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More Dual Sport Touring Options.
The new BMW F 800 GS.

BMW Motorrad will once again offer the 800cc GS. The first real, large displacement Adventure Touring bike, the R 80 G/S, was originally created in 1980 and has since that time exceeded all expectations in the top dual purpose class which is now dominated by the R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure.

The F 800 GS is a true F 650 GS Dakar successor, with better off-road characteristics but the same adventure touring capabilities including a much improved luggage system. It features the compact parallel twin used in the F 800 S/ST models to deliver a boxerlike engine sound proving its BMW DNA.

Like the rest of the F 800 engine family, the transverse parallel twin works with an even firing order (360° ignition offset) without crank offset on the crankshaft. Because there is one firing cycle for each crankshaft rotation, the sound is deliberately like that of boxer engines which work with an identical firing offset. Most importantly, however, the even firing sequence creates the best conditions for a balance load change with high torque yield.

The engine has been modified for use in the new bike to harness the best characteristics for it's dual sporting nature. In order to allow longer spring travel with a wheel spacing that remains moderate, plus an ideal distribution of weight, the cylinders are now only angled forward by 8.3 degrees instead of the 30 degrees with the F 800 S/ST.

The most important features of the new F 800 GS at a glance:

• Compact, lightweight concept
• New chassis with steel tube trellis frame and double sided swingarm
• Powerful, tune for torque parallel twin (798cc with 85hp and 83 lb/ft of torque)
• Dry sump lubrication
• Dual sport specific running gear
• Lowered seat height due to narrow design and varying seat heights
• Switchable ABS
• Chain drive
• Telescopic USD 45mm fork
• Wide range of accessories for both off road and touring use

Engine

The parallel twin familiar from the F 800 S/ST models forms the basis for the GS drive. For use in the new bike, however, some aspects of the engine have been modified. In order to allow longer spring travel with a wheel spacing that remains moderate, plus an ideal distribution of weight, the cylinders are now only angled forward by 8.3 degrees instead of the 30 degrees with the F 800 S/ST.

Like the rest of the F 800 engine family, the transverse parallel twin works with an even firing order (360° ignition offset) without crank offset on the crankshaft. Because there is one firing cycle for each crankshaft rotation, the sound is deliberately like that of boxer engines which work with an identical firing offset. Most importantly, however, the even firing sequence creates the best conditions for a balance load change with high torque yield.

As a direct derivation from Formula One technology, the eight valves are actuated by cam followers to keep friction to a minimum and provide the necessary strength at high engine speeds. Low moving masses, generous valve lift and rigid valve gear guarantee precise mixture control even at the upper end of the engine speed range.

Among the engine's technical highlights are the unique camshafts. As in the new engines in the K series two camshafts driven by a toothed chain rotate and control four valves per cylinder via cam followers. The F 800 GS unlike the S/ST models, uses slightly modified camshafts which contribute to the torquier output.

Transmission

Engine power is transmitted through a close ratio 6-speed gearbox.

1st: 2.462:1
2nd 1.750:1
3rd 1.381:1
4th 1.174:1
5th 1.042:1
6th 0.960:1

The secondary drive (to the rear wheel) on the F 800 GS uses a dirt resistant O-ring chain due to it's exceptional off road capabilities.

Frame and Suspension

A new steel frame designed specifically for the GS model, is built as a tubular space frame and offers a range of improvements to enhance the already extraordinary off road capabilities of the F 800 GS. For example there is a slim steering head that allows a lock stop of 42 degrees for an improved turning radius on tight trails.

The frame is constructed of a manganese-alloy steel that integrates the engine as a stress bearing member. The rear subframe is made of rectangular steel tube and carries the new fuel tank (4.2 gallons).

The front forks are a 45mm USD design featuring 9.0" of travel. In the rear there is a double-sided aluminum swingarm with a direct mounted shock that features travel dependent damping and 8.5" of travel.

Brakes

The braking duties are handled by two fully floating brake discs (300mm in diameter) clamped by double piston sliding callipers. The rear brake utilizes a 265mm single rotor with single piston sliding callipers.

As an option the F 800 GS can be ordered with two channel ABS whose main features are a compact design and low weight. For the true off road enthusiast, the ABS system can be de-activated.

Electronics

The new F 800 GS has the new and innovative CAN bus system. Just as in the other F 800 models, there is a single wire system that reduces the amount of wires used, allows all control devices to be networked, and eliminates fuses. Also included is an electrical plug located by the front handlebars to enhance rider comfort. To support the advanced electrical system the bike features a 14 amp hour batter and a 400W alternator.

Headlight

For night time duties the F 800 GS features an asymmetrical double headlight with plastic cover in a new plastic housing. Two H7 bulbs handle the illumination. Another interesting feature is that when the high beams are turned on, the low beams also illuminate to provide maximum lighting.

Ergonomics

Due to the narrow frame design, the ground reach is effectively lower compared to a wider bike with the same seat height. In addition to the narrow design a low center of gravity, broad foot rests with vibration dampening rubber sleeves and wide enduro-style aluminum handle bar help contribute to easy maneuverability and rider comfort.