Since arriving on the market in 2007, the BMW the F series of the GS lineup has bridged the Bavarian ADV gap between the entry-level single F 650 GS, and the granddaddy of all adventure tourers—the R 1200 GS.For 2018, these mid-weight adventure motorcycles grow in displacement, as well as agility and electronics. Let’s meet the 2018 BMW F 850 GS and F 750 GS.2018 BMW F 750 GS and 2018 BMW F 850 GS
Following are the essential Fast Facts. Prices and availability have yet to be announced.1. Once again both bikes share the same powerplant, but with different tuning. The parallel twin grows to 853cc, and now produces 95 horsepower at 8250 rpm on the F 850 GS (up from 85), and 77 horsepower at 7500 rpm on the F 750 GS (up from 75). The 2018 F 850 GS makes 68 ft/lbs of torque at 6250, and the F 750 GS 61 ft/lbs of torque at 6000 rpm.2. The engine now features two counterbalance shafts to help absorb vibrations, a crankshaft journal that is offset 90 degrees, and a firing interval of 270/450 degrees for smoother power delivery. The former 798cc engine, which was developed with Rotax, has a 360-degree firing order.2018 BMW F 850 GS3. The six-gear transmission continues to delivers power to the rear wheel with a chain, but the drive system is now positioned on the left-hand side.4. The 2018 F 850 GS and F 750 GS arrive with an slipper-and-assist clutch.5. Besides a redesigned and more powerful engine, the F series GS motorcycles have a stronger monocoque steel frame that uses the engine as a stress member to save weight and improve chassis feel. BMW says the monocoque setup offers benefits in terms of torsional rigidity and robustness.6. For more optimal handling over the outgoing F 800 GS and F 700 GS, suspension components have changed. The new F series GS ADV bikes have new telescopic forks (upside-down on F 850 GS) and aluminum double-sided swingarm with central spring strut for “more sensitive response characteristics.”2018 BMW F 750 GS7. Both the F 850 GS and F 750 GS both come standard with Road and Rain riding modes as standard, along with ABS and ASC (traction control). For those who demand more adjustability, Pro riding modes with ABS Pro (shut off rear wheel ABS), DTC (traction control while leaning), and the new riding modes—Dynamic, Enduro, and Enduro Pro (the latter only with the F 850 GS)—are available as options.8. The fuel tank is moved to the classic position between the seat and steering head vs. the previous edition’s under-seat gas tank.2018 BMW F 850 GS gauges9. The new F series GS bikes also receive redesigned bodywork and windscreens for improved wind and weather protection.10. The 2018 BMW F 750 GS has 19-/17-inch cast wheels, and is available in Light white, Austin yellow metallic, or an Exclusive version with Stereo metallic matte paint and hand guards.2018 BMW F 750 GS and 2018 BMW F 850 GS11. The 2018 F 850 GS gets 21-/17-inch spoked wheels, and is available in available in standard, Exclusive and Rallye versions with hand guards and special paint and finishes.12. Other optional equipment features ESA electronic suspension, a full LED headlight with LED running light, a 6.5-inch full-color TFT display plus numerous features as optional equipment, Intelligent emergency call, Keyless Ride, and Gear Shift Assistant Pro.
2018 BMW F 850 GS and F 750 GS First Look | Photo Gallery
Hello everyone and welcome once again to Ultimate Motorcycling’s weekly Podcast—Motos and Friends.
My name is Arthur Coldwells.
This week’s Podcast is brought to you by Yamaha motorcycles. Discover how the YZF-R7 provides the perfect balance of rider comfort and true supersport performance by checking it out at YamahaMotorsports.com, or see it for yourself at your local dealer.
This week’s episode features Senior Editor Nic de Sena’s impressions of the beautiful new Harley-Davidson Low Rider ST that is loosely based around the original FXRT Sport Glide from the 1980s. Hailing from The Golden State, these cult-status performance machines became known as West Coast style, with sportier suspension, increased horsepower, and niceties including creature comforts such as a tidy fairing and sporty luggage.
In past episodes you might have heard us mention my best friend, Daniel Schoenewald, and in the second segment I chat with him about some of the really special machines in his 170 or so—and growing—motorcycle collection. He’s always said to me that he doesn’t consider himself the owner, merely the curator of the motorcycles for the next generation.
Yet Daniel is not just a collector, but I can attest a really skilled rider. His bikes are not trailer queens, they’re ridden, and they’re ridden pretty hard. Actually, we have had many, many memorable rides on pretty much all of the machines in the collection at one time or another.
From all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode!