BMW's R 1250 GS or F 850 GS : Which is the better adventure bike? Adventure Bike Review
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- Опубліковано 4 лют 2019
- Iain and Eric from Touratech USA are back with two brand new 2019 BMW GS adventure motorcycles! Join their ride and discussion above the clouds and learn what's new and what to expect from the BMW R-1250-GS and the F-850-GS.
Lots more to learn @ MOTOTREK.net/
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#R1250GS #F850GS
This episode was filmed just outside of Mattawa, WA @ goo.gl/maps/zcTx2tfxAkM2
MOTOTREK that answered my question. I was thinking outside of Ellensburg/Yakima. I’ve been watching every day for a new video. This one was great! Thanks Mototrek!!
Site of the infamous Stumpjumpers Desert 100. Full bomb start, 1200 riders full tilt across the desert. Crazy. Once was enough
I was in a BMW showroom yesterday and was so lost and overwhelmed; this video was so supremely helpful today!!!
Depends on where your going... I own both. Long, long rides -- comfy and don't need to take too much off road -- R1200/R1250. For more off-road and still long rides -- F850GSA is amazing. I rode a 2018 R1200 20,000km through South America -- Awesome. I took a 2019 F850GSA from Miami to Thailand -- 30,000 km ride -- Nothing better than F850GSA. BMW's don't break -- KTM's are known as an issue on long rage rides. Trust me... Know your requirement and either will suit you... Don't listen to experts -- I've put on 100 of thousands of miles... Either will make you happy and wont break down which is huge and will overcome some fancy marketing and lighter weight.
I've heard people say that because of the lower center of gravity of the boxer, the 1250GS is easier to ride... do you agree?
@@aka_pierre it’s absolutely correct. I’ve spent a lot of time on both and own the F850GS. I love my F but the R is just easier to ride.
@@noahnitikman2436 yea I agree. I have the 850 and it's actually really annoying offroad in sand and sketchy terrain like that. The 1250 was so smooth because of the improved gyroscoping and the low center of gravity. If I knew the 850 was top heavy I would of never gotten
Thanks for your input, loving my 800gs!
Hello. Im nit sure that you Will answer but I’m looking to buy my first adventure bike. I owned a Yamaha r125 and used to race motocross when I was little. I’m 21 years old and I’m pretty small. I would love to travel and ride off-road a lot. Do you recommend anything ? I was looking at the Yamaha tenere 700 but I feel like it isn’t comfortable enough for long rides and people say that ktm 980 is the best bike off-road. But I honest have no idea. Thank you
Interesting video. Nice job guys!
Still baffles me you guys don’t have more subscribers.
Your content is top notch!
I agree 100%. Like and share. Let's get the word out there! :-)
Nicely done. Got my jones on for a 850 GS now.
Great comparison indeed, thank you very much, V!
Guys, this is really a good review man. Keep it up
you have no idea how influential these reviews are, its like BMW is getting free salesman. I sat on a r1250GS low suspension yesterday. i fell in love. I already knew it would be a super comfortable tourer. I am 5'6", and the seat it slightly lower than my tracer wich a lowered link. I am planning on buying this bike after I align my finances. Im excited, thanks
I had the Nuda 900r and it was a beast!! and it had a 315° crank angle! not a 270... now have the 2019 GSA 1250 and absolutely love it 😊
Awesome review!
Thks guys.
Very informative. I liked the open dialogue much better than the typical " You should buy this one" approach.
Just clicked over 1K miles on the new R1250GS Adventure. I'm over the moon with this bike! She'll definitely do some fire roads and forest service roads mixed in with long range high speed Interstate and won't whine or whimper. It is a vastly well designed and functioning machine that is super fun to ride.
Thanks for the feedback, John! Good luck with the new bike!
I have the 850gsa and can't wait to throw offroad tires on mine. I'm not too far from 1k miles. If it would refrain from snowing or icing, I'll ride more
TheLancebringer , how are you liking the 850 ?
The starting MSRP of the R1250GS is 34% more than the F850GS ($17,895/$13,345), it doesn't sound like it's 34% better, based on this review.
Right - I was shopping used 1250's when the 850 came out, and saw that I could get a brand new bike with all the modern equipment for less than a 2-3 yr old 1250. It is also a bit lighter too. Got $500 off being a BMW Car Club member to boot!
