I made the switch from a 1200 GS to a 850 GSA also. Your comments are right on! I love mine as well and have no regrets. The 1200/1250 is an amazing machine but has just gotten too big and expensive for me. I commute, tour and off road my 850 and it always makes me smile!
very true words my man !! i have owned a few big bikes and i went back to mid range cc bikes and for me mid range cc bikes are the best .A famous man said " when your on a trip you will never ever wish your bike was bigger , more cc or heavier . great review ! ps. ride safe . ( 30yrs riding )
I have the same model, first adventure bike and love it, done nearly 5000 miles. The downside is its weight and height being vertical challenged but I did purchase a lower seat.
What height are you and does the lower seat allow you to get both or just one foot down? As I am 5.7” and struggled with a Tiger I had for a while, but just love the look and feel of this bike, so really tempted, hence the question. Cheers
@@georgewatt354 The lowered seat drops it down to 835mm. I had the comfort seat 875mm which was to tall for me. I am 5' 7" and with the lowered seat I can put both feet on the ground which is much better.
I’m surprised you struggle with the tiger ? I have the new GT pro and the seat goes down to 805mm there’s even a low option, in my opinion it’s a all round better bike than the bmw 850 ! Both are good though 👍
Great real life review, and in the rain. My wife also thinks I'm mad, just love being on my bike rain or shine. Not a fan of snow and ice I walk or go in the 4x4. Please keep going the way you guys are. Too many you tubers have become too commercial, sometime almost an advert for what they are reviewing. Happy new year and let's hope that 2021 is a better year for everybody.
Good review . I moved from a KTM 1290 SAS to an F850GS and no regrets. You’re right re the quick shifter though -it’s rubbish. The Triumph 900 Rally Pro QS is top draw I still bought the F850GS. Both good bikes but the GS edged it for me
Great review in ideal conditions for testing tyres and bike. I've heard so many people saying that you need the extra power of 1000cc plus, to keep you safe. Yet you don't miss it? The joy in your voice, from riding your bike was good to hear. Hope you can do some more soon.
Great honest review, and in reality I think adventure style bikes are right bikes for our climate 👍I nearly bought the 850 gsa , great bike ,but I went for the Triumph Gt pro , but any bike that gives you a smile is the right bike 👍
Less CC doesn't mean less fun, once you've parked the ego having moved from something more substantial, I've found it actually builds confidence in the ability to do stuff you wouldn't have with the bigger and heavier bike.
You have tempted me to have a test ride on one, let’s see if I am tempted enough to treat myself for my 2021 tour, assuming we get some normality back, great vid👍
Mark totally agree with you about real-life riding reviews, I purchased earlier this year the R1250RS and I was amazed at the spray from the bake wheel (my wife was, as she got caked) and with a few more wet runs I got it sussed fitted the Hugger and some other goodies from Nippy Norman's and new we have a happy bunny pillion even in the wet ;) Good review and have a safe new year
Thanks for the super review, Just ordered one and can't wait to pick it up in two weeks. I rode both the 1250 & the 850 and yes there is a difference between the two but, for the amount of two-up riding, I would do it was not worth the extra 25% costs. Keep the reviews coming lads, if you are ever in our neck of the woods in Eastern Switzerland, drop in for a beer or brew. Cheers!
Hi Mark love the Review ,I Went down the same line i.Had a Triumph Tiger Explorer XRT gen 2 all the bell and Whistle but i couldnt park it other than on the flat when fully loaded, Too Top Heavy !!! so I bought a Ducati 950 S Tourer ,Love the Bike even better specs as per your G S 850 Adventure ,But havent noticed any power loss ,infact less is more .Ride Safe my quick shifter works the same ,dont use it on 1st to 2nd ,more revs the sweeter it works
I am on my second F850gs and the should not handle like it does it a great bike the only thing i don’t like is the noise engine and as for tyres the first one I had it had the Bridgestone on but the one has the anakee 3 and as for the quick shifter try rolling the throttle off when you use and it work well at low rpm
You guys have been fantastic though out this year with great reviews and laughs along the way. Hope you both had fantastic Christmas and here’s to a much better 2021. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Living just a few miles from Cornwall I can honestly say the GSA or equivalent is probably the way to go as it rains almost all the time. Winter is horrendously wet and muddy. I also live in the countryside where tractors are the main issue causing mud on the roads and basically ruin the road surfaces. A normal road bike doesn’t really give much confidence for the conditions. I have the 1150GSA but looking at the reduced height 850 as being vertically challenged. The cost difference between the 1250GSA and the 850 is staggering.
