2018 BMW F850GS Review

[@hoerejong1234567890]

“A confidence inspiring machine” is exactly what it is. Ever since I own my 850gs I really had fun and enjoy riding again. This bike got me out of a depression and out of a time I almost quit riding... love the friendly characteristics and it has enough power to go if you want to. Ahh and did first time off-roading, thats just a lot of fun! Brilliant bike!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Good stuff!

[@Kendoji1]

Fact: Bahnstormer is the greatest bike shop name ever.

[@bunnytobin]

The pure comedy routine that is your relationship with your nemesis the "white van" is worth the subscription alone. All your valuable information is just icing on the cake. Thanks man.

[@Srgthe]

I recently got a f800gs. Fitted a proper screen and comfort seat. I'll be riding it for years. Really like it.

[@cuzimaluzer777]

Srgthe wish I could keep one for more than 2 years. They always make something newer that catches my eye. I've owned an FJR for exactly 2 years and even though it is perfect for what I need, I'm looking around. Then theirs my cb1000r...lol.

[@nef4ri0us68]

Yeah I like the 800. If I was going to get one of these here 850 dealios, it'll be a few years down the line when I can buy one used, to save on the price tag and not have to deal with the reliability issues of a first year model.😁

[@maz2496]

I really don’t get why they bother putting that tiny screen on, after all it’s a tourer ?

[@davidquinn5386]

Nice bike , getting older and still touring out here when I get the chance on the tiger 955i I feel that a smaller 800 would be a great choice , a smaller 800 with shaft drive I think would be a good idea , I know it adds to weight but the benefits are worthwhile.

[@chrisredfield3240]

David Quinn also adds to the cost and efficiency, 2 x 90° bends of the output shaft looses a lot of power. That's why bmw boxer engines and moto guzzi work so well with a shaft.

[@domster200]

K800 anyone?

[@chrisredfield3240]

domster200 i'm still hoping for a F850xr.

[@HarryBunnGRVOTV]

At 6.25 you were explaining about the tft and associated gizmos and while you were adjusting something a white car was creeping across from the right, had he not seen you and pulled across I’m not sure if you would have reacted as you where distracted by the 'gizmos'. It's hard enough staying alive on a bike but I really feel strongly that all these modes and gizmos which can distract you are making you / us even more vulnerable.

[@HUSKY7-1]

Mirror check, roll off, cover the brakes. Expect the unexpected. Assume it will pull out and be ready. Defensive riding.

[@davestafford8560]

Yes I never noticed that on first view good spot Harry. That car driver was at least aware there was a bike coming but the average car driver would have pulled out there and if as a bike rider your not six cars ahead then you would be knocked off. Take note TMF I think Harry has a good point about being distracted here.

[@open_water2411]

I wish BMW would go back to their roots and stick a shaft on one of their middleweights. It would be my next bike.

[@ads4641]

Mark Stewart have to agree with you Mark, I'm done oiling and adjusting chains.

[@open_water2411]

andy smith I have the 1200GS. It’s simply brilliant but...if I could drop a weight class and retain the shaft drive I would. Shaft drive=less maintenance, cleaner and you just ride.

[@kleef465]

Some here, wake up bmw!

[@adaptableadventurerider]

Mark Stewart I'd love that to :)

[@stevebolton8471]

I had an F800ST. The engine was brilliant as the Kevlar belt was superb, however the only place to get a replacement belt was BMW which made them and they wanted to charge a lot of money to replace it at 24k miles. Also the drive teeth can break if stones and grit get in there so arguably a chain is better for a machine that might be used off road.

[@frankstocker5475]

Can you do reviews on white vans? I bought the Tracer GT over the BMW the engine is so smooth & it comes with more extras.

[@lovelessissimo]

And that triple sounds so good.

