Does it make a difference ? Yes . No . Maybe .
The adventure version of the 800GS saw the under-seat tank enlarged and with it , a strengthened subframe and suspension , it ’ s backend became wide , some would say ‘ big ’. To compensate , the front plastics were enlarged , as was the screen , whilst other components were added . The 800 Adventure started to look like a compromise between the standard 800 and a 1200 .
“ Have you seen their latest cars ,” I often quip when some onlooker , believing they have the wit of comedic genius , remarks that it can ’ t be a BMW , it ’ s too ugly .
It seems the German manufacturer is an expert at producing some of the most aesthetically pleasing machines ever conceived and at the same time is capable of putting together something akin to Frankenstein ’ s monster . I care little , this is my bike , and like an ugly child I feel a deep love for the little monster .
My bike is a 2016 model , multi-coloured , asymmetric , unusual design . Yes , it is ugly , but it ’ s mine and I love it .
This bike is my third 800GS , the first two tried to kill me . The first resulted in a hospital stay in Queensland , the second sent me to Perth in a Royal Flying Doctors Service aircraft from somewhere in the Great Victoria Desert . BMW love me , “ keep stacking ” they say , “ we ’ ll keep selling ”.
The bike is more or less standard from the factory ,
TRAVERSE 46