2014 BMW F800GS Adventure PreviewAs 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)
This week we ride two genre-departing motorcycles from the established American manufacturers. Jess McKinley gives us his thoughts on the all new Harley-Davidson Pan America Special, and Ron Lieback gives his on Indian’s latest version of the FTR 1200 S.