I have to agree with regards the tyres. I have them on my 2018 Africa twin. Many people say there rubbish in the wet but I've done many miles of wet and muddy roads as I live in Somerset where ther farmers like to dump all thier crap on the roads, and I've had so issues I've had the odd slip but thats due to the amount of detritus on the roads not the tyre plus they are about the only decent tyre you can get fir a 21inc front wheel. Many of my friends said I wouldn't be able to corner with the big front wheel and coming of a tiger 800 for the first few miles it was strange as it didn't dip in as quickly but now I honestly have no issues and think I have more confidence in this bike than the 800 Happy new year keep the vids coming
Great video of real life with the bike! I’m moving to England from the US in a few weeks and will be getting a new bike immediately after so I’ve been watching tons of reviews. I keep going back and forth between the 750gs and the 850gsa. Can’t wait to test ride them both and find out which is the best fit for me, cheers!
Hi Mark can I start by saying amazing review yet again honest and to the point. I've just ordered the same tyre's for my Africa twin wasn't to sure what to go for but I've always been a big fan of bridgestone so looking forward to many smiley miles on the A41s. (by the way I love riding in the winter keeps youre mind awake) keep safe. 👍
That problem with the satnav happened to mine as well it would jump from road view to trail view then the world. I was on my way to the dealership when it did this and luckily it was only a few months old so they just gave me a new one.
Nice review. I have the standard 850 and agree it's a great bike and considerably less money than the 1250. Yes you loose the shaft and telelever suspension but is that really worth the extra £7-8k? Electronics wise they are the same and as you highlight the mpg is much better on the 850. I fitted barkbusters to mine and with their storm hand guards they are great in the U.K. weather. Ride safe ✌
I ride the standard F850GS, it currently has the anakee 3 tires and I find them excellent (+ 10,000km) in all weather conditions especially the rain. I’ve heard you mention the ‘panicky 3’ before and I do not doubt your experience but you should consider/include which bike you had the negative experience.
Very interesting recommendation for the smaller GSA - and certainly a bike I'll test when it's time to swap my 1250. Also good to see a bike being ridden in real-world conditions. By the way, I'm currently on my 4th NAV VI - since June 2019. It seems they are not built for wet and cold conditions!
I have the same exactly bike and also after one year still enjoying the bike just like your self! The main use of the bike is to commute and thats what I look forward evertime I go to work! LOL Please do a review on your new navigation bracket because I am looking for one also! Thanks for your review!👍
Good vid and thank you for a honest revue. There is a known problem with the navigator thumb wheel BUT I wouldn’t advise using cruise control in the rain or muddy conditions as you have no control if it aqua planes or slides.
Great video Mark! I completely agree that the 850 GSA is an incredible bike. Ive owned mine for just over a year now and I love it. Not sure which other Sat Nav bracket you're looking at, but I can fully recommend the Givi mount. Had it fitted to my bike for about 6 months and its a brilliant bit of kit. Really solid with no vibrations at all. It's the Givi FB5134. Certainly worth a look mate! I also have the same Scorpion helmet which I also think is awesome. More F850 GSA videos please! I hope you've had a lovely Christmas, and all the best for the new year!
I had the same problem with my TomTom satnav screen, again just after the warranty ran out, I found a guy (via Google) who replaces screens on all manner devices, he said its a very common problem (screen going beserk), and to make sure the screen is well protected when storing. The cost was a fraction of a new satnav and has been OK since (3 years + 🤞). Cheers, Gordon
Glad to see that video cos I was thinking of them tyres as I bought a second hand Africa twin with 21in front wheel and the dunlop tyres give me no confidence in the wet so I'm getting them
I know it's been a while, but it might help someone. Quickshift is only designed to work under hard acceleration... and not really in the first/second gear.
