BMW has announced a new Adventure version of the F800GS, providing a more off-road-oriented version of the middleweight dual-sport. BMW has offered an Adventure version of the R1200GS for a while now but this is the first time BMW has done the same for one of its smaller GS models.

Like the base F800GS, the Adventure version is powered by a liquid-cooled 798cc four-valve parallel-twin engine. BMW claims  a maximum output of 84.5 hp at 7500rpm with 61.2 ft-lb. of torque at 5750rpm, identical to the base model’s claimed figures.

The tubular steel frame is also identical but the rear subframe has been modified to support the 6.34-gallon under-seat fuel tank which is 2.11 gallons larger than the base F800GS’ tank. According to BMW, the larger fuel tank should increase the F800GS’ range by 75 miles.

Other changes include GS Adventure styling, a new bench seat, a larger windscreen, hand protectors, wider footrests, an adjustable, reinforced rear brake lever, engine bars and a pannier rack which also provides protection for the fuel tank. Continue Reading »

Today at the Intermot show in Cologne, Germany, Suzuki unveiled its V-Strom 1000 Concept. Heavily rumored to receive similar styling updates as its V-Strom 650 stablemate, Suzuki instead turned to its 1988 DR750S, the company’s first big on/off road machine, for inspiration, taking many by surprise. The updates are more than just skin deep, as the entire motorcycle has been redesigned. Read about the list of updates after the jump.

From a visual standpoint, the new V-Strom 1000 establishes itself as an adventure-tourer with a more dominant presence compared to its predecessor. More importantly, its 1000cc V-Twin engine has been completely redesigned and now includes traction control for peace of mind while street riding. Details are unclear at this point about an “off” button and power output from the new mill, however. Continue Reading »

BMW pulled the covers off the latest iteration of its popular R1200GS, revealing a number of updates including a new boxer engine at the 2012 Intermot show in Cologne, Germany. The German manufacturer has sold 170,000 units of the R1200GS since it was introduced in 2004, making it the world’s top-selling adventure-tourer, so BMW obviously has a lot riding on the new 2013 model.

The biggest change for the 2013 BMW R1200GS is its new 1170cc engine. The engine still uses a combination of air and liquid cooling but instead of coolant oil, it uses a glycol-water mixture BMW claims offers a high level of heat absorption capacity. Using a principle similar to one used in Formula 1 called “precision cooling”, only the elements of the engine being particularly strained by thermal stress are targeted by the coolant system.

The result is a boost in performance with BMW claiming an output of 123 hp at 7700 rpm and  92 ft-lb. at 6500 rpm, both up from the previous model’s claim of 110 hp and 89 ft-lb. Continue Reading »

Honda announced it will mass produce the Crosstourer adventure tourer unveiled first in concept form at the 2010 EICMA show in Milan, Italy.

The 2012 Honda Crosstourer will use a V4 engine similar to the one used in the VFR1200F and will also be available with Honda’s dual clutch transmission. Long-travel suspension adds to the adventure touring theme, but the Crosstourer is still more suited to paved roads than dirt.

“The Crosstourer offers a high-level fusion of vibrant off-road styling, upright riding position, V4 engine power and Dual Clutch Transmission that offers more direct power transmission and easy operation,” says Yosuke Hasegawa, leader of the Crosstourer’s development team. “We are convinced that we have successfully brought out new value in what can be termed the true Crossover Concept.”
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