BMW F 850 ​​GS Adventure motorcycle test

Menus

• Altitude
• Twin cylinder in line, 853 cm3, 95 hp, 92 Nm, 244 kg all full facts, 13,300 euros without option.
• Discovery
• In the saddle
• City
• Departmental
• All Terrain
• Highway
• Part-cycle
• Braking
• Comfort
• Consumption
• Video test
• Conclusion

Altitude

Twin cylinder in line, 853 cm3, 95 hp, 92 Nm, 244 kg all full facts, 13,300 euros without option.

The BMW F series started with single cylinders, an architecture that has been despised for the past fifteen years on motorcycles over 500cc. These were then Austrian engines, Rotax, just like the twins that followed. For the past year, BMW has subcontracted its vertical twin cylinders to the Chinese giant Loncin. What was not without some clashes (1,400 motorcycles recalled in 2018), minimal. Let’s face it, the era is in reducing costs and increasing margins. The F 850 ​​GS Adventure sells for 13,300 euros without options. That said, that of our test is far from it: between the Rally Style option (low screen, saddle and colors) and the Dynamic packs etc., it reached 18,560 euros! So how does it stack up against an Africa Twin, Tiger or 790 KTM and does the machine live up to its price? ?

95 hp at 8,250 rpm / A2: 48 hp at 6,500 rpm

Discovery

Small reminder of the peculiarities of the Adventure, compared to the F 850 ​​GS: its fuel tank, 23 liters, synonymous with autonomy, as on the big R 1250 GS Adventure. We could see a contradiction: a trail so high perched (saddle perched at 875 mm and even 890 mm with the Rallye saddle, fork travel 25 mm higher than on the 850 GS …. The original low saddle position allows lowering the saddle height to 860 mm) is intended a priori for off-road trips, where autonomy is less important than overweight. The capacity of the tank therefore provides information on the road inclinations of the Adventure, but then its saddle height becomes handicapping…. Has form taken precedence over substance? I can’t believe it! Ah ah ah !

LED headlight as standard, additional daytime running lights optional

The weight toasts therefore, it is higher than that of the F 850 ​​GS of 15 kg, but remains at 24 kg of the big R 1250 GS Adventure. The wheelbase is long (1.593 mm according to the BMW technical sheet, it specifies that the F 850 ​​GS Adv rear axle has an aluminum single-sided arm), the caster is slightly shortened compared to the F 850 ​​GS, to improve handling possibly hampered by the weight of the full tank. Metzeler Karoo 3 are fitted to this test bike, it can also be fitted with Continental TKC 80 or more road tires, such as the Michelin Anakee.

2,300mm in length, 1,593mm wheelbase

Two useful options are among the equipment of the model tested, the excellent, easy-to-read color TFT instrument panel and the keyless start (well kept in the pocket). Just press a large black button above the handlebars and voila. The dashboard is controlled by a switch on the left stalk, a higher pressure to scroll through the information, a lower pressure to enter the menu, we continue navigation using the large ring placed near the handle, easy and therefore safe.

TFT screen

The ESA Dynamic option offers several suspension settings, but they’re pretty well made, so you don’t necessarily have to resort to them. Braking is identical to that of the F 850 ​​GS, with two 305mm diameter discs at the front and a 265mm disc behind.

ESA rear cushioning

In the saddle

Quite a story for short legs. The notion of balance is essential. I step over the bike still on the kickstand, put myself on the tip of my right foot, fold up the kickstand, which I like the lug, go first and start … quickly! Once installed, the position delights me (at the same time, I love the trail position). The narrow saddle gives rise to fears of rapid gluteal fatigue, it will not be. Thanks to it, we grip the bike well to guide it. The width of the handlebars seems perfect to me, the arms slightly bent. Full tank (indication on the top of the dashboard), Road engine mode (normal, what), I advise.

Seat height 875 mm (vs 860 mm for the standard model)

Handy, very balanced, the Adventure allows improvisations of all kinds without having to put a foot on the ground, nice attention. The engine has a dry voice, a little metallic, without really charm, very efficient on the other hand, even under 3000 rpm. I have fixed a heavy backpack on the passenger seat, the anchors are numerous, good point for the trip. I supervise with all my height, only trucks and buses compete. Donkeys, potholes and other animal fantasies fade under the pleasant cushioning of the suspensions. Serenity, this is the word that best corresponds to this discovery of the F 850 ​​GS Adventure.

