BMW F 800 GS

• Video

Enduro is a word that had a different meaning in the mid-XNUMXs than it does today. Over the years, it was the giants who tended to race the famous Dakar Rally first and then ride our roads in a slightly more road version, it has all come together that today's touring enduro bikes are (with a few exceptions) more versatile and more expensive. than enduro bikes.

But the trend, at least so it seems, is also returning to the elements, and if we can blame the big BMW R 1200 GS for not being an "SUV", the new F 800 GS will be different. It will not work to smash the host, but carts and even a shallow river half a meter deep will pass easily and, most importantly, without damage!

It's not hard to guess that BMW reigns supreme in the enduro touring motorcycle genre. It is enough to drive to the nearest Dolomites or to some Austrian pass, and there are no big GSs to count! Apparently, the people in Munich discovered the magic formula for success less than a decade ago, as GS sales have skyrocketed since then, even though the bike is not cheap.

With the renewal of the lineup, when a fresh and young breeze carefully aired the drawing boards of the design offices, it became clear that BMW was gaining appetites in other motorcycle segments as well. And in order not to reinvent the wheel too much, they took parts off the shelves on their own production line and assembled a motorcycle that generated a wave of enthusiasm from the very first presentation.

It was introduced at the same time as the F 650 GS and is basically the same but with other components of the finished bike. According to the label, the smaller GS (both engines are the same displacement) is more relaxed and shy and aimed at new riders, while the GS, on the other hand, is showy, attractive and attractive to many.

Of course, the beak and asymmetrical headlight, which is a distinct derivative of the larger 1.200 cubic meter GS, is immediately striking. Famous and proven lines were followed in other parts of the motorcycle. The entire side silhouette and rear and front views show a kinship with the legendary relative, except that here the rollers are beautifully "Japanese-style" hidden and do not protrude like a boxer.

But look at it in detail, when you press the start button, the engine squeaks as if it were a boxer. We do not know for sure whether this is a coincidence or a very thoughtful and calculated move of the Bavarian masters. Well, the point is that the engine has a distinctive and distinctive sound, which is not at all the case.

We have already written about the device several times, as we have tested all the models equipped with it, and, as then, this time we cannot write a single criticism. This is a superb parallel twin, and in this version is capable of a decent 85 "horsepower" at 7.500 rpm, which means you can go wherever you go without any problems. Of course, also for two and with luggage.

The engine responds beautifully and sparklingly to the addition of gas, and above all, it does not out of breath when it has to accelerate to 130 km / h to overtake. So a top speed of 210 km / h is enough for this bike concept, and you probably won't want more. Well, speaking of speed, a little more windscreen will definitely come in handy!

Interestingly, this BMW always keeps the direction given by the driver at all speeds. If you thought that only the large R 1200 GS was capable of tackling fast highway bends like on rails, you were wrong. The beginner will follow him easily and, most importantly, with the same reliability. The calmness behind the wheel really surprises and excites!

There is nothing worse when cornering, even on country roads, mountain passes or in the city, it is easy and reliable to drive everywhere. The drivetrain also obediently follows commands, only the slightly more sophisticated ergonomics of the clutch lever, which is too far from the lever for short fingers, has not been perfected.

Fortunately, it is easier to access the front brake lever, which, using two 300mm discs, holds the bike more firmly and securely. ABS also works well and we would definitely recommend it if only your wallet allows it.

And it runs well even in less demanding terrain, and it shines right on the rubble. Mainly due to the acceptable weight (dry weight 185 kilograms) and suspension.

The latter is more traditional here compared to its big brother, as the telescopic fork is mounted at the front and a single shock absorber is attached at the rear, which is attached to a strong swing arm. For adventures on the beaten track, it will be just right.

And if we compare it to the larger GS again, it's also less bulky to move around in place, so it's one less worry if you're not relaxing on the nearly 260-pound animals.

