The 2010 BMW F 800 GS

Lean Mean Enduro Now Available in New Colors

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – December 2, 2009…When BMW Motorrad presented the completely new F 800 GS in 2008, it expanded its historied range of enduros. Even when it’s parked, the amazingly offroad-capable F 800 GS travel enduro, with its sturdy appearance and long spring travel, indicates what it can do off-road. The signals it gives off are clear yet diverse: fun driving on all types of road, and stamina on journeys even when the destination can only be reached by gravel tracks.  For 2010, all of those qualities remain and the lean mean enduro is available in two new colors:  Alpine White and Lava Orange-Metallic.

Like its predecessor, the 2010 F 800 GS combines road and touring capabilities with superior offroad characteristics at an attractive price.  It not only offers the typical qualities of a travel enduro – it also offers superb offroad driving capabilities. Whilst large-capacity enduros sometimes reach their limits because of their weight and overall design, the F 800 GS is completely unstoppable. The overall package combines balance power and weight, excellent ground clearance, long spring travel, precise wheel guidance and sophisticate ergonomics, delivering excellent offroad driving and optimal long-distance performance.

The chassis combines all the ingredients that a real enduro needs: a sturdy steel tube frame that allows a steering lock of 42 degrees, a rigid upside-down fork with 9 inches of spring travel, a sturdy aluminium double-strut swing arm with a path-dependent cushioned spring strut and 8.5 inches of spring travel and solid wire-spoke wheels. A 21-inch front wheel in the classic enduro dimensions of 90/90-21 gives running stability in slow offroad driving, while the rear wheel with dimensions 150/70-17 ensures that the engine power is always transferred securely to the track.

The strong, liquid-cooled four-valve two-cylinder is particularly convincing because of its spontaneous response, its impressive torque and its low fuel consumption. Nominally, the engine provides 85 HP at 7,500 rpm and, at 5,750 rpm sends a torque of 62 lb-ft. to the sliding bearing based crankshaft. Thanks to the regulated three-way catalytic converter and secondary air system, the Twin releases its power in a way that is absolutely environmentally friendly. The mass balance is provided by a system that is unique in standard motorcycle design: an additional swivel con-rod balances the first and second level mass forces and ensures that the two-cylinder functions with the minimum of vibrations.

The low dry weight of 392 lbs makes a major contribution to the dynamic driving properties. When filled with fuel and ready to drive, the F 800 GS weighs in at just 455 lbs.

The F 800 GS offers an excellent level of seat comfort for both driver and passenger, along with a high standard of safety features. If required, the enduro can be fitted from the factory with a two-channel ABS that can be switched off. In addition, the extensive range of BMW accessories meets the further individual wishes of BMW riders.

Overview of the main features of the F 800 GS:
• F 800 GS as mid-class travel enduro with excellent offroad properties and long-distance
           capabilities.
• Liquid-cooled parallel twin with 798 cc capacity, four-valve technology and unique mass 
           balance.
• Rev-proof DOHC valve drive via cam followers.
• Manifold injection with electronic engine management BMS-KP, lambda probe and   
           regulated three-way catalytic converter plus secondary air system.
• Closely stepped six-gear transmission for excellent driving performance.
• Dirt-resistant secondary drive via O-ring chain.
• Torsion-resistant tubular steel frame with unusual gusset plate
           reinforcement of steering head.
• Easy handling and extremely tight turning circle.
• Stable telescopic fork, USD fork with upright tube diameter 45 mm.
• Double-strut swing arm in die-cast aluminium.
• Spring strut with adjustable spring pre-tension and adjustable rebound damping, WAD   
             function (path-dependent damping as in the R 1200 GS).
• Long spring travel for comfort and offroad suitability.
• Excellent seat comfort for driver and pillion passenger.
• Tank underneath seat, for best center of gravity, with easily accessible
            fill opening.
• Powerful braking system, with ABS if required.
• Air filter and battery positioned behind steering head for easy maintenance.
• Wide range of accessories for offroad and touring use.

