BMW F850GS ADVENTURE (2019 - on) Review

Riding the BMW F850GS Adventure in the mountains

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£210
Power:	94 bhp
Seat height:	Tall (34.4 in / 875 mm)
Weight:	High (538 lbs / 244 kg)

Prices

New £10,600

Used £7,000 - £10,000

View bikes for sale

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The new F850GS Adventure is a welcome addition to the BMW range. With a bigger fuel tank, improved weather protection and revised ergonomics it's capable of taking you wherever you want to go in comfort whether that’s on or off-road.

While the base model starts at just £10,600, the options to upgrade bikes ergonomics, electronics, rider aids and gadgets are endless and turn it into a very accomplished adventure bike.

It's clear that BMW’s engineers had Honda’s Africa Twin Adventure Sports in their sights when designing the F850GS Adventure. On paper the specs are incredibly similar - as is the performance and riding experience.

It has the looks of the R1250GS Adventure more than ever before with a similar level of refinement and plushness that makes the bigger GS such a world shrinker.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

4 out of 5 (4/5)

If big imposing adventure bikes are your thing then the 850 fits the bill and while it doesn’t have the power and abundance of grunt as the shift cam equipped BMW 1250GS it has enough performance for the vast majority of people will need for the vast majority of time.

With electronically adjustable rear suspension that gives 215mm travel and 230mm of travel from the non-adjustable 43mm front forks the set-up is designed to deal with rider only road riding through to two-up off-road adventures.

On the road the set-up is plush with high levels of refinement, while off-road it manages to give good feel, feedback and grip.

Braking performance is impressive thanks to the floating Brembo calipers and Twin 305mm disks which mean you never need to use more than one finger when braking. There is an off-road specific ABS setting configured within the variable rider modes or the ABS can be turned off completely with the push of a button.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The 853cc parallel-twin motor has a 90-degree crank pin off-set, which adds to the character of the motor. With 95bhp at 8250rpm and 67.8ft-lb torque at 6250rpm, there is plenty of useable power on tap without it ever being too much.

On road it’s smooth and engaging with a strong bottom end and mid range, which is where potential owners are likely to be spending the majority of their time. The same smooth character transfers well when riding off-road - especially the initial tap of the throttle, which is predictable and helps the rider find grip on loose terrain.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

4 out of 5 (4/5)

BMW have enjoyed huge sales success with their range of GSs and as a result have a reputation to up hold. The new R850GSA has the feel of its R1250GS big brother and that is no bad thing - solid, well built and durable.

Being a BMW’s it also enjoy a comprehensive and first class dealer network virtually anywhere in the world.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

At £10,600 for the base model at its launch, this is a well priced bike that is in line with Honda’s Africa Twin models. But in reality it’s unlikely that anyone will buy the bike in it’s completely standard form.

The list of optional extras for the F850GS Adventure are practically endless, from full luggage options, quick-shifter and auto blipper through, to keyless ignition, emergency call, a 6.5in TFT dash and sports exhaust, you really can tailor the bike to anything you want at a price.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The equipment levels on this bike depend largely on your budget. The 6.5in TFT dash first seen on the R1200GS in 2017 is a work of art. Easy to use, classy display with a plethora of information all of which can be viewed even when it’s in bright sunlight and covered in dust.

Riding modes are easily changed either at standstill or on the move. It’s easy to jump between the pre-set Road, Rain, Dynamic and Enduro Pro pre-set options and you can also easily tailor these parameters to meet your exact needs.

The traction control and ABS can be switched off completely if required and these settings remain in place even if you switch off the bike - a refreshing change that avoids you having to scroll through set-up menus every time you re-start your journey.

It has an adjustable screen, which can be placed in either a low or high position easily and on the move. It comes standard with three-level heated grips and wrap around handguards for protection and their warmth properties.