[@ScotchNWry]

Folks, I tried a Tracer and struggled with the gearbox. The up changes didn’t always catch the gear, didn’t engage. It was a problem all the way from 3rd up to 6th. Is that common or did I try a bad bike? I also didn’t like the position of the selector or back brake so might have been a fit problem, maybe adjustable. Just interested to hear your thoughts.

[@Marty43ful]

Not only is the Tracer GT cheaper, but it comes with panniers, cruise control and heated grips, not to mention better wind protection. No contest. However I bought the Kawasaki Z1000sx.

[@alandigweed8713]

I very recently bought a similar bike with the same spec. I agree with everything that's been said. However, the wind buffeting was a let down so I bought a touring screen, which made all the difference. To me it looks better with the bigger screen

[@khakimzhanmiras]

How would you say it compares to the outgoing f800gs? The 850gs loses the underseat tank, one of my favorite features on the bike. The 850 also gains a lot of weight while losing a litre of tank capacity. Unfortunate with KTM, Yamaha and Ducati breathing down their necks.

[@chrisredfield3240]

Miras Khakimzhan i bought a top spec f800gs new in 2014. I would have probably got a 950 multistrada looking back now.

[@khakimzhanmiras]

Concur about the mts950 being a phenomenal machine. If I'm going to be selling my f800gs I'd probably buy an mts950 with the spokes.

[@chrisredfield3240]

Miras Khakimzhan mts950 looks cool with tck80 tyres on it was £11,295 when i checked the f800gs cost me £10,600 all in after adding stuff. It's a well speced bike but all adds up with bmw's. The 950 even gets a adjustable better screeen decent power tft dash good suspension

[@khakimzhanmiras]

I had to buy an adjustable wunderlich screen on the f800gs, something that comes standard on the 950. Also the stock suspension on the f800gs is pretty sub par. Not something you would expect from a bike at that price, especially a BMW. I do like the analog dash on the 800. Decent protection can be had on the 950 for a pretty reasonable price with an enduro pack. I don't think the ducati comes with a TFT dash unless you're shelling out for an enduro or a 1260.

[@chrisredfield3240]

Max Flight i'm never getting rid of mine. Just fitted the tinted screen for the black edition tonight. Also on the side stand you can get the fuel topped right up.

[@emacemacii]

Heard this bike in person this weekend, it sounds like a Thruxton R with stock pipes, kinda cool actually.

[@KILLAHJAYY]

i dont know if its just me or if its just like that but it looks comfortable as hell. tell me if i am wrong.

[@sharpbends]

Great review as ever, agree you'd probably need to swap the screen for something a bit larger to get the extra protection. Nice you showed us a glimpse of the dealership at the start, cheers.

[@Thomas-cl6iu]

Does it seem odd that people complain about DCT motorcycles, but not about motorcycles that can shift up/down without using the clutch?

[@GIGABACHI]

I have thought the same but after some serious pondering I think I prefer the one with the clutch and autoblipper/quickshifter combo.

[@garthhowe297]

I think it is the Aprilia they just announced an auto-clutch on their manual transmission, no manual clutch control... further blurring the lines between a "manual" and a DCT.

[@GIGABACHI]

Got a source for that ? I always have my eyes out for news on the 2 wheeled world and have seen nothing of it.

[@garthhowe297]

I shouldn't quote from memory, I get it half right. It's from MV Augusta, with the long model name of Turismo Veloce Lusso SCS (MCN newspaper, July 18 edition). It still has a clutch lever, but you never have to use it...unless you feel a need to.. not sure why you would.

[@GIGABACHI]

Garth Howe AAAHHH, Yes ! Now I remember, you're absolutely right. 👌👍, SHAME on me. 😁They are using a Recluse gizmo. Good call.

