http://www.adbmag.com.au JANUARY 2018 | 15NEW BEEMERS
BMW unveiled the F750GS and F850GS,
which will replace the F700GS and
F800GS. Despite their names, the 750 and
850GS are powered by the same 853cc
(previously 798cc) parallel twin, but tuned
differently and running different set-ups.
The road-oriented F750 pumps out
57kW compared to the off-road focused
850’s 70kW. The seat height of the 750
is 815mm compared to the 850’s 860mm
perch. Both machines get two-way
selectable power modes (rain or road),
and full-colour TFT dash as well as ABS
and stability control as standard.
The 750 uses a 41mm telescopic fork
with 151mm of travel while the 850 boasts
a more capable 43mm upside-down unit
with 204mm of travel. The 850 also runs
spoked 21/17-inch rims, versus the 750’s
cast aluminium 19/17-inch items.
In true BMW fashion, a host of optional
extras such as cornering ABS, dynamic
traction control and pro riding modes can
be added at extra cost.
TRIUMPH’S LATEST
Triumph lifted the covers off fi ve new Tiger
800 and Tiger 1200 models and it’s clear
the British manufacturer has focused on
producing machines that are more off-
road capable.
From the 800 range, two are off-road
focused. The XCX is the base off-roader
while the XCA comes fully-loaded. Common
to both, the 800cc triple now pumps out
more power, 70kW to be exact, while the
six-speed transmission has a lower fi rst
gear to better suit technical terrain.
Adjustable WP suspension boasts 220mm
front travel and 215mm at the rear. Spoked
rims, bashplate, radiator guards, engine
protection bars and handguards reinforce
the XC’s off-road credentials.
Five new off-road modes give the rider
more control over rider aids, while the XCA
has six. Both feature TFT instruments,
updated cruise control, new bodywork and
fresh colours. Switchable ABS and traction
control, Brembo front brakes and a new
exhaust complete the picture.The XCA gets extra fruit in the form
of heated grips and seat, and all-LED
lighting, including the spotlights, headlight,
indicators and taillight and back-lighting on
the switchblocks.
The 1200 XCx and XCA off-road models
have received similar updates to their
800cc siblings. Triumph has shaved 10kg
off the top-of-the-line XCA, 5kg off the XCx
and cut the confusing “Explorer” off the
model name.
The 1215cc triple has been upgraded and
now produces 104kW. On the technology
front, Triumph fi tted New Adaptive
Cornering lighting, 12.5cm adjustable TFT
instruments, all-LED lighting, “Off Road
Pro” riding modes with a choice of up to six
settings, Arrow titanium and carbon-fi bre
silencer, Triumph Shift Assist for clutch-
less gearchanges, up and down, and keyless
ignition.
Adjustable WP suspension front and rear
provides 190mm of wheel travel.AFRICAN UPGRADE
Honda unveiled the Africa Twin Enduro
Sports concept at EICMA last year and
for 2017 it showed off a slightly tamer
production version called the Adventure
Sports. Unlike the Enduro Sports, the
Adventure Sports will land in Australia in
two variants.
The Adventure Sports is more serious
than your average Africa Twin. The fuel
tank is 5.4 litres bigger, the suspension
travel is longer (252mm/240mm), the
seat is higher (900mm - 920mm) and
ground clearance is a healthy 270mm.
Plus there’s heated grips, a better
bashplate and an extended fairing
with crashbars.
GUZZI ADVENTURER
Moto Guzzi could be taking another run at
the growing adventure market, with the
manufacturer announcing the V85. It’s a new
machine and the fi rst indication that Moto Guzzi
will rejoin the adventure market since it pulled
the pin on the Stelvio.
A two-cylinder 90° transverse air-cooled
850cc engine producing 60kW provides power
to the rear wheel through a shaft drive system
housed in the swingarm. The twin sits in a new
steel frame that sports Ohlins suspension
front and rear. It rolls on 17 and 19-inch wire-
spoked wheels.
The V85 will sit between the Moto Guzzi V
and V9 families. A production date and price is
still to be confi rmed.