Archive for June, 2010

KTM 690 Duke (2008-current)

New price    £6,195

Engine size    654cc

Power    65bhp

Top speed    122mph

Insurance group    11

MCN overall verdict
The KTM 690 Duke’s new LC4 single cylinder engine is the most impressive part of the new Duke. It’s hard to believe it’s a single, so much better than the lumpy single cylinder engines of old. The styling is very aggressive, it’s laden in quality parts like WP suspension and Brembo brakes, and on the right road, hairpin after hairpin its almost untouchable, shame we do not have those kinds of roads in the UK.

Engine
The KTM 690 Duke’s liquid cooled 654cc, single cylinder engine is a huge step forward compared to the previous single engines. Its not lumpy, loves to rev and makes really good power. Where most singles start running out of power around 80-90mph the all new Duke keeps on going. In many ways it shares many characteristics with a small V-Twin rather than a single, which is a huge accomplishment for KTM.

Ride and Handling
The KTM 690 Duke is very toy like, the new LC4 Duke only tops the scales at 148kg, combine that with quality fully adjustable WP suspension and wide Renthal bars, means it turns quicker than an angry dog. It’s ideal for carving in mountain roads or making mince meat of city traffic. The quality Brembo four piston radial calipers are shockingly good, as the bike weighs so little you can almost outbreak anything, or rescue you from blind bus and taxi drivers when you’re in a rush for work.

Equipment
At this point I would like to refer you back to the KTM 690 Duke’s price at only £6195, you get a hell of a lot of quality names for the budget price. The fully adjustable WP suspension which has both high and low speed compression on the rear are normally associated with race bikes. But it’s not all just fancy labels and trick parts it’s practical too, like the three way ‘power mode’ switch position under the seat which allows you to select from three different fuel mappings. There’s also some nice detail touches like the under slung exhaust, very Buell like.

Quality and Reliability
As the KTM 690 Duke’s a brand new bike it’s very difficult to question and comment on the reliability, however it is worth noting KTM have a long tradition in building quality single cylinder engines both for the road and competition use. Up close the standard of finish is very high, everything fits well, even with a critical eye its hard to find fault, the list of quality components is as long as my arm, impressive considering the price.

Value
Considering the KTM 690 Duke’s price and the end product you have to say its exceptional value for money, However, you have to remember you are buying a £6,000 road based Supermoto. There are much cheaper alternatives, obviously they have a lower spec and are not as quick but if you just want a fun, single cylinder, good looking town bike then there are cheaper alternatives.

Insurance
Insurance group: 11

Model History
2008: KTM 690 Duke launched.

Specifications
Top speed    122mph
1/4-mile acceleration    13.3 secs
Power    65bhp
Torque    50ftlb
Weight    148.5kg
Seat height    865mm
Fuel capacity    13.5 litres
Average fuel consumption    48mpg
Tank range    100 miles
Insurance group    11
Engine size    654cc
Engine specification    Liquid cooled 4 valve single
Frame    Tubular steel trellis
Front suspension adjustment    WP 48mm fully adjustable
Rear suspension adjustment    WP single shock fully adjustable
Front brakes    320mm
Rear brake    240mm disc
Front tyre size    120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size    160/60 x 17

KTM 450 EXC (2010-current)

New price    £6,785

Engine size    449cc

Power    50bhp

Top speed    93mph

MCN overall verdict
Unless you’re enduro god David Knight who prefers the extra grunt of the 530, the 450 EXC is everything you could want in an enduro bike. Light, more power than most of us know what to do with and it’s fitted with some of the best quality suspension fitted to any motorcycle.

Engine
Stick it in third gear, ride the torque and the 450 will give you a relatively easy time off road, but use the power and it’s a lightning quick off road weapon that will delight anyone who enjoys being terrified ever so slightly. Just make sure you’re hanging on!