[@JoshSmith93]

Watching this while on a tour around New Zealand on the exact bike! Got two of them on loan for 26 days and we are exactly halfway through. Wanted to see if our thoughts/impressions lined up with reviews on KZbin. The main thing we have discovered is the screen is not good enough. You want to replace the small screen with something bigger as the buffeting we feel is horrendous at 60mph+. Like your head is being rattled off your body. Other than that - the bike is fantastic. With 3 laden boxes per bike, the weight is still manageable and they handle beautifully. Leave it in dynamic mode and it's brilliant on twisty roads. Just feels that BMW deliberately put a crap screen on it to protect the bigger brother bike / upsell...

[@Z17xMachine]

Haha! White van man comes and the white van man goes! What a riot. I can't get over that. It's quite hilarious. Great video as always, Flyer. I really like the color scheme on that 850. I'm sure any BMW is a treat. Hey! Before you know it you'll be over 100k subs! Cheers, Flyer!

[@chrisredfield3240]

The red It's the only colour that cost's no extra money, i would have that dark green metallic but i think it's £400 extra, the white with racing colours is a bit shouty for me.

[@farazbaber7239]

Perfect timing for this review as I rode that very bike you tested and decided to order a GS 850 Sport ...

[@jakeyb6453]

Hi Mr Flyer passed my full test yesterday clean sheet on mod 1 and only 2faults on the mod2 has a smile like the Cheshire Cat let’s go testride aload of bikes can’t wait ride safe mate

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Congratulations!

[@bigbadbikerbaz]

you could of done a walk around of the white van as well :)

[@shettypakki]

☺️☺️

[@JakeMurrayFTW]

Geeat video, thank you. Is there a means to mount BMW's OEM satellite navigation in the same manner as your 1200 GS? It looked a bit snug with the TFT screen option.

[@MartinGallacher]

the sat nav mounts on top of the handlebar mounts - not as good as the 1200 for eye line viewing but still fine, might be tight with a tank bag tho...

[@JakeMurrayFTW]

Thank you!

[@geoffozevans4500]

Lovely bike as usual from BM, they make such quality bikes, really like them . All the best 👍😎

[@Boodieman72]

TMF, did I see cruise control on this bike? Not on the US website as of yet :(

[@aimenalwan]

Geezo, it’s almost the same weight as my air cooled Thruxton!! Just shows you how tech is changing. Thanks for another video treat TMF.

[@PhantomRides]

Just rode the baby baby G310 GS yesterday... Such fun.

[@dennisgearside9887]

I have the 2019 model same screen and zero buffeting in fact there is no wind felt until you put your hand just above the helmet. I have more buffeting from larger screens on bikes I’ve had over the years. Buffeting to me is making your head move from side to side and the weird wind noise that comes with it. I use Shoei helmets now that might be the difference. Australian roads and freeways.

[@GerhardCombrink]

Thanks! Been looking forward to your review on this one for a long time.

[@Banditmanuk]

Blimey you're up early. Nice to see a reasonably priced BMW. When you say you don't need more power, I still think the similar priced Tracer the better option because it has more power for easier overtakes. The Beemer does look good mind, like you say so many great bikes out there.

[@chrisredfield3240]

Banditmanuk if you gave the bmw an extra cylinder. 17" cast wheels suspension set up for more road based riding it would compete well with the tracer but be a very different bike.

[@splodge57]

Don't go much on the lack of wind protection and 15 litre tank also belt drive would be better than chain. Or a smaller 850 boxer needed.

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Love the videos... but dunno which I like more; seeing the motorcycles or getting a nice tour of jolly ole England.

[@bc7570]

Do you think the lack of shaft drive makes it less viable as a long distance tourer compared to the bigger GS?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

No, not at all..

[@ripmax333]

the nicest TFT screen on a motorcycle so far. it's great also to see the implementation of low seat versions.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I agree (on both counts)...

[@stevebolton8471]

But it costs another £580...

[@ripmax333]

Steve Bolton the low chassis ? Or the rally model?

