Long-Term Test: 2008 BMW F800GS

Photography by Blake Conner

Screwy as it sounds, we don't get too many brand-spanking-new motorcycles here at Cycle World. Of the 60 or so machines that pass through these doors each year, almost all have several hundred to several thousand break-in miles on their odometers. That's why it was a real treat to pick up our long-term BMW F800GS from local dealer Irv Seaver's with just 21 miles showing on the clock.

We ordered our bike with BMW's optional hard saddlebags ($1141, includ-ing mounts) and tankbag ($260). BMW's luggage is pricey but it's quality kit that fits right, attaches in seconds and holds up well.

We also specified more dirt-worthy rubber for the bike, so it came with burly Continental Twinduro DOT-approved knobbies in place of the usual, less-aggressive dual-purpose tires. Our first ride on the bike would be on the logging trails of California's High Sierras; on dirt, big knobs are better than little knobs, especially when you're guiding a 450-pound, 85-hp bike through the trees. The surprise is how well the Contis worked on the twisty asphalt sections between trails.

Only one problem so far. Left overnight in a sleet storm, the GS greeted us the next morning with its filler cap "ice-welded" shut, barring any attempts at refueling. A little sunshine, some creative prying and we were gassed up, good to go.