2024 BMW F 800 GS.

bike main copyWords: Bill Hunter.

Ok, let me just get this off my chest before we begin to get involved with the new, or updated to more precise, F 800 GS. The last time I rode this derivative, being the F 750 GS, I became so uninterested in riding it again that I took up knitting instead. Maybe a little harsh, especially if you bought one, but it just left me as cold as a shaved penguin.

001Ok, it was a BMW with all the build quality attributes that go with the blue/white ‘propeller’ label. However it just lacked, not only performance, but also any form of character regarding a motorcycle. Anyway, enough said on that topic. So when we were asked if we’d like to try out the new F 800 GS I lifted an eyebrow and went to make a cup of tea, riddled with excitement and an accompanying pothole sized yawn.

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So moving on, the 2024 F 800 GS was delivered and looked quite pleasant in the blue/white/red BMW colours but it did have a familiar appeal. Right, let’s go and ride it then and see if the revised engine has given back the chilly penguin its feathers. 

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Before I answer that let’s dive into what’s changed for 2024. The parallel-twin engine is the obvious answer, swelling from the previous 853cc to 895cc. Yes, I know, even though it’s actually a ‘900’ it’s called an 800, just like the 750 was actually an 850. BMW seem to like its model designation that way, even though it’s a little confusing at times.

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The reward is a much needed 12hp increase with a claimed, now, 87hp@ 6,750rpm and a healthy torque increase to 91Nm@6,750rpm. Regarding confusion, again, BMW do have two new 900s that have the same sized (895cc) engine with an extra 17hp though, due to electronic mapping I’d predict. We’ll be riding those all-new 900s in the near future with their 104hp power plants. Interestingly there’s only 1Nm difference in torque output between the two models though, which is good news.

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The bike is basically the same as the previous 750 with non-adjustable forks and a single rear shock with pre-load adjustment. It still weighs about the same at 227kg (wet), which includes 15-litres of fuel, the size of the tank, with around a 350km range. The F 800 GS now runs on Maxxis Maxxventure tyres on the same 17-inch rear, 19-inch front combination, making it a more street focussed ride than an adventure type bike, which the 900s are. These cast wheels do have the valve screwed in at 90-degrees into one of the spokes, which is very good idea, I liked that.

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What is another good idea is the F 800 GS now has a new ABS Pro feature with cornering action that can be turned off if you desire to be let loose, so to speak. Braking, using this new ABS assistance, is taken care of by 305mm discs and two-piston Brembo callipers, again a similar set-up to the ones found on the 750. Nothing too special but they work very well for what the bike is intended for.

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Talking of what this ‘particular’ bike is intended for – it has to be short people, no disrespect intended. But if you have ‘hobbit’ length legs this bike we have here could be for you! You see the standard seat height is 820mm but the BMW factory has fitted the lowering kit, which includes different fork springs and rear spring and, as you can see, a cut down seat. This brings the seat height down to a very low 750mm +/- with more of a squat stance for the bike as a side effect. Even though I’m six-foot I quite enjoyed being slung low in the bike, but the cut down seat was a bit hard after an hour or so digging into the top of my femurs, but that could be an age thing, if you know what I mean?

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This model from BMW SA was also stuffed with even more optional extras, including cruise control, heated grips (which I think are standard this year), keyless ignition, rear rack, GPs holder, quick-shifter (Shift Assist), these paint colours, and the Dynamic pack offering more rider modes. All of these parameters are relayed to the rider, when you select them, on BMW’s splendid 6.5-inch TFT display, as used on most of its bikes across the range. It’s very clear to read and,  using the wheel on the left side of the ‘bars to navigate, easy to use. You can also load the BMW App as well to unlock more features.

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Right, back to riding. At first I wasn’t too overwhelmed but over the week I had the F 800 GS bike I really began to enjoy it. The punchy new motor changed everything and once above 7,000rpm you can feel a noticeable increase in the extra horsepower. The exhaust note is fantastic as well and makes an intoxicating crackle when the throttle is closed. It sounds so good in standard trim that I would never fit the aftermarket Akrapovic offering, without doubt one of the best traits of the new bike.

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It became quite addictive launching hard from the lights and bathing in the audible output. Using the vastly improved quick-shifter the F 800 GS provides a new and refreshing seamless power delivery, all the way to over 200km/h if you fancy. And the new dollop of improved mid-range torque is more than welcome.

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At these high speeds the chassis is so stable that I find it hard to believe ‘they’ haven’t changed anything there, feeling more planted than the previous 750, which points to improved internal suspension settings. The more you ride the F 800 GS hard the better it becomes and it’s a very fun and cool ride to fly around town on. Whilst cruising on the highway at the legal speed the small screen works surprisingly well too, maybe helped by sitting so low in the bike? It really is a noble all-round motorcycle.

I always left the bike in full-on Dynamic mode for the most aggressive and entertaining output while I was out and about. But there’s also the new Enduro mode, an additional extra, that softens low down power response, which I don’t think this bike needs, but it’s there if you fancy a spot of gravel action. The stock options are only Road and Rain so I might opt for the Dynamic option in the price.

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Now onto price and in true BMW fashion the base price of only R184,000 for the F 800 GS makes it an absolute bargain. However add on all these bits and pieces mentioned above and it soon becomes R224,450. To be honest I’d ask your BMW dealer to bring you in the base model. It makes the same power and has heated grips and hand guards, and I’m not so sure you need half of these additions on this particular bike, but that’s up to you I suppose. I had an excellent and commendable time on the new F 800 GS and it most certainly changed my mind over the disappointing 750. I’d definitely recommend trying one out at your local dealer if you’re after a sporty, solid and potent BMW commuter and daily ride. The Bavarian’s Boost in performance has worked I’d say.

Images: HJ 93 and BB.

Visit: www.BMW-Motorrad.co.za for more technical information and dealer locations.          


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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