When they where done talking about their TV screen, I remembered when I bought my wr 250r and I was like « GEEZ, I have a digital clock »
ur a star!
Good times when i convinced my buddies on their Super Tenere and 1200 GS to hit the single track with me
17 mins of waffle and slo mo to conclude that they’re both great bikes and you couldn’t pick between them 🤦♂️
Well yeah, did you think that either of these were going to be bad?
Guillermo Martorell 100% agree
That means toy should get the 850. It's lighter and cheaper
Totally
@Guillermo Martorell I have the 850 and it's a wonderful bike. With that said, next Spring I'm swapping and getting the 1250.
Very thorough review. These bikes provide opportunities to venture out beyond the pavement. BMW keeps engineering and refining and making their bikes better. The price keeps going up and up, the 850GSA offers a more affordable option if you want a GS. It’s chain vs shaft for the 1250. I owned the 800 and it was buzzy on the highway but very manageable offroad. I owned a 1200AC and have rode the 1250 offroad on a few trips. It always feels big especially in ruts. I would take the 850 because it’s cheaper, the cockpit is closer to the rider, feels a little smaller and it’s not buzzy on the highway anymore.
excellente video, congrats, but i have a question, do you have the same impresion with the f850 ADENTURE, (33 pounds more heavy) .
i ask you that, becausa i think thah i made a mistake , i bought the f850 adventure (is coming in 1 month) and i am afraid for the weight, is 33 pounds more
270 degree cranks are the bees knees. That's what I love about my Tenere. 1200CCs of big time torque!
For me Shaft drive is another big thing for me. I love the fact of not worrying about maintaining & lubing a chain. 1200 all the way!!!
Thanks for the upload I injoy it much !!!
You're welcome, Leopoldd!
Without the side cases the 850 will be a much better lane splitter, if you only have one bike and want a daily rider as well as an ADV bike. The 850's real problem is not the 1250, it's the KTM 790. Price vs features vs performance. Part of your ADV testing should include picking the thing up off its side 4 time in 20 minutes. If ya can't do that fully loaded after 6 hours in the saddle, it ain't the right ADV bike for you. Just sayin...
As a KTM 790 owner, I fully agree this post. It’s all fun and games until you have to pick it up for the Xthe time under rough environment conditions.
Great video (note the video title and hashtag says R 850 GS)
Thanks for catching that, Ian. Fixed!
Y’all are awesome
The chain final drive is the only thing that would keep me from getting the F850GS over the 1250. The low-maintenance shaft final drive is one of the huge selling points of the 1250 for me. The Telelever front suspension is icing on the cake.
I chose the 1250 and I am very pleased with my decision. It has nothing to do with egos I simply chose the one that worked for me. I ride 2 up 90% of the time and travel with girlfriend plus camping gear for 4 weeks straight every summer. The answer to my question was 1250.
If I traveled alone and did more aggressive off road I would get the 850.
I know it's off topic but what risers are on the 850?
Great review thanks. I'm coming from a '15 R1200GS, but I'm moving and will need to sell up and rebuy. I'm thinking I may end up with a F850GS. It would be more manageable for filtering in the city and would be great off road. Maybe not so much for long tours, but given it's new power perhaps it would be OK. I really like the fast passing ability of my 1200 and it's great 2up. Hard decision to make!
Take your r1200gs. It's a differen class bike
Great vid, but no one ever mentions the difference in price. Here in the uk the f850gsa starts at around £9500.00 as where the 1250 starts at around £13600.00. Which one would you choose now?
The 1250.
Great bikes but does the pannier on the exhaust pipe side stick out further than the other one? I'd prefer if it wrapped around the pipe. I would like it if both panniers could sit close to the bike and were only as wide as the handlebars.
Richard Evans-Lacey Get some Bumots, fit within bars, stronger and lighter too...
I can second BUMOT panniers. They attach to the factory racks on the water 1200, 1250 and 850 gs and gsa.
(They all have the same rack)
Bumots are proven stronger and best value.
If you're not tall, ride solo, and don't mind chain drive, the 800's/'850 Adv's make a lot of sense. For the rest of us, the R1250GS/GSA is still the bike of choice.
