Driving report BMW F 850 ​​GS (2018)

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Driving report BMW F 850 ​​GS (2018)

Strong long-distance travel express on and off-road

BMW launched the counterattack on Honda’s Africa Twin with a completely new two-cylinder engine. The BMW F 850 ​​GS has the best facilities for this, as we learned at a first encounter.

The principle is well known, the motorcycles are completely new: BMW presented two models at EICMA 2017 with different performance and for different requirements, but with the same new two-cylinder engine. The stronger and higher F. 850 GS replaces the somewhat outdated F 800 GS travel enduro.

Despite the different model names, the BMW F 850 ​​GS and its little sister have the same cubic capacity, namely 853 cm³. The in-line two-cylinder is a new design and in the F 850 ​​GS offers an output of 95 hp, which corresponds to the current class standard of travel enduro bikes of around 1,000 cm³.

The frame, which consists of two halves made of steel welded to form a bridge, is also completely new, with the motor supporting. The BMW F 850 ​​GS has the tank (15 liters) at the front between the handlebars and the seat, no longer underneath. Due to a technical trick (crank pin offset), the in-line engine, calmed by two balancer shafts, sounds like a 90-degree V2. Unlike its little sister, the F 750 GS, the 850 has a 21-inch instead of 19-inch front wheel, which gives it better off-road capabilities.

In terms of electronics, the new BMW F 850 ​​GS comes with three standard driving modes and traction control as well as everything that is currently good and expensive. Keyword expensive: Most of the accessories cost extra. This also includes cornering ABS (BMW "ABS Pro") that is available ex works and the option of using a connectivity function to network your smartphone with the motorcycle. With connectivity equipment, the driver can not only make phone calls or listen to music while driving, the navigation system can also be used via the TFT screen, which then replaces the standard cockpit.

The price for the BMW F 850 ​​GS starts at 11,700 euros. It will be available from dealers from May 12, 2018.

Can be on the road, but also off-road

Bmw

From 2,000 turns, the booth slowly comes to life, from 4,000 there is a lot of pressure and from 5,000 sustained slight vibrations.

In Spain we were able to drive the F 850 ​​GS for the first time. Get on the saddle, adjust the five-way adjustable hand lever, arm the keyless start system, which is subject to a surcharge, and bring the twin to life. He no longer sounds tinny, but makes a civilized Duc. As promised, the clutch can be pulled more easily and metered cleanly. For a successful start, however, sufficient speed should be provided so that the car does not stall with a pop. The first few meters show that the ergonomics of the comfort bench and high handlebars are perfect for a 1.90 meter tall man. We already know the good clarity from the predecessor.

With its 21-inch front wheel, the F 850 ​​GS can be chased through the alternating curves with great precision. A slight boost on the wide handlebars is enough and the GS steadfastly picks up ideal track weather on the Bridgestone tires. The non-adjustable upside-down fork swallows fine edges comfortably, but it also easily swallows rough distortions. The hindquarters of the optional Dynamic ESA shock absorber confidently stay on course. Only slippery manhole covers let the traction control indicator light briefly. Dynamic is also the premise for the choice of driving mode. The two-cylinder grabs a lot more snappy, looks more dynamic and lively than in the other modes (Rain and Road as standard) and can sometimes lift the front wheel a little. The twin’s performance is not reduced in any mode.

From 2,000 turns, the booth slowly comes to life, from 4,000 there is a lot of pressure and from 5,000 sustained slight vibrations. The engine turns more greedily and willingly than before, but it is still a long way from being a sports engine. At 8,000 turns, the air is noticeably out and the next gear is required. The gearbox wants to be shifted with a bit of emphasis, but the connections fit well, whereby BMW has the bottom three shorter and the other three longer. Brings liveliness around the bottom and should save fuel at the top.

The F 850 ​​GS is no problem with the brakes. The front double disc brake system can be finely dosed up to the ABS control threshold. Optimized for studs and off-road driving dynamics control, the F 850 ​​GS also cuts a fine figure in light terrain. The traction control gives the ABS-free rear wheel a very long leash and brings refreshing drift angles on the loose ground. The ESA shock absorber, which now also works in enduro mode, ensures good ground contact. The 850 also takes rough holes and edges with ease, but flight insoles push it to its limits.

Video from EICMA 2017

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