Staying true to its (Northern Hemisphere) summer tradition, BMW Motorrad announced a series of changes to its current lineup ahead of the 2017 model year, which officially starts in August 2016. The updates are spearheaded by the new F 700/800 GS and the return of the special R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black, with the official announcement also disclosing the pricing of the long-awaited R nineT Scrambler that will start rolling off the production line in September.
Every manufacturer that is active in the European Union must make sure its motorcycle range for 2017 is compliant with the new Euro 4 specs that will come into effect as of January 1, 2017 – with the possibility of a year's leeway for pre-existing models. Acting accordingly, BMW has announced that all its engines for the upcoming model year will be retuned to operate in accordance to the new euro-specs; this directive also includes all existing models.
All liquid-cooled boxer models will undergo a technical adjustment process to ensure conformity with the new emission regulations, and BMW has also redesigned the gearbox's output shaft, selector drum actuator, transmission shafts and bearings. For all boxer models there's also the option to add the Dynamic Brake Light to the list of equipment.
As we expect BMW to start unveiling its new models in the months leading up to the bi-annual Intermot show in Cologne, Germany, in October, the first batch of updates highlights significant changes to the mid-capacity adventurers F 700 and 800 GS.
F 700/800 GS
They've been around since 2008, setting the stage for the expansion of the Adventure class towards lower engine capacities. In the process they have produced astonishing market results worldwide thanks to their true all-around capabilities, modest pricing – compared to the 1200 GS – and commendably low fuel consumption.
After an extended upgrade process in 2012, BMW proceeded to freshen up its best sellers more frequently as the competition grew fiercer every year. With the model family's 10th anniversary around the corner (2018), BMW continues to add more modern equipment to its medium-sized GS models.
Both the F 700 and 800 GS sport Euro 4 compliance, which is achieved through minor adjustments to the in-line twin engine and a reworked exhaust system. As far as the power output is concerned, announced figures show no change; 85 hp (63 kW) and 83 Nm (61.2 lb-ft) for the 800, 75 hp (55 kW) and 77 Nm (568 lb-ft) for the 700. Following the global electronic trend, both bikes get ride-by-wire throttle operation, in tandem with selectable ignition maps.
The standard version will include two Riding Modes; the "Road" mapping will probably be used most of the time, next to a "Rain" selection that offers silkier throttle response for riding in treacherous conditions. Both modes are intertwined with other electronic systems of the bike, such as the ABS brake system and the optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC), the latter being a cruder version of traction control. Should the motorcycle be fitted with the, also optional, Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) system, its settings can also become integral part of the Riding Modes package.
Especially for the F 800 GS and its Adventure variant, BMW offers the ex-works option of "Enduro" and "Enduro Pro" selectable maps, which provide a comprehensive array of engine, ABS, ESA and ASC settings for more demanding off-road riding.
Other changes include a redesigned instrument panel, new end cap for the exhaust can and several fresh color schemes for both model versions.
R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black
Continuing a trend that started several years ago, 2017 will also see a new Triple Black special version of the R 1200 GS Adventure. Differing only in looks, it features a combination of black components (engine, gearbox, swingarm, fuel tank cover and side panels, front mudguard, wheel rims) with dark grey frame tubes to create the dark look that has proven to be very popular.
According to BMW, the Triple Black's starting price is set at €16,830 (US$18,600) in Germany.
R nineT Scrambler
The last motorcycle in BMW's lineup to still use the "old" air-cooled boxer engine was the show stopper of last year's EICMA motor show in Milan, Italy. The Scrambler version of the R nineT will become available to the public on September 17, 2016, with the new model's starting price announced at the BMW Motorrad Days 2016 set at €13,000 (US$14,400) in Germany.
Color changes
The rest of the boxer-powered models will feature no significant changes for 2017. BMW announced several new color options for the R 1200 R, RT and RS models, which you can study in detail in the image gallery.
Source: BMW Motorrad