Modified two-cylinder.
In order to allow long spring travels with a wheel spacing that remains moderate, plus an ideal distribution of weight, the cylinders are angled forward by 8.3 degrees – a feature made possible by the lower engine housing section made from die-cast aluminum. It contains application points for the engine protection plate and provides the ideal working conditions for the semi-dry sump lubrication. In addition, the cylinder head is reinforced in the area of the frame connection at the front on the right. The GS engine has a modified clutch cover which creates more space in the footrest area and more room for a new oil dipstick and a changed clutch release shaft. Finally, the water pump housing and cooling hose connections have been adapted to the position of the engine.

The side-effect of these modifications is that the engine is two pounds lighter than the unit used in the S/ST model series.  Like earlier F 800 engines, the transverse parallel twin works with an
even firing order (360° ignition offset) without crank offset on the crankshaft. Because there is one firing cycle for each crankshaft rotation, the sound is deliberately like that of boxer engines which work with an identical firing offset. Most importantly, however, the even firing sequences create the best conditions for a balance load change with high torque yield.

Unique mass balance.
The mass forces are offset by a balancing mechanism that is unique in series engine design. Instead of having conventional counterweight shafts, the oscillating mass forces are balanced by a joint system on the center of the crankshaft with deliberately positioned counterweight masses: an eccentric on the crankshaft offset against the crank pins by 180° carries what is known as a balancing correcting rod. This connecting rod is hinged to an approximately horizontal balancing rocker. The kinematics are designed in such a way that the balancing connecting rod moves contrary to the two engine connecting rods. Because of being guided through the relatively long rocker, an almost linear swivel movement of the connecting rod head is achieved – to put it precisely, the small connecting rod eye describes a slightly curving path. The mass distribution at the connecting road head and rocker is chosen in such a way that the mass forces resulting from the swinging movement combat, in every crankshaft position, the oscillating mass forces from the crank drive (piston and con-rod proportion). This means that first and second order mass forces are almost completely eliminated, resulting in low-vibration engine running.

Lubrication system.
The F 800’s oil circulation system also includes a number of sophisticated details.  In order to prevent punch losses, a semi-dry sump lubrication system has been designed which works without any separate engine oil tank. Lubricant coming from the main bearings collects in a tray which also holds the balancing system and which is sealed off from the actual oil tray. Engine in this area is constantly vacuumed up by an oil pump and transported to the transmission housing, before running from there, under no pressure, via openings in the crank housing into the oil tray. The oil pressure pump supplies the lubricating oil system from this reservoir.

Camshafts matched to enduro requirements.
The cylinders in the GS engines are fitted with a high-tech cylinder head.  As in the new engines in the K model range, here too, two upper camshafts driven by a toothed chain rotate and control four valves per cylinder via cam followers. The F 800 GS, unlike the S/ST models, uses slightly modified camshafts which help the engine develop its power in a way that is ideal for enduros: with excellent torque, even and easily controllable. The power reduction of the F 650 GS is via camshafts with different cams which reduce the lift and changed valve timings which result in a shorter valve overlap.

The valve drive via cam followers is low-wear, only produces minimal friction losses and is particular rev-proof. The valve play therefore only needs to be checked after 12,000 miles at the earliest.

(see chart)

Mixture preparation.
Other features that are typical of BMW include the mixture preparation, which is via a manifold injection with BMS-KP engine control and two 46 mm throttle valves. The injection quantity is determined by the specially tuned engine control, not only via the injection period but also via the pressure that the petrol pump provides, depending on the power requirement. The fuel system operates without return and only carries the quantity that the engine actually needs. Because of this economical, patented regulation system, the fuel pressure can be modified within a wide range so that the mixture is always ideal. To measure the fuel quantity supplied, not only the well-known parameters such as load, engine speed and temperature are used, but also the residual oxygen content in the exhaust gas. The corresponding information is provided by a lambda probe positioned at the point where the manifolds join. This is followed immediately by the three-way catalytic converter, provided as standard, which quickly warms up ater the cold start and can thus start its conversion work quickly.

