BMW F 800 GS: specifications, pros and cons, compatible accessories
Two different motorcycles with the same name, and accessories that are not interchangeable
The classic F 800 GS, produced from 2008 to 2018, is BMW's most beloved mid-size model among those who ride seriously off-road. From 2024, the name returned on a completely new motorcycle, the successor to the F 750 GS. Same designation, different mechanics and mounting points: this is the first thing to clarify before buying any accessory.
- First of allDetermine which F 800 GS you have: 2008-2018 or from 2024.
- ClassicBarkbusters hand guards, Kaoko cruise control, DENALI lighting.
- New from 2024CHG033 crash bars, center-stand plate, and risers shared with the F 750 GS.
- Common to bothSoft luggage, mirrors, tank bags with ring mounts.
- BrandsLOBOO, Barkbusters, Kaoko, DENALI, Eazi-Grip, Endurrad.
Who it's recommended for
The classic 2008-2018 model is right if
- You ride real off-road and want the 21-inch wheel
- You're looking for the lowest cost, both to buy and to equip
- You prefer simple mechanics that can be repaired anywhere
- You have the leg length: the seat is high and the motorcycle is narrow
- Hand guards, cruise control, and lighting are enough for you, without looking for an engine guard
The new model from 2024 is right if
- You want a modern motorcycle with updated electronics
- You want a more accessible seat and a more road-oriented setup
- You mainly ride on roads and unpaved roads
- You prefer the 270-degree engine, with more low-end torque
- You want the crash bars and center-stand plate already available in the catalog
In short: before looking at accessories, you need to know which of the two you have, because they share almost nothing. The classic remains the choice for those who ride off-road and want to spend little; the new one is closer to the F 750 GS and shares crash bars, a center-stand plate, and risers with it. If you're looking for a 21-inch wheel on a recent motorcycle, the F 900 GS is the way to go.
Technical specifications
| Engine, classic | 798 cc parallel twin, 360-degree crankshaft, 85 hp |
|---|---|
| Engine, from 2024 | 895 cc parallel twin, 270-degree crankshaft, 87 hp |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain final drive on both |
| Wheels, classic | 21 inches front, 17 rear |
| Wheels, from 2024 | 19 inches front, 17 rear |
| Weight, classic | 229 kg in running order |
| Weight, from 2024 | approximately 227 kg in running order |
| Fuel tank | 16 liters classic · 15 liters from 2024 |
| Production | 2008-2018, then the name returned from 2024 |
Pros and cons
Pros
- The classic model has a 21-inch wheel and very simple mechanics
- Huge number of bikes in circulation and low used prices
- The new model from 2024 is more modern and has a more accessible seat
- Shared luggage and ergonomics across the two generations
- Low running costs on both
Cons
- The same name for two different bikes leads to incorrect purchases
- On the classic model, the 880 mm seat is too tall for many riders
- Tank under the seat on the classic model, inconvenient when refueling
- On the new model, the 19-inch wheel limits technical off-road riding
- Chain requiring maintenance on both
What to install, in order of priority
Below, you will find the accessories compatible with both models first, followed by those specific to each generation. Each item states which of the two it applies to.
- 1
Aluminum handguards with deflector - bothWith the connecting bar, they protect the levers and hands: the first thing to buy for a bike that goes off-road. They come complete, without having to choose the bar and shell separately. - 2
Wanderer semi-rigid panniers - bothOn a dirt bike, they withstand falls better than rigid mirrors and cost less to replace. - 3
Folding mirrors - bothFold them before going off-road: the stock ones break at the stem in a fall. - 4
CHG033 crash bars - new from 2024Four upper and lower 25 mm 304 stainless steel bars, with integrated auxiliary-light mounts at the top. One code for the F 750 GS from 2018, F 800 GS from 2024, and F 850 GS from 2021: it does not fit the classic model. - 5
Kickstand plate - new from 2024Code shared with the F 750 GS and F 900 GS Comfort. It does not fit the classic 2008-2018 model. - 6
23 mm riser with 20 mm setback - from 2025Code CJG031, compatible with the F 800 GS from 2025 and the F 750 GS. This is not the code for the F 850 and F 900. - 7
Barkbusters BHG-117 handguard kit - new from 2024The two-point mounting kit developed for the new generation. The bar and shell are selected separately. - 8
Barkbusters BHG-055 handguard kit - classicFor the 2008-2018 model, in black or aluminum. The classic model also has the BHG-040 and BHG-032: the mounting point differs, so check your handlebar. - 9
Kaoko mechanical cruise control — classicThe classic model has six codes divided by year range and one specifically for riders with Barkbusters handguards installed: here, the registration year determines the order. - 10
DENALI auxiliary light mounts — classicBrackets designed for the 2008-2018 model, to be paired with the SoundBomb horn mount and the CANsmart GEN II control unit, which controls everything from the standard buttons.
