BMW F850 GSA TEST RIDE
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- Опубліковано 6 кві 2023
- The 2022/23 BMW F850 GSA is an obvious choice? Lighter, cheaper, smaller. I test ride this multi terrain motorbike around the county of Rutland. The F850 GSA TE is similar to my R1250 GS TE in many ways, like a smaller sibling. So it makes perfect sense if considering downsizing, if finance is an issue, or moving up to a middle weight this bike has it all.
#bmwf850gsa
#f850gsa
#adventurebike
#dazmatronmotorcycletrips
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I took a 2018 R1200GSA on a 15,000 mile trip from top to bottom of South America... Its a pig on off road and tight 3rd world cities but it is super duper comfy. I took a 2019 F850GSA from Miami to Thailand - 20,000 mile ride and it was a dream.. Just a dream. Only harder parts are that the F850 is def heavy so off-road has its issues but you plow through them... I keep looking for an alternative for my next long trip next year but I always fall short. I need cruise control or my hand would fall off on repeated long days and BMW make the most reliable machines on earth -- Japanese are great too but I would take the 850 over an Africa Twin personally -- they are so closely matched.
Wow those trips must have been an experience & I really envy you for doing that. I'd love to get over there at some time & tour.
Yes I totally get your dilemma.
GS1250 is perfect for long distance with its sofa seat & cruise control.
I've ridden it off road in Spain but nothing technical or challenging really. The 850 again is great but weighty too. Travelling long distance the concept of 'light is more' & being able to pick the bike up often i think are key, especially if its difficult terrain. I'd love to do that, but wonder which bike would do? Especally if compromising on German reliable tech. I'll have a head scratch 😖
To run just in road with a driver and passenger, I think the 1250 is better due to the boxer engine and the front suspension. For off road I would choose Africa Twin adventure. I currently have a GS850 adventure, but because of the price. In the future I will have the 1250. I think the great diference is the front suspension, much better in 1250. And for 2 people + lugage, the boxer engine is a great advantage.
That's great tip's there Eduardo & I would tend to agree with you in relation to road touring with a pillion & lots of luggage, the 1250 is ideal, the anti-dive also makes it so much more of a smoother ride. I hope to be off long distance touring soon so i know the 1250 will be perfect for that. The Africa Twin is another popular bike also for off road, we have such great choices to chose from. thanks' for your comments & sharing your thoughts. Ride safe, Daz.
Excellent video, mate. I had to quit riding for 5 years. Now I am ready to ride again and thinking of getting this bike Great review, You helped me sort some things out.
Arh that's great to hear Jay, pleased I've helped you in the decision making process. I did a review on the Tiger 900 too, check that one out. We are spoilt for choice, quite a few great bikes out there at the minute. Let me know which one u decide to get? Excited for ya Jay, ride safe, Daz.
Thanks for another top quality review Darren.
Thanks Chris, had to rush the editing so missed a couple of things 😖
I have ridden both the F850 and the R1250, both on one day. The F850 feels very different to the 1250 to me, yet so many YT reviewers say they very similar. I could list at least 6 major handling differences.
Hi Tuscan, definitely different bike's : different engine, output, torque, frame, wheel sizes etc.
You have to remember a review is subjective to the person writing it, it's not fact, just a person's opinion.
I was making comparisons from the 850 to the 1250 as I could see them, it did feel to me similar in some ways for example all the switchgear was exactly the same as my 1250 & I could see similarities in both their looks & design, obviously as they are both BMW bikes.
I'd agree they will handle differently due to the other design differences.
Please feel free to express your opinion on those 6 major handling differences, it's great to get different peoples opinions for the bike community to see.
Take care, ride safe, Daz.
Great review and very informative presentation. THANKS!