[@stevebolton8471]

The TFT screen. It’s called TFT connectivity and costs an extra £595. build-my-bike.bmw-motorrad.co.uk/index_en_GB.html#/configurator/0B09/P0NA5,S06AB/EQUIPMENT

[@raymorris952]

Blimey ! You like the TFT screen then? You mentioned it no less than 10 time's. Could you find out from BMW Motorad how much it would cost to replace the TFT? As for the screen, I've personally found that at 6ft tall a taller screen on this style of bike , just beats up your Head. I've put a nice little screen on my Triumph Tiger xc , no TFT screen! It works for me, I'd rather have wind on my chest that dirty air on my Healmet, and I would not want a screen so high that I have to look through it. Personally it would have to be a lot lot better than the Triumph for me to buy one, and I doute it is,

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I agree on the screen - clean wind blast beats turbulent air anytime!

[@Metalbrygg]

I think I can hear some very high "clunk" when shifting gear? But since it is a new bike, then I suppose that this is how it is on these bikes?

[@darwinjohnsgaard2321]

I have one of these bikes,( 2019 ) and have had several bikes in my day, really like this bike but the motor really has A lot of chatter , sounds like it is going to fly apart. None of my other bikes had this noise. To me it really takes away from the nice exhaust note this bike has , hope not the reliability.

[@philbuglass4857]

When I first started riding, 750cc was as big as it got - apart from the Norton Commando 850 or an imported Harley... Why, oh why would BMW use a chain drive, not their usual shaft??? Nice-looking bike, though.

[@nolinchitnis]

Phil Buglass yes a boxer engine with a shaft drive would have been a more interesting choice.

[@chrisredfield3240]

If it was a boxer it would always have a shaft i believe they all do. Have any of the G or F bikes ever had a shaft ?

[@ripmax333]

probably is because they need to make them more affordable....I think secretly they now that if they want to sell more they need to control prices. BMW's prices tend to be out of reach unfortunately.

[@markshirley7639]

🤔 Bmw f850 gs or Honda crf 1000 ??? Your thought ?

[@TacticalHamsterDance]

Doesn't the new Tiger come with a display too? Unfortunately, I can see two downsides with the BMW. First, the seat on previous model was horrible (even the "comfort" one) on 1 hour and longer rides and, based on my short test, I do not have much faith in the new one. Tiger is much more comfortable, in fact anything but a true enduro is. Second, when fitted with the nice features, it is quite expensive. Sure, there are more expensive models (Honda AT, KTM Adventure) which may not even have all the features, but Multistrada, V-Strom or Tiger are not very expensive and come with quite a few features. It seems to be a nice bike but I am having problems seeing a reason to buy that can outweigh their tendency to charge extra for every little feature which adds to quite a lot.

[@chrisredfield3240]

Metric load of censored the Tiger and the GS are very similar on price with the same features. The tiger gets dear in XCT trim with all the toys on top.

[@TacticalHamsterDance]

@Chris Hart, I see. Here in Czechia all the extra money for GS features adds up quickly. Very quickly.

[@raymorris952]

Buy the Triumph, keep it British, The Tiger is a great bike, and the xc is all you need, funnky Gizmo's. ! More to go wrong.

[@chrisredfield3240]

Ray Morris the triumph has most of the funky gizzmo's the bmw has. If you don't want them just go with the base specs bikes and there both only a shade over £9k

[@chrisredfield3240]

Max Flight there is a higher enduro seat, apparently that's comfy compared to the standard seat. Don't know why the manufacturers go out of there way to make a hard seat know one likes

[@johnnyjohnnybaby]

As a baby to the big GS how does it compare to the baby KTM 1090 adventure and it is only £10000 on offer at the moment so in the same ballpark as the BMW

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Not quite as much go maybe, but otherwise very favourably...both brilliant machines

[@darrengriffiths2122]

Good review thank you. If it was your money, is it worth paying the extra for R1250GS?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes or get a second hand R1200GS - the new 850 is a lovely bike but feels very heavy in comparison due to it's high centre of gravity...

