Filed under: Euro, Motorcycles
Milan 2007: BMW finally unveils the F800 GS
click above image to view more pics of the BMW F800 GS
BMW has extended its GS range with the new F800 GS adventure-style bike... and it's about time! We've been hearing rumors about this particular machine since just after the original F 800 bikes were initially launched. Time will tell if this new smaller, gentler GS will be worth the wait, but initial impressions are favorable. Featuring an engine based on the parallel-twin from the F-Series is a good start, and the new trellis-style chassis, Marzocchi 45mm inverted fork with an attached 21-inch spoked rim keep the good news rolling.
If all of the above sounds good to you, we hope that propping yourself 34.6 inches above terra-firma doesn't give you vertigo, although you can get an inch lower with an optional seat. Regarding the questionable 'bird-that-just-got-knocked-in-the-head' look of that front end, well... that's BMW Motorrad for you. They've been giving their bikes that one-big, one-small eye quizzical face for a few years now and we're getting used to it. We could also get used to venturing off the beaten path whenever we feel like it, so we're genuinely pleased to see BMW offer this model for sale here in the States.
[Source: BMW]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Alex 7:12PM (11/15/2007)
i've been waiting for this bike. I've been looking to upgrade from my KLR 650. it won't replace my Truimph for road rides, but when i hit the hills...
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Guenther 7:36PM (11/15/2007)
It's too bad y'all can't see my little happy dance right now. I would guess pricing will be similar to the other F800's, which is fair. This configuration is perfect for me- The big GS is just too big (although I know some people who pull off some crazy scheisse with 'em) and the F650 is just a little marginal a highway speeds-although its frugal. I hope this makes it to the bike expo in 2 months...
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pbrown 7:44PM (11/15/2007)
Nice bike,its to bad Yamaha does'nt bring its XT660 over I love these kind of bikes,
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wer 8:32PM (11/15/2007)
I wondered when Autoblog would pick up on this.
F800GS / New F650GS (F658GS) Q&A:
http://f800riders.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3363
Forum:
http://f800riders.org/forum
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MikeW 9:15PM (11/15/2007)
I was hoping BMW was going to make a triple from their 1.157 four from the K12RS/GT, instead of the joint rotax venture
868cc would be plenty.
and then maybe scale up the 4 to 5 cylinder, for a K1400LT, target 200hp (take that goldwing)
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Guenther 10:55PM (11/15/2007)
In bikes you don't just go lobbing cylinders off. The 800 Rotax is a great motor, and WAY more compact than a triple could be.
t 9:55PM (11/15/2007)
What's with these motorcycle reviews all of a sudden? And did they cover the new klr650?
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Bryan 12:01AM (11/16/2007)
I was hoping BMW would unveil that they are no longer making motorcycles. I'm sorry, I'm sure they are great bikes, but every time I see someone on one I automatically think douche bag.
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John P 1:01AM (11/16/2007)
Funny how they seem to draw the douche bag crowd isn't it? You are so right.
Guenther 9:24AM (11/16/2007)
A opposed to drawing Johnnies, Choch-bags, and other riff-raff. I'd ask you to explain yourself, but the answer would just be painfully juvenile.
rygar 10:50AM (11/16/2007)
Actually I have to disagree. When I see someone on a BMW bike they're usually the only bikers with proper riding gear and driving sensibility. Now when I see some yuppie on a stretched out lime green chopper wearing nothing but a bandana to cover up the fresh hairplugs - I think d-bag with too much money watching waaaay too much American Chopper on their 102" plasma. Or when I see someone on a lowered and stretched Hayabusa wearing jean shorts zipping in and out of traffic and doing stoppies and wheelies during rush hour, I also think d-bag.
This, coming from a someone who rides two-wheels.
John P. 12:04PM (11/16/2007)
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig went into the psyche of the BMW rider quite nicely actually. I thought he nailed it.
I agree with you that BMW riders generally are nice enough, and do tend to stick to the rules of the road. BMW drivers on the other hand are some of the most obnoxious drivers there are. I'm generalizing ofcourse, but have seen enough of it to see some sort of a pattern.
MikeW 4:56PM (11/16/2007)
BMW can do anything they want.
They had a modular 3/4 cylinder flying brick motorcycles.
Though I think that the current drivetrain would scale up to 5 cylinders more readily than it would scale down to 3 cylinders.
http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Galleries_LargePhoto.aspx?ImageID=14322&Media=1
http://www.ibike.com.hk/01_bike_report/local/bmw/04_k1200s/a04.jpg
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steve 10:59PM (11/16/2007)
yall need to ride off road more, you wont have to see any bmws :) This one looks nice. You could do alot of hours on that comfortably