Ride and Handling
It pushes through mud with a secure feeling that anything will move out of your way yet when the trail gets more nadgery the steep geometry means it will flick round rocks and over obstacles. The 250 is slightly lighter but the 450 is hardly lardy. Suspension can be adjusted to make even the biggest rocks feel like a small inconvenience rather than an obstacle.

Equipment
WP upside down forks, fully-adjustable linkless rear suspension, Brembo brakes and master cylinder, wavy discs, Excel rims, fuel injection, Akrapovic pipe, the list goes on. In fact there’s not much this bike hasn’t got, just bolt-on hand guards and a sump guard and it’s ready to race. Compare and buy parts for the KTM EXC 450 in the MCN Shop.

Quality and Reliability
Build-quality would shame a Bentley, probably. The thing is so well made that every single part of the bike just works both visually and technically. It needs servicing after 15 hours, but make sure you do that and it’s unlikely to ever let you down.

Value
Compared to a £2000 WR250 the KTM is poor value, but add up the price of the kit on the bike, work out that you’re getting one of the purest, most hardcore enduro bikes ever made and the price could almost be considered a bargain for something so racey, so pure and so beautiful to look at. Find a KTM EXC450 for sale.

Insurance
Insurance group: n/a

Model History
n/a

Other Versions

None

Specifications
Top speed    93mph
1/4-mile acceleration    secs
Power    50bhp
Torque    ftlb
Weight    113kg
Seat height    985mm
Fuel capacity    9.5 litres
Average fuel consumption    38mpg
Tank range    80 miles
Insurance group
Engine size    449cc
Engine specification  – 4v, OHC, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke, 6 gears
Frame – Steel double cradle, aluminium rear subframe, 48mm WP upside down front forks
Front suspension adjustment – Rebound, compression and preload adjustment
Rear suspension adjustment – Rebound, compression and preload adjustment
Front brakes – Dual-piston Brembo calliper, 335mm wavy disc
Rear brake – Dual-piston Brembo calliper, 335mm wavy disc
Front tyre size – 90/90 x 21
Rear tyre size – 140/80 x 18

BMW R1200GS Adventure (2010-current)

New price    £10,745

Engine size    1170cc

Power    110bhp

Top speed    130mph

Insurance group    14

MCN overall verdict
The world’s biggest monster traillie is a ridiculous concept that on paper at least shouldn’t work at all. It weighs 223kg, the suspension is three inches taller than the standard R1200GS and with a 33-litre tank full of fuel you need to be Britain’s strongest man to lift it off the sidestand. But in reality it’s one of the best mile-eating bikes money can buy and one of the quirkiest, most interesting bikes on the road today. In fact we absolutely love it. For 2010 the BMW R1200 GS Adventure gets even better with a touch more torque at 88ftlb, a new twin cam 110bhp motor and the addition of the updated BMW ESA II suspension system and a clever exhaust valve which passes noise tests but opens up as revs increase, the bike is even better for 2010.

Engine
Where it lacked power now it has it, drive it on and there’s still that annoying hole for emissions around 4500rpm (they all do that mister), but it barks after that. The exhaust definitely sounds more aftermarket than manufacturer standard but is in no way offensive. And on the gas the whole experience revs quicker, cleaner and it’s faster at the top-end yet it still retains that incredible 400-mile tank range.
And where the older single cam model used to feel like it was hitting a brick wall under acceleration after 80mph, the new one pushes its heft through that aerodynamic barrier with a little extra shove.

Ride and Handling
Like the RT it also gets the ESA2 electronically adjustable suspension which blesses it with beautiful ride quality and comes with sport, comfort, normal and two off-road modes which also adjust the amount of traction control you have. Off road the bike allows you to have some slides without the aggressive traction cutting in. But it’s on the road where the bike will be ridden mostly and a well ridden GS Adventure can handle twisty backroads once you learn to trust the feeling of the suspension and tyres. And on motorways you can lord it looking into lorry windows while wafting along.