[@Steve-xh1co]

Juvenile 😂 why not, yet another great review. I have the 2009 F800gs, which I love, but do find the engine ‘vibey’ at 5000 rpm, how was this? I also noticed no hand guards 🤔 extra? Loved your Scotland trip, me and the old man are doing the west coast next week 👍

[@chrisredfield3240]

The handguards were never standard on the f800gs either

[@TheStrummer68]

I’ve just had a look on the bmw site and the bike you are riding is more like £12600

[@nickstevens3139]

Great to see tubeless tyres. My main concern being in Oz is the tank capacity. My F650GS Dakar has 17 litres and lower fuel consumption. Does it have a helmet lock? I would like to see what if any storage is available under the seat and what it’s like to operate the centre stand.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Sorry I missed those - don't think there's a helmet lock and suspect very little room under the seat....

[@aspectcarl]

Great review as usual Mr Flyer :) quality of parts and assembly looks sublime. Very seriously tempted by it.

[@nzl5086]

Hello there, great review of the bike. if you have to compare it with the Rnine T since you have riden both of them (also if you can tell me about f 750 gs i mean is it sooo different than the 850). could please tell me what are the pros and cons. i would like to buy one of these two and i would like to have different opinion... thanks a lot and have a great day

[@serious_in_seattle6917]

I might buy an F750GS with the factory low suspension and lowest seat option. I might go down a gravel road occasionally, but it would be a street bike. I’m very short and have short arms and I want an upright seating position and great safety features.

[@hudsonrilke]

Good to see the dealership. They deserve a bit of publicity. Good bike, sounds good on the vid. Don’t think I could buy a beemer without a boxer.

[@chrisleecalpoly]

Agreed. If only they made an 800cc boxer + shaft drive -- I'd get that in a heartbeat (the big GS is too heavy for day to day riding)

[@chrisredfield3240]

The older boxers were 800cc and shaft drive overtime everything seems to get bigger and heavier. The original bike was under 200kg. And had shaft drive and not to much vibration. It's the perfect adventure bike we all crave they made it over 30 years ago.

[@andyturner9836]

Spot on Chris, have owned an 80' 80 GS and an 88' GS100... both more agile, and to me considerably lighter too. Would dearly love another GS but, the latest incarnations are just too physically large and cumbersome for little ol' 5 foot 7 me..... Have to admit the new urban GS has got my interest piqued and am considering arranging a test ride.... not sure about the seat though..... Looks ok for short hops but doubt it will be 400 mile days comfortable?

[@chrisredfield3240]

Andy Turner the hp2 enduro was good but they didn't sell well. The f800gs can be better if all the unnecessary stuff is removed. The tea2wine (youtuber) bike looks like a true off road bike.

[@chrisleecalpoly]

I have a feeling that we might see a new sub-800cc boxer-shaft when their 100th anniversary comes around

[@JPBARON25]

Aloha TMF! Which would you add to your garage. New f 850gs or new Tiger 800 XRT?

[@davidlythgoe8478]

So you've tried the new 1250GS, the 750 and the 850 models too so, apart from the screen needing a change on the latter two, which would you personally choose as an everyday bike?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Depends on funds - money no object 1250, money tighter the 750GS.....

[@Smightification]

did they change the firing order from 360? like the f800gs? it sounds more like a v-twin

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I don't honestly know - sorry....

[@Smightification]

It's all good! great video as always makes choosing the next mid size adv bike even more difficult! XD

[@tonytrevino3204]

is this model only in Europe ? I don't see it on the bmw U.S. web site.

[@journeybeforedestination5085]

looks like it’s only overseas at the moment. Been waiting this one out, but it seems the US lags behind with the GS. Happened with the last update as well I believe.

[@tonytrevino3204]

Yeah that's what I thought ty

[@davindersangha3761]

Tony Trevino i was told by BMW dealer in Canada, late fall!