Arh great, thanks Bernard, really appreciate that. I think the point of saccadic masking was very worthwhile pointing out to fellow bikers in understanding why cars pull out in front of us. I always tend to slow & cover my breaks expecting them to pull out sometimes after a young lad did it to me once! I had to swerve to miss him 😡. Thanks for your comment, ride safe, Daz.
Here in Canada I got my f850gsa for $15000cdn, next to it was a r1250gs for $30000, I like it a lot even though it’s more bike than I need
Hi Piku, certainly a eyebrow raising price price isn't it. Twice the money for a 1250! Having ridden that F850gsa myself it certainly has a lot of similarities, I really enjoyed it & if cost is a factor for some people I'd say you are still getting a quality GS bike.
I very appreciate this thorough review.
The comparisons between the 850 and the 1250 are very helpful.
Not sure which one I’ll choose. If it comes down to cost, it’ll probably be the 850.
I also prefer the 21” front wheel of the 850, as I’ll definitely be taking it off-road.
Probably won’t be doing too much two-up riding, but for those few times the Mrs. comes along, it should do fine.
There’s a fellow here in the States, Brett Tacks, who has engineered a way to fit a 21” front wheel on his R1250 GSA. Check it out.
Happy Trails
Ah yes Brett Tacks, I've subscribe to him already, he's really really good, fantastic teacher. Thank's for commenting & I'm pleased it's helped a little in your upcoming purchase. Let me know which one you decide on & how you get on with it. Your post here will help other bikers potentially. Ride safe, Daz. 👍
Great review of the bike I own. I believe the f850 gs adventure has a longer wheelbase and longer overall length than the 1250.
You are absolutely right Lofty,
F850 GS has a 1,593mm wheelbase
& length of 2,305mm.
1250 GS has a 1,514mm wheelbase
& length of 2,207mm. 👌
Happy to have the option of the 30L tank, but I dont need to fill it all the way up when Im trotting around locally but when I plan a longer trip I can top it up. Also I like the wider tank to add to protection against the effects of wind and rain. I do think the weight of the bike qualifies it for a shaft drive because of its similar weight of the old 1200 and new 1250”s.
Yeah I agree with that, you can see how wide it is & offers protection too along with fuel range. Not sure why they didn't make it a shaft drive, saves a lot of chain maintenance later on.
Nice bikes I have a 750 and love it. I also have a 1250 and an older 1200. The M Endurance chain comes as standard on most bikes now apart from the 310’s I think. The 750 has the same engine with a different tune with 77bhp but looking at the BMW website it’s only 0.6 seconds slower to 60mph than the 1250. I’m on my second 750 now had a 2019 did a long tour of Spain 2 up and it performed faultlessly. Have a new version now and it seems a bit more sorted the earlier models really only rode in dynamic, rain or road especially two up had that going to stall feeling pulling away, scary taking a left hander from the lights. The newer version seems to have sorted this and although mainly ride it in dynamic nice to know it can be ridden in all the modes.
Thanks really great feedback, yes they seemed to iron out or improve year on year don't they. I think its a real sensible consideration to opt for this model over its bigger sibling, as u point out some of the differences are only sutle. I really enjoyed the ride, obviously I didn't have a pillion on but good for u to point out in your experience 2-up was ok too. Thanks for commenting, ride safe, Daz
非常に参考になりました。私は今F850GSAに乗り換えようかと考えています。
親切なコメントありがとうございます。ビデオがあなたの次のバイクであなたの選択を考えるのに役立ったことを嬉しく思います
Great informative video. 😊🤣🤣😁😅
Think I got a few facts in 😂
Hi, Great Video. I think if BMW would have made the 850GS a Lot lighter than the 1200 or 1250, I would get it. The fact that it almost weighs the same as the bigger GSs with the Weight distribution much higher, I’ll stick with my 1200GS. The low center of Gravity, Telelever , and Shaft Drive and the reliable Boxer Engine. I think you just get a Lot better Bike with the bigger GS. I also heard the 850 Engine is made in China, so that’s a Big No for me. It’s a very nice Bike don’t get me wrong, it’s just the 1200 and 1250 are so much better for not a whole lot more. Thanks for making this Video. It answered a lot of questions I had about the 850.👍👍
Hi thanks Joey, that makes a lot of sense & some interesting points & preferences for your choice. I'm pleased the vid helped answer a lot questions for you. I'm sticking with the 1250 for a lot longer, ride safe, Daz.