Lovely road and bike! Concerning Michelin tyres: I've got Michelin Anakee Adventure tires on my R1250 GS and I'm very happy with them! Very stable, lots of grip also on wet roads and the wear is amazingly low. Copes with moderate off road stuff as well so i can only recommend them. My only complaint is tyre noise at the front but I am not sure if it's the tyre or the bike layout causing it because I've heard the same complaint from riders with different tyres on their GS. I've never ridden the Anakee 3 so i can't compare with those.
Hi Mark,great review and glad your enjoying the bike. Please can you tell me where you got the hand guard extenders? I buy alot of my 1200 GSA bits and Bob's from nippy normans and I can only find the smoked hand guard extenders. I was wondering if the ones you have being solid black would fit my bike. Many thanks,keep up the good work.
Great review and that road is a awesome ride any time of year bar emits season . Hopefully get a test ride on the crf1000l and standard f850gs to use on my 11 mile cumute in clay county. Keep up the vids they keep us all weather biker entertained
The A41’s are great tyres and are confidence inspiring. However I found that in their latter life with probably 3 to 4mm left on them their grip diminishes a lot especially in the wet. I have changed now to Pirelli Scorpions
Mark, awesome video review. Please tell me the name of the rear fender you purchased as an add-on; very interesting. Thanks from Burlington, Washington (USA).
Thank you for the informative review. I have the 2020 F850GS Adventure Rallye, a terrific bike. I've found the same vibration issues with Wunderlich nav relocation bracket, both on and off road. What is the emergency services bracket you mentioned please?
Thx for your review/video! Well done and very honest. Have you any information about the gasoline consumption while touring? Are you using a specific device for your chain to maintain the lubrification? Thx again!! :) Happy new year form Brussels
Not been touring yet so expecting the MPG to be much better. For the chain I’m using a spray wax which I apply after a ride. I did have a PDOiler but couldn’t get it to work. Ride safe.
Great review! I've put 5,000km on my 2019 F850 GSA and love it as well. Would you recommend the BMW Garmin Navigator VI? Would it be possible to provide links to the accessories you've added to the bike? Thanks!
Greetings from the US! I love your GSA and I’m interested in the seat you featured in your video. I have a 40 Year Edition and I’m looking for a better seat, as the stock seat is a torture device. Can you share some more details on that seat please. Cheers 👍
It’s a stock seat with a 3D mesh scooter cover fitted to it. It cost me about $5 on eBay. Have you tried an Airhawk seat? They are brilliant. Ride safe
Love the VT85 with all the boxes. Unfortunately because of our location the nearest dealer is 100 miles away. Would I change my GSA for the Guzzie? No! Ride safe.
My 1250GS has the A41 Bridgestones on it and I'm really pleased with them too. They remind me in some ways of the Metzler Tourance Nexts I ditched my 1st set of Panakies for on my 1st 1200 GS. Makes the bike nice and nimble but it's sure footed too. Ah...but... those press launches also pick very smooth roads too so hardly relevant to UK riding which is why I watch you 2 and others like TMF. As a question on that last overtake why didn't you use the QS then as that's when I use mine the most on my tractor😉
@@markholroyd5365 Fair enough mate, ask Toby😂 In all seriousness my 1st GS didn't have a QS as I thought what's the point of those. I had one on my 2nd as it was a new UK sourced bike rather than a factory build and although it wasn't the best I found it really useful on overtakes if I had to change up part way through as you don't get that interruption in acceleration. It's typical BMW, you don't think you'll want it until you've got it, then you don't want to be without it😉
Hiya Helen the screen has two positions. I gave it in the high position (I’m 5ft 10in) and have no issues with buffeting. You can by after market versions. Ride safe.
I've only had my licence since Oct last year (2020) and ride a 09 plate Honda Transalp XL700VA, listening to you talk about the trust you have in your tyres... I'm struggling to trust my tyres (bridgestone front, unknown rear) in damp or wet conditions. Feeling that I'm gripping too tight onto the handlebars which makes my wrists and arms ache.. About to contemplate changing the tyres go michelin anakee adventure.. Any suggestions greatfully received... Great channel, stay safe and take care.
