BMW F850 GS Adventure First Ride Review - Better Than The Africa Twin? | Tall Rider Review
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- Опубліковано 15 вер 2021
- I once again managed to steal/borrow a tasty bike from Freeman Motorcycles to do a First Ride Review. My big question in my own head was "Is it better than the Africa Twin?". I did come to a form of a conclusion :D
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#bmw #f850 #review #firstride #f850gs
Do you like this style of bike? I have t say I really find them super comfortable for a tall rider like myself. I still do love my sports bikes looks but they're good looking really :) Anyway, let me know you're thoughts in the comments and don't forget to call Freeman Motorcycles if you want this one! Tell Toddy I sent you! :) Link to the bike here:
www.donedeal.ie/motorbikes-for-sale/2019-bmw-f850-gs-adventure-exclusive/28801402?campaign=6
I could understand why you are comfy being as tall as you are they seem to suit tall folks really well.
@Thegorillabiker Thanks for a great review! I am planning to go on an Alps tour and need to pick a bmw and as a 6’5 270lb guy I’m thrilled to find your channel! I have an AT 1000 and need to lower the pegs and raise the seat to make it work so this review is good news!! . Question: what’s your inseam?
I gotta say what impressed me the most on the video was the suspension on that bumpy road. That fork was going up and down and you stayed so stable. Well done review man!!!!!
I was so happy that came out how it did on the 360 cam, it was WORKING! :D Thanks amigo :)
Finally! I’m 6’6” and same weight it’s awesome to finally see someone my size on one of the bikes I’m looking at. Subscribed!
Haha glad to be of some help! Thanks! :) There's a few bike reviews on the review playlist if you have any interest:)
I bought the identical bike after having a R1200GS for 11 years. I absolutely love the 850GSA.
Ah nice! Best of luck with it :) Do you prefer it to the 1200?
@@TheGorillaBiker Absolutely prefer the 850. It has all the power of the 1200 with a 21" front and outstanding electronics.
Very interesting to hear, I'd honestly buy the 850 way before the 1200 :)
Would you prefer the 850 GSA or a 1250 GSA. I'm the owner of a 850 GSA and I'm extremely happy with it.
Love your review. It was the first review I saw on your channel and I immediately subscribed. Very professional and informative.
Being much smaller than you I opted for the 750 GS, same engine, downtuned a little bit but in general a great place to be in....very comfy and surprisingly nimble when riding.
Greetings from Belgium!
Chris
Thank you :) I'm very glad you enjoyed it :)
That's entirely fair the new 850 is a big bike for sure! I'd like to try the 750gs, they do look like a very nice bike, with what BMW are doing these days I'd say unsurprisingly nimble! :)
I must visit Belgium again some day!
This is the best video review of this bike on UA-cam! I have watched them all because I am taking delivery soon, your video is well put together, very helpful for people deciding what bike is best for them.
That is high praise indeed thanks! Best of luck with the bike when it arrives :)
I agree. The best honest and complete review I've seen on UA-cam. I'm still thinking about what bike I should go for and after this I think I've made up my mind :)
Great review. It has helped me to decide which bike I will buy for a retirement present for myself. Regarding the quick shifter, it is perfect for people who have arthritis. Not having to pull a clutch lever over and over will be a blessing. I have just placed an order for a 2023 F 850 GS Adventure . Thanks for a great video to watch. Liked and subscribed!!
Thank you, really glad you liked the video and found it helpful! Quickshifters are awesome, for that and for fun!! Best of luck with the new bike and I hope you love it :)
Been looking for the right adventure bike for ages, bmw 1200 gs, Africa twin ect, but after coming across the
Bmw 850 & great review think you convinced me with this 👌 get a lot of bike with extras compared to bigger ADV bikes
Well happy to help! :) It's a bike I actually think about a lot, that's it really, value for money in comparison to some of them it's a beaut! Best of luck with it if you do get one :)
I used to have the F650 GS and loved that bike. Nice one Mike
Thanks Ben :) You should get another one ;)
I rode Triumphs 800 tiger a few years back. Great bike and more than enough power to tour over any road. I am guessing that this one is the same. Great review.
I would say they're very similarly designed bikes indeed! I'd say the 800 was a bit sportier with it's triple tho :) Thanks man!