Why don't Touretech make white hand guard extensions to go onto stock OEM hand guards on new 1250 rallye GS ? Those black ones you have on look awful!
i think that the new 850 gsa is an incredible bike, but i´m totally sold at the boxer-engine... cant live without it.. its a so major difference driving it.. its like an ordinary bike or one with an boxer engine...
Any input on the foot pegs and/or the rear brake lever on the 850? In my research it got pointed out several times as not that optimal. Looking forward to test ride the 850 and figure it out for myself... stay safe
Stock 850 is terrible. I had to put so much money to make if enduro ready
@@lmafo4utube MAybe a riding class would be cheaper? ;-P
@@ToddGlasier I actually have a 1250 gsa. And rides much better on dirt. That tall center of gravity was messing me up.
Took it through death valley and all no issues
Now review the 1250 gs adventure pleasee
how much does the 850 weigh with the same accessories?? I have a 1200gs and would consider an easy to manuever bike
@Steve it's only a bit lighter, my 850gs says 505 lbs curb weight I think? (stock) So maybe 30 lbs lighter? Some (even BMW rider training instructors) say the weight is carried higher on the 850 due to to being taller and not having a boxer engine, and that the 1250 is a bit easier to ride technical low speed trails (more low end grunt helps too). I didn't hear these guys say that though. I haven't ridden both back to back but I do think there is some truth to it.
Still baffles my why that long beak sticks out, what does it do its under the headlight. Can it come off?
Can we get a "right" counter please! :D
Great video BTW
Which is better the F850GS or R1250GS? Right...
Thanks for the video! Maybe I missed the weight of the 850, here it is (per BMW) 504 wet, also it’s not a Rotex motor.
Hey just an fyi for the two hosts but the F850GS absolutely does not have a display for the brake pads percentage as they claim in their video. It would be a great feature but sadly it’s not correct. I’ve ridden both and own the F850GS, and have not ever seen this information on the TFT.
Right!
Rode both bikes found front wheel on 850 terrible makes it feel stiff. the 1250 is far better imho. also chain and shaft its a shaft for me. The weight to on the 850 its very heavy for that style of bike.
Nice review gents, I owned a Husky Nuda 900 and it was beyond me why BMW didn't put that motor into the GS 800 sooner, it was an awesome motor......
One of the major gripes i have with the F850 GS is that Non-adjustable front forks !! And i seriously doubt the touring capacity of that bike with a tiny fuel tank and windscreen :(
there is a new F 850 GSA out just recently, that will settle the fuel tank issue. Not sure about the front forks from that new one. need to check.
@@wagter01 No the forks are not adjustable on the GSA !!
@@astronautonroad1 Pitty :(
Curious, you guys..... how often have you adjusted adjustable forks if you've owned them?
@@lifted_above You don't have to often adjust it !! Different people like different suspension settings !! What would you do if the stock setting is not what you want ?? Won't you tweak it a bit to the settings you are happy with ??
I like the simplicity of the ol' F800. It's got everything you need. To me, this is a case of 'less is more.'
Great job fellas. Like that a lot and the 850 is a great bike too. Cheers
Thanks for the video and your personal impressions. I am deciding between the F850GS and R1250GS to replace my V-Strom 650. Have ridden (for an hour) the 1250 and liked it. Next up is the F850GS in two weeks. As a larger person, I am leaning towards the 1250 but will not make a choice until I get some seat time on the 850
Eat less, choose the small one and use your money for longer travel
Why did you replace the V-Strom?
@@theunheardprophet4315 It was really a comfort thing for me. I could not ride the stock seat for more than 20 minutes. A custom Corbin got me to an hour and a half. I would have had to change the bars to address a wrist issue and then the suspension because it was either a rock or a bouncy Tigger. It rode nicely when I was not in pain and I liked the bike. I ended up selling the V-Strom and getting the BMW R1250GS and while the V-Strom was not bad, there is no comparison, and I expected none for the substantial price difference.
@@DRChevalier Thank you for answering in the first place and for answering so fast! I really wanted to get a F850GS but since I'm young its rather expensive which is why I settled for a V-Strom in my mind. Got a bit nervous there. But yes, comfort is what I seek and I just want something which doesn't bother me for a few years.
