable. It’s great that BMW decided to have a decent seat height for this one. There are plenty of bikes with low seats. Like, the majority of them. Let us tall people have our fun too.
I have never felt the need for a cruise control on my motorcycle
I sure added it to my one bike after riding to Daytona, Florida from Philadelphia. Throttle lock was not enough in the hills, but on the way back with new cruise control added, I could rest my hand more, made the ride more relaxing. It was 18 hours down and 22 back.
‘Throttle lock wasn’t enough in the hills’……..duh, no kidding. Guess you don’t ride much `in the hills’. My cruise controls cost next to nothing and can be pushed out of the way if needed. And I actally ride up/down real mountains out West.
The throttle lock was fine on the highways. Up hills people would pass me, down hills I would pass them. 319,000 miles since 2000, but I work from home. Does Pikes Peak count?
Me neither. Until I got ticketed for 96mph in a 55mph zone on a straight, open stretch of divided highway. If I can lock in a speed and just relax, whether on a bike or car, I’m going to get fewer tickets.
No Internet concern trolls need reply. I’ve been riding for over 30 years and know what’s safe (vs. what’s legal), and what is not, based on the bike, road, weather, visibility, and my abilities. If you think you know better than me how fast I should be riding on any given road, bike, day, etc., you’re wrong.
Amen to that.
Now Fred, now sure what you are riding, but I find it hard to believe you can’t tell the difference in wind pressure or noise, or by how fast the scenery was flying by to not be able to distinguish between 96 and 55. Don’t think thats a cruise control issue, I think thats a self restraint issue.
I knew very well how fast I was going. I was not making any attempt to obey the speed limit.
I said nothing about the speed limit. I was commenting on this reference as to why you never thought you needed a cruise control
Fred M. says:
May 4, 2013 at 8:32 am
Me neither. Until I got ticketed for 96mph in a 55mph zone on a straight, open stretch of divided highway. If I can lock in a speed and just relax, whether on a bike or car, I’m going to get fewer tickets.
I have nothing against cruise controls, wish they were on all bikes, also have nothing against speeding upon occasion as doing a small stint above the ton while riding in the wide open west last fall myself on my Honda ST 1300 ( it was fun) just your inference that you would not have gotten the ticket if you had had a cruise control.
Maybe it was just a poor choice of examples.
Mickey,
You wrote: “I was commenting on this reference as to why you never thought you needed a cruise control”
I didn’t explain *why* I previously did not think I needed one, just why I decided that I do.
You wrote: “just your inference that you would not have gotten the ticket if you had had a cruise control.”
I tend to lock in a non-ticket-attracting-speed on the highway and stay at it when I have a cruise control. When my hand (or foot) is on the throttle, I tend to engage in more mischief. That’s why I said I would have been less likely to get a ticket had there been a cruise control.
Makes sense then Fred
Me neither … ’til I got a nasty case of carpal tunnel. It will change your mind about cruise control, I guaaaar-unnn-teee.
Nice. Too bad there’s no cruise control.
Kaoko will help you out
C.C. on a dirt-bike..?
It isn’t a dirt bike.
Well, I quickly re-read the article and counted 11 references to “off-road” and 15 times “enduro” was used…
(sounds like they’re talking about a dirt-bike?)
N, it proves you can’t believe everything you read.
“It isn’t a dirt bike”.
I have seen dozens of F800GS models being ridden, uh, in the dirt. What definition are you working with?
Define dirt.
These GS bikes are dirt bikes like I’m a ballerina. And I’m not a ballerina. Can you ride them in the dirt? Certainly. But you can also ride an F800R in the dirt, and just as well.
Why is it that every time any adventure touring bike is discussed, there is always a group who says ‘it’s not as capable off-road as a bike designed for enduro or motocross racing, so it’s not a dirt bike”?
No, you can’t ride an F 800 R where you can ride this.
Suspension Travel front/rear:
F 800 GS Adventure: 9.1/8.5 inches
F 800 R 4.9/4.9 inches
The F 800 R will overheat at slow speeds off-road due to the inadequate cooling system (for that kind of use). It’s cast aluminum frame will break (the F 800 GS Adventure uses a steel trellis frame). The cast wheels won’t survive off-road. The tires won’t give traction in slick, off-road conditions. The street-bike suspension will bottom out. The pipe will be bashed in because there’s no skid/bash plate. The will be horribly damaged when it falls over because there are no “crash bars” to protect the engine.
Too bad there’s no air conditioning. Where would they put the vents?
