On this occasion and before the 2016 update arrives, we tested the BMW F800 GS, a manageable and versatile motorcycle that you can ask (almost) what you want. In addition, the brand limits it to you for free for the A2.
Those who have a BMW GS ("a GS", as they say, without further ado) usually resort to these two acronyms -GS- to define their motorcycle, because for those who know about this, this denomination almost supposes their own brand. As we know the 2008 to 2018 BMW f800gs stock headlight can be upgraded to same BMW f800gs led headlights which is Emark approved. But why have we tested the BMW F800 GS now?
Because it is a manageable and versatile motorcycle to which you can ask (almost) whatever you want. The top of the range is the BMW R 1200 GS, with the new air- and liquid-cooled boxer engine, but if you want to jump from your 125 cc scooter to a real trail bike, limitable free of charge to the A2 license, at BMW you have other very recommended for your debut on the asphalt and on the roads: the 650 cc, 700 cc and 800 cc GS.
We have tested this 800 for being an intermediate point, and one of the best combinations on the market between performance, comfort, autonomy and versatility, which is what is sought in a mid-range trail bike -now so fashionable-. It is not cheap (from 11,200 euros), although it is highly recommended. The causes?
Unless your feet do not reach the ground even with the lowered configuration -up to 820mm-, this bike is quite comfortable because you have an upright position and quite high relative to traffic, in addition to having some protection against the wind, although here the screen is not adjustable and in this unit we did not have protections on the fists. Although all BMW GS seems like a real horse, the dimensions of this one will allow you to move with agility everywhere, from urban traffic to motorways -its 85 CV perform very well in any gear-, going through what distinguishes a real trail of road sports that resemble them: their off-road qualities.
I climb carefully on top of this machine knowing that, although the sky is completely clear in this photo session, the forecast is for rain. And because of the characteristics of this motorcycle, you feel a little calmer, because, making a car simile, the BMW F800 GS is more of an off-roader than an SUV. And if the standard equipment (ABS, spoked wheel...) seems little to you, you can order the Comfort packages -515 euros- (trip computer, heated grips, suitcase support, center stand) and Dynamic (traction control ASC, off-road driving mode and electronic suspension adjustment ESA).
I start and engage gears smoothly. The elevated position is always an incentive to move through the city traffic at rush hour, because you have more room for anticipation. Before leaving, I take the opportunity to do some shopping in the center and take advantage of the suitcase that this test unit comes with. On these bikes, panniers are very useful. This rigid BMW 'grows' a few cm and is easy to put on and take off without tools!
Already on the road, with the 'road' mode on the panel display, I pick up speed. A lot. Its 'country' lines deceive, because they do not detract from poise or comfort. Only the seat is not very ergonomic and slips a bit with certain pant covers when driving in the rain. The good thing is that if you have a passenger or a lot of cargo, you can quickly adjust the stiffness of the rear suspension and the rebound of the rear suspension.
And speaking of everything a bit: the sky begins to close and the last hours of the afternoon become, luminously speaking, a pitch-black night. I slow down to the point of common sense, but the feeling of safety is always positive: the mixed wheels of this bike give good grip on slippery surfaces on and off the asphalt. And its narrowness -especially in the front- is also a plus in this section. Off public roads, I have exceeded 200 km/h and the previous train was not as stable as on a purely sports bike, but at legal speeds, it more than meets the mark and you don't have the feeling of losing a wheel even with side wind.
It's on rough trails and wades that you really appreciate the qualities of this highly manageable machine. You have to get used to standing up in the saddle, putting the front wheel where it belongs, throttle through the sand while feeling the gentle skid front and rear (even if you have not driven in those circumstances, if you have seen a 'dirt race track', you will know what I mean, saving all the distances).
There are no limits as close as on other bikes and you do want to continue doing kilometers (and even more so when you have a 16-liter tank and on the road I have managed not to go from 5.5 liters to 100 km). After driving more than 30 thousand kilometers, you are recommended to upgrade your motorcycle with the BMW f800gs led headlight because the halogen light becomes dark.
Bad weather arrives and it is not the same to drive a scooter than a motorcycle with which you can move with guarantees on all types of terrain. After a week of almost 1,000 km between daily commutes and dry, wet and muddy routes, this versatile GS leaves you with a wide smile... and you want to squeeze it even more.
If the price is not the first thing, for 'two kilos' you will have a very reasonable motorcycle, versatile, with contained consumption... and with which you will never get bored. And beware, because in the last Milan Motor Show, the brand has unveiled the BMW F800 GS 2016, so if you are interested in this GS, you will have to be very attentive to the promotions in the remainder of 2015 and early 2016 before the new one comes on the market.