@@theunheardprophet4315 I’m a fairly large fellow and the stock seat had an odd under plate. The Corbin seat is brilliant. Because the suspension is built for regular folks I would need something more. If you have a choice I would suggest the spoked wheels over the mags if you are doing much off road. For backroads and such the mags are great. I did put third party bash plates on mine because of where the oil filter is and how exposed the rad is. Good luck and be well.
so i want to buy one of these :D and after this video nothing changed :D
Hi, R1200 GSA OR F850gsa which one best for world tours?
Anyone
The Himalayan.
Of these 2 and the ktm 790 adventure r or 1290 adventure r which one would you guys take?
Good question, Michael. We're going to have a look at the KTM 790 soon!
Hi guys love your channel. Give me your opinion please. I´m 45 years old and thinking getting my first bike. Is the GS 1.2 a wild decision? LOVE that bike... thanks cheers.
If you are going for your first bike, don't go for any adventure bikes and especially not for big ones. I have been driving for 15 years, every day, all seasons in every weather and do not recommend you to do that. It takes 2 - 4 years (longer the older you are) while driving daily, to become safe and comfortable on a bike.
Adventure bikes have a higher center of gravity and are much less forgiving, especially when cornering. You will find out very quickly, that very often you have to drive slow, very slow or even drive slow and brake in the corners. Not fun on big heavy adventure bikes, if you lack the experience. A friend of mine has started with a F800GS and dropped it 3 times within one month.
No 1 cause for bad accidents on bikes is loss of control, while going to fast in a corner. Usually caused by lack of experience. Adventure bikes are high and equipped with softer suspensions, for off-road driving. The distance between the rider and the street is bigger, which demands from the driver to lean more into corners, something beginners struggle with.
Same for the suspension, softer suspension means more bouncing back and forth while accelerating or breaking. At higher speed in the corner it gets more compressed, the foot pegs are scratching much faster on tarmac, than on regular street bikes.
Smaller street bikes are much easier to handle and more forgiving. Get a bike with 50 hp, this is already a lot. You like more power and fun? Get a bike with higher torque at lower RPM's. Stay away from Harley's, those are not good bikes for beginners. Yamaha MT-7 or Honda NC 750 are good examples for bikes at the top end of what I would recommend to a beginner. Get one, drive it for 2 years and than go for the big one. Drive safe...
@@ph0ib0s1 most appreciated for the advice! as most things in life your heart wants something but your head goes another way. Deep inside i know something like a CB500x its more than enough for me at this stage. thanks again. cheers
@@joaodanunciacaonunes7539 Exactly what I did, followed my heart. After a break of 15 years, I got myself a BMW R1200. I was not a beginner,, still after 1 year of pain and stress switched to a Yamaha Fazer 600. If you have no or little experience with bikes, it's hard to imagine the difficulties and challenges you gonna face.
It took me over 5 years (at the age of 40) of daily driving, until I got the feeling of inclusion with my bikes.
Over the past 15 years, I had not serious accidents. Only the experience and perfect bike control has saved me in a number of dangerous situations. The inclusion is also, where the real fun begins.
It's not really about power, it's rather, the hight, center of gravity and the weight of the bike that matters. On a lighter lower bike, max 200 kg, you will experience the inclusion much earlier than on a high and heavy one.
Regarding the GS, just imagine it will be your price for the persistence in driving a smaller bike :-) It's like in a marriage, sometimes the excitement and waiting are better than the real thing :-)
If you are not interested in driving, but rather to show off a 'cool' bike, get a Harley with modified exhaust. They require no skill, you can't drive them faster than a scooter anyway. :-)
ph0ib0s1 great suggestion. What about the 310? For the same question
Looked a little chilly?
I've owed an 1150gs, 1200gs, 1200gslc, and a 1200gsa LC and now I'm moving down to the 850 GSA.
why
@@Fate_KW GSA LC had 60k wanted a new bike decided to go with the 850 GSA
@@Fate_KW no regrets really like the 850 GSA
@@robd9819 what is your experience with 850gsa in conparison with the bigger ones? I'm thinking on doong the same
I just bought an 850 Rallye... traded in my G650GS. I love the 1200 but it just feels huge to me.
Congrats on the new bike, Abhay! Safe riding.