The engine is made by Loncin, one the largest Chinese manufacturers but that doesn’t make them the best. There are issues I believe with the cam chain tensioners and in dusty conditions it is necessary to check the filtration system constantly. We use Loncin engines in our commercial machines and are reliable but without meticulous maintenance they have a reduced working life. Loncin will manufacture of course to customers specifications but can their word be trusted. BMW will honour their guarantees whilst in warranty but after that you will have a battle when the engine self destructs. Be pleased to hear about these engines having covered 80000 miles plus overland for instance.
Looking to downsize from an Indian Challenger for something lighter. Turned 70 last spring. Demoed one of these last week and was impressed with it. I've had shaft/belt final drive for almost 20 years on various bikes however a little reading on the M-endurance chain I would be fine with that (I think). This bike is on the shortlist.
Nice choice Dave. Its one for me to consider too in the future. Shame Ducati let me down this week as I was set to test ride the Multistrada V2S. I rode the earlier model around Gran Canaria & made a vid on the island tour, check it out, I'd love to go back & ride there again. Id be interested to see which bike you pick, keep me updated 👍 Daz
@@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips only things i would add/change/modify.... screen for radiator protection, peg lowering kit if available, larger windscreen. I'd need to spec the lower suspension. I rode the standard suspension and with a 30" inseam i was challenged, lol.
@@davewilton3101 yes fortunately there are lots of options to add to the bike to suit ones needs & personal set up. The Triumph factory is well worth a visit in my home county. 👍
Not a fan of this 850, no particular reason just like the bigger beemers. nice vid Daz, always enjoy the channel. 😃😃
I guess its subjective Troopz, I had the bike most of the day & got familiar with it personally I did like it. In many ways its a smaller version of the 1250 given different engines. But yes, I agree with you my 1250 is just right for me & still continues to amaze me just how good it is.
Fast forward in time perhaps a smaller mid range bike like the 850 or Ducati V2 or even the Triumph Tiger 900 might be suitable??
I've literally just come back from the Peak District after riding just over 200 miles on the 1250 😖, a bit of bank holiday traffic but an awesome days riding on an awesome bike! 👌. Thanks for your compliments Troopz, its very much appreciated. Ride safe my friend. Daz
nice review , you mentioned heated seats are a additional option , but i bought a 850 gsa here in europe and the option wasnt there , is this correct?
Thanks Brian. Re the heated seat it was definitely an additional extra for my 1250 & similiar for the 850. Was yours a new bike purchase from a dealer such as BMW Motorrad? I'd go back & speak to them.
@@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips yes bought it at a local bmw motorrad dealership , im from belgium so maybe there are other options here
@@briancaron3398 Hi Brian, I paid an additional £191.67 for seat heating when I bought it in the UK in 2021. I guess areas of the world differ. Just on the seat heating, ive ridden in 1 degree & didn't feel I needed yo put the seat heating on but its nice to know its there if it got any colder. Heated grips though are a definite necessity!
@@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips yeah i know the 1250 has the heated seat option over here, cant find it in the configurator to over here for the 850
gonna give them a call and see if they maybe could get one .
I have both... F850GSA is way more fun under 200 mile days. If you want to go on a 3,000 mile ride then sure, the 1200/1250.
I'd tend to agree with you there. I'm just wondering what the ideal round the world trip bike would be these days? Noraly from 'Itchy Boots' has the Honda 300 Raleigh.
