The BMW F 800 GS weighs 227kg wet, has a seat height of 815mm and 200mm of ground clearance, and makes 87hp. Expect about 64 mpg, for a range of around 210 miles from its 15-litre tank.
2/10
Holloway Green Lane Score
An accessible, road-biased middleweight that's easy to manage at low speed, but its cast wheels and short travel are a poor match for rough lanes. Rider ability, terrain, weather and tyre choice still move the real answer more than the bike alone does.
Four separate scores, not one blended number, so you can see what's actually driving it.
Beginner friendliness
3/5
Road usability
3/5
Technical off-road capability
1/5
Green-lane suitability
1/5
Full specs
Price (new, OTR)£9,990
Engine895cc
Power87hp
Torque91Nm
Weight (wet)227kg
Seat height815mm
Fuel tank15L
Real-world range~210 mi
Economy~64 mpg
Wheels (f/r)19" / 17"
Ground clearance200mm
Suspension travel (f/r)170mm / 170mm
ABSYes
Traction controlYes
Ride modesYes
Service interval6,000 miles
Licence requiredA
Stock tyre sizes (f/r)110/80-19 / 150/70-17
Where the BMW F 800 GS sits
Wet weight against ground clearance for every bike in the finder that publishes both. Light and tall, top left, is where the easiest green lane bikes sit. Tap a dot to open that bike.
Figures are manufacturer claims. Clearance is measured differently by different makers, so treat small gaps as a draw.
Will your feet reach?
The BMW F 800 GS has a 815mm seat. Enter your inside leg for a rough idea of how much foot you'll get down when stopped.
A rough guide only. A wide seat needs more leg than a narrow one, the suspension settles 20 to 40mm under you, and boots add a little. Many bikes offer a low seat or lowering link. Sit on one before you buy.
Range against similar bikes
Real-world range from tank size and typical economy, against the bikes closest to it in weight and type. Out on the lanes, fuel stops are often further apart than on a road ride.
Range only. Hard off-road riding and headwinds use more fuel, so plan fuel stops with margin.
Tyres that fit the BMW F 800 GS
It runs a 110/80-19 front and a 150/70-17 rear. 28 tyres in our Tyre Finder are made in at least one of those sizes, ranked by green lane score.
Sizes are for the standard UK model and can change between model years. Check the size on your own tyre sidewall, and ask your dealer before fitting a different size. Our size lists come from maker and retailer listings and can miss sizes, so a tyre shown for one end may still be made in your other size. Check the maker's size chart.
Owners describe the F 800 GS as an accessible, road-biased middleweight in BMW's current lineup. Riders praise the smooth 87hp twin and ultra-accessible 815mm seat height for making low-speed manoeuvring easy for newer riders. However, owners note that the cast alloy wheels, non-adjustable forks, and short 170mm travel make it unsuitable for rough, rocky lanes or deep mud ruts.
Pros for green laning
Low 815mm seat height: a very accessible stand-over height provides confidence for shorter riders when stopping on uneven, off-camber ground.
Tractable 895cc parallel twin: delivers 87hp and 91Nm with smooth low-rpm torque that resists stalling on loose, stony inclines.
Enduro riding mode: calibrates traction control and ABS to allow controlled rear-wheel slide and effective front braking on loose gravel.
Comfortable highway transits: low vibration and good weather protection make travelling between distant green lane networks fast and comfortable.
Cons and limitations
Cast alloy wheels (19"/17"): road-biased cast rims risk rim damage on sharp bedrock impacts and limit aggressive mud tyre selection.
Modest 170mm suspension travel: short suspension travel and 200mm clearance cause the belly to ground out on deep ruts and rocky ledges.
Road-oriented 227kg wet weight: front-heavy geometry makes the front end push and track awkwardly in soft mud and deep sand.
Non-adjustable front forks: front suspension dives quickly under trail braking without the ability to stiffen compression damping.
Based on manufacturer specifications and independent motorcycle press reviews.
Remember: a rank here assumes reasonable stock tyres and a competent rider in decent conditions. The right tyres, or the wrong weather, can move a lane from easy to genuinely hard regardless of what bike you're on. Check a lane's own difficulty and hazards on the map before you go, don't rely on a bike score alone.
Find where to actually ride it
Browse legal green lanes and byways across England and Wales, filtered by difficulty, on Holloway's map.
