UK-based MCN caught BMW Motorrad testing a new GS, which points to the eagerly-awaited F850GS. This isn’t just an upgrade to the F800GS, this bike is all new. And it sports many interesting changes which will allow it to properly take on bikes like the Triumph Tiger 800, the Ducati Multistrada 950 and Honda’s Africa Twin.
This new F850GS sports much sharper styling than the bike it will replace. It retains the iconic BMW Motorrad asymmetric headlights, but with more angular panels. The effect of these changes is a leaner rally bike look. You can see a low-height windshield, but BMW will surely offer multiple options in this area. The instruments are a traditional horizontal unit which gets a rather large tachometer on the left and a multifunction LCD panel on the right. At the bike’s rear, you can see chunkier split tail-lights and larger turn indicators.
The new 850cc motor isn’t just a 50cc increase on the previous F800 engine, although no real details have been revealed as of yet. Power output is rumoured to be about 15hp over the F800GS. The bike is likely to to come with a quickshifter, plus, it's likely to get BMW’s Gearshift Assist Pro (it offers clutchless up and down shifts) as optional.
An official unveil at EICMA 2017 (in November) is likely, with an early-2018 international launch date. And more likely than not, an India launch could follow soon after.