The one complaint I hear about these bikes from my buddy is the tank so damn small (on the “non-adventure” version), they start looking for gas after 120-150 miles. 6.34 gallons isn’t a huge tank for an adventure model, the 1200 GS Adventure is in the range of 8.7 gallons if I recall. The original bike should have had a 5.5 gal tank.
Is it too much to hope that the tank will fit my 2009?
So what was the price?
“BMW has not released an MSRP yet, but expect to pay a few thousand more than the standard F 800 GS’ price of $12,090.”
Comparable Triumph is priced within $700.
Has BMW decreed their adventure bikes MUST be ugly? Hideous form doesn’t have to follow mediocre function, does it?
Remember, Frank Lloyd Wright taught us that form follows function. Yes, the motorcycle isn’t the prettiest in the world, and yes, the bags are boxy, but it will do a great job of its intended purpose. I’ve owned a few BMWs, including an R1200GS Adventure, and they have exceeded expectations. The 1200 Adventure was heavier than I liked, however, and this new 800 solves that problem. Should be a nice way to see the world.
Come on, you aren’t trying to assert that a motorcycle has to look like a giant, one-eyed bug on steroids for its form to follow its function – in this case, off road pretensions – are you? Now if this Beemer could also shoot silk webbing out from its butt, have ultra sensitive antennae, and climb up straight up walls, then I might be predisposed to agree with you. But I don’t think ride height and a large gas tank alone necessitates this type of offbeat styling. Form following function had nothing to do with BMW choosing to make this bike look like a giant, one-eyed insect.
By the way, I think the bike itself looks okay in a certain way, kinda like a baby bird who has grown all its feathers just yet. It’s definitely ugly, but it’s also cute in its own way, like a face only a mother could love.
“New, masculine bodywork…”??? Oh, puh-leeze! Those marketing types need to sponge off and take a breather.
Are they still sourcing the engines from Kymco, in Taiwan?
People buy what attracts them. Tamburini admitted some of the gas tanks he designed for Ducati and MV were based on the female torso. Like one of my friends said, my wife rides a Fat Boy ’cause that’s what she likes, pointing to his ample physique. Makes you wonder about guys who buy “masculine bodywork”.
I think the F800 is made in Germany, not like the singles. I’m sure somebody will correct me if I’m wrong.
Goose
re: “I think the F800 is made in Germany, not like the singles. I’m sure somebody will correct me if I’m wrong.”
Oesterreich, Deutschland, same difference. if i’m not mistaken Rotax can be found stamped on the valve cover.
“Are they still sourcing the engines from Kymco, in Taiwan?”
I know that they did for the G450X and that the do for the new BMW scooters. With their great quality control, superb engineering, and state of the art manufacturing facilities, Kymco is a great choice.
Or was that just a rhetorical question intended as anti-Asian bigotry?
No anti-Asian bigotry here. I bought my wife a 250 Kymco People, and you are dead right about their products. We were very impressed with the scooter.
Glad to hear it. Sorry for the question about your intent, but, unfortunately, this is the Internet. Good luck.
Overpriced? You dare call a BMW overpriced? What did you leave your job in Pentagon procurement because the military pays too much for its stuff? Well, like everything the military buys, there is no substitute for a BMW. There are only cheap riders.
Oh, MSRP? If you gotta ask, you can’t…
Selling over priced, ugly bikes with high levels of fit and finish, this seems to be the BMW business model and it seems to be working really well, at least here in the States. I guess the logic is that so long as others know that you paid alot for your bike, then it is okay, and even kind of cool, to ride around on an ugly, overpriced, asymmetrical motorcycle.
To each their own.
Most BMW riders are experienced motorcyclists who buy bikes based on quality and functionality. They want a bike that is engineered for longevity, and it’s hard to argue with BMWs in that regard. BMW is an engineering company. For people who prefer ‘symmetrical’ motocycles designed by “stylists,” there are plenty of other choices from other manufacturers.
So you like shiny unreliable bikes right? (Shaft drive failures were the rear wheel literally falls off, Low quality front forks on the G650 were those forks fail and break apart.) I can go on and on. And yes I was one of those victims
I have a 2005 BMW R1150RT-P and it has been completely reliable. Therefore all BMW motorcycles of all models and years are 100% reliable and any experience that runs counter to my own must be the fault of the owners.
That was a pretty stupid thing to say, right? Well, it’s no more stupid than claiming that all BMWs are unreliable because you can name a few in which there were problems.
