BMW F800GS and Adventure Bike Overview
With the big boxer twin R1200GS proving popular to masses of wannabe adventurers, and the single-cylinder F650GS proving a hit with newer riders, BMW’s decision to increase its adventure range with the F800GS in 2008 was definitely a good one.
More manageable than the big boxer and more capable than the little 650, the parallel twin-cylinder F800GS has enough power and comfort to make light work of long motorway stints, with enough tractability and a well-weighted stand-up riding position to get stuck into some pretty serious off-road antics. Different engine modes and switchable ABS add to this versatility. The Adventure version was launched in 2013 that, like the 1200, comes with a bigger fuel tank (up 50% to 24 litres from the standard 16), pannier racks, a taller screen and serrated footrests for better off-road grip.
As with any adventure bike, those that have been the most adventurous will be showing signs of wear and are perhaps best avoided. There are plenty of good examples about, many loaded up with worthwhile extras such as pannier racks and boxes. Expect to pay around £4,000 – £5,000 for a clean early GS and up to £8,500 for a late Adventure.
Take a look at the BMW F800GS now…
BMW F800GS and Adventure Bike Spec
- Top speed135 mph
- Weight (Dry)177kg
- Average fuel consumption37 mpg
- Capacity798cc
- Seat height800mm (adjustable)
- EngineFour stroke, parallel twin, DOHC
BMW F800GS and Adventure Bike Insurance
BMW F800GS and Adventure Bike Gallery
Owner Reviews
Pros
I sold my f800r and bought a gs after a test drive. Best bike so far but would love a few better things with it.
Cons
Better insurance category and larger petrol tank. Get rid of the chain driven
Read More
Has a good ride style to it so can be used in various situations
Could have more power like thr F800R
Better insurance category and larger petrol tank.Get rid of the chain driven
It's a definite upgrade to the earlier models and get turning circle too
Quite prompt given the weight of the bike
Pros
A go anywhere do anything adventure bike. Tough and more capable off road than you could imagine. It'll tour anywhere and on the pot holed, rutted, back roads is as good as anything. Will also happily sit at 100mph all day on the Autobahn
Cons
To keep up with the current line of Super Adventure type bikes it needs a few more horses (bhp) this will be addressed next year when the new version is announced
Read More
It's an off roader at heart, long travel suspension means its not the sharpest tool on the fast roads BUT with UK roads in the neglected condition they are its not such a fish outta water as you might think...
Good torque and lovely smooth fueling make it a nice ride. Don't expect sportsbike performance that's not what its about.
To keep up with the current line of Super Adventure type bikes it needs a few more horses (bhp) this will be addressed next year when the new version is announced
Spot on, no problems
They do enough
Pros
Handling, fuel consumption, usability and versatility. Honestly, I love this bike. I will always be a massive lover of sports, and will always own a sports, but having the GS, I couldn't imagine not having one either. Hence why I have a ZX6R 636 and this BMW. Superb bits of kit!
Cons
Bike is quite tall, making it a little more difficult to control when on trails or off road.
Read More
Having ridden sports for most of my motorcycling career, to then jump onto something that is massive in comparison, it surprised me how nimble it is. On road it is so chuckable (obviously tyre dependant) and is amazing fun on the twists. Whilst off road, it does okay too.. obviously has nothing on something like a KMX650 or a Husqvarna 701. But it holds its grounds.
I cannot complain about the power and engine performance. Some people will complain that it lacks power in the top end but at the end of the day, it's a grunty bike, not performance. It keeps up with most bikes and doesn't lack power to perform general road manoeuvres. Acceleration is very good, my only complaint is that the engine lacks character… but that's not a gripe with this bike specifically, that's just a parallel twin characteristic.
Fuel: Superb! Averages 60mpg on a run. Fairly good tank size and I cannot fault it. Servicing is like any other bike, the more you spend, the more frequent it's done, the less it'll cost in the long run. BMW parts can however, be rather expensive, but nothing that a bit of eBay, Gumtree and hunting about cannot solve.
Build quality in general appears fine, like the majority of modern motorcycles, externally, it looks fine. Descent paint layers, plastics are solid, engine casings are holding up well with only a few little scuffs here and there. I have had a few little issues where the bike was difficult to start, but that appeared to be a little hiccup from the ECU, and from time to time on random occasions, the bike will still itself for no apparent reason. But having checked internals, there does not appear to be any issues. And this does not cause me any major problems.
Brakes are good… they work. Rear is a little spongey but again, most bikes tend to be. Front has plenty of stopping power and the ABS seems to work faultlessly. Beauty of this as well, the ABS is only simple button to switch off.
Pros
Overall ability. Can take me anywhere with all my kit
Cons
Quality of finish. Not as premium as it should be
Read More
Could ride all day
Brilliant. Like riding my old rd400
Over 200 mile to a tank. Brilliant
Not as good as older bmw's
Excellent. ABS and ASC work a treat