A new F800GS for 2016?
/In 2014, BMW released a completely new S1000XR, and significantly updated several models including one of my favorites, the R1200R. This year they are looking to shake things up again, already releasing two new bikes in the past few days.
An entry level G310R is the first bike that was announced. The G represents a single cylinder bike, while the R represents the Roadster line. It looks like the offspring of an S1000R and an R1200R, which is a good thing. This bike will be built in India, via a partnership with TVS Group.
BMW G 310 R
The other bike announced, or teased so far is a scrambler version of the R Nine T. It looks like a lot of fun, and should give the newly announced Triumph Scrambler 1200 some competition.
BMW R NINE T SCRAMBLER
BMW is expected to announce a few more bikes at the show, and the rumors are pointing to new F bikes.
EDIT: Not happening. They released a slightly modified 2016 variation. Its just very minor cosmetic changes.
- Last year at the NY Moto Show I spoke with someone at BMW and they heavily hinted that the F700GS I had was due for a refresh, and that something was in the works.
- In March, autoevolution posted an article claiming that BMW was going to start producing the F700/800GS in India, just like the newly announced G310R.
- On BMW's website, every model on the site is referenced as a 2016 model, but the F700GS, and F800GS still show as 2015 models. What's interesting is that the F800GSA does show as a 2016 model, but I believe that the GSA models are usually a year behind?
So what will be updated? Thats the real question. Competition has been heating up, now more than ever. Besides the Triumph Tiger 800 XC hot at its heals, the new Honda Africa Twin is likely to eat away at this segment for BMW. The 800cc GS line has not received any significant updates in a while, and its time. The Adventure segment is growing like crazy, and they need to have solid modern offerings to stay the market leader. Not to say the current bikes arent great, but they are a bit aged. I love my current F700GS, but im very interested to see whats coming.
Some things will be obvious, maybe a dash similar to the R1200R, all digital screen, some suspension improvements, engine improvements, styling updates, more electronic goodies like cruise control and more advanced ride modes, etc. Time will tell. BMW is expected to make a press release this Tuesday morning, we should know a lot more then. I look forward to seeing whatever it is in person at the NYC Moto Show this year. I better get working on that press badge again.
