BMW gets set to reveal a new F850GT tourer based on the GS

Spyshots show new F850GT aims for speed hungry tourers

Spyshots have emerged of a brand new BMW sports tourer that looks perfectly poised to fill the gap for rapid tourers that don’t have the weight (or the high cost) of the 1000ccplus offerings. The new bike uses BMW’s new(ish) 853cc parallel twin taken from the F850GS, but combines it with the more angular styling of their S1000XR sports tourer. But you may be thinking that you’ve seen something like this before, well you’d be right; this bike is the spitting image of the Concept 9Cento that BMW unveiled earlier this year.

At the time BMW’s Head of Design, Edgar Heinrich, said of the Cento: “It doesn’t always have to be about ‘bolder, bigger, brighter’. We’ve created a bike that combines the appropriate power with reliable sports touring properties and above all, lots of riding fun.” BMW have obviously taken the ideas set out in the 9Cento, but made it more appropriate for the road. Gone are the tiny rear end and miniscule panniers in favour of a pillion friendly perch and panniers big enough to swallow the kitchen sink. The wee screen is gone too for a more touring-friendly number, which shelters BMW’s latest full-colour TFT dash. Assuming the F850GT picks up the same tech as the F850GS, then we can expect cornering ABS, traction control, cruise control, quickshifter/blipper, heated grips, LED lights and Dynamic ESA; options more regularly associated with the super tourers. Unlike the trailfriendly GS, the GT will have 17in wheels and shorter travel suspension, which should give it a much lower seat height and less precarious at slow speeds. There’s no official word from BMW about expected delivery date or price, but with the existing F800GT looking rather tired, it can’t be far away.

‘It’s the spitting image of the Concept 9Cento’