The air necessary to form the mixture reaches the new suction silencers via suction snorkels positioned in the cool air stream. The positioning well above the engine, which is good for both on-road and off-road driving, and the large volume, which supports torque were made possible by the positioning of the tank under the seat. While the suction snorkels of the F 800 GS are visible as a design element, in the F 650 GS, they are concealed behind the front fairing.

Exhaust system.
The weight-optimized exhaust gas system is made completely from high-grade steel and weighs in at just 18.7 lbs. The single-wall manifold system is connected with the silencer via a plug connection with tension spring. The attachment of a slip-on silencer is therefore easy and cheap, especially since the catalytic converter is integrated into the manifold. The end silencer provided as standard is constructed as a two-chamber silencer in a combined absorption/reflection design, offers a gas flow volume of 8 litres and is mounted on the left side of the vehicle, half way up. The

F 800 GS is fitted with a secondary air system which, in combination with the regulated catalytic converter, reduces the emission of pollutants to EU3 requirements.

High-revving with great torque.

It is not only the modern injection system that ensures a prompt response from the F 800 GS twin; its low centrifugal mass also contributes to its agile power development. Even at the bottom of its rev range, the four-valver, which, with a bore-stroke ratio of 82 mm x 75.6 mm, is not particularly short-stroked, soon speeds up and releases a good 90% of the maximum torque in the broad range between 4,000 rpm and 7,500 rpm. Between 5,000 rpm and 8,000 rpm, the engine develops its power dynamically, accompanied by a unique sound. The nominal performance data of the 798 cc twin – 85 HP at 7,500 rpm and 61 lb-ft. at 5,750 rpm – therefore give an incomplete picture of the potential that is available in practice.

In combination with the low total weight and closely stepped six-gear transmission, the engine accelerates from 0 – 60 mph in about 4 seconds, and the top speed is over 124 mph.

But it is not only the acceleration of the F 800 GS model that is impressive; its traction is also remarkable. The BMW development engineers have focused quite deliberately on the smooth, confident development of power in the mid engine speed range rather than on absolute peak performance. Sporting drivers will be bowled over by the engine’s acceleration, while tourers will enjoy the twin’s strong traction with minimal shifting.

The parallel twin, which has been optimized for enduro operation, not only manages to walk the tightrope between powerful torsion and dynamic acceleration. It also proves that good driving performance does not necessarily involve high fuel consumption. Driven over country roads, a consumption of well above 42 mpg is perfectly possible. If required, the F 800 GS can also be fitted for use with regular fuel, which, however, reduces the peak performance by 2 HP and decreases mileage slightly. This modification is carried out by calling up a characteristic map in the control software, and can be cancelled again at any time.

The sophisticated engine concept shows additional technical finesse in its peripherals. The water pump, for example, is on the right of the cylinder head and is driven by a cog wheel unit on the camshaft. The advantageous positioning of the pump – directly behind the cooler with integrated thermostat – means that only short hose connections are needed. The engine, therefore, looks particularly compact and tidy. An oil-water heat exchanger next to the easily accessible oil filter ensures that the engine warms up particularly quickly after a cold start. In addition, the heat exchange also limits the engine oil temperatures.

Rear wheel drive via robust O-ring chain.
Because motorcycles suitable for off-road use are often used on roads that are unfinished, they need a secondary drive that is not sensitive to dirt.  The F 800 GS therefore has an O-ring chain with a division of 5/8 x 5/16.

A chain guide rail protects the aluminum rocker from damage. Four asymmetrical drive dampers provide shock absorption for the chain wheel bearer which is taken exactly over the full-floating axle via a grooved ball bearing.

While the six-gear transmission is taken from the F 800 S/ST models and only the transmission output shaft has had to be modified to the chain drive, the end transmission ratio has been changed for the GS variant and modified for each model. The F 800 GS thus works with a transmission ratio of 1:2.625 (16/42 Z).

