BMW F 850 GT spied on test

- Based on the 9Cento concept.

- To be positioned as a sports tourer.

- Likely to debut at the 2018 EICMA.

BMW has been caught testing a new sports touring motorcycle. Expected to be called the F 850 GT, the bike is based on the 9Cento concept shown at the Villa d’Este a few months ago.

While it may not look as radical as the 9Cento, it carries forward the sharp lines and aggressive styling from the concept. The production version skips the magnetic suitcases for conventionally mounted panniers and a top box that may be offered as accessories. It gets knuckle guards, a tall windscreen and asymmetrical headlamps that will incorporate LED lighting. The bike also sports auxiliary lights mounted on a crash guard.

The bike will also get a 6.5-inch TFT dash similar to the F 850 GS. It could also borrow the electronics package from the latter which includes a cruise control system, quickshifter, traction control and two riding modes- Rain and Road. The F 850 GT is expected to be powered by an 853cc, parallel-twin engine producing 93bhp of power. 

With the production version to be revealed in Italy at the EICMA next week, we can expect the bike to arrive on Indian shores sometime later in 2019. 

Image source: Motorrad