The 2020 GS Trophy in New Zealand brings the Battle to Middle Earth. With the event fast approaching, BMW Motorrad is busy finalizing the preparations on 140 BMW F 850 GS motorcycles that will be shipped to New Zealand for the event in February 2020.
Such has been the growth in interest from riders around the world, the event now requires 140 motorcycles to be readied – a significant increase from the 114 BMW R 1200 GS Rallye machines prepared for the Central Asia 2018 edition.
The choice of the F 850 GS is a return to BMW Motorrad´s middle-class GS offering, following in the tire tracks of the F 800 GS that proved itself indestructible over three Int. GS Trophies in 2008, 2010 and 2012
And these are no ordinary BMW F 850 GS bikes. For the 2020 edition, BMW Motorrad will prepare bespoke versions with a unique combination of specifications and colors unlike any to be found in the showrooms.
The BMW F 850 GS
Launched at the Milan Show EICMA for the 2018 model year, the F 850 GS is an all-new design, replacing the long-running and highly successful F 800 GS.
It's powered by a new parallel twin-cylinder engine with a 90-degree crank offset and a 270/450-degree firing order. It will sit in a new monocoque bridge-design frame. The fuel tank is now positioned over the engine. This provides a lower seat height and bodywork that provides the rider with greater protection while allowing maximum movement for off-road riding. Potent at 70kW (95hp), the new GS middle class is built for off-road agility given its 21/17-inch wheel combination, off-road suspension, and off-road-oriented ergonomics.
While already powerful and dynamic, the F 850 GS offers the latest electronic rider aids: Enduro Pro mode, Dynamic Traction Control DTC, Dynamic ESA, ABS Pro, even a quickshifter makes rider operation confidence-inspiring and safer. All this new technology is made easier to access and operate through a new 6.5 inch TFT screen that comes with BMW Motorrad Connectivity so the rider can also make phone calls, listen to music or navigate while riding.
Now the time has come for the F 850 GS to prove itself in the toughest challenge any GS can face – the Int. GS Trophy.
The BMW F 850 GS Int. GS Trophy 2020
Aesthetically the BMW F 850 GS Int. GS Trophy version has its own one-off color scheme and detailing on components. Most striking will be the unique black and yellow color scheme with Int. GS Trophy graphics. Contrasting with the black/yellow will be gold anodizing on the upside-down forks and cross-spoked tubeless-spec wheel rims.
BMW Motorrad always offers customers a vast range of options and accessories to individualize their GS motorcycles, and from this long list, the following has been selected for the Int. GS Trophy machines: Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment); Dynamic Traction Control DTC; Gear Shift Assistant Pro; Riding Modes Pro (Dynamic/Enduro/Enduro Pro); 6.5” TFT screen with BMW Motorrad Connectivity; LED daytime running lights; LED turn indicators; Preparation for navigation; Heated grips; Off-road tires; Luggage rack with case holders; and an HP Sports silencer.
Original BMW Motorrad Accessories
Riders will benefit from high handlebars, 14 mm higher than the standard handlebars. This not only enables an upright and comfortable sitting position but also makes riding while standing particularly comfortable.
To enhance control when standing, enduro footrests plus adjustable foot brake lever and gear leverare fitted.
There are also hand protectors, made of impact-resistant and UV-resistant plastic, to protects the operating elements against branches and stone chips while riding off-road, and is aerodynamically tailored to the vehicle.
Protecting the powerplant is an engine protection bar, made of electropolished stainless steel for lightness and longevity. An enduro engine guard, made of sturdy aluminum provides optimal protection for the lower section of the engine.
The fitted rallye seat is narrower in section, allowing better movement around the bike, while being taller to allow easier transitions from seated to standing, while also offering the degree of padding required for comfort when riding over rough terrain.
Mounted on the pillion seat, this water-resistant bag expands from 2.5 to 8 liters and is ideal for storing the small items (like camera batteries, sunglasses, energy snacks) that the Int. GS Trophy riders will likely call upon during a typical riding day.
The powerful LED additional headlights in a compact aluminum housing ensure better vision and visibility even in fog, rain or snowfall. There will be many GSs riding together, kicking up the odd stone no doubt, so headlight protection for off-road is a must.
Touring windshield with adjustment lets riders lower it for better vision when riding off-road.
In the coming days, the 140 BMW F 850 GS motorcycles will be built, placed in containers and sent on the long sea voyage to New Zealand. For more information on the Int. GS Trophy please go to www.gstrophy.com.