Equipment
The new ESAII suspension is a big improvement over the old system and the bike also comes with a height adjustable seat. You can spec the bike up with tyre pressure monitors, heated grips, smaller indicators, LED spot lights, panniers and a sports exhaust. BMW dealers we’ve spoken to say that most bikes bought are fully specced up with every option box ticked. Compare and buy parts for the R1200GS Adventure in the MCN Shop

Quality and Reliability
They’re well built but many owners complain of the bike’s using oil and there have been some problems with generators in the past. But this is a new engine so all that should be in the past and BMW have made massive steps to up their build quality and reliabilitiy. We’ve ran three bikes in the last three years and have never had a problem with any of them over 28,000 miles.

Value
At the basic price this is a hell of a lot of bike for the cash. It is one of the greatest mile eaters that money can buy and if you approve of the looks then we reckon its one of the coolest motorcycles on the road today. But are you man enough? Find a GS Adventure for sale

Insurance
Insurance group: 14

Model History
BMW 1150GS Adventure (2002-2005)
BMW 1200GS Adventure (2006-2009)

Other Versions
BMW R1200GS

Specifications
Top speed    130mph
1/4-mile acceleration    secs
Power    110bhp
Torque    88ftlb
Weight    223kg
Seat height    890mm
Fuel capacity    33 litres
Average fuel consumption    41mpg
Tank range    300 miles
Insurance group    14
Engine size    1170cc
Engine specification    8v Boxer twin, 6 gears
Frame    Tubular steel trellis
Front suspension adjustment    Preload
Rear suspension adjustment    Preload, rebound
Front brakes    Twin 300mm discs
Rear brake    Single Disc, ABS Optional
Front tyre size    120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size    180/55 x 17

BMW R1200GS Adventure (2006-current)

New price    £9,755
Parker’s used price range    £5,105-8,495

Engine size    1170cc

Power    99bhp

Top speed    130mph

Insurance group    14

MCN overall verdict
This is the last word in round-the-world motorcycling can do. With a monstrous 33-litre tank, grunty motor, shaft-drive and excellent reliability in all climes and conditions the BMW R1200GS Adventure redefines the giant trailie motorcycle class. And the BMW R1200GS Adventure is a giant – at nearly a quarter of a ton fully-loaded and with a lofty 910mm seat only the brave or foolish will venture far from the tarmac on this motorcycle.

Engine
The new 1170cc, Boxer twin SOHC motor in the BMW R1200GS Adventure is taken from the best-selling motorcycle, the BMW R1200GS. It’s powerful, torquey and well-geared for effortless cruising at motorway speeds. The  BMW R1200GS Adventure’s gearbox is pretty indifferent; clunky, with the odd false neutral, especially from second to first. Sixth is no longer the overdrive it was on the older BMW R1150GS Adventure, on this motorcycle the ratio is a normal accelerative gear.

Ride and Handling
On the road the BMW R1200GS Adventure belies its weight and height and handles lightly and surely, though it takes a while to get used to the slightly detached feeling the front Telelever suspension produces. The servo-powered brakes are too powerful off-road, but work well on it, providing you swap the Continental Twinduro tyres to more road-biased motorcycle tyres like Bridgestone’s Battlewing.

Equipment
As stock the BMW R1200GS Adventure already drips with off-road protection like bash plates, hand guards and crash bars. There’s ABS, a sat nav system and heated grips as optional extras for this motorcycle along with a selection of hard and soft luggage. Find parts for the BMW R1200GS Adventure in the MCN Shop.

Quality and Reliability
Apart from an early recall over a faulty ABS switch the BMW R1200GS Adventure seems blessed with the same indefatigable reliability as its predecessors. The exhaust is fully stainless, the motor unstressed, the shaft drive is hassle-free and BMW R1200GS Adventure owners tend to keep their motorcycles in good condition and regularly serviced.

Value
There’s no such thing as a cheap BMW R1200GS Adventure and you can look forward to high prices and high residuals for this motorcycle for a very long time.Find BMW R1200GS Adventure motorcycles for sale.