Specs
Engine size	853cc
Engine type	parallel twin
Frame type	aluminium twin spar
Fuel capacity	23 litres
Seat height	875mm
Bike weight	244kg
Front suspension	43mm upside down forks
Rear suspension	Hydraulically-adjustable shock, aluminium swingarm
Front brake	Double floating disc, 2-piston floating calipers
Rear brake	Single disc brake, 2-piston floating caliper
Front tyre size	90/90x21
Rear tyre size	150/70x17

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	-
Annual road tax	£117
Annual service cost	£210
New price	£10,600
Used price	£7,000 - £10,000
Insurance group	- How much to insure?
Warranty term	Three years

Top speed & performance
Max power	94 bhp
Max torque	67.8 ft-lb
Top speed	-
1/4 mile acceleration	-
Tank range	340 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

Part of the same family tree as the standard F850GS mentioned below, the bike descends from the BMW F800GS Adventure, which took the standard 800 and gave it a new exhaust, full ride-by-wire throttle, different riding modes, a revised dashboard and new paint finishes. It also got galvanised radiator trim and a revised ignition lock casing.

Other versions

BMW F850GS: Launched as a new model for 2018, the standard 850 is an impressive prospect in itself - with an impressive spec, performance and arguably more road-going prowess than its formerly 1200cc older brother. This was adapted from the now-discontinued F800GS.

Owners' reviews for the BMW F850GS ADVENTURE (2019 - on)

8 owners have reviewed their BMW F850GS ADVENTURE (2019 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your BMW F850GS ADVENTURE (2019 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating:	4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Engine:	4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Reliability & build quality:	4.1 out of 5 (4.1/5)
Value vs rivals:	4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Equipment:	4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£210

5 out of 5 The black beast.

16 October 2024 by Mick

Version: Gsa

Year: 2022

Annual servicing cost: £200

My bike has been faultless in the 25000mil I have ridden it.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Engine 4 out of 5

Apart from being a bit rattley it's fine I can put up with that.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Even though I have used it though winter it's still in new condition.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Fantastic on fuel a 70+.

Equipment 5 out of 5

TFT screen is super.

Buying experience: Bought from new, all was good.

3 out of 5 BMW F850 ADVENTURE

04 April 2023 by MR P

Version: ADVENTURE SPORT

Year: 2019

BEST FEATURE IS ALL DAY COMFORT, THE WORST FEATURE IS ITS DEVELOPED A OIL LEAK FROM THE ROCKER COVER WITH JUST 4700 MILES.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

3-4 HOURS OF RIDING WITHOUT ANY DISCOMFORT ON THE ORIGINAL SEAT. THE BRAKES ARE REALLY GOOD ALTHOUGH THE FRONT FORKS DONT RESPOND WELL IF THE PACE PICKS UP.THEY TEND TO DIVE AND UPSET THE HANDLING.

Engine 5 out of 5

PERFORMANCE IS STRONG RIGHT FROM LOW DOWN IN THE REV RANGE.AFTER MY FIRST RIDE I HAD TO CHECK OIL LEVEL BECAUSE OF THE NOISE THE ENGINE MAKES.IT SOUNDS LIKE IT DONE 100 000 MILES

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

CORROSION STARTED ON THE CAT VERY EARLY ON IN OWNERSHIP

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

THIS IS AT A BMW DEALER AND I’M OK WITH THIS TO KEEP UP SERVICE HISTORY.THIS IS THE BEST BIKE I HAVE RIDDEN FOR FUEL ECONOMY AVERAGING 66 MPG OVER 4700 MILES .

Equipment 5 out of 5

GOT LOADS OF EXTRAS, BUT YOU DO PAY FOR EVERYTHING AS EXTRA’S

Buying experience: I BOUGHT FROM A MAIN DEALER IN 2019 AS NONE AVAILABLE ON THE SECONDHAND MARKET.

4 out of 5 BMW f 850 adventure mainly good

15 November 2021 by Mr P

Year: 2019

This is down only to the noisey engine.The first time I came back from a ride sounded like there was no oil in the engine.Comfort is the best I’ve had .

