It might be a slightly unfair comparison, but if adventure bikes are motorcycling’s equivalent of the 4x4 the new BMW F800GS is a traditional Land Rover: down-to-earth, slightly crude in places, but built like a tank and well designed for its job.
In the BMW’s case, that job is long-distance travel, both on- and off-road. Like the Adventure version of the R1200GS boxer, this new Adventure is a kitted-out touring version of an existing model: the F800GS. It keeps that bike’s 798cc parallel twin engine and tubular steel frame, with the addition of a larger screen, wider seat, hand guards, bigger fuel tank, engine protection bars, serrated “enduro” footrests and brackets from which to hang panniers.
That’s a useful list, and the upmarket Adventure Travel Edition model tested (which costs £10,535 to the standard Adventure’s £9,650) also has heated grips, LED running lights, on-board computer and centre-stand. It has Automatic Stability Control (ASC), BMW’s version of traction control. And it adds an Enduro mode that tunes the ASC and the standard fitment ABS brake system for off-road riding.
The Adventure was created, BMW claims, for “true globetrotters who want to conquer the world off the beaten track”. But my heart sank within a mile of setting off, when I realised that its non-adjustable screen meant I couldn’t reduce the loud wind roar. To be fair, I’m very tall and riders of normal height didn’t complain. But the fixed screen is a strange flaw given the easy adjustability of other BMW screens.
Being tall at least meant that I didn’t have too much trouble clambering on to the seat which, at 890mm, is very high. Short riders will struggle, although there is a 30mm lower option.
In the BMW’s case, that job is long-distance travel, both on- and off-road. Like the Adventure version of the R1200GS boxer, this new Adventure is a kitted-out touring version of an existing model: the F800GS. It keeps that bike’s 798cc parallel twin engine and tubular steel frame, with the addition of a larger screen, wider seat, hand guards, bigger fuel tank, engine protection bars, serrated “enduro” footrests and brackets from which to hang panniers.
That’s a useful list, and the upmarket Adventure Travel Edition model tested (which costs £10,535 to the standard Adventure’s £9,650) also has heated grips, LED running lights, on-board computer and centre-stand. It has Automatic Stability Control (ASC), BMW’s version of traction control. And it adds an Enduro mode that tunes the ASC and the standard fitment ABS brake system for off-road riding.
The Adventure was created, BMW claims, for “true globetrotters who want to conquer the world off the beaten track”. But my heart sank within a mile of setting off, when I realised that its non-adjustable screen meant I couldn’t reduce the loud wind roar. To be fair, I’m very tall and riders of normal height didn’t complain. But the fixed screen is a strange flaw given the easy adjustability of other BMW screens.
Being tall at least meant that I didn’t have too much trouble clambering on to the seat which, at 890mm, is very high. Short riders will struggle, although there is a 30mm lower option.
