BMW F 800 GT 2018 — Specifications

When BMW seeks to appeal to touring riders without breaking the bank, the answer is the BMW F 800 GT. Positioned in the lineup between the imposing R 1200 RT and the long-distance K 1600 GT, this twin-cylinder GT has quietly carved its path since its launch in 2013. The 2018 version inherits the adjustments made a year earlier to meet Euro4 standards, and it’s an opportunity to assess what this entry-level Bavarian is really worth in the sport-touring segment.

The aesthetic evolution remains minimal, to be honest. Metal side plates, a new exhaust tip, a few tweaks to the dashboard. That’s not what sells. What really changes is the onboard electronics. The 798 cm3 four-valve twin, with 90 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 86 Nm of torque at 5,800 rpm, receives a ride-by-wire throttle. This addition opens the door to riding modes, now available as standard. Road for daily use, Rain for wet days, and an optional Dynamic mode for those who want to stretch their legs a bit. It’s not revolutionary on paper, but it brings the BMW F 800 GT 2018 closer to a level of sophistication previously reserved for higher displacement machines.

Structurally, let's remember what the GT brings compared to the F 800 ST, from which it descends directly. The double-beam aluminum frame, the 43 mm telescopic fork, the 50 mm longer monobrach swingarm for increased stability, and above all a revised ergonomics. The seat is lowered to 800 mm, the handlebars raised by 20 mm, the footrests repositioned forward and downward. The result is a less closed, more natural riding position for long journeys. Weighing in at 214 kg fully fueled, with a 15-liter tank and a declared consumption of 4.3 liters per 100 km, the range is correct without being exceptional. Faced with a Honda VFR800 or a Kawasaki Versys 1000, the BMW plays the card of lightness and accessibility rather than brute power.

The accessory catalog deserves a mention, as it constitutes one of the bike's real strengths. Side cases, top case, heated grips, Akrapovic silencer, integrated navigation. The BMW F 800 GT is built according to usage, and that’s typically what methodical travelers like. As an option, the ASC traction control, disengageable, and ESA, the electronically controlled suspension with three rear rebound settings, complement the equipment. These two options clearly bring the machine closer to a true versatile GT, even if the base catalog price of 11,150 euros quickly rises once the configurator is opened. For those looking for a used BMW F 800 GT, the 2013 to 2017 models remain mechanically sound and allow access to the same philosophy for considerably less. A restricted version of 48 horsepower exists for A2 license holders, further expanding the target audience of this machine.

The overall assessment is that of an honest motorcycle, without fanfare, designed for the rider who wants to cover kilometers without fighting their machine. It doesn’s seek to compete with the large GTs in the range, and that’s precisely its strength. The BMW F 800 GT 2018 is aimed at the occasional long-distance traveler, the weekend commuter, the one who wants German rigor without mortgaging their bank account. It lacks sonic character, and its non-adjustable suspension as standard remains an acceptable but noticeable compromise. It remains a reliable, well-bred touring bike that deserves its place in a market where alternatives accessible in twin format are rare.