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

All good

Engine 5 out of 5

Pull very strong

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Again engine don’t sound smooth not like a new bike should.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Servicing is normal price and the fuel economy is exceptional return over 65mpg and more if really steady

Equipment 4 out of 5

Only issue I have is if you get any kind of warning key battery,low fuel, service due, or tyre pressure warning the dash goes yellow and I find this very annoying to the point Where I thinking of trading it in😡

Buying experience: Dealer good deal on my part ex made the price good

3 out of 5 All show... very little go. (Buy an Africa Twin)

21 October 2021 by Matt Taylor

Version: Adventure

Year: 2020

Annual servicing cost: £250

Ok on asphalt. Hopeless off it. A comfortable if somewhat crude commuter.

Ride quality & brakes 1 out of 5

I give a low score here due to the absolutely hopeless front forks. They look good but are in fact very very poor indeed. The single unadjustable cartridge installed in the RHS fork leg is beyond crude. It feels pre-historic on the road, whilst it defeats the off road pretensions this model is marketed on completely. Woeful BMW. Absolutely useless. This needs to be fixed via a recall its so bad in my opinion.The rear is electronically adjustable and can be made to work (not brilliantly mind - no more than average at best).

Engine 3 out of 5

Rattly twin with limited performance capability. Unlikely to frighten even new riders. Again, it falls so far short of its Japanese rivals as to make comparison impossible.

Reliability & build quality 3 out of 5

Front fork cartridge (right leg only) lets this bike down very badly indeed. Clanks and rattles whilst ultimately locking solid over demanding surfaces such as corrugations. Crude is an understatement. Very disappointing.General finish is good. Usual BMW quality in that regard at least.

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

Very economical but I could not describe this bike as offering good vfm as it falls so far short in a competitive adventure bike market.My friends Africa Twin really is so much better at everything you might buy an adventure bike for as to make comparison impossible. Its a shame really as I expected so much more.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Fairing gives good wind and weather protection. OE tyres are awful. Rack and pannier mounts are useful as as the lower fairing protection bars.

Buying experience: Bought privately with 4000 miles on the clock.

5 out of 5 Jack of all trades master of none.

19 October 2021 by Demian

Version: Rally sport

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £200

Pleasant versatile bike that can do almost everything you will through to it. With 94hp it seems not a lot nowadays, but mere 15 years ago it was sportbikes territory.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Front forks are on softer side and quite basic. I would say it is biggest flaw of the bike for me. Apart from it it rides well and holds corners not too bad considering 21" front wheel.

Engine 5 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 4 out of 5

In basic package it is quite basic. In order to get most of the tasty options you have to add to cost of the bike, but they are worth it.

5 out of 5 BMW F850 GS Review

04 September 2021 by wazzaup

Version: Rally Sport

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £180

This bike handles really well it has the dynamic esa suspension option fitted it delivers great fuel economy and is very comfortable on long journeys rides well in different road conditions only thing I don't like is the warning messages that appear on the tft screen from the engine management system they can be very distracting

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Very good quality and it's what you would expect from Brembo brakes the abs is excellent.

Engine 4 out of 5

The engine is very good but it could be better at 95bhp it could do with some extra hp but it does perform well I removed the cat from the bike and installed a link pipe and it greatly improved the performance and fuel economy and made the engine more responsive.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

The build quality is very good and there have been no major issues apart from the seat lock breaking and a faulty tyre pressure sensor the quality is excellent

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

The running costs of the bike are very reasonable insurance is not expensive the only thing I would say about the service costs is that BMW are quite expensive

Equipment 4 out of 5

The equipment on the bike is very good and I installed the dynamic suspension option and it really does make a big difference to the bike and makes the bike handle really well the only criticism I have is the tft screen I had to pick it as an optional extra at the time and it is now a standard feature on the bike.

Buying experience: I bought the bike from a dealership.

5 out of 5

12 June 2020 by Ian Clements

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £200

Excellent very adaptable to many conditions

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Tour of Europe kept up with bigger bikes

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Equipment 5 out of 5