Where in India Abhay?
Saurabh Jazz In USA not in India
@@abhayvadhavkar2231Good. All the best with for biking bro
Any vids coming out with bikes for people shorter than 5’2”?
Rnine T 😃
Sehr gut erklärt! 👍👍🇨🇭
After all this talk about the two bikes....you totally miss a big very important difference... 1250 has a shaft drive single sided swing arm....the first time you pull the rear wheel you will remember, occasionally change the oil in the rear and forget about a chain drive. Thanks for the review,
So it came down to- if you are short get the 850, if you are tall get the 1250?
If you are short you can also try the 750GS, lighter and shorter...
The 850 is a tall bike.
OTHER WAY AROUND!! 850 is a taller bike.
Soy un seguidor del canal
Una lástima que no entienda el idioma
Seguro que la opinión de estos dos es interesantísima
Básicamente...
Que las 2 motos son super chulas con toda la electrónica que llevan. Que la tablet que llevan por pantalla lleva tanta info que te pierdes. Que la 1250 pesa un web en parado y con pasajero flipas, pero en marcha es fácil de llevar y que el shifcam es más suave a bajas rpm. Que la 850 pesa mucho menos para moverla, la electrónica y la suspensión etc. son prácticamente la misma. Una elige la 850 porque se siente más cómodos con la 850. El otro se queda con la 1250 por el motor bóxer.
Actually you have given hint to us silently, it's 850gs 😄, almost 40percent cheaper here in India
Tech is great but the more we reply on it the less we can do ourselves. If these bikes break down in outback Australia, good luck fixing it yourself.
@Luke Milk Listen to the comments: BMW has got "Dynamic ESA", which means dynamic suspension control. Why the heck do you ask for an old fashioned fork from the last century? Best regards from Germany, Volkhard.
Yeah so how do they both compare to the Africa Twin?
The Twin wins
I will stick with my k1600 gtLE in service again lol....buy BMW know your service team and where they got coffee...
Buy a Honda Gold Wing and you will forget, where the next Honda service team is. You will be driving, instead of waiting for your bike to be fixed. After 3 BMW's switched to Honda, couldn't imagine that a bike can be so reliable.
I LOVE my 850:):):)
I saw an review of the 850GS and the guy riding said I’ve got a LOT OF BUFFETING RIGHT NOW so he leans forward to adjust and the windshield goes lower haha it WAS MAXED OUT and the guy reviewing said oh that actually feels better than all the way up so it definitely has a very small screen.
I think I know the video you mean. It's worth mentioning the 850GSA in that particular video was the Rally version which has a significantly smaller screen (for offroading). The normal 850GSA and Tour ones have larger screens.
Like for most, non-adjustable front suspension was a deal breaker for me.
I know, BUT - even so I am amazed at how they dialed in the forks. I weigh 155 + gear, don't ride 2 up, and don't pile 100 lbs of gear on my bike. I am not terribly hard core, but on fire roads and even some rougher, the front Just Works. You can feel the diff when you adjust the rear, and the front just seems to match it all the time. It soaks up the hits and I don't think I have ever bottomed it out either.
There are Cardrige upgrades from touratech and adreani available...about 800 bucks.
If they (BMW) would have put shaft drive on the 850 and 850 Adv. It would have been perfect.
Shaft weight is like 20kg+. Its good for the "brick", aka. GS1200 but not really a good idea for a smaller bike. From what I know BMW is experimenting with lubeless chains that will make 20kkm+ without any external oiling. But honestly, if you have a center stand there's no excuse of not lubing the chain, unless you are kind of "luxury driver" that does not want to nor care to properly service your bike, if that's so you will have a hard time on any longer trip, regardless of the manufacturer (and yes, BMW do break to).
@@stevedriver1376 Scott Oiler, no muss, no fuss, no mess...problem solved.
@@safetyguy2391 No chain maintenance except spray it and wipe it every few months or when it looks nasty! Really, ppl worry too much about chains.
My head tells me that with my small stature (1,70m/5' 7'') I should buy a F850 but my heart always gravitates to the GS. Not the normal GS; The Adventure one.
Go for the 1250. Much fitter than the 850, easy to lower the seat height, and the centre of gravity is lower. I personally found the 850 slow, too tall and top heavy.