Insurance
Insurance group: 14

Model History
1999: BMW R1150GS – 85bhp, 229kg, six-speed gearbox, twin headlights.
2002: BMW R1150GS Adventure released – 253kg, bigger tank, taller suspension.
2004: BMW R1200GS – 100bhp, 199kg, more powerful Boxer motor, new chassis.
2006: BMW R1200GS Adventure – new motorcycle.

Other Versions
None.

Specifications
Top speed    130mph
1/4-mile acceleration    12.5 secs
Power    99bhp
Torque    85ftlb
Weight    223kg
Seat height    890mm
Fuel capacity    33 litres
Average fuel consumption    41mpg
Tank range    300 miles
Insurance group    14
Engine size    1170cc
Engine specification    8v Boxer twin, 6 gears
Frame    Tubular steel trellis
Front suspension adjustment    Preload
Rear suspension adjustment    Preload, rebound
Front brakes    Twin 300mm discs
Rear brake    Single Disc, ABS Optional
Front tyre size    120/70 x 17
Rear tyre size    180/55 x 17

BMW R1200GS (2004-current)

New price    £9,305
Parker’s used price range    £3,980-7,550

Engine size    1170cc

Power    100bhp

Top speed    136mph

Insurance group    13

MCN overall verdict
The BMW R1200GS breezed into the motorcycle world in 2004 and changed it forever. It’s a genuine all-round motorcycle that’s equally at home on a trackday as it is on a grand tour. The BMW R1200GS’ 1170cc Boxer engine is a pleasure to use, while the handling, braking, usability and comfort put this motorcycle in a class of one.

Engine
The BMW R1200GS’ trusty oil/air-cooled SOHC Boxer motor is flexible, punchy and revvy all at the same time. The motorcycle’s throttle is light, the response is instant and the power is all you could hopefully use in the real world. There are pleasantly few vibes, too, thanks to new-for-BMW balance shaft fitted to the BMW R1200GS.

Ride and Handling
The BMW R1200GS exudes perennially unflustered excellence. The chassis is superb. The Telelever front end initially feels remote, but once you’re dialled in to the motorcycle and confident the BMW R1200GS can be leant and leant and leant. It’s 30kg lighter than the preceding model, the BMW R1150GS, and the servo-assisted brakes and (optional) ABS help haul the BMW R1200GS up with ease.

Equipment
A man could beggar himself lavishing kit on his BMW R1200GS. Heated grips, ABS, crash bars, hard and soft luggage…but at least you get an ignition-based immobiliser and a height adjustable seat as standard on the BMW R1200GS.

Quality and Reliability
BMW motorcycle reliability is legendary, but it’s as much down to the comparatively gentle use the BMW R1200GS tends to get and the meticulous attention to the service schedule of  BMW R1200GS owners . Avoid any motorcycle that can’t back up its history with a full, dealer-stamped, motorcycle service book.

Value
BMW R1200GS typically command top dollar for either new or secondhand motorcycles. But the good news is that you get back much more of your money when you sell the motorcycle than virtually any other motorcycle brand. Mileage is normally the bugbear of residuals, but BMW R1200GS buyers are much more tolerant, with only motorcycles showing over 50,000 considered high mileage. Find BMW R1200GS motorcycles for sale.

Insurance
Insurance group: 13

Model History
2004: BMW R1200GS motorcycle launched.

Other Versions
BMW R1200GS Adventure (see separate listing).

