New BMW F 850 GS Previewed By BMW Motorrad Malaysia At Nightfuel

BMW Motorrad Malaysia gave visitors to the fifth edition of the BMW Motorrad Nightfuel held recently at Puteri Harbour, Johor, an exclusive preview of the new BMW F 850 GS. The new F 850 GS features an all-new look with a more dynamic and masculine design, featuring the iconic asymmetric headlight and the GS-typical flyline. The characteristic flyline emanates from the front GS “beak” (upper wheel cover) over and past the fuel tank and seat bench, to the functionally designed and now considerably slimmer rear.

For improved off-road capability, the F 850 GS is designed with no inconvenient corners or edges in the vicinity of the fuel tank and seat bench. The wind and weather protection have also been further optimised. The modular structure of the available windshields (original BMW Motorrad accessories) permits individual configuration to suit the wishes of the rider. Standard-series windshields on the new BMW F 850 GS can be exchanged, allowing the rider to increase its characteristics towards off-road use or travel comfort.

Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “It’s exciting to be joined by motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country who show great passion for the BMW Motorrad brand and the premium riding experience that it stands for. The event (Nightfuel), now in its fifth edition, demonstrates the strong appeal of the brand in Malaysia, which we aim to carry forward in the improvement of our BMW Motorrad products and services in the future.”

Last year, BMW Motorrad Malaysia recorded deliveries of 1,052 motorcycles, a 5% year-on-year increase. With over 900 units of motorcycles already delivered in the first eight months of 2018 (increase of over 19% year-on-year), BMW Motorrad Malaysia is on track to achieve stellar performance for motorcycle deliveries this year.

Owen Riley, Head of BMW Motorrad Malaysia said, “The New BMW F 850 GS promises its owner the ultimate offroad experience, from its sporty design, newly improved engine to its optimised suspension and electronic capabilities. With the riding pleasure it provides, you can truly Make Life A Ride with the New BMW F 850 GS as it is made to take you on and off the road, from open-road touring through to the most adventurous terrains.”

Since their debut in 2007, the GS models of the F series have stood for premium riding enjoyment, representing the middle-class Adventure segment. The GS abbreviation represents a perfect synthesis of touring and long-distance capability combined with sporty dynamics and supreme off-road performance. After about ten years of consistent model development, BMW Motorrad has now fully redesigned and re-engineered its middle-class GS models, in line with its objective of creating an ultimate riding machine that is even more uncomplicated and carefree, whether used for sport-oriented road riding, on tour complete with luggage and a passenger, or on an adventure trip into off-road terrain.

The new BMW F 850 GS comes with a revised engine that increases both power and torque, while reducing fuel consumption. The 853 cc engine generates 95 hp at 8,250 rpm. It features a crankshaft with a 90-degree journal offset and a 270/450 degree firing interval to achieve a powerful and emotionally appealing sound. Unwanted vibrations are absorbed by the new engine’s two counterbalance shafts.

A self-amplifying, anti-hopping clutch provides a discernible reduction in the operating force of the hand clutch, while the reduction in engine drag torque also enhances safety on the road, particularly in the case of braking manoeuvres performed while downshifting gears. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel by a 6-speed gearbox with secondary drive that is now positioned on the left-hand side, for improved driving dynamics.

Riding modes include ‘Rain’ and ‘Road’ as standard. With the additional Pro riding modes, the equipment will be extended to ‘Dynamic’, ‘Enduro’ and ‘Enduro Pro’, which respond to the majority of road conditions. The combination of BMW Motorrad ABS and the ASC automatic stability control ensure a high level of safety.

Further, the newly developed suspension is more robust, with wheel guidance at front and rear for more sensitive response. The bridge frame of the new BMW F 850 GS is made of deep-drawn, welded components that integrates the 2-cylinder in-line engine as a supporting element and offers increased rigidity and robustness. The fuel tank has been placed in the classic position between the seat bench and the steering head, for optimised packaging and an improved centre of gravity.

For more sensitive response, wheel guidance at the front and rear bring together the requirements of off-road and touring, including riding with a passenger and intensive use. The front wheel is guided by an upside-down telescopic fork, and the rear wheel by a double-sided aluminium swinging arm with a central spring strut.

Additionally, the BMW F 850 GS is fitted with aluminium cross-spoke wheels with tubeless tyres, with its 21” front wheel providing more riding stability.

A new standard feature is the redesigned instrument cluster, with a new Connectivity function as an option, with which the instrument cluster is displayed on a 6.5 inch full-colour TFT display. It gives the rider quick access to vehicle and connectivity functions, and makes telephone calls or listening to music easier through seamless connectivity to smartphones.

Other optional equipment is supplied directly ex works and is integrated in the production process. Different individualisation packages are available such as the Comfort package, Touring package, Dynamic package, and Lights package, each suited for the long journey, added riding pleasure, sporty adventures, or superior illumination.

For colour accents, you have the choice of three distinctive styles. The Exclusive style with its Pollux metallic matte colour makes for an elegant eye-catcher, while the Rallye style with its Light white, Racing red and Lupin blue metallic colours gives the bike an even sportier accent. Alternatively, you may choose the basic Racing red.