Ivan Jetá I’m only 1.75m, my GSA1250 delivered next month, big bike but I can manage one.
Agree 😃
I'm only 5'5 and find it big but lowered it's not too bad once your use to it 😃
Moto Michelle I’m going to try and test drive one in the next few days and see how it feels.
@ great, try the low seat option 😃
our purchase decisions are largely influenced by videos such as these, to me, this was the review that sold me on the new GS. I am 5'6" tall and I got the 1250GS, low suspension rallye. The bike is worth its weight in Gold.
So the 1250 is about 275lbs lighter than my Harley.....I want one. (low version)
And probably 80hp more.
Let's sit next to these bikes and see which is best to sit next to and talk....
I love the 850gs. Still not sure how it ended up as heavy as a crf1000l, does hide the weight well, if someone said it was 214kg i would not question it. Wonder what they both really weigh full tank on the scales. Crf looks so much bulkier
Thanks for the feedback, Chris.
❤👌👍BMW GSA 1250👍👌❤
Sir i am going to buy adv bike of bmw. I am thinking about bmw f 850 gs pro or bmw r 1250 gs standard. which one should i buy
You talk about the weight, but the 850 is pretty much the same weight as the 1200.........
Very strange to discuss this, then only weigh the 1200 🤷🏻♂️
My fault for omitting that from the final edit, Gordon. Maybe the TT guys will chime in here with the other bike's weight.
- Tim
Both bikes on the same scale as shown without panniers: F850GS 534lbs, R1250GS 578lbs.
88NX250 That 850 is a chunky piglet!
This leaves me wondering if it’s weight “disappeared” like the GS’es does due to the boxer engine. Then that naturally leaves me wondering if BMW could basically produce an 850 boxer (they used to make smaller boxers) equivalent of the 1250. Weight down low, modern power tweaks to bring the performance up....
@@88NX250 the 850 ADVENTURE weight 534 pounds, but the 1250 adventure, weight 590 pounds.
@@88NX250 that's not true. 850GS is 502lbs, and 850GSA is 534lbs
Who needs another review of BMW stuff?
Buddy, if you're not interested, DON'T WATCH! Instead, you waste your time trolling in the comments... Good on you.
@@in2ADV , I have subscribed to see Bret videos, that I found interesting for me. Anyway thanks for the suggestion, I will avoid your videos in future (without any polemics).
@@in2ADV grow up. That wasn't trolling it was a valid comment. In2adv troll off and find one of the many motorcycle tests vlogs, this isn't what Bret is about and I for one will be disappointed if he goes down this route. Two guys from Touratech who have a commercial interest in GS sales, check their catalogue, is not what this vlog should expect about.
@@motorvelo I understand where you're coming from. I read your comment below, and felt that you made a well intentioned critique. Love those, even when I disagree with what is being said. The comment I replied to in my opinion wasn't... or maybe it was, and I misunderstood... In the mean time, I choose to disregard your suggestion to troll off... Have a great day! ( sincerely)
@@giuliobuccini208 They're not my videos. I'm just a subscriber. No polemics necessary. I must have misunderstood your comment. Have a wonderful day.
New drinking game, take a shot for every time the word "right" is said.
I would love to see more alternatives to BMW motorcycles
There aren't :-)
@@sveitsimeier Wrong! Anyone heard of KTM?
@@nathanboeger9329 :-) oh yes, 3 years 990 Adventure, they are fun, but...
Alternative for what? *Coffee runs?* More and more people are taking their *Tiger 800's & Africa Twin's* around the world than GS'.
@@samrit123in :-) possible, also a question of your budget... I love the comfort of big GS and how relaxed you can drive 15000 km in 2 months to middle east and back, or to the next coffee shop if you want ;-). What's your motorbike and expirience?
If I wanted a "Good Touring Bike" I'd get an RT! All these electronics are going to turn to crap when the bike is 10 years old. These new bikes just want me to keep my 2008 R1200GS.
until you try them. they are fantastic.
Where's Bret?
Working the day job. Will be back here soon!
Training military riders in Florida right now... sorry I have been so unavailable
So basically no answer?!
Hi Bret, I am located in India and I am planning to buy a 800-1000cc adventure motorcycle. My height is just 5.4
What do you suggest, if I had a choice between Tiger 800, GS750 or GS850.
