I was a Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, KTM dealer for years and would never own bikes I did not sell. I sold out in 2007 and within a week of the sale I bought a R1200GS and an HD Street Glide. I sold the HD in less then a year and I will never be without a BMW, they are a step above it the way they feel and how everything works on the bike.
Most people don't/can't understand that. I have been a Harley, BMW, and Japanese bike mechanic, and my sentiments and experience is the same as yours. Bmw is a cut above, but they must be well maintained. I don't know how much trust I would place in a used one. Just because of initial high quality doesn't mean they will still have that quality if ridden 20k without maintenance.
@@chadkline4268 you have any experience with 2019 and up f850gs adventures? Heard some people talk about that the motor is bad cause its made in china.
Great review! You have a great gift for story telling and editing. Well done, bring more content. As a 850 GSA owner, I agree 100% with you. This is a great all around motorcycle!
Wow, what a GREAT review. Thank you so much for taking so much time to put this together. This is very high on my list for my first adventure bike. I moved to the Pacific Northwest and now I want to go off-road for the first time. “Smiled for eight hours straight” - that sounds like a great memory.
You’re welcome. I appreciate the kind words. Yes, every time I’ve taken this off the pavement I’ve had a blast and up in the North Carolina forests it is just so much fun. I’m sure there is some amazing riding out near you. So many great options out there now, best of luck with your purchase.
As another WNC resident and hard enduro rider, I really appreciate the review on our fantastic roads. I have been riding and racing BMWs for 20 years, and these roads here are some of my favorites. You are spot on with the 850 review, and really like the simple and humble description of the capabilities. Cheers!
I have put over 7,000 miles on mine just this season. It’s the best all rounder bike I’ve ever had, period. I get 53-55 mpg regularly so tank size is no issue.
Thanks for the review. Good to se this model is good quality, I had a R1200R and sold it after 40.000 km due to quality issues with ABS, bolts and paint
been looking into this bike for a bit now, im an avid BMW enthusiast but also love riding my dirt bike/atv offroad and this review has made me dead set on getting one, thank you!
Yep. Mine is the 2019 GS and same as mentioned. After many Japanese models this thing is flawless. Just don’t like the feedback through clutch due to quick shifter.
Great video! I owned a 2016 R1200GS until a bicycle wreck and subsequent injuries in late 2018 kinda led me to 3 wheels and a Canam Spyder. I hope to possibly get a 750GS a little later. I have followed your videos for a few years, always great stuff! I live in N C and ride the BRP often. My son just moved to Cape Coral from Charlotte, N C. Looks to be about 3 hours from you. Ride safe, and keep having fun!
My wife has the 21 750 gs. That bike is such a sweet thing to ride that I have decided to buy a GS as well. Just need to decide between the 750 or 850. I really enjoyed your review.
Been riding 1200GS for years. At 62, I’m thinking of doing international riding in either South America or Southeast Asia. So maybe an 850GS is in store. Hard to give up the power. But handling at my age may be what’s important. Thanks for the video!
Great video sir! I’ve ridden in many of the locations you featured in this video, it was great to relive those adventures throughout this review. Thanks for the hard work in putting this together. Stay safe!
Awesome review! I bought a F850 GS Adventure 5 or 6 months ago and couldn't be happier with it. I'm just planning to add cruise control and heated grips then it's just time to plan some longer trips. Keep up the great work!
They finally got the look right with this generation! Previous generation was just always 'off'. Yet, their last gen 650 was a looker and I see they took the same styling cues from it and improved on upon them. Great review thank you! Now I feel less apprehensive when considering this brand and this model. Cheers!
This was a great and entertaining review. I’m also a prior road bike owner (K1100RS) and am adventure-curious. Since you were not an experienced hand at off-road, I think a really great video topic would be what you learned in your first experiences. The best and worst experiences, and why, etc. Would be a valuable resource for many folks, I’d think. Thanks again!
Hello well said thank you for your excellent comment on this video,,,,2 thumbs up and keep going this way bud. This is the BMW I would like to have....40th Anniversary...
