The legion of BMW F 800GS fans may grow with the announcement by Cycle World magazine that they have chosen the bike as "Best Dual-Sport Bike" in 2009. Competition was fierce, with a total of 547 bikes vying for a "best bike" title. Cycle World traditionally choses smaller, single-cylinder bikes for the honor, but says the 'riding fun continues when the pavement ends' with the F800 GS. "The BMW embodies a go-anywhere do-anything riding ethic," they say. The story is included in the July issue, on newsstands now.
According to BMW, the F 800's "lightweight design and eye-opening power" makes it the most off-road oriented GS ever. (Ed. note: That would be something given the offroad fun of the GS1200. Read "Westward Ho" for a taste of the desert during Liz and Steve's recent Arizona adventure.)
A vertical parallel-twin engine based on the proven F 800 ST platform offers 85 horses and 62 ft-lb of torque and gives it startling speed and acceleration. Add a dry weight of just 392 lbs, switchable ABS, wide foot rests and a below-the-seat gas tank for a low center of gravity, and you get a dual sport bike with amazing handling and all the prowess of a GS in a lighter package. The BMW F 800 GS has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $ 10, 995 (excluding taxes, license, options and handling charges).
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