Cycle Torque

2018 F 750 GS and F 850 GS unveiled

BMW Motorrad has unveiled two adventure/touring machines at the Milan Motorcycle show, November 7.

The F 750 and 850 GS are being described by BMW as premium middle-class travel enduros.

BMW says the F 750 GS is designed for all riders who prefer the “sensation and conceptual design of a travel enduro”, while the F 850 GS, besides offering more power and torque, features “even more distinctive touring characteristics coupled with supreme off-road ability.”

At the heart of both bikes is a new engine, with the focus on increasing power and torque whilst reducing fuel consumption.

The 750 GS has a lower seat hight, lower engine output, telescopic forks, alloy wheels and a 17-inch front wheel.

The 853cc engine will be shared across both machines, with the 750 GS producing slightly less power (77hp @ 7500rpm) than the 850 GS (95hp @ 8250rpm).

The 90-degree offset crank uses a 270/450 firing interval which emulates V-twin engine feel and dual counterbalance shafts are employed to reduce vibration.

The 850 GS will be better suited to off-road riding: a large front wheel, and spoked wheels at that… It’s the one with more power, too!

Both machines will feature a slip and assist clutch for lighter clutch feel and road safety.

For electronics, the middleweight GSs have two rider modes, ABS and ASC (automatic stability control).

The F 750 GS and F 850 GS can be fitted ex-works with Pro riding modes, as well as the DTC (dynamic traction control) and cornering ABS Pro.

The other big update is a new steel bridge monocoque frame, integrating the engine as a stressed member for torsional strength and stiffness.

BMW F 750 GS and F 850 GS highlights:

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