I hear ya, I love the way the AT looks too and, it's a Honda. When I purchased the new ones with the TFT weren't out yet, so these were missing some things I wanted, like tubeless tires. 👍
Thanks so much for posting this detailed review. I'm considering a f850 gs and selling or trading my KTM 790 Adventure R. It's so unreliable and spends most of the time in the shop chasing a new problem. I'm just sick of not having a reliable bike that doesn't break down every few months.
this help me out decide to get an adventure moto as my third bike. I'd like to commend your cinematography and honest no b.s review. Thenks man! Subbed from the philippines.🎉🎉❤
@@MotoTravelUSA Hopefully. Great video by the way. You've inspired me to get off road more. Ive kept the Karoo 3's on the bike. Great knobby tire for on/off road.
I rented this one for a weekend, w cruise control and quick shifter. First time riding something bigger than a 700cc from the driving school. It was amazing. Especially the upright seating position, wind protection on highway could be better for me at 1m89cm. But I really enjoyed it. Next one to try is the nc750x with the dct and the low center of gravity and the frunk and low fuel consumption, seems like the perfect commuter although maybe too small for me.
Really enjoyed this review. It's obvious that you really like the bike and have ridden it a lot, but you don't come off as a BMW fanboy. I am the same as you, mostly road rider but wanting to do more off-road... Problem is where I live... I need to drive pretty far to get to the trails. Top bikes on my list are the Triumph Tiger 900 and the GS.
Thanks. Very few gravel and dirt opportunities around me as, so much sand in FL. the tiger 900 looks awesome too and carries it's weight slightly lower. Some really great stuff on the tiger 900. I have 30k on the f850gs and still enjoying it, great do it all bike. Have a blast with whichever you choose 👍
I have a Triumph Street Twin now and I've really grown to like the Triumph brand. It's a fun bike to ride but pretty much just good for a couple hour ride, and no fun on longer highway runs. Fortunately I'm in Connecticut and we have a lot of great curvy, two lane roads with plenty of elevation changes, light traffic, and few stop lights. What we don't have is public trails. That's kind of why I'm thinking of getting a somewhat road biased adventure bike. I like the seating position, some wind protection, good handling, and ability to carry plenty of stuff with me. I want to take some longer trips, maybe some moto-camping. I've never owned a BMW, though. I think the cost will be about the same whichever way I go. I'm kind of interested in a quick shifter too... never had one of those! Thanks for the replies, and many more safe miles to you...
Ok Ok, youve sold it to me... I currently have an FJR 1300A and you know what its an awesome maching, full on motorway mile muncher, its smooth and fast but its damn heavy, and i like it but i just dont love it. i live in the Lake District in the UK and have been looking for something new, initially i thought about the 1250, but i dont need anything that big. i dont think. the F850 GS seems ideal. alot of our roads are small and narrow and if the mpg is correct i can travel the width of the uk and back on a tank of fuel. as long as it can sit at 80mph i mean 70mph for an hour or 2 on the motorways jobs a good un. thanks for this review and the 30k review.
First time to the channel and great video. I am a Harley touring guy but looking for an adventure bike. This bike work for a taller rider, 6’3” here. Ride safe
Thank you. Yeah i think it would work very well for a taller rider. Even though it’s an 850, it’s a tall bike. I’m 5’ 11” and can’t flat foot, so 6’ 3” seems like it would be perfect. Different seats offer taller or shorter heights too. The pre 2020 Africa twin adventure sports was one I was looking at too, that is taller FYI. Have fun with whatever you get, they’re a blast! 👍
Can't agree more; i got my 850 adventure this year and put 15000 km on it. regarding your fuel capacity, the Adventure variant lasts me for ~500kms , i guess 320ish freedom units :P equally this has been my first year offroading. One of the best bikes i ever owned,
Hi, New Subscriber. I’m glad I stumbled onto this. I have the 1200GS, but have been thinking about the 850. I’m just thinking something a little Lighter would be nice, but I do want to stay with BMW. I wish I could afford 2 Bikes. That would be perfect. I do Love my 1200GS and I don’t think I could ever Sell Her. I’ve put a lot into making Her my own. Aftermarket Parts, all kinds of stuff. Thanks for the Video and I’m looking forward to more.👍
A part of me wishes I should have bought this instead of my Bonneville T120. But, I'm SUPER excited to see if Kawasaki is going to release a successor to the KLR this year! I'd love to see the KLR sit at half the price of a GS, and be just as capable.
