Spotted: New BMW sports tourer

Spy shots have emerged of a brand new BMW sports tourer that looks perfectly poised to fill the gap for rapid tourers that don’t have the weight (or the high cost) of the 1000cc-plus offerings.

The new bike uses BMW’s new(ish)853cc parallel twin taken from the BMW F850GS, but combines it with the more angular styling of their S1000XR sports tourer.

But you may be thinking that you’ve seen something like this before, well you’d be right; this bike is the spitting image of the Concept 9Cento that BMW unveiled earlier this year.

At the time BMW’s Head of Design, Edgar Heinrich, said of the Cento: “It doesn’t always have to be about ‘bolder, bigger, brighter’. We’ve created a bike that combines the appropriate power with reliable sports touring properties and above all, lots of riding fun.”

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BMW have obviously taken the ideas set out in the 9Cento, but made it more appropriate for the road. Gone are the tiny rear end and minuscule panniers in favour of a pillion friendly perch and panniers big enough to swallow the kitchen sink.

The wee screen is gone too for a more touring-friendly number, which shelters BMW’s latest full-colour TFT dash. Assuming the F850GT picks up the same tech as the F850GS, then we expect cornering ABS, traction control, cruise control, quickshifter/blipper, heated grips, LED lights and Dynamic ESA; options more regularly associated with the super tourers.

Unlike the trail-friendly GS, the GT will have 17in wheels and shorter travel suspension, which should give it a much lower seat height and less precarious at slow speeds.

There’s no official word from BMW about expected delivery date or price, but with the existing F800GT looking rather tired, it can’t be far away.

What we know so far…

• Higher power option: The standard F850GS produces 94bhp, but the GT could take on more powerful rivals with a higher output
• Take a seat: Without big wheels and suspension, the GT’s seat height could be as low as 820mm, making it easier to manage
• Tracer fire: The F850GT will be aimed at Yamaha’s Tracer 900GT, so we’d expect it to debut around the £10,000 mark
• Weekend warrior: With luggage and other touring accessories, the F850GT could be a perfect weekend getaway vehicle

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