2011 BMW F800GS 30 Years GS Special Model

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2011 BMW F800GS 30 Years GS Special Model

2011 BMW F800GS 30 Years GS Special Model

– 2011 BMW F800GS 30 Years GS Special Model

2011 BMW F800GS 30 Years GS Special Model

The tenth BMW Motorrad Days very much centred on the 30-year anniversary of the BMW GS models. There is virtually no other motorcycle that has shaped the character of the brand BMW Motorrad like the “GS”. In September 1980, BMW Motorrad entered entirely new territory with this model which founded the segment of the large travel enduro bikes. The bold venture certainly paid off: the GS now is the top-selling motorcycle in its class in Europe.

At a press conference at BMW Motorrad Days, BMW Motorrad took a look back at this success story of the last three decades and presented famous personalities, each of whom has written their very own chapter of GS history.

“At a difficult time, the GS models not only gave BMW Motorrad fresh growth momentum but above all a future,” said Hendrik von Kuenheim, General Director BMW Motorrad in his welcome speech. “BMW GS motorcycles have since become the ultimate symbol of ‘freedom on two wheels’ – an integral part of our model range… Our concept has often been copied, but never equalled.”

Key personalities tell of their experiences.
As Karl H. Gerlinger reminisced, Head of BMW Motorrad GmbH in 1980 and responsible for marketing and sales at the time: “There was a lot at stake for us because Eberhard von Kuenheim had given us the clear brief either to get BMW Motorrad back on track for success or else sell it. Thanks to the efforts of our development engineer at the time, Laszlo Peres, we were able to bring out the G/S in just 18 months – and it was a motorcycle concept which was absolutely crazy for that time.”

Laszlo Peres, former technician in the BMW testing department – not only an engineer but also an off-road racer himself at the time, added: “I would never have thought that this machine, based on a motor racing prototype, would be so successful. But I’m still proud of it to this day!” So the GS has a lot of motor racing in its genes. For this reason, Gerlinger and Peres were bold enough to enter the GS in off-road racing, too. The Paris-Dakar Rallye, first held in 1979, was a perfect opportunity to draw attention to the new motorcycle concept.

Frenchman Hubert Auriol clinched his first overall victory as early as 1981, going on to repeat the triumph in 1983. Auriol reminisced: “The first Dakar victory on an almost serial production bike was a surprise for everyone, especially since none of us had any experience of the desert. We were a small team, we had to improvise a lot and we didn’t have the technical support there is today. In those days it was pure adventure!”

Jutta Kleinschmidt, who won the women’s category of the Dakar Rallye on a GS in 1992, also recalled her experiences. She still owns the Dakar bike she was given by BMW Motorrad at the time and was keen to point out that the GS is still the perfect machine for the desert and adventurous trips.

British actor and author Charley Boorman also associates the Dakar Rallye and adventure trips with the GS. In 2004 he rode a R 1150 from London to New York with Ewan McGregor in 115 days, covering a total of 30,395 km. In 2006 he entered the Dakar Rallye. “For me it was a dream comes true. These trips on the GS changed my life!” he said.

Right on time for the anniversary, BMW Motorrad also presented the BMW Special Models “30 Years GS”.
A draw was held for two of these machines: Georg Opalka from Ingolstadt won a BMW F 800 GS “30 Years GS” on Friday evening, while Wolfgang Kracker from Salzburg was pleased to receive a BMW R 1200 GS “30 Years GS” on Saturday evening.

Award ceremony for outstanding GS models.
The event program of the tenth BMW Motorrad Days included a competition in three classes organised by BMW Motorrad. Awards went to the oldest GS, the GS with the highest mileage and the most impressive GS creation involving visual or technical changes.

The three winners in each category received a cup and vouchers for BMW Motorrad Rider’s Equipment worth 500 EUR, 250 EUR and 100 EUR. The cup for the oldest GS in its original state went to Johann Filleböck, owner of the 431st serial production BMW R 80 G/S. The runner-up was Simon Bender, whose BMW R 80 G/S with the chassis number 1348 dates back to 1980. Stefan Emslander won third prize for his 1981 BMW R 80 G/S.

A woman was one step ahead among the bikes with the highest mileage. Over a period of 13 years, Heidi Lupko has covered a record-breaking 525,177 kilometres on her BMW R 80 GS Basic. She has travelled through virtually all countries in Europe and South America – and was never once let down by her motorcycle. Second place in this class went to Carlo de Sinnica, who has managed a remarkable 357,405 kilometres on his BMW R 80 G/S. Daniel Zimmermann finished third: the speedometer of his BMW R 80 G/S showed an impressive 286,016 kilometres.

Choosing the most unusual GS creation was more difficult. Celebrity jury members Hubert Auriol, Charley Boorman, Karl Gerlinger, Jutta Kleinschmidt and Laszlo Peres finally awarded first prize to Ulrich Beppler’s GS, which was upgraded with exquisite components such as carbon parts. The second and third prizes went to Ralf Fillemann and Manfred Paul.

Rarities from the BMW Classic treasure trove.
BMW Classic put on a special exhibition in the exhibition area featuring milestones from three decades of GS which traced the success story of the then new concept of the large travel enduro.