Specifications
Top speed    136mph
1/4-mile acceleration    12.4 secs
Power    100bhp
Torque    85ftlb
Weight    199kg
Seat height    840mm
Fuel capacity    20 litres
Average fuel consumption    47mpg
Tank range    206 miles
Insurance group    13
Engine size    1170cc
Engine specification    8v Boxer-twin, 6 gears
Frame    Steel trellis subframe
Front suspension adjustment    Preload
Rear suspension adjustment    Preload, rebound
Front brakes    Twin 320mm discs
Rear brake    220mm disc
Front tyre size    110/80 x 19
Rear tyre size    150/70 x 17

BMW R1150GS Adventure (2002-2005)

Parker’s used price range    £3,125-6,030

Engine size    1130cc

Power    85bhp

Top speed    133mph

Insurance group    13

MCN overall verdict
The BMW R1150GS Adventure is the ultimate round-the-world, do it all motorcycle – as Ewan MacGregor and Charley Boorman proved in their ‘Long Way Round’ motorcycle adventure. The BMW R1150GS Adventure is a jacked up, kitted out, heavy duty version of the already excellent BMW R1150GS and is the Hummer of the motorcycle world. Awesome in every way…

Engine
The BMW R1150GS Adventure has since overshadowed by the newer, 110bhp BMW R1200GS, this version of BMW’s venerable boxer twin all-round motorcycle is able and bulletproof – if a little on the soft side power-wise. But for peace of mind, not many motorcycles come close to a BMW R1150GS Adventure.

Ride and Handling
The BMW R1150GS Adventure is far better than it has any right to be. The BMW R1150GS Adventure is a tall, heavy and ungainly version of the already tall and beefy BMW R1150GS – but once you bin the standard equipment knobbly tyres it’s a great road motorcycle with neutral (if hefty) handling and superb long distance ride and comfort.

Equipment
The BMW R1150GS Adventure has everything including the kitchen sink. Well, almost. Compared to the stock BMW R1150GS, the BMW R1150GS Adventure gets a bigger tank, knobbly tyres, taller screen and jacked up suspension. Other goodies (like the metal panniers and top box, engine guards etc) are extras on this motorcycle – but definitely recommended if you want the full monty Camel Trophy Land Rover look for your motorcycle.Compare and buy parts for the BMW R1150GS Adventure in the MCN Shop.

Quality and Reliability
The BMW R1150GS Adventure is about as rugged and reliable as motorcycles get. Paint is good (although the logos etc are stickers that are not lacquered in come off far too easily), metal finishes are hard wearing. BMW R1150GS Adventures get a hard life – but they’re a well made motorcycle, too. Don’t worry about seemingly high mileages. It’s what these motorcycles were built for…

Value
The BMW R1150GS Adventure was Range Rover money when new (well over £10K fully BMW R1200GS (which some don’t rate as highly) they’re still in demand now which limits depreciation on this motorcycle. Find BMW R1150GS Adventure motorcycles for sale.

Insurance
Insurance group: 13

Model History
2002: BMW R1150GS Adventure model introduced.
2005: BMW R1150GS Adventure model discontinued.

Other Versions
None.

Specifications
Top speed    133mph
1/4-mile acceleration    13.1 secs
Power    85bhp
Torque    71ftlb
Weight    227kg
Seat height    900mm
Fuel capacity    22 litres
Average fuel consumption    44mpg
Tank range    180 miles
Insurance group    13
Engine size    1130cc
Engine specification    8v boxer twin, 6 gears
Frame    Steel tubular type
Front suspension adjustment    Preload
Rear suspension adjustment    Preload, rebound
Front brakes    Twin 304mm discs
Rear brake    276mm disc
Front tyre size    110/80 x 19
Rear tyre size    150/70 x 17

BMW R1100GS (1994-1999)

Parker’s used price range    £1,385-3,385

Engine size    1085cc

Power    80bhp

Top speed    122mph

Insurance group    13

MCN overall verdict
On the face of it the BMW R1100GS isn’t a particularly convincing motorcycle to drop your cash on. It’s underpowered, expensive, looks ungainly and the gearbox is, frankly, poor. However, if you had to bet the house and kids on a motorcycle to get to Timbuktoo and back again (and show you a good time en route) the R1100GS would be it.