750gs with low seat.
I just got back from a month riding in Northern India on a Royal Enfield Himalayan. Great bike for the roads and traffic there. Honda 500X would also be a great choice - small, nimble and powerful enough. Anyone that tries to ride a big bike like a GS1200 in India, or any third-world country, is a fool. You're taking a heavy, unmaintainable bike, built like a swiss watch, on some of the worst roads and traffic in the world. If you get so much as a puncture you're screwed. Lightweight ADVs are the only way I would choose to ride in the third-world. In North America, sure, my V-Strom 1000 gets high marks, but even here I won't take it on much more than a gravel road. Big bikes are Dream bikes - they sit in the garage while their owners dream of going somewhere.
Riders travel all over the world on big bikes, HW. Skill, resourcefulness and familiarity with your bike will get the rider a long way on any machine. All bikes are maintainable.
@@happywanderer5632 How many people will off road a 1250 on their own, what happens when your 300kg techno bike falls over and you cant get it back up on your own. I have a 650GS, would love a Himalayan, nice simple bike.
@@mikehurley5052 Himmies really are a great bike for third world travelling. Check out "Itchy Boots". Dutch girl riding a Himmie round the world. She's in Kazakhstan right now I believe. Great UA-cam channel to watch.
Do you guys think the 850 is strong enough to carry 2 people ?
John Doe -i had a 650gs dakar for 6 years. I'm 170lbs 6'1" and my wife is 140lbs 5'7". We road 2 up no problem. Caveat: that was non touring pillion riding.
She loves riding pillion and I wanted to try more touring with her so I sold the Dakar and started the hunt. First bike I test drove was the 800 and although it put a smile on my face it was a smaller smile than when I test drove my first 1200gsa. Ear to ear. For two up touring the 1200 is only way to go In terms of comfort.
She would complain to a degree about the 650 with vibration and seat comfort. Never took a trip longer than 1.5 hrs. Total.
(Even on 1200 we need brakes every 45 minutes)
.....my point is 🤤
If your both 200lbs give or take or less an 800 would have no problemo. But if you're wanting longer distance pillion capability, the 1200 is hands down more comfortable and just funner. IMO.
I own 2013 GSA oil cooled as of Sept 2018. Go see which one puts a bigger smile on your face and get that one 😊
Africa Twin! :P
Super Tenere.
Go for the boxer GS, the 850 gs has the same design flaw of all 'inline' engines, that's high center gravity cause handing becomes a chore.👎
R1250 engine= pinnacle of technology&engineering made in Bavaria, Most advanced iteration of Boxer engine.
F850 engine= outsourced and made in China by a factory specializing in lawnmower engines. Most probably a clone of japanese engine.
Already recalled by BMW due to possible catastrophic engine failure: metallurgical and fabrication defects on piston connecting rods.
THERE IS NO COMPARISON!
Neither. They're both Crossover Bikes. Adventure is determined by the rider not the bike, and certainly not by a manufacturer's marketing campaign.
Sounds like the 1100cc Honda Africa twin would be these guys compromise.
The 1250 is a totally different engine. Shift Cam for starters, improved electronics, TFT screen as standard better quick shifter. More torque but no one is really that interested in doing 160 MPH That’s a sports bike. Don’t get your comments. They haven’t changed anything that doesn’t need changing.
I think the 850 with 95 hp is satisfactorily
But i buy the new v-strom 650 xt
Bye!
Im doubting bewteen those, any advice on why the 650XT?
I usually love your stuff because it's about riding. Don't become another bike test vlog.
MOTOTREK by all means do that. Don’t copy the others though. It’s what you do and how you do it that creates the difference. This was same old , same old!
Don't worry, Andrew. We like to try different things every once in a while. Variety helps us attract a wider audience, and that's great for everybody.
This video is NOT for comparison to find which is better, this video is clearly the advertising for f850 gs. These 2 bikes have no comparison to begin with completely different bikes and completely different ride the most with entirely different motors.
HUh, just giving a big push to the 850, pure advertising
This review sounded like a paid commercial
😂
Be nice to actually see the bike and not a constant interview. Put a 1250 next to the 850 to see the size difference etc.