[@tonytrevino3204]

Thanks guys , I'm going to be taking a look at this bike I like how it looks

[@lennyg3009]

I was told by a dealer in US early next year. As always last to get.

[@deusexmachinawl]

Thank you for the review! Honda Transalp and BMW GS 850. Is it a close comparison in your experience?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I prefer the Transalp - feels much lighter

[@deusexmachinawl]

@@TheMissendenFlyer much aporeciated

[@santanubose1653]

Loved the vid! ....is it significantly different from the 800GS. ...seems like minor adjustments and bigger price?

[@denisdezan1309]

Mister Flyer what you want more if you can chose Tracer 900 or 850 GS ?

[@distrep2]

Hi any chance to review the BMW R1200 GS TE, Would be interested to see the difference between that and the GS Adventure.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

See my "living with the BMW GS" playlist - I've reviewed them many times!

[@pistolpete6321]

Another great review! Must have been hard to leave the airport parking lot and not go flying on such a brilliant day!

[@JPBARON25]

“How annoying is that?” Laughed out loud there TMF - great video as Always!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching....

[@johnDukemaster]

I did too! White vans for TMF is like the blue three wheeler (Robin, was it?) for mr Bean! They always shows up when you expect it the least! :-)

[@mrvwbug4423]

So they have finally reached the US, test rode an 850GS today. Love the motor, very comfortable, great quickshifter, the electronic suspension works great, best TFT display ever, feels like it weighs about half what a 1200GS weighs, can't really find much fault in it. Though for me personally I'm not big into dirt riding, so am interested to see what the F850GT turns out like. The 850GS in the US is 17,700 USD, well into the price range of the R1200R and R1200RS, any F850R or GT will need to be a fair bit cheaper to not be in the equivalent R1200 model price range.

[@daveyoude2828]

Great review... I'm looking to chop in my TRX and this bike is top of my list... just a shame that I will have to buy a screen for touring... not sure what BMW are thinking here....🏍

[@chrisredfield3240]

Dave Youde trx850?

[@tomkeenan945]

Just found this good video as thinking of buying one no tank range though?

[@bigmartin]

I'm riding the R1200GS and my son had an F800GS but recently sold it.. I was torn between selling my 1200GS and buying it from him, I absolutely love the 800GS so I can only imagine who much more I'd love this one.. Good idea going with the spoked tubed tyres (one of the deciding factors in me not having the older model was it was tubed). Are all GS screen's bad?.. I've had to buy a wind deflector for the 1200GS, and the older 800GS had a tiny screen too.. Great video of a great bike.

[@nolinchitnis]

I feel BMW should have used their experience with boxer engines and produced a 800 - 900 cc ''Made in Germany'' boxer twin for this bike. Maybe with variable valve timing. That would have made it quite an interesting and premium product. A smaller engine with lesser weight (spread out low down w.r.t. CG) and a bigger fuel tank would have been really something.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I agree!

[@chrisredfield3240]

This would then make the r1200gs redundant. This f850gs is already starting to do this. A 19" front wheel option would have it in the bag.

[@buncho888]

Nolin Chitnis a 650 boxer with a 25L tank and 20kg less weight would make it a proper adventure tourer.

[@nolinchitnis]

buncho888 Not sure what cc would be perfect but I guess any motor that produces around 100 hp and about the same torque would be sufficient for these category of bikes. And I feel with the advances in materials, processes, tolerances etc, producing 100 hp should be possible with around 800-900 cc. 650 might give somewhere around 75 hp.

[@buncho888]

Nolin Chitnis 75hp would be plenty, as long as they made the bike lighter overall to compensate.

[@bobz1736]

Great review as always MF. 15L seems quite small for an adventure bike fuel tank. That's around 150 miles (uk gal) range. Most others are around the 20L+ ...

[@MartinGallacher]

Agreed, but I get 60+mpg out of mine which gets me 180-200 miles range, though on to the reserve...

