2014 BMW F800GS Preview
As it has in the past with its iconic R 1200 GS, BMW has released an Adventure version of its mid-weight F 800 GS.
The 2014 BMW F 800 GS Adventure shares the same 85-horsepower engine as the standard model, but receives a host of upgrades, including a larger fuel tank, larger windscreen, engine guards, more robust bodywork, and many factory-fitted options, including Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) and Automatic Stability Control (ASC).
Speaking of the new F 800 GS Adventure, BMW says “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 travelers and enduro fans with an authentic GS Adventure experience in the mid-size segment.”
The Bavarian motorcycle manufacturer began by reinforcing the F 800 GS’ rear subframe to cater to the larger, 6.3-gallon gas tank, with is 2.1 gallons larger than the stock tank, providing more than an extra 75 miles of travel.
The Adventure model arrives with ABS as standard, and Automatic Stability Control (ASC) and Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) as factory-fitted optional extras. As part of the ASC, the motorcycle is also available with Enduro mode.
BMW says “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 also arrives with more muscular bodywork, a larger windscreen, 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.
The bike arrives with the liquid-cooled 798cc four-valve twin-cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection, closed-loop catalytic converter and six-speed transmission.
BMW says: “developing unchanged maximum power of 85 horsepower at 7,500 rpm, and with maximum torque of 61 ft. lbs. of torque at 5,750 rpm, this power plant impresses with quick and lively response, powerful torque and low fuel consumption.”
The first release of the F 800 GS Adventure will be a 1,000-unit “Launch Edition,” which features Sandrover Matte 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.
The F 800 GS Adventure will be available in two colors – Sandover Matte and Racing Red. 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.
2014 BMW F 800 GS Adventure highlights 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, 6.3-gallon fuel tank (+ 2.1 gallon).
- 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.
2014 BMW F 800 GS Adventure Specs:
| 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) |