Great review, best I’ve seen 👍🏻 I have a 2018 sport model and love it, the only thing I added was a rallye seat, it just works for me 🤷🏻♂️😉
Thank you! :) I have seen the rally seat and it looks very nice, it adds a bit of height too to the seat doesn't it?
@@TheGorillaBiker I found the stock seat gave me lack of movement and at 6ft the extra height is 👌🏻 I can still touch the ground with both feet when stopped, keep up the good work 😉
Ah very nice, plus it looks nice :D Thanks, I will try!
Hi again, another cracking video. I bought my CB500X after watching the video you did of that. Loving that bike as my first full size bike. If you can remember I'm after this bike for my second bike, would you say this is bigger physically than the cb500x? As like you I'm a big guy. 6ft 3. Thanks again. Loving your new vids in the US. Thanks.
Thank you! :) Oh really? That's really cool to hear, thank you! Oh I remember most bikes I ride like it was yesterday :D Which is a blessing and a curse. Yes it's bigger, if you're tall just watch that screen as the stock variant likely won't suit you. Thanks! :)
Excellent presentation and a very informative video. Hopefully tomorrow I will buy almost the exact same bike with similar miles, 6000 although the one I'm going to view has the hand guards... Different country different spec I suppose, unsure, this will be my 1st bike...😊
Thanks....👍
Thanks! Glad you liked it :) It's about how people spec them from factory I think more so than country, everything seems to be an option on the online configurator :) Oh now that'll be a nice first bike! Congrats and best of luck with it!
You look good on that bike!! Is it snowing there?? Is that a two lane road (the first road you started out on)?? I like BMW's screens...Give me a big tach and speedo and I'm good. Some of the TFT displays out there are to busy for me. I am surprised by the axel vs. radial calipers in this day and age but like you said they are fine for this bike. I LOVE that they let you turn off the ABS. I love that you can stand up on it without having to bend over. I stand up on my ZX10 when I go for long trips but the bars are so low your back ends up parallel as you can imagine if you stood up on your SRAD. You like gold. That said I think it looks good! You do really solid reviews man!!
OC: I think I would go with cheaper and lighter. That said, I just struggle with the idea of multipurpose bikes because in the end multipurpose really means "not exceptionally good at anything". That is the racer in me that has always owned very specialized bikes. Take the original dual sport bike...horrible on the street and not terrible great off road (from a motocross racers perspective) but for the guy/gal that wants to ride out of his/her garage and hit some dirt I guess it works.
I felt good on it I won't lie :P No that was all of the little leafy things falling off the tree. Petals! They were petals! Yes that is a two lane road :P
I like their TFT screens, good layout and info but I'm with you, give me analog clocks any day of the week! :) I was too with the brakes, but they work reaaaaaaaaaaaally well so I suppose it's about balance. Personally though I'd still rather see good 4 piston radials on every bike ever. Yeah rear ABS off is a must if you actually want to take it offroad, and they made it super easy too in fairness. Hahaha yeah I'm the same standing on the SRAD and CBF :P I do really like gold :D Ironically not real gold, just the colour. Real gold is a waste of time :P Thanks man :)
I actually completely agree with that sentiment tbh, or would have until I rode a few of these ADVs. They really are excellent all round bikes and seeing guys sling the 1250 GSs around track shows they're capable as hell there too. I think you need to try get a test ride on one, I'd love to see what you think :) That said yes, a bike for a specific job will always be better!
Love your reviews, makes me want to trade my T7 to get this BMW
Thanks!! :) I'd still like to own one tbh, I'd also absolutely love to try a T7!!!
I just bought one and after 900 miles yes, I love it!
Glad to hear it! Best of luck with it :)
Currently own an mt07, since my bike is my only transportation i been kinda looking around for either a tenere700 or the f850gsa. Great review! upcoming season im going to testride both
I think your be very happy with the extra comfort and space over an mt07 as a daily with the f850! I've still not ridden a tenere700....I reaaaally want to 😭
Thanks!
Best of luck with whatever you do go for :)
@@TheGorillaBiker my thoughts exactly! I also would love to do some traveling in the future so im thinking the f850 would be a bit more comfortable for that. But i still wanna testride both :) thanks for the input tho!