A sturdy tubular steel frame.
The tubular steel frame designed specifically for the F 800 GS, built in as a tubular space frame, offers a whole range of interesting details which improve the extraordinary off-road qualities of the GS models. The slim steering head, for example, which is integrated with total stability into the frame structure, allows a steering lock stop of 42 degrees. The steering head is fixed using a completely new lay-out of gusset plates which have considerably reduced the design width without affecting the stability of the frame. The steering lock is also improved by the fact that the steering lock is positioned in front of the handlebar. Off-road, the small turning circle of the GS model is particularly advantages when the bike has to drive through trial sections at walking speed.

The tubular space frame in manganese-alloy steel integrates the engine as a bearing element into the framework. The frame tubes are brought together in the area of the rocker bearings in forged steel parts. The frame tail made from rectangular steel pipe is taken up by the main frame via four screw connections and carries the new fuel tank (capacity 4.2 gal.) which is positioned under the seat. The design was not only required because of the modified engine. In the front part of the bench seat, not only are the main frame and frame end very narrow – the seat itself and the covering of the suction silencer are very streamlined. This means that, in relation to the
seat height, an incredibly short arc has been realized, which is the decisive dimension for being able to touch the ground. The result is that the F 800 GS provides perfect seating both for giants of the road and for smaller riders.

Made-to-measure telescopic forks.
Because of the very long spring travel of 9.0 in., an upside-down telescopic fork is the best choice for the F 800 GS. The overlapping of the fixed and sliding tubes is particular large with this design, particular since the fixed tube diameter of 45 mm ensures excellent bending strength. Plastic deflectors combined with the front wheel covers provide protection against stones.

Aluminum double-strut swing arm at rear.
The rear wheel suspension of the GS models is similarly robust, with real slave qualities. It is based on an aluminum double-strut swing, die-cast in a single piece. The F 800 GS uses a directly hinged central spring strut with path-dependent damping and a spring travel of 8.5 in. The spring pre-tensioning can be adjusted on both spring strut elements using a handwheel, so that the rear wheel suspension can easily be adjusted for one- and two-person use. The tension stroke of the suspension can also easily be adjusted to individual requirements.

  Wheels and tires for the required purpose.
The F 800 GS travels on aluminium spoked wheels, size 21 x 2.15 at the front and 17 x 4.25 at the rear. The front wheel size of 21", which is normal in enduro sports, gives greater riding stability because of the greater gyroscopic forces, which can be an inestimable advantage on loose ground. Both wheels come with road-capable enduro tires as standard. Tires with a marked stud profile are also approved, and refitting is easy if the motorcycle is to be used mainly offroad. The F 800 GS travels on tires measuring 90/90-21 at the front and 150/70-17 at the rear. While the front wheel supports easy handling and minimises braking torque, the two rear wheel tyres take account of
the higher engine power.

Braking system matched to the specific model.
The braking system in the F 800 GS is also matched to the intended purpose. The front wheel has two fully floating brake discs 300 mm in diameter and double-piston sliding calipers. At the front the steel-reinforced brake lines are laid in such a way that they do not push through the cockpit fairing when the telescopic fork is compressed. At the rear wheel, the GS variant is slowed down by a 265 mm disc brake with single-piston sliding caliper.

Modern two-channel ABS with improved rear wheel lift-off detection.
If required, the F 800 GS can be fitted from the factory with two-channel ABS. The current generation of BMW Motorrad ABS is characterized not only by its compact design and low weight, but also by its very short braking paths. The pressure modulator controls the optimum braking pressure in the regulating range via intake valves that are adjusted on a linear basis and is characterized by its very fast, fine regulating intervals. The valves with infinitely variable cross-section openings also ensure that the driver only perceives a slight pulsing in the brake levers. In addition the BMW Motorrad ABS offers expanded diagnosis functions: the wheel rev sensors monitor their distance from the sensor wheel automatically and thus contribute to the vehicle’s outstanding safety. Riders who routinely drive off-road can deactivate the ABS system before off-road use.