Simon, where are you based? It sounds like you would really benefit from doing an advanced rider course either with RoSPA or the IAM. Have a look at some of our training videos they may help. If you are gripping the bars too tight try gripping the tank with your knees. You will instantly find your hands and shoulders relax. Riding should be fun and it’s a shame you are struggling but it can be sorted easily. HNY!
How do you experience the less HP compared to the gs. Ik currently own a KTM with 135 bhp. This bike looks sick but im afraid it's to weak compared to my KTM
Liked the review and you're comments about touring not always going hard .went on guided tour 2years ago .felt like you needed to be moto GP racer missed the point for of touring. Like bike looking to change my versys 1000 for something abit lighter and easier for the to get on and off.
Isn’t it a shame that tours are run in such a bad way? If you want a tour that is nothing like the one you have been on take a look at Magellan Motorcycle Tours. I guide for them and the guide is always at the back with a policy of not overtaking the clients... You would love it. No pressure to ‘race’. Ride safe.
Are you able to tell me where you got the rubber footpeg inserts from? Also, I had no problems with the Ankee 3 in very wet roads with no thought on loss of traction or feel that they are slipping/losing grip. I think you may find that on the F850GSA they are a lot different to the F1200/50 GSA
For the foot pegs we did a review on them so gave a look in our library. They are also available on Nippy Normans website or through Wunderlich. Thanks for the comments on the Annakee 3’s. Ride safe.
I’m coming to the realization that I would like something lighter than my 1200 GS. I hadn’t even considered the 850. Have you had a chance to ride it in heavy winds? Thanks for the excellent review, I will look into this bike.
Bob on the day I did the video the weather was awful and so windy. The weather protection is IMO better than the 1200GSA and I have had five of them... ride safe
@@bobvandick2546 no the bike doesn’t get blown around but in my experience if you grip the tank with you’re knees it stops anyway.... As for the drop in power I have not noticed at all even with a pillion.
Would be interesting to compare it with the tiger range and the Africa twin. I’m considering down sizing too. Reliability will be my overriding requirement as I’m about to retire so needs to last past its warranty. I still think 70mph is too fast down that dual carriageway into Truro. A soon as there is an accident the authorities will limit it - sadly it’s only a matter of time.
Hiya Stix on wheels. We are hoping to get out on more bikes but because of tier restrictions it’s difficult. We have done two reviews of the Africa Twin and I loved it! The reason I went with the GSA is that the panniers I had were directly transferable from my 1200 without any extra cost as the frames are the same. Have a look at the link. The hill doesn’t even get a mention for any accidents. www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/178-worst-accident-blackspots-cornwall-3780293 Where are you based? Ride safe.
Thanks for that Stix on wheels. It’s a shame that they don’t give an indication of types of accidents either bikes or cars. I get guys ready for their Advanced Motorbike test through RoSPA and use that hill all the time. I think it’s made more dangerous because people are using the wrong lanes and speed inappropriately.
@@markholroyd5365 they do have stats on request. The suggestion is, constant change in speed limits along morlaix ave from 30 , 40 and the to 70. I am a full member of ROSPA .
Hi Mark, super impressed with your riding skills (70mph in cruise going down Morlaix Ave)!! I also watched a very informative video you posted a while back riding back from Saltash via the Glynn Valley almost all the way using the engine to brake. I would be really interested in your thoughts or comparisons on Engine braking v Trail braking. There is a look of debate on which one is the more efficient, most reactive and safest to use, particular on our often wet an muddy roads. Loving the post by the way.
Surprised the seat has enough room for the huge 'pair' you obviously own, just watching you on those corners had me wetting myself!!!! Like it, but...........!
I was really tempted by an 850gsa myself but ended up with a 1200gsa instead, but the 850 is a great bike. I have the A41's on my 1200, and oddly enough I feel about them as it seems you do about the anakee 3's (which I agree with you on). The A41's on my bike just feel weird, the rear is perfectly fine, but the front is just unpredictable, I think that's how to describe it. I'm not quite at the point of calling it an unsafe tyre, but to me it is not a confidence inspiring tyre.