@@mr.smirnoff4317 I'd imagine it would :) It's one bike I wish I'd had the money to buy along with the Africa twin :)
Oh absolutely test ride all them that you can :)
@@TheGorillaBiker ohh i will! 😁 you have any other recommendations on what bikes i should test?
Wow, you are conflicted between this and the Africa Twin :) To be fair, the problem you and other bike reviewers have is that there are few if any bad bikes these days. It's very difficult to find anything negative to say and as such, often very little to choose between similar machines. Although you have fun riding them, I don't envy you having to report on them :). I think at the end of the day, buyers will go with the brand they prefer for whatever reason that may be.
I wouldn't have either the Africa Twin or the GS because I'm too short (5'8" and a smidge). I was taller when I was younger, 5'9" and a half, but even that's probably not enough.
The mirrors have got to be better than the Z1000SX for starters. I liked that it has a centre stand and a proper front mudguard that stops muck getting on the engine!! (Big thumbs up). The colour scheme is really good looking. Not screamingly loud, but colourful in a very tasteful way.
Basically it's a great road bike (like the CBF :) ) with some off road pretentions. I wouldn't want to drop that in a muddy spot for instance.
Enjoyable as always :)
To be fair I'm conflicted between every bike ever :D This is very true and I actually recorded a video on exactly that issue today. There is always some small thing that bothers me, especially for taller riders which I like to point out, as yano, not many people my size doing reviews! :) True too, I think that are a lot like me out there too that are mercenaries and don't have a brand anymore.
You'd be surprised with the Africa Twin and low seat! You might actually be comfy on that setup :) It's slings very very low surprisingly :)
Oh god they are, the Zs mirrors were not good :D The centre stand is actually an optional extra too, which I found out later, it should really be as standard for a bike like this imo. Yes, I do always like and appreciate little bits of contrast on a bike, really wakes the thing up.
Very true!! Honestly I think it'd actually take a fall quite well! You don't have the issue you have with the 1250 that the heads are basically your crash points and the crash bars are very strong and mounted well!
Thanks Mark!
A few of my friends own the bigger version that bike and go on some sick adventures. It is quite tall and top heavy as well.
The 1250 GSA? Yeah I found the older 1200 GSA very heavy when I rode it, for me I'd go for the sportier version of them with less fuel range :) By all accounts brilliant things for a bit of an adventure either way :)
It is a great bike by the sound of it, with all the bells and whistles
There are actually even more bells and whistles available for it too, BMW know how to do optional extras :D
But it is a great bike, no doubt :) I'd have your Guzzi tho :P
@@TheGorillaBiker :D hahaha... no bells or whistles on that! :D
Still an absolute beauty of a bike :)
Underated bike.I would add a skid plate and proper hand guards especially if you do a lot of off road riding like we do here in SA.Cheers.
I do think it's forgotten about a lot and people just go to the 1250gsa. Very different bikes.
Sadly there aren't really a huge amount of places to properly off-road here, but yeah those would be very good mods! Thanks for watching
On a side note:It takes 5 min to clean the BMW's air filter which can't be said about the Honda AT.This is important in dusty countries like SA.
Ah that's actually very interesting, never would have even thought of that here! I just change my air filter once a year but it's really not dusty at all here.
Ihave the same shape and im looking for a bike! Love this one!
It's a great bike. I'd still buy one once I could get a better screen!
Ive a older f800 and they all dive at the front, i changed the springs in mine to progressive springs and it changes the whole bike. and i put a leo vance exhust on her , now sounds pretty nice to me. here's a thing ,the f800 vs the 1200 is the f800 is rated to carry more weight
That'd be a fine upgrade in fairness, I just wonder why they're not sprung better from factory! It's expensive enough they shouldn't need to save a very small amount on springs!
Oh really? I hadn't seen that. That's mad, I'd definitely pick it over the big boy even more then!
@@TheGorillaBiker I know. Any reviews I've ever seen for all the f800/700 650 etc all say the front is to soft. Don't know why bm don't put a good front end on them. fully adjustable forks from factory would be sweet but might hurt the 1200 sales.
I'm torn by midsized adventure bikes, my Tiger800 was light until I got it off road...and made me wish I'd bought a dirt bike which won't perform good for distances...though I guess different regions have off road areas that heavier bikes would be easier to ride.