What is more, a special magazine entitled “BMW Classic live SPECIAL – 30 Years of GS” was published, providing 64 pages of information on the background and historical development of this pioneering bike. It is available in German, English, French, Italian and Japanese from authorised BMW Motorrad dealers and costs five EUR in Germany.

 

It is time to set forth – into a new age, on a new generation of enduro bikes. With low weight and abundant power reserves. Able to cope with real terrain as well as perform amazing banking feats on asphalt. An enduro bike like no other BMW Motorrad has made before: an 800 cc machine with a full 85 bhp of horsepower and torque of 83 Nm weighing no more than around 200 kg! State-of-the-art engine management with highly economical fuel consumption, but abundant riding fun with powerful sound management, too: truly unstoppable! With a space frame which is not only has a high level of torsional stiffness but also allows room for lots of other highlights such as a large airbox and fuel tank under the seat. Fitted at the front with a 21-inch wheel which provides constant directional stability even over off-road stretches, at the rear with a full 17-inch wheel for the appropriate propulsion power – both naturally with robust spokes. The dual disc at the front and the single disc at the rear make for a breathtaking braking performance, with further safety enhancement available from the optional ABS. The chassis is adapted to the off-road concept and has generous spring travel which can cope with the odd jump. Even though this bike is perfect when it comes off the production line: it wouldn’t be a BMW if there weren’t an extensive range of special accessories available for it – so that you can make your BMW even more individual. This modern enduro – almost like a fun bike in its naked state – can thus be turned into an adventurous long-distance runner, not just visually but functionally too. Fuel up with a quick test ride from your BMW Motorrad dealership – then start planning your first trip!

This fall, the legendary GS gets even more legendary with the incredible new F 800 GS. It’s lean. It’s mean. It’s ready to tackle everything from dual sport rides in the woods or desert to long-haul adventure touring. With a lightweight design and eye-opening power, The F 800 GS is the most off-road oriented GS ever built. A parallel twin engine with 85 charging horses and 62 lb/feet of torque give it startling speed and breathtaking acceleration. Throw in a dry weight of just 392 lbs, six-speed gear box, switchable ABS, wide foot rests and a 4.2 gallon tank located under the seat for a low center of gravity, and you get a enduro light enough for amazing handling no matter where you’re headed. If you want all the capabilities of the GS in a lighter, tighter, totally aggressive package, the destined-to-be-a-classic F 800 GS is your ride.

 

 

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2011 BMW F800GS 30 Years GS Special Model – Specifications
USA MSRP: See Dealer for Current Pricing
Canada MSRP: See Dealer for Current Pricing

Engine

Type Water-cooled, 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, four valves per cylinder, two overhead camshafts, dry sump lubrication

Bore x stroke 82 mm x 75.6 mm

Capacity 798 cc

Rated output 85hp (63 kW) at 7,500 rpm

Max. torque 62 lb/ft (83 Nm) at 5,750 rpm

Compression ratio 12.0 : 1

Mixture control / engine management Electronic intake pipe injection / digital engine management (BMS-K)

Emission control Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3

Performance / fuel consumption

Maximum speed Over 125 mph [200 km/h]

Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 90 km/h 3.8 l

Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 120 km/h 5.2 l

Fuel type Unleaded Premium

Electrical system

Alternator three-phase alternator 400 W

Battery 12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free

Power transmission

Clutch Multiple-disc clutch in oil bath, mechanically operated

Gearbox Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox integrated into crankcase

Drive Endless O-ring chain with shock damping in rear wheel hub

Chassis / brakes

Frame Tubular steel space frame, load-bearing engine

Front wheel location / suspension Upside-down front fork, Ø 45 mm


Rear wheel location / suspension Cast aluminium dual swing arm, WAD strut (travel related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable

Suspension travel front / rear 9.0 inches (230 mm) / 8.5 inches (215 mm)

Wheelbase 62.1 inches (1578 mm)

Castor 4.6 inches (117 mm)

Steering head angle 64°

Wheels Wire spoke

Rim, front 2.15 x 21″

Rim, rear 4.25 x 17″

Tyres, front 90/90 – 21

Tyres, rear 150/70 – 17

Brake, front Twin disc, floating brake discs, diameter 300 mm, double-piston floating calipers

Brake, rear Single disc, diameter 265 mm, single-piston floating caliper

ABS Optional extra: BMW Motorrad ABS (can be switched off)

 

 

Dimensions / weights

Length 91.0 inches (2320 mm)

Width (incl. mirrors) 34.2 inches (945 mm)

Height (excl. mirrors) 53.1 inches (1350 mm)

Seat height, unladen weight 34.6 inches (880 mm) (low seat: 33.5 inches [850 mm])

Inner leg curve, unladen weight 76.4 inches (1940 mm) (low seat: 74.8 inches [1900 mm])

Unladen weight, road ready, fully fuelled 1) 455 lbs (207 kg)

Dry weight 2) 392 lbs (178 kg)

Permitted total weight 975 lbs (443 kg)

Payload (with standard equipment) 520 lbs (236 kg)

Usable tank volume 4.2 U.S. gallons

Reserve approx. 1 U.S. gallon

Technical data relate to the unladen weight (DIN)

1) According to guideline 93/93/EWG with all fluids, fuelled with at least 90% of usable tank volume
2) Unladen weight without fluids