LED rear light

City

Here again, the driving position favors visibility, the narrow tires (150 behind, 90 in front) make the BMW maneuverable, the long wheelbase helps stability at low speed…. The controls come in quickly, flashing lights, warning lights, flashing lights, everything is laid out in a pragmatic way. The clutch control reminds of melted butter, the throttle reacts to the millimeter without brutality, only the gearbox sometimes has difficulty locking, you must avoid riding with too soft shoes. The side stand measures the right length, regardless of the drop in the sidewalk or parking lot. When stopped, the high weight means you should be careful, unless you are really very tall. If it were not for its high saddle height, the Adventure is an excellent urban, while its original destination is elsewhere. The flexibility of the vertical twin avoids changing gear too often, the extension further extends the rev range (peak of 95 hp at 8,200 rpm), I just avoid going below 2,500 rpm. The motor then starts to cough.

Maneuverability in town

Departmental

This is his hunting ground, right? A high trail stuck on thin tires and good suspensions, damn it could not lie. Very quickly, moreover, the GS established itself, at its beginnings, as a rally and small road motorcycle, at the very beginning of the 80s. Thus the commitment of many pilots to the disputed rally of the Pyrenees of the 1980s, 1981 and 1982, which also featured the first Triumph Tiger TR7Ts. We’re not there anymore, especially as it was the Boxer engine back in the day..

Torque: 92 Nm at 6,250 rpm / A2: 63 Nm at 4,500 rpm

The F 850 ​​GS Adventure holds its rank. The crenellated Metzelers made me fear random handling in curves, but it is not, the bike does not move. If you force the acceleration, you can feel the rear deform, but the feeling is perfect. Only the fork tends to dive a bit quickly, despite the hardest setting. The rest of the part-cycle announces that I am far from the account, it can take much more. The message is transmitted. Back to summer, relaxed use, the typically trail front end lets itself be guided, raised, allowing last second movements to pass. The long wheelbase and the thin front tire fit together wonderfully, the bike is guided with the tips of your hands, without tension. Question motor sensations, it does not follow. The power is more than enough, the throttle response perfect, but the intonation is not. Like what differentiates a microwave notice, clear, synthetic, efficient, from a literary text that is lively, funny or hair-raising, whimsical. At the same time, how can you blame a team of engineers for not striving to achieve perfection on the dyno, with a smooth torque curve, responsive electronics and coordinated with the mechanics? ?

244 kilos fully packed

All Terrain

I admit that I did not get lost on cross country terrain or even enduro stages, but we took gravel and gravel paths. The 244 kg imposed respect, like the saddle height. A wide gravel track, followed by a tractor path, on the edge of a forest, was enough for me. Standing on the footrests, the BMW is sweeping away its capabilities. In Off Road mode, the rear sweeps safely, the bike quickly regains its wheel alignment. It inspires confidence in rut changes, in tight turns…. The rear brake acts gradually, it still stabilizes the bike, you just have to see what Jean-Pierre Goy, off-road rider and stuntman, manages to do with this bike. Ditto for Tom Barrer, trial mountain biker and off-road motorcycle expert.

A high-pitched trail for all-terrain

Highway

In contrast to the small rural road, the three lanes of the A6 motorway appear disproportionate for Metzeler purposes. However, they retain the stability of the motorcycle at 135 km / h, regulator (option….) Engaged. The Rallye screen protects almost nothing, except itself, even in the high position. The original one is better, nothing more. Together, the F 850 ​​GS Adventure does not change its behavior. The grab handles, the saddle not too high, the duo is welcome. At steady speed, fuel consumption is 6.4 liters per hundred kilometers.

Favored by the boredom of the motorway, the idea jumps to me: it is all the same balèze to link the behavior in off-road as well as the neutrality on the main road. Our trails are great! For the record, a Honda XLV 750 did not perform any off-road prowess and the BMW R 80 GS was not as royal on the highway. Yes, it’s commonplace to praise progress, but it spurs "it was better before". Where we lost in some areas, we won in others, the counter is closed, it is 8 p.m., thank you.