Yeah like that hard packed stuff I see guys doing in Nebraska and such on the 1250gs would be perfect for this too. It's horses for courses really, I see these modern big ADV bikes as more 95% road and 5% off road bikes really. Like you said lighter is better for the rest. The Tenere 700 would be the ideal best of both I think.
There is no perfect bike unfortunately. Best we can do is to have two!
I took the exact same bike - 2019 Exclusive GSA - from South Florida (Miami) to Thailand -- 25,000 miles in 2019. I am 5'9" and got a lowered suspension and lower seat -- awesome. Wouldn't take another bike on the long and hard ride. I took a 2018 R1200 GSA from Cartegena, Columbia (top) to the very bottom of South America -- Ushuaia, Argentina. Too big on some off-road travel in 3rd world countries. F850GSA is perfect -- not too big -- not too small. Last, only one brand is eligible to travel the world -- BMW. You will never see another manufacturer on world travels (maybe an occasional KTM) so the choice really is F850 or R1200/1250.
That's class, I'd absolutely love to do a trip like that, how'd you transfer the bike across? I know you can fly yourself and your bike from Canada across to Europe :) Yeah I agree on the size, I haven't ridden the newest 1250GSA but I found the 850 a much nicer size and package overall, and they kind of are in direct competition!
I couldn't agree with you on the one brand thing, I know Honda would have something major to say, and Yamaha, I know of several people who've went round the world on GSXRs!! :D
Sorry for the delayed response, I was travelling home yesterday on too many planes!
@@TheGorillaBiker Hmmm -- I can say from experience from riding the world -- don't really care what Honda and Yamaha say. I stick by my 90% of world travelers that I cross in my path are on BMW's. I'm not bashing other brands -- other than KTM who seem to leave lots of people stranded in my experience -- and I'm not a KTM hater whatsoever... Just my observations. BMW's are solid bricks that never break -- its just the way it is. For those interested .... Flying your bike from the States/Canada to Europe is super easy and less expensive than you think. You get your bike to Toronto -- its a fun ride there and a no-brainer to cross customs within a minute and your in Canada. From Toronto, Air Canada and Westjet airlines both offer specialized crating and shipping over seas to London Heathrow. From London, you're starting a new ride again. You can literally get your bike into the Toronto airport cargo area for Westjet (the airline I chose), get on the same flight as your bike -- clear customs in London and a few hours later go over to the cargo area of Heathrow, clear your bike in minutes, unpack the crate and your gone the same day. Looking back, I actually flew Air Canada but either way -- same method.
Got an f850gs and agree. Still, i watched 120 episodes of itchy boots on yt doing fine on a 350 Honda all the way from down in Argentina to Alaska. After 5 seasons of episodes of her travelling the first, second and third world on Enfields.
@@ikwer111 Totally true -- having a light bike is super desirable. But, everything has its drawbacks -- like speed and on paved roads -- you really have to be prepared to go slow while your engine is at rev limits, safety when in third world foreign cities -- sometimes you need a kick of acceleration to get out of trouble in traffic -- and just simple comfort. But I watch her too -- not religiously but its very familiar with my travels so its fun to watch her navigate. Sometimes she seems cooler than me when getting in trouble -- maybe editing?
@@Coldgecko same here. She does things and steps into situations I would avoid. Seen too much. I think she has a very optimistic mindset. And an angel on her shoulder.
Way too tall for my stubby legs, I check one out at the dealership. When I got my R1200RT I got a lower seat, which helped. I like BMW's and I have the same issue with side stand, good safety feature. Good review. Cheers
Yeah it is a tall machine, built by Germans for Germans I suppose :P Which suits me as most bikes aren't for larger folk :) The R1200RT is a lower bike in general too so glad you could get that one to fit! Haha it's the reason I haven't deleted that wiring on my bikes, cus I do sometimes forget :D Thanks!
It looks a pretty bike, almost too pretty to take off road. Also looks very comfortable.
Oooo Quick Shifter - Nice.
It is a very pretty motorbike :) I'd still take it off road, they're made to be used after all eh :D I still have a comfort hangover from it tbh, the CBF isn't as comfy.