Like the rest of the F-series, the F 800 GS also has a fuel tank under the bonnet, just an air filter and some electrical wiring. The fuel tank is under the seat, however, so you won't look fat when you want to fill it with 16 gallons of gasoline. Of course, this is a considerable amount, but it is true that we would be very happy to have an additional four to five liters (plus a reserve), because then we could really travel carefree far into uninhabited places. With a very moderate gas supply, he drinks 5 liters, but if you go faster (for example, on the highway), the consumption increases by a good liter.

The price is negotiable, but "in practice" we can say that you will deduct four to five thousandths less for the GS 800 than for the large R 1.200 GS. Slightly less than 10.000 650 euros for a motorcycle, of course, is a lot of money, and there is quite strong competition from Japan (either with cheaper cars with 1.000 cubic meters, or with cars with XNUMX cubic meters for the price).

Therefore, there can be only two motives for buying: do you want a slightly cheaper BMW GS with all the aftermarket services it offers (roadside assistance, service, accessories, clothing ...), or you were going to spend money on competition, but BMW is now available for the same price.

The newcomer is also favored by the fact that he was caught as soon as he arrived at the showrooms, as it is being sold as hot chestnuts in mid-December.

Ha, that got us thinking. What if we went to the forest to pick chestnuts in the fall with such a GS? It wouldn't be too difficult for him. Enduro is very interesting, even when the asphalt is cold, only the shoes have to be correct.

Face to face. ...

Matevj Hribar: As soon as the first photos of the "small" GS appeared in public, I realized that the Germans turned out to be a good adventurer. First, because it looks a lot like its boxer brother, which I know is great for enduro travel, but too cowboy for off-road trails. And secondly, because the F800S Rotax inline two-cylinder made a good impression. And the experience of riding with the new representative, uh, middle-class touring enduro, is almost the same as expected. Despite the classic suspension and a different design of the unit, blindfolded, I guess that this is a BMW, it sits so comfortably on it and so gently swallows the bumps in the road. What about terrain? There it handles a class or two better than the Ra, but by no means should you expect an SUV. However, with some skills, you can create a corner hidden from many eyes. Have you watched the video on www.moto-magazin.si?

Base model price: 9.900 EUR

Test car price: 11.095 EUR

engine: two-cylinder, four-stroke, 798 cm? , 63 kW (85 PS) at 7.500 rpm, 83 Nm at 5.750 rpm, electronic fuel injection.

Frame, suspension: steel tubular, USD telescopic front fork, single rear shock mounted directly to swingarm.

brakes: front 2 spools with a diameter of 300 mm, back 1x 265 mm.

Wheelbase: 1.578 mm.

Fuel tank / consumption per 100 / km: 16 l / 4 l.

Seat height from ground: 880/850 (reduced) mm.

Dry weight: 185 kg.

Contact person: Avtoval, LLC, Grosuple, tel. No .: 01/78 11 300

We praise and reproach

+ flexible yet powerful engine

+ stability, maneuverability

+ comfortable seat, ergonomics, comfortable for the passenger

+ transparent mirrors

+ informative and easy-to-use trip computer

+ wide range of equipment

+ head

– tiny numbers on the speedometer and tachometer

– wind protection

– Ugly, protruding foot pedals

- Too much for beginners

Petr Kavcic, photo: Matevž Gribar

• Basic data

  Base model price: € 9.900 XNUMX €

  Test model cost: € 11.095 XNUMX €

• Technical information

  engine: two-cylinder, four-stroke, 798 cc, 63 kW (85 HP) at 7.500 rpm, 83 Nm at 5.750 rpm, electronic fuel injection.

  Frame: steel tubular, USD telescopic front fork, single rear shock mounted directly to swingarm.

  brakes: front 2 spools with a diameter of 300 mm, back 1x 265 mm.

  Growth: 880/850 (reduced) mm.

  Fuel tank: 16 l / 4 l.

  Wheelbase: 1.578 mm.

  Weight: 185 kg.

We praise and reproach

headlamp

rich selection of equipment

informative and easy-to-use trip computer

transparent mirrors

comfortable seat, ergonomics, comfortable for the passenger

stability, agility

flexible yet powerful engine

for newbies this is overpriced

ugly, protruding legs of the passenger

windshield protection

tiny numbers on the speedometer and tachometer