New BMW F 800 GS Adventure

On May 2nd 2013, BMW announced the new F 800 GS Adventure.

It seems that BMW has a pretty loaded schedule for the GS line.  Since last year the whole family has been updated – with a brand new 1200GS flagship.  Tough luck competition!  BMW is neither sleeping on gas nor willing to concede an inch of the lucrative adventure market.

And the new 800 Adventure has quite a list of arguments to convince potential customers.

Of the many improvements, three of them retained my attention: new seat design, gas tank capacity and windscreen.

 

The F800GS original seat does the job, but lacks  comfort on long rides.  BMW addressed this with a new seat design - long distance adventurers will certainly appreciate this consideration for their bottom.  The assorted colors add to the style as well.

A larger gas tank.  Complain about a too large gas tank? No adventurer ever does.  With 24 liters, and  a potential performance of 5.7 liters per 100km @ 120 km/h, the range is pretty good - 421km before refuelling.  @90 km/h, one can ride 558km.  Those are official numbers of course, but still, the increased tank capacity is a big plus.

A larger windshield.  A good wind protection is as important as a comfortable seat when riding long distances on the highway. 

I also like the fact that this enlarged windscreen is almost perpendicular to the motorcycle.  The reason is that when riding under certain off-road conditions – more precisely, on an upward rough slope – an inclined (as opposed to perpendicular) windscreen can point at your throat when standing on the pegs...and it scares the sh.. out of me.  So +2 for the new windscreen.

There are more interesting options to mention like the different (Off-road and Enduro Pro) driving modes which will add to the experience.  The optional cases have the rugged look that is appreciated by adventurers.

The motorcycle weight is the only minus I can think of.  At 229 kg (fuelled, about 210kg dry), the motorcycle will require more effort under difficult off-road conditions.

Specs

Horse power	85 hp at 7,500 rpm
Compression ratio	12.0:1
Max. Speed	193 km/h
Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 120 km/h	5.7l
Fuel Type	Unleaded super, minimum octane rating 95 (RON); optional extra 91 (RON) available
Suspension travel front / rear	230 mm / 215 mm
Rim, front	2.15 x 21"
Rim, rear	4.25 x 17"
Tyres, front	90/90 - 21 54V
Tyres, rear	150/70 - 17 69V
Seat height, unladen weight	890 mm (860 mm low seat)
Unladen weight, road ready, fully fuelled	229 kg
Usable tank volume	24l

[SRC: BMW]

ciao!
dsaq