800CC GS Type Bike

[JK75RT]

Has anyone heard anything about BMW bringing the new 800CC bike to the US as a GS model?

I'd love to get a ride on a lighter version of the GS?

[dshealey]

Has anyone heard anything about BMW bringing the new 800CC bike to the US as a GS model?

I'd love to get a ride on a lighter version of the GS?

They have announced a two cylinder 800CC version of the Rotax engined F650.

http://motorcyclistonline.com/newsandupdates/bmw_f800s_vtwin_motorcycle/

Must be that more in the mode of the current F650 DAKAR model.

[TMH]

There was a scan of an article from the 4/5/06 Motorcycle News (UK) where a top BMW exec announced 2 new "F800" bikes, including the F800GS. It included a photo, but I can't find that post any more.

Here's what Raptors & Rockets thinks it will look like, and IIRC they were not too far off:
http://www.raptorsandrockets.com/images/2007_BMW_F800GS_r.JPG

Here's a quote: In an interview that was conducted by Motorcycle News UK this week, Dr. Herbert Diess, the Director of BMW Motorrad GMBH, made the following comment about the upcoming additions to the F800 series:

"2006 is the year of the 800cc bike - we will be concentrating heavily on this segment"

"Currently we have the F800s and ST, but we will also be building an enduro version, like the GS, and a naked bike."

Looks like some pretty stiff (terminal?) competition for the F650, and will even be competitive to the R12GS bikes for the "inseam impaired".

Should be lots of fun...

Tom

[taylorjn]

Semi-official word attributed to NA in February was concern about the high price-point, nearly $15K, 'quite a bit for an 800.'

[Keith]

OK, 800ccGS, with low weight, decent range, a low or underseat pipe and a reasonable seat height... I might consider buying new....... :D

[MOSLEYDS]

They have announced a two cylinder 800CC version of the Rotax engined F650.

http://motorcyclistonline.com/newsandupdates/bmw_f800s_vtwin_motorcycle/

Must be that more in the mode of the current F650 DAKAR model.

Another look:

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/04april06_bmw_f800st.htm

[hschisler]

See http://seriousfun.com/ for tons of info on the new F800S, F800ST. Apparently in Europe first, then here later.

Has a completely different look than a GS, and I like it a ton.

[RVB1019]

I would too but not at the 15K price. Get it under 10k and you've got a deal.

[pjessen]

From http://www.motosavvy.com/fusebox/dsp_1col.cfm?page_id=187
- No one will be surprised to hear that there’s a lot of overkill in the motorcycle business. Like motorcycles with 150-horsepower at the rear wheel that will run to a governed top speed of 187 mph. Or, how about a cruiser with a 2.4-liter engine, or a 600cc sportbike with a tachometer redlined at 17,500 rpm?

Yeah, we really need all that. Particularly with 65-mph speed limits, massive traffic congestion in most metropolitan centers, and a car-driving population with a cup of coffee in one hand and a cellphone in the other. So how about this? An entry level Kawasaki Ninja 650R at a price of just $6299. Yeah, I know. The words entry-level and Ninja hardly belong in the same sentence, particularly since many of the country’s car-bound citizenry use the word Ninja to describe any fast, loud and flashy sportbike. But the crafty plan behind this budget projectile is an ambitious one. Combine light weight, a low price, and an economical powertrain in a package that will be easy to use by neophytes while incorporating enough performance, handling and panache to keep experienced bikers entertained. It sounds like a bold strategy, but Kawasaki’s little 650 twin turns out to be a thoroughly charming bike, with an exciting turn of speed and nimble road manners.

I like the concept and especially the lighter weight of a 650. The 650R is 392 #. The Suzuki SV650 is just a bit more in price and weight, and have been selling well. The 650R is a sit up style and a good looking bike. When BMW finally gets here in a year or two, they'll be selling an overweight, underpowered, way overpriced nice bike to the choir...previous BMW folks! Slow to the trigger, they will lament not being able to increase market share. The market is here, now, and its less than $7000!

[pjessen]

From Glen Haggsted, the "Striking Viking" at http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41699&page=227

Pricing News

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For those of you straddling the fence on buying a 650 Dual Sport---BMW has just dropped the price on 650s a whopping two grand. That means you can buy one for under eight thousand. Seems they have a new twin piston 800cc model coming out that will be around ten thousand.

Brattin BMW in San Diego has a showroom packed with them to sell tomorrow. Bet you can make some killer deals.

Better news!