Engine

The BMW R1100GS’s oil/air-cooled 1085cc Boxer twin struggles to make a genuine 70bhp at the back wheel, but that’s a figure almost equalled by the torque output. This, then, is a motorcycle for short-shifting not revving – a bike for punting you out of corners, not warp factor mph. With just five ratios the R1100GS is a bit buzzy in top, but other than a fantastical appetite for oil it’s damn near unburstable.

Ride and Handling
BMW persevere with their queer paralever/telelever suspension arrangement, which basically means a wishbone and spring arrangement up front, and a centrally-slung shock and single-sided swingarm/shaft drive arrangement. Whatever, it works well, almost eliminating fork dive on braking – and what awesome brakes – sublime. ABS is worth having as it adds resale value.

Equipment
BMW R1100GS owners are kit fetishists, so go for one that’s got ABS, hard luggage, heated grips, fender extenders and extra road lights. You’ll only be sorry if you don’t. Compare and buy parts for the BMW R1100GS in the MCN Shop.

Quality and Reliability
Essentially the BMW R1100GS is as good as gold. However, peer closely and the finish is average at best – the forks peel, as does the paint on the the cylinder heads. The Preload adjuster on the rear shock seizes, the gearbox is notchy and selection is indifferent even when new.

Value
Buy your BMW R1100GS, rack up 20,000 miles and sell it for a loss of just a few hundred quid. That’s the power of the GS brand – it conveys unburstability, endurance and safe-as-houses investment potential.Find BMW R1100GS motorcycles for sale.

Insurance
Insurance group: 13

Model History
1980: BMW R80GS introduced – 50bhp, 167kg, air-cooled, Boxer twin. The absolute daddy of the giant trailie genre.
1987: BMW R100GS released – now making 60bhp, weight is up to 187kg thanks to stronger frame, new forks and bigger, better brakes. Discontinued 1993.
1994: BMW R1100GS launched, discontinued 1999 (replaced first by R1150GS and then the R1200GS).

Other Versions
BMW R1100GS ABS: Otherwise identical barring Advanced Braking System.

Specifications
Top speed    122mph
1/4-mile acceleration    12.7 secs
Power    80bhp
Torque    72ftlb
Weight    209kg
Seat height    840mm
Fuel capacity    25 litres
Average fuel consumption    45mpg
Tank range    250 miles
Insurance group    13
Engine size    1085cc
Engine specification    8v Boxer twin, 5 gears
Frame    Steel spine
Front suspension adjustment    Preload
Rear suspension adjustment    Preload
Front brakes    Twin 305mm discs
Rear brake    200mm disc
Front tyre size    110/80 x 17
Rear tyre size    150/70 x 17

BMW R80G/S

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Manufacturer – BMW Motorrad

Production – 1980–1987

Successor – R80GS, R100GS

Class – Dual-sport

Engine – 797.5 cc (48.67 cu in) flat-twinboxer

Bore / Stroke – 84.8 mm × 70.6 mm (3.34 in × 2.78 in)

Top speed – 104 mph (167 km/h)

Power – 50 hp (37 kW)

Torque – 41 lb•ft (56 N•m)

Transmission – 5 speed shaft drive

Suspension
Front: Telescopic forks
Rear: Single spring / shock absorber

Brakes
Front: Single 260 mm disc
Rear: 200 mm drum

Wheelbase – 1,465 mm (57.7 in)

Dimensions – L 2,230 mm (88 in)
W 820 mm (32 in)
H 1,150 mm (45 in)

Seat height - 860 mm (34 in)

Weight – (dry), 186 kg (410 lb) (wet)

Fuel capacity – 19.5 litres (4.3 imperial gallons)

Related – R65GS, R80ST

The BMW R80G/S is a motorcycle manufactured in Berlin, Germany, by BMW Motorrad from 1980 to 1987. Production totalled 21,864 bikes. It was the first in the BMW GS family of specialised dual-sport bikes, of which over 500,000 have been produced. The designation G/S is an acronym of the German words Gelände/Strasse, which mean offroad/road – highlighting the bike’s dual sport design.