@@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips haha. So funny - I watch her too and am amazed that she can sit on a saddle for so long with cruise and a seat like a rock. Ive done super long trips too and -- man -- no way could I sit on a rock for 6 months. And I have had cruise control for 10+ years. Yikes!
I have watched both of your videos this and for tiger 900. I think im closer to BMW because of the size. Toger 900 has more consumption more torque but is like bicycle. Rally Pro edition. Im 1.85cm and 100kilos
I'm glad the video's have help you decide Panagiotis, one bike will not be right for everyone.
The F850 is a great proven quality piece of engineering. I've just ridden to Bavaria on the bigger sibling the R1250 covering 2000 miles, it's an awesome bike.
Ride safe & thanks for commenting, Daz.
@@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips 1250 is a dream bike. Unfortunately it costs more than i can afford. Not only buying but also maintaining it. So I think 850adv is my best solution. Every rider need 3 bikes. One for gravel. One for travel. And one for track. Finding one that can combine both of them with some pros and the less cons is the best value for money
@@panosroumpos Thats a good analogy & has made me realise I need a 3rd bike perhaps 🤣
Seriously though the GS, either 850 or 1250 have the options available for whatever road conditions you are on. Such great bikes, have fun 👍
[ Like ] :)
Thanks Ontario 👍
Who told you the 1250 only does 200km/h? I've seen 227 on mine...
Wow that's impressive Michael, hope it was on the autobahn lol. I got the stat from the BMW Motorrad website for the GS 1250 bike specifications, top speed is quoted as 200 km/h so 124mph. So if you had 227km/h on yours was that down hill, wind behind you, no luggage or pillion & slipstreaming behind a S1000 RR!!
@@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips here's a video of a guy doing 139mph on his with soft panniers on.
ua-cam.com/video/Xg0qWwuUyyw/v-deo.html
@@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips and here's one doing 237km/h.
ua-cam.com/video/Dsv7_xsTbY4/v-deo.html
That's incredible in terms of the top end, thanks for sharing that Michael, that will show everyone just what the GS1250 is capable of! And its great off road too!
Arh that's teapotone, well I'm off to Germany this year maybe I'll give it a blast!! Thanks again Michael. Not sure why the Motorrad website would understate the top speed of the GS though do you?
My friend got his bike delivered a couple of days ago. For the money, id rather spend a bit more and get the Tiger 900. The 850 is way heavier than it should be.
Hi Prad, that's a very good alternative for the reason you state.
I test rode the Tiger 900, lovely bike too. (Check my vid out 👍😁).
Nice bike but 1250 nicer😂
Yes I'm happy on the 1250 currently but come the time the 850 would make life easier 👍
@@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips Can you explain how an 850 would make your life easy??
I am confused btwn 1250 gs and 850gs (not the Adventure)
@@velocity1479 Hi Velocity, I was coming from the angle if potentially a rider was downsizing from 1250, the weight would be more manageable, you could get a lower seat height too. Also if considering moving up to a bigger bike from a mid-ranged bike : the 850 has a lot of the qualities of the 1250 & you'd be spending less money. Hence 'Make your life easy'. 👍
@@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips Thanks for the tip buddy.
not at all :_)
Good review, very informative, well done.
Peter thank you, your compliment goes a long way. I think further down thd line a mid-range bike like this will become consideration. Ride safe, Daz.
@@peterlewis4978 keep going Peter, don't stop otherwise you will stop! I just took a look at that X Adv, looks like its got bits from a big Adventure & blended it into scooter, some good tech on it too. Appealing to the 'step down' customers like you say. With the 850 it still feels like a big bike, maybe the X-Adv will be the new thing 🤔
@@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips No I have no intension of stopping yet, off to the Orkney Islands in just over a weeks time on the GSA, can't wait. A return trip planned to the Shetland Islands and Outer Hebrides next year all on the GSA. Can't think of a better bike to be on. Keep up the good work.
Cheers
Peter