BMW F 800 GT 2017 — Specifications

When Yamaha offers its FJ-09 and Kawasaki pushes its Versys 650 into dealerships at competitive prices, BMW responds with a different philosophy: less displacement, more refinement. The F 800 GT embodies this bet since 2013, and the 2017 version marks its first serious evolution, dictated by Euro4 compliance. On paper, it looks like a facelift. In reality, it’s a machine that gains intelligence without losing its character.

Visually, purists of the BMW F 800 GT 2014 or 2015 won’t be lost on this model year. A few metallic plates on the sides, a revised exhaust tip, slightly modified dials: BMW didn’t seek to reinvent the fairing. The essential work takes place under the electronic hood. The 798 cm3 twin retains its 90 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and its 86 Nm at 5,800 rpm, but the adoption of ride-by-wire throttle opens the door to riding modes. Road for everyday use, Rain when the asphalt becomes treacherous, Dynamic as an option for those who want to push the mount’s limits. It’s understated, effective, and really changes the felt behavior in the saddle.

What strikes you in use is the coherence of the whole. The BMW F 800 GT A2 exists for restricted licenses, restricted to 48 horsepower, which says a lot about the accessibility of the machine. The aluminum twin-tube frame, the 43 mm telescopic fork, the monobrach swingarm extended by 50 mm compared to the original F 800 ST: everything contributes to genuine stability on the highway and honest maneuverability on winding departmental roads. The 800 mm seat facilitates foot placement, the handlebars raised by 20 mm compared to the old ST offer a less tense position than on a pure sportbike. A mid-sized touring rider will be immediately comfortable. The final transmission by belt, quiet and low-maintenance, completes this picture oriented towards long-distance comfort.

The options catalog deserves a special mention. The disconnectable ASC traction control and ESA, the electronic adjustable suspension in three modes, are equipment items usually found on much larger displacements. 55-liter cases transform this GT into a true traveler, the 28-liter top case settles the question of the passenger’s helmet. The announced consumption of 4.3 liters per hundred kilometers, combined with a 15-liter tank, gives a theoretical range exceeding 340 kilometers. For a machine displayed at 10,950 euros new, it’s a budget consistent with its category, even if BMW F 800 GT used models constitute a serious track for those seeking to optimize their investment.

The real debate surrounding the BMW F 800 GT remains its positioning within the house range. It does not claim to rival the RT or the K 1600 GT, and that is precisely its strength. It is aimed at the rider who wants BMW seriousness without the bulk of the large cubes, the light touring rider who prefers 214 kg fully fueled than more than 280 on a flagship touring model. It assumes its role of sensible little sister with a certain dignity. BMW F 800 GT 2017, 2018 and 2019 share these same fundamentals, which makes them relevant targets on the used market. The general opinion of owners converges on two points: the mechanical reliability of the twin and the versatility in everyday use. These are solid arguments for a machine that doesn’t seek to impress, but to convince over time.