Motorcycles

BMW Motorrad refreshes GS family for 2017

BMW Motorrad refreshes GS family for 2017
The most important updates announced thus far by BMW concern the F 700/800 GS family
The most important updates announced thus far by BMW concern the F 700/800 GS family
View 38 Images
The most important updates announced thus far by BMW concern the F 700/800 GS family
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The most important updates announced thus far by BMW concern the F 700/800 GS family
The 2017 BMW F 800 GS has achieved compliance to the Euro 4 specs without losing out on power
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The 2017 BMW F 800 GS has achieved compliance to the Euro 4 specs without losing out on power
The GS Trophy is a special color scheme of the BMW F 800 GS in non-metallic light white
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The GS Trophy is a special color scheme of the BMW F 800 GS in non-metallic light white
Redesigned instrument cluster for the BMW F 700/800 GS model family
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Redesigned instrument cluster for the BMW F 700/800 GS model family
The new exhaust of the BMW F 700/800 GS has a characteristic new end cap
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The new exhaust of the BMW F 700/800 GS has a characteristic new end cap
The GS Trophy color scheme of the BMW F 800 GS stands out with its red frame
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The GS Trophy  color scheme of the BMW F 800 GS stands out with its red frame 
The 2017 BMW F 800 GS in the GS Trophy Light White color
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The 2017 BMW F 800 GS in the GS Trophy Light White color
The 2017 BMW F 800 GS Exclusive in Blackstorm metallic color
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The 2017 BMW F 800 GS Exclusive in Blackstorm metallic color
The 2017 BMW F 800 GS in Ostra Grey metallic matt color
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The 2017 BMW F 800 GS in  Ostra Grey metallic matt color
The 2017 BMW F 700 GS Rallye in Light White non-metallic
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The 2017 BMW F 700 GS Rallye in Light White non-metallic
The BMW F 700 GS enjoys the same updates as the F 800 GS variant
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The BMW F 700 GS enjoys the same updates as the F 800 GS variant
The 2017 BMW F 700 GS has been equipped with ride-by-wire throttle technology
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The 2017 BMW F 700 GS has been equipped with ride-by-wire throttle technology
The BMW F 700 GS is the lower-spec model of the family
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The BMW F 700 GS is the lower-spec model of the family
The 2017 BMW F 700 GS Rally stands out thanks to its light white color and red frame
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The 2017 BMW F 700 GS Rally stands out thanks to its light white color and red frame
The new exhaust can of theBMW F-GS family is the same in all variants
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The new exhaust can of theBMW F-GS family is the same in all variants
The 2017 BMW F 700 GS Rallye in Light White non-metallic
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The 2017 BMW F 700 GS Rallye in Light White non-metallic
The 2017 BMW F 700 GS in Racing Red color
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The 2017 BMW F 700 GS in Racing Red color
The 2017 BMW F 700 GS in Singapore Grey metallic matt color
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The 2017 BMW F 700 GS in Singapore Grey metallic matt color
The Triple Black special model has proven to be very popular for BMW R 1200 GS customers
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The Triple Black special model has proven to be very popular for BMW R 1200 GS customers
The BMW R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black will be available at a starting price of €16,830 (US$18,600) in Germany
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The BMW R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black will be available at a starting price of €16,830 (US$18,600) in Germany
The 2017 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black
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The 2017 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black
The 2017 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black
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The 2017 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black
The 2017 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black
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The 2017 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black
The 2017 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black
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The 2017 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black
Detail of the 2017 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black
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Detail of the 2017 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black
The 2017 BMW F 800 GS Adventure gets a new screen with a large "GS" imprint
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The 2017 BMW F 800 GS Adventure gets a new screen with a large "GS" imprint
Galvanized side panels for the 2017 BMW F 800 GS Adventure
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Galvanized side panels for the 2017 BMW F 800 GS Adventure
The new exhaust canister of the 2017 BMW F 800 GS Adventure
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The new exhaust canister of the 2017 BMW F 800 GS Adventure
The 2017 BMW F 800 GS Adventure Rallye in Racing Red Matt color
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The 2017 BMW F 800 GS Adventure Rallye in Racing Red Matt  color
The 2017 BMW F 800 GS Adventure in Catalano Grey color
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The 2017 BMW F 800 GS Adventure in Catalano Grey  color
The BMW R nineT Scrambler will be available from September 2016
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The BMW R nineT Scrambler will be available from September 2016
The BMW R nineT Scrambler in action
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The BMW R nineT Scrambler in action
The BMW R nineT Scrambler fitted with off-road tires
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The BMW R nineT Scrambler fitted with off-road tires
The 2017 BMW R 1200 RT in Carbon Black metallic color
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The 2017 BMW R 1200 RT in Carbon Black metallic color
The 2017 BMW R 1200 RT in Alpine White color
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The 2017 BMW R 1200 RT in Alpine White color
The 2017 BMW R 1200 R in Racing Red color
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The 2017 BMW R 1200 R in Racing Red color
The 2017 BMW R 1200 R Sport in Light White / Cordoba Blue color
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The 2017 BMW R 1200 R  Sport in Light White / Cordoba Blue color
The 2017 BMW R 1200 RS Sport in Light White metallic / Magellan Grey metallic matt color
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The 2017 BMW R 1200 RS Sport in Light White metallic / Magellan Grey metallic matt color
View gallery - 38 images

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.

The 2017 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black
The 2017 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black

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

The 2017 BMW F 800 GS in Ostra Grey metallic matt color
The 2017 BMW F 800 GS in  Ostra Grey metallic matt color

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 2017 BMW F 700 GS Rallye in Light White non-metallic
The 2017 BMW F 700 GS Rallye in Light White non-metallic

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

The BMW R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black will be available at a starting price of €16,830 (US$18,600) in Germany
The BMW R 1200 GS Adventure Triple Black will be available at a starting price of €16,830 (US$18,600) in Germany

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 BMW R nineT Scrambler will be available from September 2016
The BMW R nineT Scrambler will be available from September 2016

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 2017 BMW R 1200 R Sport in Light White / Cordoba Blue color
The 2017 BMW R 1200 R  Sport in Light White / Cordoba Blue color

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

View gallery - 38 images
6 comments
6 comments
gizmowiz
No electric bikes? Pity.
chidrbmt
Most of these models continue the popular look of giant insects. But this is truly the golden age of motorcycles, as one can acquire just about anything with not a bad scoot out there. As for electrics,until there's a battery break thru,it's a niche market.
T N Args
When I took an F800 street bike for a test ride some years ago, the vibration was unacceptable for highway use. The updates appear to be relatively superficial and do not address this core issue.
possum1
I replaced a R1200GS with a F800GSA. Greater range, better luggage carrying capacity. My next bike - probably another F800 ! Now we need the Motorrad to come down a bit on servicing costs !
mhpr262
The R 1200 GS looks more ridiculous every year, and the Adventure is even worse. The days when those monstrosities could be actually be taken offroad are long gone.