The rest of the collection fits both models unless it depends on the frame mounts: tank mounting ring, essential for magnetic bags on the plastic, PIKE TRACKER aluminum panniers and the matching top case, waterproof rear bags, the 18-liter ALPS bag that attaches above a pannier or top case, mirror adapters, and the motorcycle cover. The non-slip tank decals, on the other hand, come in two distinct shapes: 2015-2017 for the classic model and from 2024 for the new model.
See all accessories for F 800 GSCompatibility table
This is the most important table on this page: the two F 800 GS models are not interchangeable.
| Accessory | Classic 2008-2018 | New from 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| CHG033 crash bars | no | yes, with F 750 and F 850 GS |
| Kickstand plate | no | yes, with F 750 GS |
| CJG031 risers | no | yes, from 2025 |
| Barkbusters handguard kit | yes: BHG-055, BHG-040, BHG-032 | yes: BHG-117 |
| Kaoko cruise control | yes, six codes per model year | no |
| DENALI auxiliary light and horn brackets | yes | no |
| CANsmart GEN II control unit | yes, with F 700 GS and K 1300 | no |
| Eazi-Grip tank decals | yes, 2015-2017 shape | yes, shape from 2024 |
| Soft and semi-rigid luggage | yes | yes |
| Mirrors and adapters | yes | yes |
Brands with dedicated accessories
LOBOOProtection and luggage, especially for the new oneCHG033 crash bar, side-stand plate, and riser for the generation from 2024 onward, plus handguards, panniers, bags, and mirrors valid for both.
BarkbustersHandguards, for bothFour mounting kits: BHG-055, BHG-040, and BHG-032 for the classic, and BHG-117 for the series from 2024 onward.
KaokoCruise control, classic onlySix codes divided by year range, with one version dedicated to those who already have Barkbusters handguards fitted.
DENALILighting, classic onlyAuxiliary light brackets, SoundBomb horn mount, and CANsmart GEN II controller for the 2008-2018 generation.
Eazi-GripTank gripNon-slip stickers with separate templates for the classic and the series from 2024 onward.
EndurradLuggage and detailsWaterproof rear bags, a motorcycle cover, and finishing accessories.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell which F 800 GS I have?
By year. If it's registered between 2008 and 2018, it's the classic, with a 21-inch wheel and a tank under the seat. If it's from 2024 onward, it's the new one, successor to the F 750 GS, with a 19-inch wheel and a 270-degree engine. The accessories are not interchangeable.
What protection is available for the 2008-2018 classic?
Handguards, with three different Barkbusters kits depending on the handlebar, plus folding mirrors and non-slip stickers. Engine guards and skid plates for this generation are not in the catalog: we're saying so here to save you looking for them. The CHG033 crash bar is only valid from the 2024 series onward.
Which riser is needed for the new F 800 GS?
The 23 mm CJG031, also valid for the F 750 GS. Be careful not to confuse it with the CJG033 for the F 850 and F 900, which has different dimensions.
How many Kaoko cruise controls are there for this motorcycle?
Six, all for the classic, divided by year range: 2008-2012, the 2016-2018 TU versions shared with the F 700 GS and F 800 GS Adventure, and one version designed for those who have already fitted Barkbusters handguards, where the attachment at the end of the handlebar is different. Check the registration date before ordering.
Which accessories work either way?
Everything that doesn't depend on the frame mounts: soft and semi-rigid luggage, tank bags with a mounting ring, mirrors and adapters, and a motorcycle cover.
Is it better to buy the used classic or the new one?
The classic if you're looking for a true off-roader and minimum expense: a 21-inch wheel and simple mechanics. The new one if you prefer a modern motorcycle that's lower and easier on the road, and if you're interested in already having crash bars and a side-stand plate available.