Living up to its new “Gran Turismo” moniker, the F 800 GT gets a 5-horsepower boost (claimed) in power, a wide range of upgrades aimed at improving wind protection and comfort, and an expanded list of available accessories.
A new fairing and windscreen give the F 800 GT a fresh look while also enhancing wind protection, and longer mirror stems give the rider a better view behind the motorcycle.
BMW’s 798cc liquid-cooled parallel twin, which in various states of tune powers all F-series models (F 700 GS, F 800 GS and F 800 R), now generates a claimed 90 horsepower (up from 85) at 8,000 rpm in the F 800 GT. The bike features an exhaust manifold and muffler adapted from the F 800 R, with the addition of a new exhaust heat shield in the passenger heel area.
As with all BMWs, ABS is now standard. The two-channel anti-lock braking system now has an additional pressure sensor in the front brake circuit for more precise activation. Complementing the ABS is a new option—Automatic Stability Control (ASC)—which reduces power to the rear wheel if excessive slip is detected. Also available for the first time on this model is optional Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA), allowing pushbutton changes to rear damping.
The F 800 GT features a 2-inch-longer swingarm for more stability. A 0.6-inch reduction in rear suspension travel (to 4.9 inches) is said to reduce rear squat and increase stability, but the greatest benefit to many riders is likely to be the reduction of rider seat height from 33.1 inches to 31.5 inches. A remote knob allows easy rear spring preload adjustments. New, lighter wheels are said to improve overall handling, and load capacity has increased by 24 lbs., to 456 lbs. (claimed).
In addition to the lower seat height, ergonomics have been improved with a 0.8-inch-taller handlebar and rider footpegs that are 0.4-inch lower and 0.4-inch farther forward. A new seat is also wider, and optional low and high seats are available. Other improvements include a new instrument cluster that displays more information, a now-standard onboard computer and a CAN-bus electrical system.
Accessory hard luggage is now available, including saddlebags with 55 liters of total capacity and a 28-liter top case that mounts to the standard luggage rack, plus a 10-liter (expandable up to 14 liters) tankbag. The handlebar now features a connector for the optional BMW Navigator IV GPS. Other accessories include low (30.1 inches), high (33.3 inches) and comfort (32.3 inches) seats; heated grips; centerstand; saddlebag mounts; tire-pressure monitor; and more.
The F 800 GT will be offered in three new colors—Radiant Valencia orange, Dark graphite metallic and Light white. Two options packages will also be available: Safety package (ASC, ESA and TPM) and Comfort package (on-board computer, heated grips, saddlebag mounts and centerstand). Pricing and availability are TBD.
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