Quickshifters should be on every bike ever
@@TheGorillaBiker is the power trade off worth it compared to the Africa Twin? I’m also easy for bikes. I want to upgrade so bad. This covid lockdown has really dampened my plans.
Cool review man.
Great review. I personally would go with the Africa Twin. Currently have a 2014 v- Strom 1000 and a GSX 1250
The big Strom is an excellent touring bike have done two long trips this year and with the custom seat it's all day comfortable.
I have only ever owned one BMW a R1150R and that was a really expensive lesson. So once bitten twice shy. For what that bike costs it should be shaft driven and have the tele lever front end.
BMW. Bring more wallet. Build motorcycles weird👍 Just my opinion
The twin is very hard to beat in fairness, on price, performance, everything! Have you seen the new GSX-S1000GT thingy that was just announced? There's a bike for me :D A blend of your two bikes really :)
I will very likely eventually end up with a big Strom. Brilliant bikes!
That's fair enough, I know a lot of people who've had similar experiance which is why I brought up reliability, on the flip side I also know people who ride the hell out of their BMWs and would have nothing else! Maybe their quality control just needs work.
I dunno on the shaft drive, shaft drive is heavy too and eats some power so for this application I think chain is ok. The front end could be less divey tho for sure, or at least adjustable.
Hahaha bring more wallet :D
I like big guy reviews 👍👍
Thanks, glad to hear it!
@@TheGorillaBiker yes, 15% of Americans are over 6ft tall, 1 in 6. But few bikes are comfortable if you're over 6ft tall. It seems they are mostly designed for 5'6 to 6ft. And it's great to have a least one person over 6ft review bikes so we can see which ones are worth looking into.
AT all day long. Both my brother in law and riding mate had ecu failure on low mileage bmws
Oh really? That sucks, I haven't read much online about reliability issues on newer models but that's honestly the main reason I would go for the AT too, Honda. I will say though that every modern BMW I've ridden has been brilliant from a pure riding perspective.
My 850gs has so much power, I like the response in "enduro " mode . I am only 5'7" so I bought the low seat , and lowered the suspencion 2" , fits perfect now
They're relatively quick for their weight and size in fairness! :)
Only 6'7? 😂 I assume you mean 5'7?
I prefer lowered/raised seats instead of lowering links, then the bike still handles right :) Glad you have it nicely sorted for yourself now :)
@@TheGorillaBiker yes 5'7" 🤣 .
I used tourarech lowering springs in the fork and also the spring in the rear shock, it all comes in a kit
Haha I was wondering :D
Ah very good, and did you find the handling and all that was the same ? :)
@The GorillaBiker yes handling is the same, I just feel more comfortable in traffic and frequent stops because I can reach flat footed now
That's good! And makes perfect sense, I've never felt what it feels like to be tippy toeing but it doesn't look fun!.
The AT valve adjust is way better. Shim the intake only, the exhaust valves take a spanner.
Fair enough! I wish more manufacturers would make a way to do it without bleedin shims.
To reach the valve cover of an AT AS takes a lot of time... i checked valves at an 850 bike with 60.000km on it, no adjusting needed, the AT sparkplugs are also situated at a shitty place. I more like the ignition coils and less spark plugs on the 850.
Removal of the Honda fairing is also not winterproof, in cold easy breakable tiny hooks...shame on you Honda
I wish maintenance accessibility was part of reviews. I hate bikes where every little thing is a hassle to access, and I heard the F850GS is known for that.
I'd love to be able to do that, one day all things going well I'll be able to get loaner bikes for a little longer term and include that in there.
