By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos BMW Motorrad
Building upon a track record of success in the large-capacity and mid-size enduro segments, BMW Motorrad offers the 2016 F 800 GS Adventure, the Adventure model offers an optimal combination of agility, touring practicality and off-road capability.
Engineered and equipped for world travel.
The Adventure model features a robust, torsionally resistant tubular steel frame, while the rear subframe is reinforced to accommodate the larger, 24-liter tank (6.3 gallons), which increases the bike’s range.
In addition, the F 800 GS Adventure is also available with Enduro mode as part of a package featuring ASC as a factory option. At the push 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 with improved acceleration and braking on loose terrain.
The masculine bodywork underscores its globetrotting abilities, while a new, very comfortable bench seat, a large windscreen for improved protection against the elements and hand protectors also support this image. Other standard features include 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.
High-torque, smooth running parallel-twin engine.
The F 800 GS Adventure uses the extremely compact two-cylinder engine inclined forward at an angle of 8.3 degrees with a displacement of 798 cc and four valves per combustion chamber. Equipped with electronic fuel injection, closed-loop catalytic converter and a six-speed gearbox, the engine excels with its quick throttle response, acceleration and low fuel consumption. Its system of balancing masses using a swivelling connecting rod that compensates for first and second-order inertia forces is the only one of its kind to be installed on a standard production bike. Valve actuation is by means of double overhead camshafts and speed-resistant rocker arms. Output of the liquid-cooled engine is 63 kW (85 hp) at 7,500 rpm, with a peak torque of 83 Nm (61 lb-ft) at 5,750 rpm.
Electronic Suspension Adjustment as a factory equipped option.
The list of factory equipped options includes a unique feature for the mid-size enduro segment in the form of Electronic Suspension Adjustment. This allows the rider to conveniently adjust the rebound damping of the rear spring strut with a simple push of a button on the left handlebar panel, even while on the move. Depending on the damping mode selected – Comfort, Normal or Sport – the electronic control unit determines and sets the appropriate damping rate. This is done by means of a small, light stepper motor on the shock absorber, while a corresponding symbol appears in the instrument cluster display. The spring preload, on the other hand, is adjusted manually using an easily accessible hand wheel.
Automatic Stability Control with Enduro mode available as a factory equipped option.
A unique feature of BMW’s mid-size enduro segment is the Automatic Stability Control system. This anti-slip control function regulates the amount of engine drive torque transmitted as a function of the friction coefficient between the road surface and the rear tire. This has the effect of preventing the rear wheel from spinning, thereby enhancing traction and handling safety. Riders can disengage the system by pressing a button, even on the move.
The F 800 GS Adventure is the world’s-first mid-size bike to offer an Enduro riding mode as an option with ASC. When changing from roads to rougher terrain, a handlebar control enables the rider to simply switch to Enduro mode and thereby activate an ASC and ABS setting that has been specially tuned for off-road riding. In this mode, the ASC and ABS control logic is modified to delay intervention. The slip threshold is increased, resulting in improved acceleration and stopping power on loose surfaces at the same time as making the riding experience even more dynamic and active. The Enduro mode can only be ordered in conjunction with the optional ASC in the Enduro package, although ASC is available also on its own.
Styling and extended equipment features.
The F 800 GS Adventure underscores its credentials as an enduro bike eminently suited to world travel as well as a safe and dependable means of exploring even the remotest regions of the planet with a host of specialized equipment features.
When it comes to ergonomics and comfort, the GS Adventure further demonstrates its globetrotting capabilities with a comfortable seat, making longer day rides even easier to cover. A lower seat can be selected as an accessory. Meanwhile, an enlarged windscreen provides even better protection from the elements, while sturdy hand protectors and adjustable brake and clutch levers are also standard.
Suitability for off-road use is further enhanced by widened enduro footrests with vibration-damping rubber tops that can be removed for riding off-road. The adjustable rest for the foot brake lever allows for optimum operation of the rear-wheel brake when the rider is in a standing position off road.
Summary.
For many years, the Adventure versions of the large BMW GS boxer bikes have been discovering far corners of our planet and pressing on where others have turned back. With the F 800 GS Adventure, BMW Motorrad offers this same concept for the mid-size enduro segment and just like the boxer-engined GS Adventure models, the F 800 GS is also built for increased off-road riding and operation under the harshest conditions. MSRP starting at $13,895.00 including ABS.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
