Milan Show: BMW officially releases new F800GS adventure motorcycle

BMW today revealed the new F800GS for the first time at the Milan show in Italy.

While the other F800 models use an alloy frame, the GS gets a tubular steel chassis designed to cope with the stresses of off-road use, with a repositioned engine – mounted almost vertically where the F800S and ST’s are angled at 30 degrees forward – new front and rear suspension and a chain, rather than belt, drive.

Peak power remains the same as other F800 models at 85bhp – as much as the old R1150GS could muster – torque is fractionally down from 63 to 61ftlb.

BMW has even gone as far as making performance claims for the new bike, with a 0-62mph time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed of over 125mph.

Twin 300mm brake discs at the front, gripped by twin-piston sliding calipers, plus a 265mm rear disc and 1-pot caliper, and optional ABS at both ends, deal with the braking.

Overall, the bike weighs 178kg dry, or 207kg ready-to-ride, making it surprisingly light for a big trailie.

Initially, two colour options will be offered; yellow/black and metallic grey.
Prices will be announced nearer the bike’s on-sale date, expected to be early 2008, but should be between £6000 and £7000.

Read all the details about the BMW and every other new bike at Milan in MCN, on sale on Wednesday 7 November.