16 May 2013

The new BMW F 800 GS Adventure



On 2 May BMW announced the new F800GS Adventure. In a nutshell it comes with larger fuel tank, different front fairings, a reinforced rear frame and different programming of the ABS and ASC systems to enable 'enduro mode'.

Things I like? The new eye-level GPS mount. The extra range of the larger tank. The new, near-vertical tall windscreen. The standard 'comfort' seat. The 'enduro mode' of the optional ABS/ASC system which reduces the need to stop to switch off the ABS system when going from paved to unpaved roads.

Things I don't like? Without actually riding the bike—only one, really... the drivetrain changes from the regular F800GS to the Adventure (different gear ratios or sprockets from what I can tell) result in a roughly 10% reduction in fuel economy.

Read the official BMW press release below.

Image credits: BMW Group PressClub Global.



BMW Motorrad is the most successful manufacturer of large-capacity touring enduros and, with the F 700 GS and F 800 GS, leads the way in the mid-size category, too.

The new F 800 GS Adventure builds on this position. 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 enduro fans with an authentic GS Adventure experience in the mid-size segment. 

The F 800 GS Adventure is powered by the characterful, liquid-cooled 798 cc four-valve twin-cylinder engine as featured on the F 800 GS, with electronic fuel injection, closed-loop catalytic converter and six-speed transmission. Developing unchanged maximum power of 63 kW (85 hp) at 7,500 rpm, and with maximum torque of 83 Nm at 5,750 rpm, this power plant 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 too features a robust, torsionally resistant tubular steel spaceframe, although the rear subframe is reinforced to cater for the larger, 24-litre tank (8 litres more than on 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-fitted optional extras, or as special accessories. 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.

As another optional extra, the new F 800 GS Adventure is available with Enduro mode as part of a package featuring ASC.  At the press 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 and with improved acceleration and braking on loose terrain.

The F 800 GS Adventure boasts a new, masculine bodywork styling that underlines 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 specification on the F 800 GS Adventure includes 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.

BMW F 800 GS Adventure "Launch Edition". The new F 800 GS Adventure will first hit the market in a 1,000-unit "Launch Edition". The highlight of the F 800 GS Adventure "Launch Edition" is its Sandrover matt paintwork in combination with three equipment packages. The Comfort package comprises an onboard computer, heated grips and a centre stand. The Enduro package comes with ASC plus Enduro mode, and the Special accessories package features a lockable aluminium case set, a topcase holder and BMW Motorrad Navigator Adventure including holder and cable.

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-litre fuel tank (+ 8 litres).
  • Extended range (by approx. 120 km / 75 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.
  • Even 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 special accessories and ex-works optional extras.
Key technical differences at a glance:

SpecificationsBMW F 800 GS AdventureBMW F 800 GS
Tank volume24 litres16 litres
Standard seat height890 mm880 mm
low seat height860 mm850 mm
Lower optionnoyes, 820 mm
DIN unladen weight229 kg214 kg
Max load225 kg230 kg
Dimensions L / W / H2,305 / 925 / 1,450 mm2,300 / 920 / 1,345 mm

Fuel consumption

BMW F 800 GS Adventure

BMW F 800 GS
90 / 120 km/h4.3 / 5.7 l3.8 / 5.2 l
55 / 75 mph65.7 / 49.5 mpg imp74.3 / 54.3 mpg imp