BMW GS - from 1980 to infinity and beyond
The autumn of 2020 sees BMW Motorrad marking the 40th anniversary of its GS models - the R 80/GS made its debut at IFMA, Cologne, in 1980.
Up to that point, the 'Dual Sport' segment, such as it existed, had been a largely American niche - a very small, juvenile outlier of design trends. Opening up what became better known as Enduro design in later years was a major step change for the traditionally conservative image of BMW at that stage.
Its off/on road combo blazed a trail and to look back now, 40 years, at where that first GS took the market, is one of the great stories of the motorcycle industry. To date BMW has sold more than 1.2 million BMW GS models, but had it not been for Hubert Auriol's 1981 Paris - Dakar win, the story might have been very different. That galvanised the niche and gave BMW momentum.
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| BMW is marking the 40th anniversary of the GS line - the R 80 G/S made its debut at IFMA, Cologne, in 1980. |
The four-valve Telelever and ABS technology of the 80 bhp boxer engine R 1100 GS built on the success of the Paralever rear wheel suspension of the shaft-driven two-valve boxers of years, the advent of the F 650 GS first single-cylinder with electronic fuel injection, catalytic converter and ABS in 2000 cemented the position of the GS range and prepared the way for the F 650 GS and F 800 GS twins and opened up the mid-range market.
The R 1200 GS in 2009 saw the introduction of the 110 hp DOHC boxer with two overhead camshafts per cylinder, and a year later the 30th anniversary of the GS saw "30 Years GS" special models of the R 1200 GS, R 1200 GS Adventure, F 800 GS and F 650 GS painted in the BMW Motorrad Motorsport corporate colours.
In 2012 the new 125 hp R 1200 GS saw a completely redesigned engine - the air/liquid-cooled flat twin engine introduced cylinder heads featuring vertical flow, they had an integrated gearbox and a shaft drive on the left side from then on, supplemented by state-of-the-art chassis technology and electronic control systems such as ABS, traction control or semi-active chassis.
The G 310 GS in 2016 opened up another whole new segment, and with manufacturers like Honda, Yamaha, Triumph, KTM and even Harley-Davidson all trying to carve themselves a slice of the niche that became mainstream, it looks like the "dual sport" concept has finally matured as rugged lower displacement models stake an ever larger claim to suburban and urban miles.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the now venerable GS concept (yes, it can be called that now!), BMW Motorrad is unveiling new BMW F 750 GS, BMW F 850 GS and BMW F 850 GS Adventure iterations.
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| The new anniversary edition F 750 GS, F 850 GS and F 850 GS Adventure - ABS PRO and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) are now standard. |
"For years, the core competencies of the renowned BMW Motorrad middle-class BMW F 750 GS, BMW F 850 GS and BMW F 850 GS Adventure models have been those of premium riding enjoyment thanks to reliable controllability on all roads, impressive engine power as well as extensive everyday driving and touring capabilities.
"Already a tried and tested concept, the F series is unveiling three further refined variations for the 2021 model year. All three models appear fresher and more dynamic thanks to new colour schemes and provide an even more intense GS experience with expanded standard equipment and new optional kit.
"General changes to the BMW F 750 GS, BMW F 850 GS and BMW F 850 GS Adventure include new tape designs and the respective style designation on the fairing side panels of the style variations. Furthermore, all models now have new LED flashing turn indicators as standard and a USB charging device at the front right of the cockpit. ABS Pro and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) are now also standard, for even more braking and accelerating safety.
"As before, the powerful, liquid-cooled 4-valve, 2-cylinder engine with 853 cc capacity, fuel injection and six-speed gearbox in all three models ensures vigorous propulsion. It is already designed to meet the future Euro 5 emission standard thanks to two counterbalance shafts. It delights with its smoothness, spontaneous response characteristics, impressive pulling power and low fuel consumption. In the BMW F 750 GS, as before, it generates 57 kW (77 hp) at 7,500 rpm and develops a maximum torque of 83 Nm at 6,000 rpm. The BMW F 850 GS and the BMW F 850 GS Adventure still generate 70 kW (95 hp) at 8,250 rpm and 92 Nm at 6,250 rpm.
"The new BMW F 750 GS, BMW F 850 GS and BMW F 850 GS Adventure all feature new components from the Pro riding modes optional equipment. Thus, as in the GS models with boxer engines, a reworked throttle response in DYNAMIC riding mode now ensures even more dynamics and driving enjoyment.
"Furthermore, dynamic engine brake control and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) now feature in Pro riding modes. Other new Pro riding mode features include the preselection of up to four riding modes for the button assignment on the right handlebar controls (though only in conjunction with the Connectivity optional equipment in the BMW F 750 GS).
"An extra low seat bench as well as modified lowered suspension will be available as optional equipment for all three models in future, ensuring even better ground accessibility when stationary.
"Since completely switching off the ABS will no longer be permissible under legal homologation regulations in future, the Enduro and Enduro Pro riding modes provide suitably adapted controls for this purpose. The ABS function can still be switched off on the rear wheel in Enduro Pro riding mode (BMW F 850 GS and BMW F 850 GS Adventure only)."
