2018 BMW F900GS (and F750?) Spy Shots!
The adventure-bike market is one of the hottest segments in motorcycling, inspiring riders both new and old to seek adventures across horizons both near and far. BMW was the segment’s progenitor, debuting the oddball R80 G/S in 1980. That first G/S had a Boxer motor that displaced 798cc, just like the parallel-Twin F800GS introduced in 2008.
Now, it appears BMW is on the verge of introducing a new 800-plus-cc inline-Twin-motored GS to give ADV buyers a new midsize adventure bike that’s easier to handle than its Boxer-powered 1200s. The existing mill cranks out about 81 horsepower to its chain-driven rear wheel, so we’ll guess this newer and likely bigger engine will crank out more than 90 horses on a dyno.
Based on what we see in these images, the bike appears to be new from the ground up. Visually, the engine shares nothing in common with the aging existing powerplant, with the drive swapping to the left side of the bike. Also new is the frame, which looks like it has been upgraded from steel to aluminum, with a new aluminum swingarm. Overall, the styling is similar but slightly altered from the previous generation with beefier lines.
The action photos shown here were shot in Bavaria on the Autobahn. According to photog Herr Höhne, the engine sounded a bit like a V-Twin, leading us to believe it will use a 270-degree crankshaft orientation as opposed to the F800’s 360-degree layout.
It’s likely BMW will again be offering the F-series GS in two versions: a typical base version with cast wheels and a 19-inch front tire; and an Adventure version with tubeless wire-spoke wheels and a 21-inch front tire.
The dual clocks of the previous generation F800 have been replaced with color TFT instrumentation. We expect this to be integrated with BMW’s clever rotary controller for accessing trip information and changing ride mode settings, among other things. The short windshield seen in these photos is mostly likely adjustable; a taller screen might be an option or a standard feature of the Adventure version as on the existing model.
The saddlebags appear to be a larger version of the BMW Vario cases available for the current F800, while the top case looks to be the same as currently offered through the BMW accessory program.
It’s more than likely we’ll see this latest BMW adventure bike at this autumn’s motorcycle shows, and it’s going to be a big year for mid-size ADVs with 270-degree parallel-Twin powerplants. The F900 will join KTM’s upcoming 790 Adventure and Yamaha’s FZ-07-based Tenere. We’re anxious to gather them together for a big shootout!
Related Reading
2009 BMW F800GS Review – First Ride
2010 BMW F800GS Review
2011 Adventure-Touring Shootout: Triumph Tiger 800XC Vs. BMW F800GS
2014 BMW F800GS Adventure Review
2014 BMW F800GS Adventure Vs. Triumph Tiger 800XC
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As a 2009 F800GS owner since new, this looks like quite a nice improvement. I've seen so many folks comment about a buzzy engine. It was buzzy at first. After broken in, though, not at all - until about 5500 rpm, then yes....and increasingly so to redline. However, that's about 90 mph in 6th. Under 5000 rpm, it's glassily smooth - now with 55,000 miles on the clock.
What was really unacceptable as new was the ultra-awful front suspension. I ended up dropping in new cartridges and springs with about 3000 miles on the clock - all fixed. Of course, that was >$1000....
Definitely less weight would be welcome. The frame looks about the same as mine. One other suggested improvement - a factory belly pan that would protect the underside of the headers & the oil filter (forward projecting).
Yes different market segment than I was hoping for. Still waiting for an FJ-07. DON'T GO OFF ROAD, except gravel roads' or maybe over a mountain on an old deserted jeep trail that a blasted map shows as a numbered hiway. Never trust maps, or GPS'S FOR THAT MATTER.😂