Great work on the review video! Agree with your overall assessment, great bike. I just put Dunlop Trailmax Mission tires on my F850GS as well, I’ve only tried them out briefly. They feel good so far. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
Absolutely love this review. I’m just about to pick my 2019 premium model up and like you, lots of road miles not next to no off-road experience. Subscribed and looking forward to watching some of your adventures inspiring my own. Also a RU-vid creator. JustTomTorque
Good review - I’ve got the 2023 F850 gsa Rallye edition. It’s a great bike but my only beef is wind noise. I haven’t found a windscreen big enough to eliminate this issue. Open to suggestions. Have anice day aftermarket windscreen now Wunderlic marathon but it’s not enough.
This is a really fair review. UK owner, 7500 miles, ride only between April to October (im old and its cold!). Ive the lowered seat and it kills me after 50 mins, have to use an Air Hawk cushion which defeats having the low seat! You've inspired me to have a go at off road. Can you share please the make of your crash bars?
Thanks for a great video. I’m just about to pick up my new 850 GS, and like you, it’s my first venture into off-road. Really appreciated hearing your experiences. Thank you!
Enjoyed the video, well balanced I thought. I have a 2019 model, ex demo and like yourself have been a street rider for many years before getting the bug back and wanted to do some off road as well as tour. Ironically as you have a FJR, I have a 89 FJ1200 in the garage which I just cant part with. Am enjoying the GS but there are some things i would change from stock which you,ve already mentioned; I would just add the back brake pedal sits too low for me and i only use the Shift Assist at high RPM going up the box. Just a minor point, but the black plastic dipstick, what were they thinking. Thanks again, from Ottawa, CA.
Dude, great review, I am currently in the market for one myself. Buuuut, I am more curious about how you edited this video. Is that what you do for a living? How did you get the mini bike and the lot for those transition shots?
great review, The only gripe I have with mine is the wind buffeting probably the worst bike i’ve owned for that but that aside it’s the best bike all round and i’m glad I took the switch.
I hear you, that dink windscreen is good for off-road but not for highway driving. I upgraded to a touring screen from madstad and switch out screens depending on what I'm going to do. Thanks for watching 👍
@@MotoTravelUSA yeah i am on the same page really, Upgraded to the stupidly expensive adventure adjustable set up from bmw which was not a huge improvement and now it’s sitting in my garage as i am on another screen. I have heard good reviews on the madstad I may have to invest this coming season.
Great video! I've really enjoyed your channel. Would you mind putting out a list or video of your modifications? I noticed the side wind screens and also interested in your thoughts on the crash bars. Thanks!
I'll do a video soon for sure, but here are some of the mods I've done- Barkbusters, adjustable shifter, adjustable brake, Givi racks, swmotech crash bars, sw motech adventure plate, sw motech skid plate, denali soundbomb, admore lighting brake light, kappa hard cases, mosko moto/BMW soft cases.
Wow, that was an amazing review! Very professional and informative. One question - did you consider the 850 GS Adventure? It seems like that may have been a bit better suited for your intended purposes.
Thanks, much appreciated. I did consider the adventure version, but only shortly. While the gas tank was a plus, I like the looks of the standard version better and wanted to add my own after market crash bars and part's.
@@MotoTravelUSA Hi. Can you share what aftermarket parts you've added? (Specifically what crash bars and skid plate). I am also torn between the GS and GSA. Thanks!
Awesome review, thank you for sharing. I am new to adv, do you think that getting the base model would allow room to fully build it up to adventure? Stay safe Sir!
Thanks appreciate it👍yes mine is the base model and I've added the parts I wanted to to go on adventures. Unless you mean not getting the premium package with it, I would highly recommend the premium package for the TFT and ride modes, you won't get Enduro pro ride mode without the premium package. Hope that helps
Very useful, sensible and helpful review. , I'm a beginner motorcyclist, my first bike at age 48 end am small 166cm,, so which bike of this equation is right for me? I drive daily to work in the city and also the highway( Commuting) and sometimes during a weekend round of recreational so, which one? F750 GS or F850 GS or Adventure
If you think you'll ever do off road a bunch, I'd say the 850. The 750 looks like an awesome bike, but will only be able to do so much off road, with the 850 you'll have it ready when you are. Both are great choices. Have fun with whichever you choose✌️
Great video! On my f850gs after 16k miles I can hear an electrical buzzing noise when I switch contact on but with engine off. Quite sure I never had this before. Initially I thought was the fuel pump that doesn’t cut of after priming. Testing the pump with my GS911 realised it does a different type noise,and no error codes could be found in the bike system. This buzzing can be heard under the fuel tank and if throttle is pulled this noise fluctuate. Did you ever had this issue on your motorcycle? Thank you for your time!
