While earlier plans for the F800R had it based around the F800s-sharing the same aluminium frame,single-sided swingarm and full-power 85 bhp version-that meant it was impossible to build for significantly less money.But the new GS models have opened the door to make a cheaper naked machine thanks to their steel trellis frames and simple double-sided swing arms.By sharing these components and saving money by using less bodywork,the R now has the scope to be the cheapest of all the F-series models.
The lower powered '650' version also adds scope for an entry-level naked twin in the form of an F650R,with a price tag of around £5000.
Keeping the price to a minimum and maximising the bike's appeal means the R version is likely to steer clear of some of the wackier elements of BMW styling,such as the mismatched twin headlights of the GS.
The F800R is likely to be unveiled at the Cologne show in October and together with the even cheaper F650R is likely to appeal to the more tight-fisted vertically-challenged members of the BMW community,many of whom inhabit the pages of UKGSER com and who eschew such normalities such as concrete walls and running water for the dubious pleasures of canvas and a £10 sleeping bag from Aldi.