The forks that failed on the G650 were Showa forks. So now BMW is responsible for Showa’s f*@#-up? That’s like saying that all Triumphs are poorly engineered, unreliable, and unsafe because 2008 and 2009 Rocket IIIs had defective Dunlop tires.
As to your claims about the rear wheel literally falling off, we BMW owners must be totally awesome riders since the NHTSA investigation into the final drive failures found no instances of accidents. Pretty impressive for a riders whose rear wheels are falling off, eh?
Honda produced Comstar™ wheels that really did fall apart while riding. They have had numerous recalls for brake system defects as well as other safety related recalls. That’s life. It doesn’t mean that Honda has poor engineering or that all Honda motorcycles are unreliable.
Stop being defensive. Most people have certain expectations when they by BMW or any brand I knew right away that there is a 50/50 chance that my bike will be either awesome or crap. Obviously I got crap and got seriously hurt because of said crap
BMW owners get ripped off every time they get their bike serviced. Most of the maintenance chores can be handled at home or on the trail (ask any world traveler). I agree, to high priced for bikes lacking in aesthetics and reliability. I’d rather have a Honda or Suzuki, not because I can’t afford a BMW, but because I don’t like to reward companies that produce butt-ugly bikes and outrageous prices.
re: “BMW owners get ripped off every time they get their bike serviced.”
translation: i can’t afford a BMW.
{Thumbs Up!}
You must believe yourself to be physic to state another person’s financial status without knowing a thing about them. Keep reading those tarot cards and you’ll begin to believe all the marketing jargon that BMW spews out.
As a former BMW guy (I’ve owned a dozen) who lost the faith after owning three oilheads (roughly the charisma of a glass of warm milk, exhaust note of a lawnmower, not well thought out) of and a K1200 (top heavy and just plain heavy, not very reliable) I’ve really been impressed with what BMW has done since the watershed S1000. I can actually think about owning a BMW again. I was excited when I saw the F800 GS Adventurer, the R1200A is too big and too pricey for my tastes.
Then I saw the bike and read the data. I love the 6.3 gallon tank. The rest of the bike seems like BMW of old, new styling (ugly to my eye) and a bunch of acronyms I don’t need or want. Tube tires? really? BMW gives it ACS and ESA “for safety” not the tubeless rims I had on my 1988 R100GS? I like ABS but I’d trade it for tubeless wheels in a heartbeat. You can always put tubes in tubeless wheels, you can’t take them out of tube type wheels. 7 MPG less than the base F800GS? Why? Only 400 Watts from the alternator? Again, why? The R1200 (IIRC) puts out 250 Watts more. We won’t know until they get here but this looks like a mess of odds and sods dressed up with new clothes and a bigger gas tank to sell to the posers. Look at me, I’m a tough guy world traveler (who’s never been farther than the county line).
Closing thought, how about the 6.3 gallon tank on the F800GT?
Goose
Real dirt-bikes have inner-tubes..! 😮
If it uses tubes in the tires, forget it. No bike destined for use on highways at highways speeds should ever be sold with tubed wheels. They are prone to catastrophic failure when punctured.
That’s ridiculous. If it were true, the NHTSA would have banned tubed tires for street use years ago or the motorcycle and tire manufacturers would have been sued into non-existence.
Tubed tires are not “prone to catastrophic failure when punctured.” I’ve have had punctures on both tubed and tubeless tires since the 1970s and there is not some kind of “catastrophic failure” when a tubed tire is punctured. In fact, it was just last year that a tubed tire on my Ural got punctured at 60+mph. The air slowly leaked out and I pulled over — same as if it had happened on a tubeless tire.
In fact, many tubeless tires are rated to be run with tubes (for when they are used on spoked wheels). They don’t go from safe to catastrophic just because you put a tube in.
So will this be as overpriced like the F800GT?
If you’re poor, yes.
Has boxy and tasteless paniers become the new style?
Yes. People still like the look of Hum Vee’s. I think that’s what a lot of the Adv. market is after.
Am I seeing a reconfigured Husky Nuda here?
Those panniers may be ugly but if you want to carry a bunch of stuff that’s the way to go.
re: “Has boxy and tasteless paniers become the new style?”
someone’s just revealed themselves to be baby young to the sport of adventure touring. those paris to dakar, “watch me trek the serengeti”, flight cases are the gold standard. have been for years. nothing offers more real estate for displaying stickers acquired from 3rd world countries.
Here’s hoping that 2015 will see the introduction of the C600 GS Adventure Scooter.
Don’t buy that 2015 model — wait for the, improved and even better, 2016 model… 😮