F 850 GS

1. Review

The term "adventure" is often used to describe BMW GS motorcycles. However, only some people desire 1,254cc of Bavarian muscle. There's no denying how important it is, even though we adore the personality of little brother R 1250s, horizontally opposed twin. Enter Motorrad's F 850 GS, a more compact but capable adventure-touring machine. Compared to the standard model, the Adventure trim had more range, suspension travel, and creature comforts, so we tested it in that configuration.

2. Highlights

Power and torque

Peak power is limited to 94 bhp for the F850 to be restricted to A2 license holders. 67 lb-ft of torque delivered at 6500 rpm is the more relevant figure on a bike like this, and the flexibility it brings is very welcome. On the road, you tend to change up at peak torque as the acceleration drops on the road. Thrashing it through to the redline finds an extra slug of power you weren’t expecting and a great big bonus grin, but it doesn’t make it go any faster from A to B.

Engine, gearbox, and exhaust

This particular performance's star is the engine. In 2018, BMW's parallel twin motor received a significant redesign. Simultaneously, BMW updated the fueling and ignition systems, resulting in an engine that, like most BMWs, revs so quickly and freely that the pistons appear to be made of race-grade carbon fiber.

The response is immediate, the throttle action is very light, and the revs increase as the torque builds up quickly. It’s all very controllable, though.

The clutch action is very light, almost too light as if there is some mechanical assistance removing some of the "feel" from the action. The gearshift is simple, quick, and reliable. Our bike was outfitted with BMW's quick-shifter, which works well when riding aggressively but not so well when riding at lower revs and smaller throttle openings. 

A stiffer new monocoque bridge-design frame with calmer steering geometry replaces the old tubular steel item (it’s still steel for strength off-road), and the 15-liter fuel tank has been moved from under the seat to between your thighs to optimize the center of gravity.

For a machine, with a penny-farthing-diameter 90/90 x 21-spoke front wheel (and 150/70 x 17-spoke rear wheel), the way it rolls into tarmac corners and nuzzles sweetly into an apex is a joy. Tubeless Bridgestone A41 dual-purpose tires fitted to our test bike offer lots of confidence and grip in the wet and dry. It’s nimble at any speed but reassuringly stable, too.

All-day riding won’t be a pain, thanks to comfy saddle, fuel tank, natural bar position, wind-cheating bodywork, and screen. Despite its commanding stance, dirt-busting suspension travel, and massive front wheel, it's not overly tall. The standard seat is 20 millimeters lower than the F800GS's (860 millimeters), but accessory seats let you adjust the height.

The BMW changes personality when you blow some air out to let them grip the mud and soften the rear suspension (either manually or electronically if you choose the optional semi-active shock; forks are not adjustable).

It's just as easy to drive with mud in its tread as it is without. The standing-up riding position is just as natural as sitting down, and the Beemer is easier to handle on trails than the R1200GS or any of its more potent competitors thanks to its nimbleness and easy engine character.  

3. Specs

Model	2016
Capacity	853cc
Bore x Stroke	84x77mm
Engine layout	Parallel-twin
Engine details	Water-cooled, four valves per cylinder, DOHC
Power	94bhp (70kW) @ 8250rpm
Torque	67 lb-ft (92Nm) @ 6250rpm
Top speed	135mph
Transmission	6-speed, chain final drive
Average fuel consumption	60.5mpg tested
Tank size	15litres
Max range to empty (theoretical)	198miles
Reserve capacity	50miles
Rider aids	Traction control, four riding modes, and a lean-sensitive ABS
Frame	Steel bridge-type
Front suspension	43mm type
Front suspension adjustment	None
Rear suspension	Monoshock, ESA strut
Rear suspension adjustment	Preload, spring rate, rebound
Front brake	Twin 305mm disc, Brembo two-piston caliper
Rear brake	Single 265mm disc, Brembo single-piston caliper
Front tire	90/90 21 Bridgestone A41
Rear tire	150/70 R17 Bridgestone A41
Rake/Trail	28°/126mm
Dimensions	2305mm x 922mm 1356mm (LxWxH)
Wheelbase	1593mm
Ground clearance	N/a
Seat height	860mm (835,870,890 options available)
Kerb weight	229kg

 

4. Rental Price

F 850 GS
1-10 days	180
11-20 days	170
21-30 days	165
31+ days	160

BM travel motorbike tour with the position being top 1 Vietnam motorbike tour operator, we've guided many kinds of tours in Vietnam, Indochina such as Enduro Tour, Off-road trip, Motorbike tour, Road Trip or Pillion Passenger tour… Not only you can hit the beaten track on remote mountains to relaxing rides on dramatic busy coastlines, but you also ride offroad through deeply lush green jungles to move your soul on two wheels then enjoy fresh air from rice terraces. From dirtbike XR 150L, CRF 250L, DRZ 400 to Honda CB500x, GS 1250S you will conquer Vietnam or Indochina in the best way.
Vietnam Motorcycle Tours Club is the only company offering high-quality enduro bikes that are routinely inspected and serviced to make your off-road enduro tour the best it can possibly be. We are currently using:

• Honda CRF 250L Review
• HONDA XR150
•  HONDA CRF150L
•  SUZUKI DRZ400,
• HUSQVARNA 701
•  HUSQVARNA FC450
• CB 500X ADVENTURE
• TRIUMPH TIGER, 

BMW GS1200... for the off-road enduro tours within Vietnam and to neighboring countries. Power will never be an issue with our range of 150cc to 1200cc bikes for one hell of a ride. We understand the importance of maintaining our fleet to the highest standards. We also regularly replace our entire fleet of bikes and riding gear always ensuring you the very best enduro and motocross experience guaranteed.
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