@@TheGorillaBiker actually, I may have been wrong because of hearsay. I made the statement that BMW usually cared to engineer things for easy access, whereas I viewed a video about changing the air filter on a Versys 650, and the fairing, gas tank, and seat had to be removed just to change the air filter. And lots of wiring had to be disconnected. And someone argued back that they had to remove the gas tank on the F850GS to get to the air filter too. And I just checked on that tonight and found out it is untrue. On the F850GS, you simply remove 2 screws that then opens a panel on the center of the fuel tank, and the filter can then be easily pulled out. Anyway, the point is that ease of maintenance is important to those that perform their own maintenance, and often people spread disinformation, and it would be good to see in all reviews. I care much more about that than how a bike sounds or looks. I care mostly about performance and maintenance/servicing. Thanks for your reply 🙂
A great bike indeed but I’m the same with going for the Africa Twin 😀👍
I just can't give up my love of Honda 😂😂
I have the F850 GS Rallye for 2.5 years. Rallye doesn’t have the large fuel tank as the Adv but it has similar if not the same electronics and suspension package. Your review is very accurate well done. I’ve done a lot of real world l/km (mpg) testing (km vs litres of fuel at fill up) touring and when commuting to work (N7 to Dub city) 50-100km/hr roads, I get 4.2 l/km (67mpg). On a motorway at 120kph for +2hrs, I get 4.8 l/km (58mpg). When in France at 130kph, I got 5.1 l/km (55mpg). I have very little negatives but here are some: Pushing it around or at a standstill it is a bit top heavy compared to other similar adv mid weights. Once you’re moving, that disappears and for a 21’ front wheel, it handles really well in the twisties. Stock screen gives very little protection, but MRA touring screen solved that. Otherwise I highly recommend the bike, it has been 100% reliable, the 270deg twin engine is fun to ride, frugal and easy on tires compared to the big brother 1250 which I like too.
Ah the smaller tank would actually interest me even more tbh with the same-ish electonics, the only thing I'd really really want is that up/down quickshifer. Thanks :)
That would be lovely as a commuter to be fair, my CBF is a nice chunk thirstier, like for the performance on the road and the physical size of the bike on the road that is seriously good fuel economy.
That's fair, it was heavyish at a standstill moving it around, definitely a bit weightier than the DL1050, that may have been the fuel tank too tho!
Glad to hear the MRA screen works, that's one thing I'd change immediately as it's really the only fault I had with the bike that'd annoy me.
Haha now I want one more :D Just need to find a winning lotto ticket :) Well I hope it keeps serving you as well as it has been :) Thanks for the comment :)
@@TheGorillaBiker Yes it has the quick shifter. It’s my first bike with one, and certainly a game changer. Electronic suspension is nice but I wonder about future cost if anything goes wrong. Plus the 3x preload settings are good but subjective, example you and I are different weight plus our gear maybe too. The Africa Twin would certainly tempt me for the next bike. I’d probably opt for the manual suspension setup and the optional quick shifter. Tubeless is a big thing when you commute for that rare occasion when you get a flat. I’ve lots of enduro experience and fixing tubed tires. However, when under time constraints of getting to work and on the side of the road…tubeless. I also like having the tire pressure warning system for safety but that’s personal.
Nice, I love them I even fitted one to my 1996 GSXR 750 :D Yeah that'd a very fair concern, the only good thing is you can always just remove it and fit a regular shock if anything does go badly wrong with a hydraulic preload adjuster, just as easy really.
I loved the Africa Twin when I rode it, it's been living in my head rent free for a while now. Yeah tubeless tyres would be an extra I'd get personally if it wasn't a standard option if I ever bought one new, if it was second hand I wouldn't not buy a bike due to tubes but they're definitely less craic when they go wrong.
Ah yeah I know the pressure monitors are decent but I check my tyres daily with my pressure monitor anyway as I am sad :D
Thank's for show how a large guy fit on this bike. I am 1.94 m and 85 kg so it will suit me good!
You are more than welcome :) It should indeed, you'll definitely have to do something about the screen but that's it :)
@@TheGorillaBiker I found that Puig has some higher screens for the F850 GSA.
@@erikbarkefors2441 higher would help or possibly lower and wider, either way definitely fixable :)
Hi, a beautiful and specific video, thank you. I purchased this bike two days ago. and I'm waiting for it, I read and I hear that the engine is not good because it is Chinese. what can you tell me? Thank you
Glad you liked it!! Congrats and enjoy the bike. Honestly some people have a weird obsession with Chinese made parts, a good % of anything on the market is made in China. You'll have a new bike warranty so it's not something I'd worry about if I was in your position :)
@@TheGorillaBiker thank you, we can say that it is a real BMW then and not a Chinese one? 😂
@@lorenzopiscopiello1563 Haha whether or not it has Chinese parts it's a real BMW 😂
@@TheGorillaBiker yes, I was joking😂 great video, really professional and a great bike
There isn't a huge difference in the weight between this one and the R1250 GS A, possibly with a lower center of gravity on the bigger bike.