Specification

The R80G/S was fitted with a 797.5 cc (48.67 cu in) BMW type 247 engine, which is a flat-twin (boxer) sometimes known as an airhead. The engine, which was fitted into an R65 frame, was a modified version of that fitted to the R80/7, featuring Nikasil cylinders, electronic ignition and a lighter flywheel. At the rear the bike had a new design combined single-sided swingarm and drive shaft – called a monolever due to the rear suspension being provided by single shock absorber. The monolever was stiffer and lighter than the design fitted to previous models, and was subsequently fitted to other BMW motorcycles. It differs from other BMW road bikes of the same era due to its lighter weight, longer suspension travel, and large 21 inch front wheel. The bike’s popularity with adventure-seeking travellers means that it was often improved with aftermarket motorcycle accessories, such as larger fuel tanks and panniers.

Gaston Rahier’s 1985 Paris-Dakar winning R80G/S

R80G/S in Motorsport
The R80G/S was developed for BMW by engineer Rüdiger Gutsche, a successful competitor in the International Six Days Trial on his specially adapted R75/5. In 1981, Hubert Auriol, riding a R80G/S prepared by German company HPN Motorradtechnik, won the Paris-Dakar Rally. He repeated his success on a 870 cc version of the R80G/S in 1983. Gaston Rahier won the Dakar on a R80G/S in 1984 and then again on a larger 1000 cc engined R80G/S in 1985. To commemorate their success, BMW launched the R80G/S Paris-Dakar special edition which featured a 7 imperial gallons (32 l; 8.4 US gal) fuel tank, fitted with dual petcocks and signed by Gaston Rahier.

Successors

In 1986, the R80G/S was joined by the R100GS, which had a larger capacity 980 cc engine and an updated suspension and drive unit called a Paralever. In 1987, production of the R80G/S ended and was succeeded by the 650 cc R65GS, which used the same monolever suspension and drive, and the R80GS, which retained the G/S engine but used the newer Paralever drive.

BMW F800GS (2008-current)

New price    £6,855

Engine size    798cc

Power    85bhp

Top speed    130mph

Insurance group    12

MCN overall verdict

BMW’s new F800GS is virtually unique: a 750/800 class adventure bike, that to most degrees offers the best of both worlds. It’s light, slim and perky enough to be a credible off-roader yet it’s also substantial, grunty, roomy and potentially sufficiently well equipped to tackle crossing continents. It’s also got a price that’s hugely tempting too.
Video: BMW F800GS first ride

Engine

Derived from the F800S unit, but with a more upright block, the BM parallel twin is intoxicatingly invigorating. 85 horses might not sound like much, but its more than enough. It’s perky and fruity, has a deliciously raspy exhaust note and is responsive, progressive and yet yearns for more and more revs up to the redline. Wring its neck and duck yours behind the reasonable screen and you’ll see 125mph, which is more than ample, thankyou. The rest of time it just delivers what and when you want it.

Ride and Handling

Unlike the 1200GS the 800’s no monster. Though tall and ‘proper’ the 800GS is lithe, slim and light, enough to both remind of conventional, single cylinder enduros, from, say KTM, and to make it a doddle, at least compared to the 1200, to manhandle and manouvere, thanks to masses of steering lock, decent suspension, lightness and assured weight distribution.

Equipment

Being a BMW the F800GS’s fairly basic standard but with the usual myriad of accessories and factory fitted options available. Different seats, screens and bars are available; as are the usual sophisticated luggage systems plus creature comforts like sat nav, heated grips and the like. Compare and buy parts for the BMW F800GS in the MCN Shop.

Quality and Reliability

BMW rules again. Although there have been occasional hiccups in recent years, there should be little to worry about with the new F800GS. The F800S/ST upon which it’s based has proved mechanically reliable and solid and the engineering is proven. Unusually, for a BMW though, you’ll have to maintain a drivechain.

