The F 850 GS – “40 Years GS” edition
The BMW GS is an icon, a true pioneer. For over 40 years, it has combined versatility with a unique riding experience. We are celebrating the anniversary with the F 850 GS "40 Years GS" edition. Its black-yellow look invokes the legendary R 100 GS, bringing 40 years of GS history to life. The striking flyline shows off its GS genes. And thanks to its precise and dynamic technical features, such as the enhanced Pro riding modes, it is the master of every route. Whether on or off road, experience the #SpiritofGS together.
Highlights of the “40 Years GS” edition
Unique design for the anniversary: Inspired by the R 100 GS and nicknamed “Bumblebee”, its black-yellow look is truly striking. Striking design elements turn the legendary look into a true eye-catcher and let the bike shine in the gleam of over 40 years of GS history.
The F 850 GS – always a good foundation
The F 850 GS – always a good foundation
“40 Years GS” edition on the outside, entirely F 850 GS on the inside: thanks to its modern technical features, this bike is a joy to ride and lets you continue riding where others turn back. The 21 inch front tyres and extensive standard equipment bring you safely through every track – whatever awaits you there. With this GS, you are prepared for every challenge. Learn everything there is to know about the many features and variants of the F 850 GS.
40 years drive for adventure
From Africa to Central Asia: the GS has been everywhere in the world in 40 years. A motorcycle that has mastered every terrain and every street – powerful and bold despite the elements. The GS is the pioneer of the dual-sport motorcycle.
The GS has its roots in rally sports – and this is obvious when you look at this bike. The first prototypes are used victoriously in off-road races, and the bike appears on the street in 1980 as the R 80 G/S. It becomes the first large dual-sport motorcycle in the world. For over 40 years, this bike has continued to ride in places where others turn back. There is no obstacle that can stop it.
1978 to 1980:
In 1978, BMW Motorrad attracted attention with a predecessor to the first GS: The GS 80 takes in two gold medals at the International Six Days Enduro. The bike had been developed by an in-house team of developers without an official order. But its success proved the engineers and mechanics right: Their bike made it truly enjoyable to ride both off-road and on-road. It was released to the market in 1980 under a slightly different name, the BMW R 80 G/S.
1980 to 1987:
With the GS, BMW Motorrad created the perfect synthesis of off-road and on-road driving: Regardless of surface type, riders have control over their bikes in every situation while also enjoying maximum comfort on long routes. The highlight is the monolever single-sided swinging arm, which is the first to be installed on a motorcycle worldwide. This reduces the weight and enables the rear wheel to be changed quickly. With the R 80 G/S, BMW Motorrad created the segment for large, comfortable dual-sport motorcycles – a segment that it still dominates today.
1987 to 1996:
The new top model, the R 100 GS, focuses on a lot of displacement: it is the most powerful and fastest enduro on the market. The paralever dual-pivot swinging arm on the rear wheel ensures effortless handling off-road and on-road. With its striking black-yellow paint, it is known as “Bumblebee”. The colour is still hugely popular among fans today and decorates this year's special edition “40 Years GS” model.
1994 to 2003:
The GS is on its way to being an icon while continuously changing: In 1994, the first enduro with a four-valve boxer engine appears with the R 1100 GS. The bike is popular because it handles well off road and performs perfectly on long tours. The concept is purposefully further developed with touring in mind and, in 2002, adapted even more to the needs of long-distance travellers with the R 1150 GS Adventure – the Adventure series is born.
2000 to 2008:
The very popular and novice-friendly “Funduro” models, the F 650 and F 650 ST, have their engines reworked at the beginning of the new millennium. Thanks to the water-cooled single-cylinder unit, F 650 GS and F 650 GS Dakar riders have enough drive for everyday riding as well as that typical enduro feeling. In 2008, the F 650 GS and F 800 GS, both completely redesigned enduro models, are equipped with a liquid-cooled two-cylinder in-line engine. This means pure adventure, even in the mid-range segment.
2004 to 2017:
In 2004 BMW Motorrad re-released the R 1200 GS. The bike is given more displacement, power, and torque, making it even more dynamic on any terrain while weighing 30 kilograms less at the same time. A new era begins almost ten years later, when BMW Motorrad engineers equip the R 1200 GS with a water-cooled boxer engine – something that had never been done before. The bike also has a semi-active suspension with Dynamic ESA (electronic suspension adjustment), which takes handling and riding comfort to a new level.
In the following years, BMW Motorrad continued to build on the GS legend. The popular R 1250 GS appears with a redeveloped two-cylinder boxer engine: Thanks to its variable BMW ShiftCam camshaft control, it provides more power in all speed ranges and makes the GS even more effortless. In addition, the mid-range F 750 GS and F 850 GS models undergo constant development and make riding more enjoyable with their larger displacement and modified chassis.
#spiritofgs
For over 40 years, the #SpiritofGS has brought motorcyclists together and its community has shared this spirit around the world. Simply start riding, experience new adventures, and discover the unknown – together we are always writing new stories. Let the GS community inspire you to new experiences. Experience the #SpiritofGS.
Experience the adventure of the GS community
Go on an exciting GS adventure with our new series “Adventures of a Lifetime”.