Stability on road and on paths

Part-cycle

The immense quality of the F 850 ​​GS Adventure is its chassis. Except at a stop, where the weight is too heavy. Otherwise, what majesty on small roads, off-road, on the highway, in town…. In all these areas, it is superior to a Triumph Tiger XRt or other version and equal or even better than a Honda Africa Twin Sports Adventure, you should have both under the glove. The resolution of the stability / agility paradox is impressive here, despite its heavy weight. The narrowness of the engine, the long wheelbase, the good pivot of the swingarm, the correct weight distribution…. I once asked a BMW engineer how his team achieved such a result. He replied that part-cycle research began with virtual studies, using software developed for this purpose, but that nothing replaced testing, under all conditions, with different pilots. Take the time to do well ….

Stability at the rendezvous on the motorway

Braking

The double disc does not bite hard but it is progressive. This lack of bite in the braking attack does not prevent the fork from plunging a little quickly, it deserves to be better braked hydraulically. ABS goes on pretty quickly. Ditto for the rear.

Twin 305 mm disc, 2 piston floating calipers. BMW ABS deactivatable
265 mm disc. single piston floating caliper. BMW ABS deactivatable

Comfort

The driving position makes all the comfort of this BMW. The Rallye saddle does not appear soft, it is precisely firm but well designed, with soft edges and does not bruise either the buttocks or the lower back after 200 km (in this term, it is advisable to have a drink, comfort or not). The legs are obviously not very bent, you can get up easily to relieve any numbness…. The suspensions get the job done and the large wheels help with the imperfections of the road. And this is reinforced as a duo, with excellent comfort and a good position of the handles to make long trips as a duo. There remains the need for a ladder to climb behind without destabilizing the pilot, especially if he is small.

Wide and comfortable saddle

Consumption

As I said, the consumption measurement at 135 km / h counter stabilized on the highway is 6.4 liters. In mixed use and normal pace, with more of the city, it rises to 6.8 liters per 100 kilometers. Basically, the range covers between 310 and 330 km, which is quite appreciable. This is the benefit of the large reservoir.

23 liter tank
Efficiency at the rendezvous

Video test

Conclusion

The F 850 ​​GS Adventure sells for 13,300 euros without option (with a long-term rental proposal at 149 euros per month over 35 months and 25,000 km maximum), or 800 euros more than a KTM 790 Adventure but also 1,700 euros less than a Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports. But this last cube 150 cm3 more and its original equipment is richer. The catalog of options at BMW, as long as a Christmas shopping list, allows the F 850 ​​GS Adventure to catch up on the Honda and to reach the level of the Japanese price, as long as we stay reasonable choice of such options. Without forgetting the essential parts like suspensions, Showa adjustable at Honda. The Triumph Tiger 800 XRt is more expensive (14,800 euros) but also better equipped from the outset. All this to underline that the customer benefits from the reduction in the cost generated by the Chinese production of the engine only if he is satisfied with the basic version of the F 850 ​​GS Adventure..

Suddenly, it’s hard for me to say very clearly. The excellent chassis and driving position, essential points on a motorcycle, make me appreciate the BMW F 850 ​​GS Adventure (even if the GS, with its Boxer, does even better in terms of balance). Its height of saddle and its high price tempered the first ardor. And then this efficient but somewhat bland engine casts a new shadow on the table. Driving it on a daily basis remains pleasant, thanks to its overall efficiency, as was the Transalp in its time. The GS dominates it in every way, but it shares with the old Honda this ability to do well without charming. It’s a bike that we like to keep for a long time, that never pisses off except when you’re tiny, that adapts and dedicates itself, loyal and faithful. But he’s not the kind of good mate who gives a good night out, more the reasonable kind, who doesn’t get into perilous talking points. And as we are capricious, we want everything for 13,000 and a few euros! I think back to the Moto Guzzi V 85 TT and my eyes light up.

Strong points

• Neutrality and ease of the chassis
• Driving position
• Versatility
• Engine operating range

Weak points

• Engine deleted
• Lack of front brake bite
• Price and options
• Very high saddle height

The technical sheet of the BMW F 850 ​​GS Adventure

Test conditions

• Route: 750 km between the Paris region and the beginning of Burgundy, but above all in daily use
• Motorbike: good weather 20 and 28 °
• Motorcycle mileage: 3.200 km on the clock at the start
• Problem encountered: no

Test equipment

• Spidi Garage Jacket
• Shoei Hornet ADV Helmet
• Gloves Helstons Corporate
• Vanucci Tifoso VTS4 Shoes

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