One of BMW’s Most Affordable Adventure Motorcycles Just Got Even Better

In the adventure motorcycle world, perhaps no label is more respected than “BMW GS.” 

Introduced way back in 1980, the bike, whose initials first stood for Gentleman Scrambler (later swapped to Gelände/Straße, German for terrain/street), has evolved into a whole line of excellent motos that consistently dominate the space.

These days, the flagship is the R 1300 GS, a dual-sport so impressive, we included it in the most recent GP100. 

BMW Motorcycles

Big and pricey as it is, however, this bike obscures the fact BMW makes a number of smaller, more affordable ADVs likely to be much more suitable for newer riders and even some vets. 

Thankfully, the brand just announced a bunch of color updates for the 2026 model year, including one so pitch-perfect it deserves special recognition. 

Dubbed Gravity Blue Metallic, it appears on the new R 12 but, more importantly, on a compact and compelling ADV bike that’s worth a closer look: the 2026 F 800 GS.

Easy rider

BMW itself clearly believes in this paint scheme and this bike, so much so that on the page dedicated to all the updates, it’s the very first listed and pictured.

An almost iridescent dark blue accented by a bit of lime green and oversized, stylized GS branding, the treatment looks so much better than the standard light white; it’s almost like that bike exists just to upsell on this one.

BMW Motorcycles

As attractive as the new paint job is, the bike itself — BMW’s second-smallest ADV — offers a ton of appeal for those just dipping their feet into all-terrain motos, including a base price just over half that of the R 1300 GS’s $20,275.

While the flagship is obviously more of a beast in every single way, the F 800 GS is no slouch, thanks in large part to a new 895cc parallel-twin engine making 87 hp at 6,750 rpm and 67 lb-ft of torque at 6,750 rpm.

BMW Motorcycles

Other specs and features seem very intentionally aimed at welcoming newer (and shorter) riders, including a manageable wet weight of 500 pounds and a stock seat height of 32.1 inches (with an option to go as low as 30.7). The 1300, for comparison, comes in at 33.4, with no option to lower.

Further aiding novice rider confidence and capability are ABS Pro and dynamic traction control, standard, plus available Dynamic ESA (electronic suspension adjustment), which adapts suspension automatically to the conditions.

More to love

Don’t let a price tag that starts under $12,000 leave you thinking this bike is bereft of modern amenities, either. 

The F 800 GS comes standard with a generous 6.5-inch TFT display that pairs with your smartphone and accesses vehicle data, navigation, in-ride calls and music. (Ensuring said phone stays juiced is a built-in USB port, of course.)

BMW Motorcycles

Another standard feature is impact- and UV-resistant plastic hand protectors, which not only protect you from stones and branches off-road but shield your mitts from wind and weather to help them stay dry and warm.

Helping even more on that front are electronically heated grips with multi-level settings, available at the touch of a button.

BMW Motorcycles

The bike also integrates discreet holders for mounting tough, waterproof Vario cases (sold as accessories by BMW), providing as much as 103 liters of storage for ambitious multi-day trips. 

This is an adventure bike, after all.

Availability and pricing

The 2026 BMW F 800 GS is available now at a starting price of $11,620. The Gravity Blue Metallic colorway, part of the Style Sport package, adds $225 to that figure.

BMW Motorcycles

2026 BMW F 800 GS

• Starts at $11,620

Related Topics