F800GT: BMW’s middleweight contender

Here comes the new F800GT.

BMW plans to take the wraps off the new iteration of its popular F800ST middleweight sport touring model at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach next month.

The new version of the big, belt-driven, water-cooled, two-cylinder has a bit more horsepower and a bit more comfort -- 90 horsepower, up from 85, and a new windshield and new, fuller fairing. It features standard anti-lock brakes and a slip-on Akrapovic silencer that cuts a few pounds off the weight and creates what BMW calls “a particularly earthy 2-cylinder sound.�

I like the sound of that sound.

Photo Gallery: new F800GT images

The new model also offers a dizzying array of luggage options, four choices for seat height and comfort, in three color schemes: Radiant Valencia Orange Metallic (“dynamic extrovert character�), Dark Graphite Metallic (“elegant, refined�), and Light White (“decidedly bold and athletic�).

The new model will hit showroom floors in early 2013 at a price point yet to be determined. For the sake of comparison, the 2013 F800ST has an MSRP of $12,340.

ALSO:

Motoguzzi rolls out elegant California 1400s

Ducati goes into Hyper-space

2013 Honda motorcycle lineup: First look