BMW F 800 GT 2014 — Specifications

When Munich decides to pursue its road ambitions without breaking the budget, it results in the BMW F 800 GT, born in 2013 to succeed the F 800 ST. The change of designation is not insignificant: it moves from sport-touring to something that clearly claims the status of grand touring, with the constraints that implies in terms of comfort, accessories, and price positioning. At €10,665, the motorcycle slots between fully-loaded road trails and true large-displacement GTs, occupying a niche that few manufacturers dare to defend seriously.

The 798 cc parallel-twin receives the exhaust manifold from the F 800 R for this occasion, allowing it to gain five extra horsepower to reach 90 hp at 8000 rpm. The torque of 86 Nm arrives at 5800 rpm, placing the BMW F 800 GT within a consistent performance range for road use, without claiming to exceed 200 km/h at top speed. It’s not a sports bike in disguise, and that’s a good thing. The final transmission by belt is silent, clean, and requires little maintenance, a serious argument for those who accumulate kilometers. A version restricted to 48 hp for the A2 license is also available, which considerably expands the potential audience.

Regarding the chassis, BMW has worked in the details rather than a major overhaul. The aluminum twin-tube frame is retained, but the single-sided swingarm gains 50 mm to improve stability under load. Suspension height is reduced by 15 mm, the seat drops to 800 mm against 840 mm previously, the handlebar rises by 20 mm, and the footrests move slightly forward and downward. These cumulative adjustments truly transform the riding position, which moves from a tense compromise to something genuinely usable on long distances. The 213 kg when fully fueled remains within the standard for the category, without hindering low-speed maneuvers. The 43 mm telescopic fork and the central shock absorber with hydraulic preload adjustment do the job, and the ESA option allows you to switch between three damper maps according to the load or mood.

For a motorcycle of this size, the BMW F 800 GT leans towards premium equipment with conviction. The standard ABS, the optional ASC traction control, the compatibility with a comprehensive catalog of accessories, including 55-liter cases, a top case, heated grips or an Akrapovic exhaust, all build a solid argument against rivals like the Kawasaki Versys 650 or the Suzuki V-Strom 650, which play in a lower price range but do not offer the same level of finish or brand image. The announced consumption of 3.4 liters per 100 km is another real asset, especially with a tank of only 15 liters: the theoretical range peaks around 440 km, which requires monitoring the gauge on long stages.

Reviews of the BMW F 800 GT generally converge towards the same observation: it’s an honest, efficient motorcycle that embraces its role as an accessible road bike without trying to impress on paper. It is perfectly suited to experienced riders who want to travel without breaking the bank on maintenance or fighting with a machine that is too heavy, but also to A2 license holders who anticipate their progress. On the used market, the 2013 to 2018 models remain safe bets, often well-maintained by owners concerned about their investment. The used BMW F 800 GT is regularly found within a reasonable range, with or without cases, and represents a convincing entry point into Bavarian touring.