Hey, I am a bit late to the video....nicely done, I have the 850GSA. In regards to Road and Dynamic, my understanding is that throttle response is the same in each, the only difference with Dynamic is a different exhaust tone. I don't notice a huge difference between all the throttle modes....yes Rain is less responsive, but not by a large margin.
Interesting. I wonder if they have changed the programming? Because on mine there is a significant lag in response when in road vs dynamic. It's like a turtle vs rabbit from a complete stop. 🤔 Maybe I'll go test ride a newer one and see. Thanks for the info.
@@MotoTravelUSA When I go into the programming menu switching between Road and Dynamic has the message indicating an improved exhaust note. Which, with the cat delete, really makes the bike sound great. Lots of pops when rolling off the throttle, and a nice overall grow tone. My dealership doesn't update the software unless it is requested, and then they charge for it, so I haven't bothered getting mine updated since buying the bike in June 2019.
no doubt its a very good bike ,my bad luck with in 1500 KM ,the throttle became dead and the throttle potentiometer was replaced under warranty,hope it does not repeat.i have a harley street 750 no issues till 9000 km.now after throttle dead incident afraid to take 850 gs on long ride but it is meant for that.
@@MotoTravelUSA Throttle control potentiometer was replaced with new one.we were told in 2018 production a few failure of throttle control potentiometer especially the bikes which came to india even R1250.Any way after seeing your video getting some confidence.
Hi! Thanks for a Great review! Is it powerful enough for 2 up riding on highways with luggage? I own a V Strom 1000, but I’ve been looking at the 850 GS.
Thanks👍. As far as "isn't perfect," there's always room for improvement, but there are some things I'd like different: oil filter easier to reach, lighter, same modes as 1250gs, a little better gas mileage. Mostly small refinement things. The bike is awesome and fun.
hi after the intro, starting @ 0:28 you used a beautiful melody. can you tell me the name of the artist and the track? it sounds like a song iˋm searching for a long time now. thanks and cool bike!
I watched many reviews on RU-vid about the gs 850 and your review is the best. (Thumb up). So why the 850 not the 1250? I’m 5”3 I have been driving Honda fury for 9 years now because of my height. Do you think I can manage to drive the 850 even with the low seat?
Thanks so much, that's appreciated! I chose the 850 over the 1250 because of the weight difference, although not a huge amount, every pound counts. I also liked how you sit on the 850 and look over everything, rather than sitting in the 1250. As far as you height, check out jocelin snow, she's 5'1" tall and handles the 1250 like a champ. In addition to the lowered seat you can get the suspension lowered too, so that may help. Good luck and have fun with whatever you choose!
Loved your review, I am currently looking for a BMW F 850 GS. Started biking just in August on my F 700 GS which is such a great ride on the twisty roads in Switzerland where I live. As you have experienced the 850 do you See any advantage paying the price for an Adventure or is just marketing? Are they Different to ride on the road?
I haven’t ridden the adventure, so I can’t speak to how it rides compared to the standard version, I’d have to assume they’re very similar tho. The adventure has a larger gas tank which is nice, crash bars, metal skid plate, and hand guards. The reason I didn’t go for the adventure is because I felt there was better crash protection from third parties and I actually like the look of the standard version more. The larger gas tank would be nice, but I got a rotopax to supplement. Thanks for watching and the kind words. 👍
@@MotoTravelUSA I’m stuck between the standard model and the adventure model. I like that the standard model is lighter for going in the dirt, but the added tank capacity is appealing for when I hit the highway. Are you happy with the standard version, or do you think you’d get the adventure model instead.
I upgraded my windscreen to a madstad touring screen which gives you a mounting surface for a ram ball between the windscreen and the tft.. it’s awesome
Great review. have a new 850 gsa “in the mail”. The extra weight of the GSA make it less jittery on the highway? 3 essential mods? Thinking bash plate, bark busters, crash bars
Thanks 👍 have a blast with it! I would think the GSA would be about the same on the highway because of similar profile, but not sure. Good question- (For standard 850gs) 1- skid plate 2- crash bars 3- BMW adjustable brake pedal (if planning offroad stuff) 4- luggage rack GSA 1- skid plate 2- adjustable brake pedal 3- barkbusters Runners up- Tractive front suspension Double take mirrors Swmotech rear topcase rack The list can go on 😄