Yeah very true, the weight on paper is similar but, from the(granted older model) GSA I have ridden I just wasn't a fan, I'm not sure was it the overall dimensions or what but I was a lot more comfortable on this bike. That said I'd love to try a new 1250 GSA to compare :D
Have you tried the 1250 GSA? For your height I can’t think of a better bike.
I haven't ridden the newest one, I'd love to tho. I have ridden plenty of other GSes and while I completely get the fanbase they have I've never fallen in love with them. I think I'd rather the S1000XR over one for instance. Or a Busa. Etc
Well yes different bikes completely. The S1000 is far more revvy. I can’t ride very long with my right knee too bent. The GSA is perfect for me. 4500kms in 12 days not a bother comfort wise. When you get past the 40 mark comfort starts to pay a prominent role. 😂
Yeah the S1000 would probably have me in jail in about a week tbh 😬😬
I'm the same my hip and knee on my right side are destroyed sadly so any form of cramped position is bad, I'll often hang my legs down on the CBF to get some relief 😂😂
I do really want to try the 1250....I'd might be the one that finally converts me 😂 That said Id very likely still go for the Africa Twin over one....just cus I love them 😂
@@TheGorillaBiker ye the Twin is a better bike if you want to off-road but definitely not on road. Let us know when you’re up around Wicklow if I’m free might be able to get you to try the 1250. Do a review up the Sally Gap haha. I tried the África twin 1000 not the new one and for me wasn’t as fun not as comfortable. Since I don’t do off-road at all almost it would be the GSA or the Multistrada which I still want a v4 but that’s even more money.
Haha hold on I'll head up there right now :P Thanks for the offer I absolutely will let you know next time I'm up that way :) That's fair enough, I suppose I need to try things long long term too for comfort stuff.
The Multistrada is a class bike....and I have a thing for V4 anything :D But I still don't like the front end :) A lot lot more money!
When I compare this video to the one you did on the Africa Twin it seems you drove this like you stole it and seemed to be having fun. With the AT you drove it very chilled. I know the AT had knobbies but that doesn’t explain the difference.
The funny thing is I was probably actually pushing the AT a little more on the knobbies, they do make a fair whack of difference on some roads and as far as I remember it was possibly a little more damp on the AT day.
That said the QS on the F850 definitely made me ride it a little more spirited, and possibly the auto adjusting rear suspension helped a little, you'd subconsciously feel a little more at home with a properly suspensioned bike!
I miss this bike and the AT tbh, wish I could have bought them both :D
Your a floosy ya luv em all ! : D like me .I liked this and was surprised to find on first look it's so tall cos it doesn't look it, well until ya sat on it and said . Toss up between this and the tiger you tried which would it be ,I have always tended to think BMs are expensive to maintain although I have a friend who always maintains his older GS1200 himself so maybe not . I do like this style but they are mostly all tall and I'm not although a lowered one would be ok as long as it still looked right esthetically . Great review always a good watch cheers : )
I will admit I am a sucker for pretty much every bike ever!! Yeah it's a larger machine for sure, but I think anyone with shorter reach could handle it tbh, it doesn't feel TOO heavy to move around like the Tiger 1200 did! I'd personally have that Tiger, I really loved that thing even with the weight of it. But I think I'd have the Africa Twin over either of them. Ah but older BMWs aren't so bad, newer one need the computers to reset stuff and all that jazz. Not for me. I wouldn't even say you'd need to lower one tbh! See can you try the likes of the 850gs or a twin, granted the Tiger is a tank and I'd avoid that if you couldn't flat foot it. Thanks Malcolm :)
@@TheGorillaBiker Yeh this is the problem that bikes are going or have gone the way of cars with so much electronics that ya can´t work on them any more without a major investment in equipment .Makes me wonder how they will complicate the electric stuff when it´s in full flow . : D
850 over the 1250 for me, although both are well outside of my meager purchasing envelope.
But they are nice bikes. I just wish Honda would get on to building a new 650-to-800cc 270-degree Africa Twin/Transalp that has a wet weight of 450-lbs. or less.