On-board electrics with CAN bus and immobiliser.
The electrical systems in the F 800 GS is also at the top of the range, and work with an innovative CAN bus system. As in the sister models in the F 800 model series, the single-wire system (SWS) has many advantages: it reduces the amount of cable required, allows all control devices to be networked and thus simplifies the preparation of comprehensive diagnoses.

In addition, there is no need for conventional fuse cut-outs, since the system automatically switches off the component in question in the event of a malfunction. Since the introduction of CAN bus technology, an electronic immobilizer has been part of the standard equipment on BMW motorcycles. More than the right key bit is needed to start the engine – in addition, the chip integrated into the BMW key must report the right code to the ring antenna of the combined steering and ignition lock. Only then does the engine control allow the vehicle to be started. This technology offers the safest, most reliable protection against vehicle theft available today. The electrical plug connections are waterproof and thus unsusceptible to faults. A 14 ampere-hour battery and a 400 W generator ensure a reliable power supply.

The cockpit with its analog instruments arranged above each other and its information display including on-board clock provides the driver with information at a glance. As an item of special equipment, BMW offers an on-board computer with further functions such as gear display and stopwatch.

The asymmetrical double headlight with glass-clear plastic cover give the GS models the characteristic face of the youngest BMW generation. The reflectors, familiar from the BMW R 1200 GS and loved by night-time drivers because of their superb use of light, are enclosed in a plastic housing and are fitted with two H7 headlight bulbs. On switching to full beam, the dipped beam remains active. The headlights are fixed using an unbreakable, lightweight plastic support which also takes the cockpit and the sturdy plastic cladding made from high-strength polypropylene.

Optimum seat design for touring and offroad use.
Although the long spring travel in an enduro generally results in higher seats, riders of the F 800 GS will easily be able to touch the ground with their feet. The strongly padded seat is offered in two heights, 34.6 inches and 33.5 inches. The seat is locked at the front in a vibration-absorbing holder. This layout means that there is an uninterrupted transition between the fairing, the frame and the seat.

For relaxed riding the new F 800 GS has a vibration-absorbent handle-bar – made from conically shaped aluminium tubing and folding, wide steel footrests with hollow-chamber rubber surfaces. To be able to stand securely in the footrests offroad, the rubber surfaces can also be removed.

The wide, upswept handlebars are fitted with easy-to-reach fittings; the grip width of the levers can be adjusted. The combined ignition/steering lock is also conveniently positioned in front of the handlebars.

As one might expect from a travel motorcycle, the GS also provide excellent comfort for the passenger. The seat length and footrest position allow the passenger to relax, while the long side holder brackets at the rear provide a secure grip. Last but not least, the fairing discs offer moderate wind protection, thus helping the passenger to travel in comfort.

The 4.2 gal. tank under the seat has proved a great advantage on long trips. Not only because long distances can be traveled, thanks to the motorcycle’s low fuel consumption, but also because the tank rucksack can be left in place as the tank is filled. Because the lockable filler nozzle is easily accessible on the right-hand side of the vehicle level with the pillion seat.

The new color variants chosen underline the character of the F 800 GS. For 2010, the lightweight enduro is offered in Alpine White and Lava Orange-Metallic.

Special equipment and special accessories.
BMW meets the need for personalization not only through its special equipment, mounted at the factory in Berlin, but also subsequently through the special accessories that the local dealer or the customer himself adds later. The special equipment and very extensive range of special accessories have been tailored to suit the F 800 GS enduro model, so that the customer can buy high-quality, perfectly matching products that are in line with the character of his vehicle.

Special equipment.
• BMW Motorrad ABS (can be switched off).
• Heated grips.*
• On-board computer.
• Main stand.*
• Low driver’s seat (33.4 inches, no extra cost).*
• White indicator lights.*
• Theft alarm.*
• Characteristic map modification for 91 RON(no extra cost).

Products marked with * are also available as special accessories from BMW motorcycle dealers.
On-board computer completes the range of information available.
The on-board computer expands the range of information that can be displayed on the clear display in the combined instrument panel, adding the following details: tank display, gear display, coolant temperature, average fuel consumption, range, outside temperature and stop watch time. A button on the left handlebar fitting allows the driver to switch through the displays and to select the information required. It is also used to operate the stop watch.

