BMW F 800 GS Adventure 2015 — Specifications

When the large R 1200 GS Adventure plays the role of an inaccessible star at over €16,000, BMW had a logical response to formulate for motorcyclists tempted by adventure without the accompanying budget. The BMW F 800 GS Adventure is that response, built on a simple idea: take the standard F 800 GS, already solid in its category, and graft onto it everything a demanding traveler requires before embarking on several weeks on roads that cease to be roads.

The first visible change is the fuel tank. Twenty-four liters, against sixteen on the base version, resulting in a theoretical range exceeding 400 kilometers with a consumption announced at 4.3 liters per hundred kilometers. This figure deserves attention, as the 798 cm3 twin engine takes on an extra fifteen kilograms of weight compared to the standard version, reaching 229 kg fully fueled. The BMW F 800 GS Adventure and fuel efficiency go hand in hand, and that’s one of the strong arguments for those consulting the technical specifications before buying. The tubular trellis frame has been reinforced to absorb these new stresses, and the luggage supports supplied as standard clearly signal the machine’s intentions: it’s ready to be loaded before even leaving the dealer’s parking lot.

The tandem twin cylinder hasn't changed by so much as a comma compared to the GS classic. Eighty-five horsepower at 7,500 rpm, 83 Nm of torque available from 5,750 rpm, six-speed gearbox with chain transmission: the engine is known, proven, and generally appreciated on the BMW F 800 GS Adventure forum for its long-term reliability. It’s not an engine that will take your breath away on a track, but it pulls regularly, revs without complaint, and handles heat and load without drama. The top speed of 193 km/h remains honest for a trail bike with a touring vocation. ABS is standard equipment, and the Adventure can optionally receive ESA for the suspension and, above all, ASC with enduro mode, a system that simultaneously manages traction control and ABS to optimize grip on rough terrain. It’s a real plus off-road, even if electronics don’t replace off-road training.

The seat height of 890 mm constitutes the main point of concern in this BMW F 800 GS Adventure test. It’s high, objectively. And unlike the standard GS, no lowering kit is available at this stage. Those of modest stature will have to learn to manage stops or work on their balance technique. In return, the seat itself is thicker and better profiled, the passenger finds a decent seat, and the enlarged screen actually provides protection at sustained speeds. The wide enduro-style footpegs, engine protection plate, hand guards and sump guards complete a serious equipment list. Some owners add a BMW F 800 GS Adventure crash bar to protect the bodywork, and it’s often a good idea before a first trip on track.

At €12,550, the 2015 BMW F 800 GS Adventure is positioned approximately €4,000 below the large displacement models. It is aimed at globetrotters who want to cross continents without a driveshaft or luxury technology, those of average build who find the 1200 intimidating, and potentially young A2 license holders if the power is restricted. On the used market, examples from the 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018 model years remain sought after and negotiate well, a sign that the machine has proven its worth over time. Faced with a KTM 790 Adventure or a Triumph Tiger 800 XCa of the same era, it scores points on autonomy and finish quality, but has a dry weight of 191 kg which weighs on pure off-road performance. A deliberate compromise, for a touring trail rather than an enduro.