BMW F 800 GS – a true GS or not?

So is the BMW F 800 GS a true GS if it doesn’t have the indomitable Boxer twin engine and shaft drive?

When BMW launched the F 800 GS at the end of 2007 many GS purists must have questioned whether a bike bearing the GS name  powered by a 798cc water-cooled parallel twin engine (from the well-established F 800 model series) and having chain drive had any credence as a true GS.

So we were delighted when the opportunity to test one for a whole day came up, but less delighted with a day of torrential rain in which to ride this new GS model. 

Visually the F 800 GS follows the lines of its bigger brother the R 1200 GS with similar front headlights, front beak, short screen, and side tank panels, upswept exhaust and spoked wheels. There is no mistaking that this bike is intended to mimic its bigger brother in the looks department.

When you first sit on the new GS you immediately realise that this is a tall bike with a seat height of 880mm (there is a 850mm low seat option), but the bike does not feel top heavy. In fact the centre of gravity is low down helped by the under seat petrol tank which is filled via a car style filler cap on the side of the bike. 

The bike is also narrower than the 1200 GS with your knees tucking in comfortably to the recessed tank panelling. The seating position is immensely comfortable with a very natural upright posture, putting no strain on wrist arms or lower back with the upswept handlebars being ideally positioned. Whilst initially the seat is comfortable with good under thigh support after 50 miles plus it starts to feel increasing hard. The small screen provides some wind deflection, but this bike is basically a naked model.  

Due to the positioning of the petrol tank there is negligible storage space under the seat, but BMW do offer as an optional accessory a variable top box (capacity 25 -35 litres) and variable pannier cases which can swallow up to 67 kilos of luggage.

Our test model had the factory fit options of heated grips, ABS, LED indicators, on-board computer and centre stand, unfortunately it did not have the hand guards and protectors which would have been most welcome in the driving rain, however the two stage heated grips kept our hands ‘toasty’ all day

On switching on the centre tank mounted ignition the bike runs through a diagnostic routine before you are left with just a flashing ABS light which goes off once your underway (if it’s still flashing thereafter the ABS has a fault). The bike is equipped with an inbuilt engine immobiliser, only allowing the bike to be started with the key matched to the bike.  

As soon as you hit the starter button your ears immediately enjoy the purposeful burble from the all stainless steel exhaust system. The exhaust note when riding is a delight with a deep rasp being emitted from the exhaust under acceleration or deceleration, the need to change to an after market exhaust for a better sound being unnecessary. Next to the ignition switch is a very useful 12v BMW power outlet for powering a sat-nav or MP3 player etc. 

As soon as you pull away you realise this is an incredibly easy motorbike to ride, the cable operated clutch is very light in action and the six speed box is slick and positive. The throttle action is near perfect with the BMW engineers obviously having worked hard to provide ideal fuelling at all throttle positions. It was near impossible to provoke the bike into any jerkiness with normal riding. 

Talking of fuelling throughout our ride we questioned whether in fact this bike actually drinks any petrol. When we commenced our days test the onboard computer told us we had an estimated range of 119 miles, with the bike having covered 52 miles so far, at the end of days riding our range had increased to 132 miles. The computer also provides details of actual mpg in real time, from this most of the time we were exceeding 60 mpg. (BMW claim 3.8 litre consumption per 100 km at a constant 90 km/h), undoubtedly this bike is very frugal indeed with the increasingly expensive petrol we have to buy. Which means you can enjoy this bike even more! 

Rain sodden roads proved no challenge for the Michelin Ankee tyres which provided excellent grip levels, complemented by the ABS equipped Brembo brakes (twin pot twin callipers up front, single twin pot calliper at the rear) which were positive and smooth without being overly aggressive and give lots of feedback. Of particular praise was the rear brake which was very effective, this is great on this style of bike for those who venture off road; off road riding being further enhanced by the bike having a 21” enduro size front spoked wheel (17” rear wheel).

This bike is no slouch, although it’s rated at 83hp it puts out a healthy 83Nm of torque at 5,750 rpm (red line is 8,500 rpm) which provides for very quick accelerative pick-up, in fact the bike almost feels urgent in its power delivery when you wind it on. BMW claim a top speed in excess of 200km/h and 0–100 km/h in about 4 seconds. However there is little point exceeding 6,000 rpm as beyond this the motor does exhibit some vibration which is transmitted to the rider through the seat, better to change up a gear to continue smooth progress aided by the clear digital gear indicator. 

However of more surprise is the low speed tractability of this parallel twin engine. Our large part of our test was spent green lane-ing and on forestry gravel tracks where the responsive but smooth power output of the bike at little more than walking speed was most welcome when tackling this terrain. Yes, it lacks the absolute torquey grunt of its bigger brother the 1200 GS, but then it more than compensates with its lithe handling. Weighing in at 185 kg dry weight, this GS is far easier to handle when the going gets rough. However some more protection should you drop the bike would be welcome. The radiator is only protected each side by plastic panels and could prove vulnerable should you drop it, further it could benefit with a stone guard across it, should you flick a stone up from the front wheel and we feel the optional aluminium bash plate should be offered as standard on bike that is sold with off-road capabilities. The optional bash plate curves upwards over the vulnerable exhaust down bikes and very exposed oil filter, the standard plastic one does not. 

When parking up the side stand spring is overly strong and it’s easy not to fully extend it, with the obvious consequence of the stand springing up, just as you are leaning the bike on to it. Our bike was fitted with the optional centre stand which obviously makes maintenance on the bike far easier, particularly as there is now a chain to adjust, clean and oil. However the centre stand does not fit with the overall quality feel of the rest of the bike, being made from tubular steel with a couple of bungs in the end. 

On the road the lightweight makes for very flick-able handling a quick tug on the wide bars and the bike reacts quickly, it almost feels like a super-moto. The non-adjustable upside-down telescopic forks and fully adjustable mono shock adding with a firm and controlled ride, we experienced no noticeable fork dive on heavy braking and the long travel suspension coped well with our off road testing. This GS scores over its bigger brother in the handling department, being both more manoeuvrable and if possible more sure footed. 

This bike is very confidence inspiring and you really feel this is a go anywhere bike, that can see you one moment tackling a gravelly track to riding a fast A road or motorway, both with equal finesse. GS stands for Gelände/Straße (German: off-road/road) or Gelände Sport and this new GS seems to fit the bill perfectly being at home both on or off road. 

It might lack that Boxer engine and shaft drive but this bike can most definitely be called a GS! 

Note all performance figures, weights and technical specifications are as claimed by the manufacturer

Thanks to the BMW North Oxford dealership for the loan of the BMW F 800 GS

Engine:                        4 stroke single                        

Engine Size:                798 cc                                     

Power:                         83 HP                                     

Transmission:              8 speed synchromesh gearbox