Value

At £6999 the price is possibly the new GS’s biggest trump card of all. That represents fabulous value compared to the £2000 dearer 1200 version and there really is nothing else close to it in terms of all round ability. But if you want better value still, got for the in many ways identical £5495 F650GS. Find a BMW F800GS for sale.

Insurance
Insurance group: 12

Model History
2008: BMW F800GS launched.

Other Versions
F650GS.

Specifications
Top speed    130mph
1/4-mile acceleration    secs
Power    85bhp
Torque    83ftlb
Weight    185kg
Seat height    880mm
Fuel capacity    16 litres
Average fuel consumption    45mpg
Tank range    140 miles
Insurance group    12
Engine size    798cc
Engine specification    8v parallel twin, 6 gears
Frame    Tubular steel
Front suspension adjustment    45mm inverted forks, no adjust
Rear suspension adjustment    Single shock, preload and rebound damping adjust
Front brakes    2 x 300mm discs
Rear brake    265mm disc
Front tyre size    90/90 x 21
Rear tyre size    150/70 x 21

BMW F650GS (2008-current)

New price    £5,795

Engine size    798cc

Power    71bhp

Top speed    120mph

Insurance group    8

MCN overall verdict

BMW’s successor to long-lived and popular entry-level F650 single is, confusingly, being based on theF800GS, neither a single (it’s a parallel twin) or a 650 (it’s 798cc) – so perhaps not surprisingly it’s miles better than the old one. Just as importantly, though, with a lowered seat, softened delivery and more, it’s every bit as novice or shortie-friendly and still good value, too.

Engine

BMW F650GS’s F800 series-derived twin is a sweetie. Softer cams trade off peak power for a more gentle and progressive power delivery (and a learner-friendly 34bhp version is also available at no extra cost). The result is peak power is down from 85bhp to a still more-than-useful 71bhp and with a healthy wodge of more low-down grunt. It’s both flexible and novice-friendly, yet with top end to be truly versatile.

Ride and Handling
With more basic, shorter-travel suspension than itsF800GS brother and a smaller front wheel the F650GS has both a low, novice-friendly seat height (and an even lower 765mm low seat kit is available as an extra) plus more predictable and secure road-orientated handling. From the saddle, the biggest surprise was how reminiscent of the old F650 the new F650GS is. The view, posture, ergonomics and sheer simplicity it is to ride all remind very much of the old single, as does the idiot-proof flatness of the power delivery.

Equipment

To keep the F650GS’s price (and weight) down it has a more basic spec than its F800GS big brother. So there are alloys in place of wires, steel not alloy handlebars, no bash plate and less bodywork including a lower screen, not to mention the less sophisticated suspension. That said, it’s go everything it needs, its typical BMW quality, bang up to date and a vast range of extras is available.Compare and buy parts for the F650GS in the MCN Shop.

Quality and Reliability

Although BMW quality in recent years has occasionally come under fire, it’s generally still far better than most and there have so far been no specific problems reported with the F650GS either.

Value

Although undeniably less flashy than the F800GS, the F650GS is also £1200 cheaper, is arguably the better road bike and, as such, represents excellent value for money. Find a BMW F650GS for sale

Insurance
Insurance group: 8

Model History
2008: Model launched replacing old single-cylinder F650GS.

Other Versions
BMW F800GS – An adventure bike version featuring the same engine, but with 85bhp.

Specifications
Top speed    120mph
1/4-mile acceleration    secs
Power    71bhp
Torque    75ftlb
Weight    179kg
Seat height    820mm
Fuel capacity    16 litres
Average fuel consumption    mpg
Tank range    miles
Insurance group    8
Engine size    798cc
Engine specification    8v parallel twin, 6 gears
Frame    Tubular steel frame
Front suspension adjustment    None
Rear suspension adjustment    Preload only
Front brakes    300mm disc
Rear brake    Disc
Front tyre size    110/80 x 19
Rear tyre size    140/80 x 17