As we reported in August, BMW is replacing its F800ST sport tourer with a new, more touring-oriented version called the F800GT.

Revealed at the 2012 EICMA Show in Milan, Italy, the 2013 BMW F800ST is equipped with a 798cc parallel Twin engine claiming 88 hp at 8000rpm, an increase from the BMW F800ST’s claim of 84 hp at 8000rpm (the 2012 F700GS and F800GS also claims 84hp from a similar engine.)

Other changes include better wind protection, lighter wheels, new higher-mounted handlebars, repositioned footrests, and load capacity increased to 456 pounds from 432 pounds. Like all current BMW motorcycles, the F800GT comes standard with ABS. Luggage, electronic suspension adjustment and automatic stability control are available as add-ons. Continue Reading »

When BMW released its second quarter report last month, the company reported a 4.2% decrease in BMW and Husqvarna motorcycle sales due mainly to a struggling European economy. The economic woes persist but BMW appears to be recovering, reporting a new sales record for the month of August.

BMW reports sales of 7,400 motorcycles and scooters in August 2012, a company record for the month and an 11.3% increase from the 6,646 units sold in August 2011 and 14.7% more than the 6,405 units sold in August 2010.

Sales were buoyed by the introduction of the new C600 Sport and C650GT scooters to the European market. The maxi-scooters should provide an additional boost when they reach other markets such as the U.S., BMW’s second largest market. Continue Reading »

Documents released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board confirm the existence of a new member of BMW‘s F800 lineup, the F800GT.

The 2013 BMW F800GT will likely be a more touring-oriented replacement for the F800ST (pictured above) which was conspicuously absent from the CARB document. The new model is likely the same bike that appeared in spy photos published in the U.K.’s MCN in January.

The F800GT will be powered by the same Rotax-produced engine as the F800R, F800GS and F700GS. According to the EPA’s documents, the 798cc parallel-twin engine produces 62.5 kW (83.8 hp) at 8000 rpm. Continue Reading »

BMW predicts a record year for motorcycle sales despite a 2.3% dip over the first six months.

The first half of 2012 saw BMW sell 59,189 units, down from the 60,580 units reported for the same period in 2011. The decrease is primarily because of a 13.2% drop in sales in June. BMW sold 10,271 units during the month, compared to 11,831 units in June 2011.

Excluding June, BMW’s January to May sales figures totaled 48,918 units, up from 48,749 sold over the first five months of 2012. BMW attributes the disappointing June sales to the economy in key southern European countries. Continue Reading »

BMW has updated its F800GS and introduced the F700GS which replaces the F650GS for the German manufacturer’s 2013 lineup. The 2013 BMW F800GS slots in under the R1200GS as the company’s mid-displacement adventure tourer while the F700GS is an entry-level model to the segment.

Despite the nomenclature, both models are equipped with liquid-cooled and fuel-injected four-valve 798cc twin-cylinder engines, just like the 650. The F800GS’s 84 hp at 7500 rpm and 61 ft-lb. at 5750 rpm claims are identical to the 2012 version but the F700GS claims an upgrade over the F650GS. According to BMW, the 2013 F700GS produces 74 hp at 7300 rpm and 57 ft-lb. at 5500 rpm, compared to the F650GS’ 70 hp at 7000 rpm and 55 ft-lb. at 4500 rpm.

Both models are equipped with six-speed transmissions, with the F700GS having shorter overall gear ratios compared to the F650GS. The two models are also the first introduced under BMW’s new “Safety 360°” principle which includes ABS as standard across the entire lineup. Continue Reading »