  Playing it safe with a theft alarm.
Once it has been activated, the theft alarm reacts to any change in position of the parked motorcycle with very clear visual and audible signals. The extremely effective system can be deactivated via a remote control or using the ignition key.

Practical main stand allows easy propping up.
The main stand means that the motorcycle can be propped up with very little effort. Thanks to the wide standing surface, the F 800 GS will stand safely if, for example, the rear wheel has to be removed or the chain lubricated.

Special accessories.
• Luggage bridge, small.
• Luggage rest, large, for Vario topcase.
• Vario topcase, black.
• Case holder for Vario case.
• Vario case, black.
• Inside pockets for Vario case and Vario topcase.
• Back cushion for Vario topcase.
• Tank rucksack, waterproof.
• Softbag Sport, small.
• Softbag Sport, large.
• Heated grips.*
• Low seat.*
• White indicator lights.*
• Main stand.*
• BMW Motorrad Navigator II.
• Navigator holder, cable and attachment kit.
• Navigator Function bag.
• Theft alarm.*
• Hand protection bars.
• Protectors (small and large) for hand protection bars.
• Add-on spoiler for Protector, large.
• Engine protection bars.
• Splash protection extension, rear.
• Low windscreen.
• Touring windscreen.
• High windscreen, tinted.
• Akrapovic sports silencer.
• Wind deflector kit.
• Service tool kit.
• Enduro tail bag.

Products marked with * are also available from the factory.

Flexible storage space with Vario cases and Vario topcase.
The well-known, variable-volume cases (on left: 19–29 litre/on right: 28–38 litre) have been modified to the F 800 GS. Thanks to the carefully conceived carrier system, the cases can be attached and removed in a moment. Those who want to take even more luggage with them can also add the 25–35 litre topcase, which has plenty of room for a helmet, for example. If required, the comfort of the pillion rider can be improved by attaching a back cushion to the topcase. The inside pockets for the cases reliably protect luggage from dirt and damage.

Tank rucksack for small items of luggage.
The tank rucksack is a truly practical travelling companion. Because the tank is positioned underneath the seat, it does not need to be removed in filling stations. The tank rucksack has a variable capacity of 14 to 26 litres and has a waterproof inside pocket so that no extra covering is required when travelling in the rain. The equipment also includes a waterproof map compartment and a store for small tools which can be accessed via the main compartment from the inside.

BMW Motorrad Navigator II.
With this navigation system, the driver selects an address, a city, a tourist destination or a way point. The BMW Motorrad Navigator II guides him, with detailed instructions, safely and effortlessly to his destination – by the fastest or shortest route, as he requires, or directly (“as the crow flies”). The display can be varied too: the driver can choose a map display, a combination of map and instructions, a roadbook or a compass function that displays the distance and direction to the next way point. A zoom function makes rapid orientation easier, at intersections, for example. Voice guidance using a helmet installation kit is possible in nine languages.

Hand protector with spoiler.
The three-part hand protector made from impact-resistant, continuously dyed plastic can take on a variety of protective functions, since individual modification is possible with the modular system. The hand protection bar deflects damage to the handlebar and handlebar fittings. The protector attachment is available in two sizes and protects hands from stones, while the spoiler provides additional protection against the cold and wet.

Underbody protection and engine protection bars.
The underbody protection is part of the standard equipment for the F 800 GS. A sturdy engine protection bar provides additional protection against damage in everyday use or during offroad travel.

Akrapovic sports silencer.
The sports silencer in titanium and carbon made by Akrapovic fits without problems onto the original manifold system, which is fitted as standard with a regulated catalytic converter. It is a slip-on silencer fixed in place with springs. Using this silencer can save around 4.4 lbs in weight compared with the standard system.

Enduro tail bag.
This special tail bag attached behind the seat resists even the tough loads off-road. It contains several compartments and its outer fabric is not sensitive to dirt.