This may come as a bit of a surprise, but despite the GS being around since 1980, it took until 2002 for BMW to release an Adventure model. Why such a delay? Basically it's all down to fashion. While the original GS models such as the R80 and R100 were pretty capable off-roaders, as the bike became more and more popular BMW shifted the GS's focus towards road riders. The 1994 R1100 GS saw the Telelever front end replace conventional forks while in the 2000 update the R1150 GS became most road targeted GS to date.
A comfy tourer on the road, as well as off it
However, there was always a small fraction of GS fans who wanted to take their bikes to areas of the world where tarmac was a rarity and to satisfy these riders in 2002 BMW launched the R1150 GS Adventure. Since this time the Adventure has always run alongside the stock GS model (the water-cooled Adventure looks certain to appear in late 2013 as a 2014 model) and now for 2013 BMW has extended the Adventure family to include a smaller version - the F800 GS Adventure.
How to build an Adventure...
Mirroring the pattern for developing a large capacity Adventure bike, BMW has taken the F800 GS as a base and simply increased its off-road capability and tank range. The GS's frame, swingarm, forks and engine remain unchanged (bar suspension settings) while engine protector bars, pannier mounts, enduro pegs, a taller screen and new seat improve its touring and off-road potential.
£1,637 'Launch pack' includes nav among goodies
However the most significant modification is an increase in fuel tank capacity of 50 per cent, taking the GS's fuel storage to 24 litres and equating to a range of around 250 miles. Should you add the optional ASC (traction control) the Adventure also features a new 'Enduro' mode that alters the ABS and ASC's performance for off-road riding. There is also the option to turn it off completely should you wish.
On road
I've always been a fan of the F800 GS and looking at the specs I was initially worried the Adventure may have ruined the charm of this bike. By sticking an extra eight litres of fuel under the seat (it's a fake tank, the fuel is stored in the sub-frame) BMW could have made the GS drag its arse like a dog with worms. However this isn't the case. Slightly stiffer shock settings cope perfectly well with the added weight and the GS doesn't feel at all back end heavy. In fact it is hard to notice much difference when riding the bike in isolation. On the go the Adventure remains easy to turn and, once you get used to the feel from the off-road style tyres and large front wheel, it can be ridden at a decent pace. The new seat is unbelievably comfortable and the tall screen does a great job of deflecting the wind blast, meaning you can actually attempt to see off the 250-mile range without feeling as if your bum has turned to concrete. As a touring bike the Adventure is extremely accomplished while the parallel twin engine is smooth and powerful enough for most situations. Two-up the 85hp may start to feel a little lacking, but as a solo tourer it's a great machine.
Lighter weight means better chuckability off-road
I don't really subscribe to the whole large capacity adventure concept. While I can see the point in crossing continents on a big capacity bike, if I knew I would be venturing into proper off-road there is no way I'd take a huge 250kg machine, I'd much rather stick with a light 229kg fully-fuelled bike such as the F800 GS.
Get the Adventure into an off-road environment and it is controllable even to an off-road novice. The Enduro mode makes the ABS respond extremely quickly, stopping the chances of a crash due to a locked front under braking, while the ASC allows the rear to slide a little bit but not too far, meaning you can look like a hero and not scare yourself. More experienced off-roaders can always turn the ABS and ASC off all together, however I would have liked the option to turn the ABS off on the rear. ABS all round on an off-roader can lead to a few scary 'I can't stop' downhill moments!
Big brother's little brother; better in the dirt
I reckon a lot of riders would be better buying the F800 GS rather than the R1200 GS, especially if they are actually considering taking it off-road. The smaller bike is more maneuverable, lighter and less intimidating when the ground gets soggy and rutted. For road riders the R1200 GS is still the king of adventure bikes, but the F800 GS Adventure is a great option. If you want a rugged commuter that will hack through traffic, require minimal fill-ups due to its tank range and provide a comfortable ride whatever the weather the Adventure is a great option. With full panniers and a pillion the parallel twin may struggle a bit on a long tour, however as a solo machine the BMW is a brilliant entry into the adventure bike world with real off-road potential.
Options
The base Adventure is £9,650 with the Adventure Travel costing £10,535. For your extra £885 you get ASC, heated grips, LED auxiliary lights, a center stand and the BMW on-board computer, which represents a saving of £665 over buying the items separately and adding them to a stock bike. A special 'Launch pack' is also being offered that costs £1,637.63 and includes aluminium panniers, a top case and the new Adventure GPS. If you order this before June 30 you get an extra 20 per cent off, reducing its price to £1,310.10.
BMW F800 GS ADVENTURE
Engine: 798cc, liquid-cooled parallel twin
Power: 85hp@7,500rpm (claimed)
Torque: 61lb ft@5,750rpm (claimed)
Top speed: 125mph (est)
Weight: 229kg (wet)
MPG: 47
Price: £9,650