Haha same as myself man! I'd love to get myself a nice sitty uppy ADV style thing really but in reality none I can afford are better thanb the CBF. But they are all lovely bikes :)
Absolutely agreed!! I'd love to see something in the middle of like a Tenere 700 and the Africa Twin, call it the new Transalp and we'd all be winners then :)
Same. It's a nice bike..but start adding up those "extra's", and this quickly becomes a 15.000 euro bike, which is a lot of money. Like Like Shark says, I too am waiting for the new transalp. Something around the 9k mark, not too much electronics but the cruise control, and I am a happy man. (currently ride a 2020 cb500x)
Brand new it starts at 14,350 euro.....so way in excess of 15000 with all the extras I would imagine. Actually I just went and built this exact bike as new and it's 17,510 euro on the online configuration tool thing. Extras are extras for a reason I suppose and BMW have always known how to charge for them. That said I won't criticise them for it as they hit a section of the market(that I can't afford) but a bike is a bike and once a company is building bikes I'll be happy! Would I buy one used? Yup :)
Cruise control I've never used, I think it'd be nice for up and down to work though! I'll stick with my CBF1000 a while :) Ah very nice, lovely bike!
@@TheGorillaBiker You are correct. I was looking at the Belgian configurator for the GS , which starts at 12.690 euro. The GSA starts at 13.740 here. But yes, you are right, it is expensive
Ah nice you get the "not in Ireland" discount 😁😁 Expensive but we'll buy them when theyre used and cheaper eh :)
Honestly, this seat is a torture device. Had to swap it to Corbin in 3 weeks. Otherwise bike is awesome. As I see it pros - long mileage, technology, best warranty. Cons - really top heavy (off-road is chellenging), pricey service in north America at least.
front is good for tarmac, not adjustable.
I'll take your word for it as I only was on it 3+ hours, but I did find it very comfortable for my size. BMW service is expensive anywhere I think, just comes with buying that brand I'd say, I still think the biggest con for me was how loud that screen was in the wind. Height dependent of course!
I do think pretty much all these big heavy ADV bikes are aimed 95%+ at the road. That's where most people use them.
I would not say the AT is easy to maintain at all, and I think serviceability is the most important factor in any bike. And I wish it was a standard part of all reviews.
If I was able to get long term loaners to service myself, they would be, but as it stands the best I can do is look online for the currently available information and service manuals to see how it'd likely go.
@@TheGorillaBiker thanks, I appreciate that view very much, and apologize for the typo. A friend said it takes 10 hours or more to adjust the valves in the AT, thus my comment. So many things to remove and disconnect to gain access.
I didn't see any typo tbh! But I can barely speak English so there ya go 😂
10 hours for a twin is a bit much to be fair, but it's also a pretty rare service item, most engines will only need it 5-8 times in their lifespan and that's if you go high mileage
@@TheGorillaBiker the auto correct used: survivability
I meant: serviceability 🙂
Yes, I agree with you. It was an excellent review.
Ahhhhhh ok! 😂 Classic autocorrect.
Thank you! Hey if you ever do want to see me get loaners feel free to tell any companies you bump in to! 😂 I'd love to have them
I have one also and being 6ft2 the only real nag I have and it is a fairly big one for me close to selling is the wind noise. It’s the worst bike I have ever owned now on year 3 I do like the bike but the wind is awful.
That's fair. Cant remember did I mention it in the vid, think I did, the wind was definitely a lower point. Have you tried messing about with any aftermarket screens etc? I'd still love one.
@@TheGorillaBiker yeah tried a few and at the minute I have a MRA Vario which does help but it’s really not great. I heard the clip on visors make a world of difference so that’s on the to do list in the coming weeks.
Let me know how they work out! Hopefully they solve the issue for you as it'd be a massive pity for that to be the reason to sell any bike! :)
Like49👍
Great vedio 👌😍
New friend 🔔🔔🔔
You didn’t go off-road. Another useless comparison
Of course I didn't go off road. I'm not insured to and it wasn't my bike, and was worth a lot of money 😂😂 Ah yeah completely useless for that massive chunk of people who only use bikes on road 👍
Who cares, if you like offroad you shouldn't even be looking at this bike. Get T7 or ktm 890
@@enriquejaimes3368i have ridden a lot off road on my 850. I see no issues, other than a bit heavy.