[@buncho888]

Bobby Z it's probably a packaging thing with the tall parallel twin taking up the space where the fuel tank should be. They should be making a 650 boxer with a 20L+ fuel tank.

[@ripmax333]

AMEN To that!! a 650 boxer. a small displacement boxer would be great and more on the affordable side, even a nice 500cc similar to a r12000r would be great.

[@DannyBBom]

Looks like the spoked wheels are tubeless, like the big 1200GS. Some might like this, but off-roaders might not.

[@vstm3950]

Is this TFT standard or comes as option? Option I hope coz serious adventure touring guys who trash their bikes around the place would surely prefer conventional panel

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I think it’s the TFT or nothing!

[@alexsheriff3234]

👌👌Nice review! Commented on a previous video of yours reviewing the Africa twin saying I was considering it, ridden the Honda but not the gs850 yet! Which did you prefer?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Both great bikes - but for me the BMW has it because it's a bit lower and more manageable plus the electronics are first class - that TFT is the best in the business IMO....

[@TheStrummer68]

I’m really interested to ride this incarnation of the gs however I’m disappointed to see that the “clever”suspension is actually non adjustable on the front , my other gripe would be that although you could get an alternative screen it will never have adjustment .

[@MTBrider26]

850 - 900 cc is very much the sweet spot in the market. The Goldilocks zone. So many good choices but I am waiting to see the new Moto Guzzi V850 adventure bike. Air Cooled and shaft drive. So much easier to maintain and a much simpler design.

[@hessel3937]

u say the tank holds 15 liters? surely that cant be right for a adv/touring bike like this? in ideal conditions a bike like that manages around 1:20 (or 5 ltr/100km) on avarage wich means u have to walk after merely 300kms? that being in the most economical conditions...more likely it be even less when your in a hurry... lets hope that aint the case...

[@jagtman]

Great video. I’m disappointed they changed the fuel tank position but I haven’t tried the new one yet so maybe it’s fine. What equipment are you using to record your audio on your helmet ?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Details in the description...

[@infinion3]

ok, since u mentioned the tracer gt, i have one, im at 13k miles. i want to step in to the dirt now. i cannot decide what to get. i like the r1259gs, but its a lot go money. i am also only 5'6" tall, i want to carry luggage, do light fire roads

[@eduardogprado]

Thanks so much for the Great content mate!!! How smooth is it on the highway? The 800 did vibrate a tad. How does it compare to the 1200?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

No vibes that I noticed at all...

[@CJ3B1]

Excellent first impression as usual.. I am really foxed by the affinity those white band have for you 😂.. Maybe a White Van review is in order and that would be good riddance to them 😝

[@MultiOutdoorman]

Did you mention it now has cruise control ?

[@66smashy]

Interesting what you say about other choices in that class. I reckon I'd still be for the Mutistrada 950, I and bet they will give that model the skyhook suspension soon. Still that BMW looks nice though and would fit my bill.

[@brianmorse8811]

We finely have the 850 gs in the States! Nice ride at open house at Grater Boston Power Sports on Sunday.

[@brianmorse8811]

My bad Saturday .

[@richardhaase3369]

Terrific video. I'm deciding between the 850 (Rallye) and the Triumph 800 XCA. I'm concerned about the lack of adjustable front end, smaller tank, small windshield, and additional 50 lbs on the BMW. What are your thoughts ?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Have you tried them both?

[@richardhaase3369]

TheMissendenFlyer the F850 is not yet available in the US (hopefully October). I test rode the Tiger (no off road miles) and I thought it was great. I’m waiting to test tide the BMW before deciding which to buy.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Fair enough - you'd be happy with either!

[@richardhaase3369]

Thanks for the reply and I agree, I'll likely be happy with either, but would still love to know if you have a feeling one way or the other about the issues that I first mentioned.

[@kiwiandyt123]

Lovely bike! Was the GBP10.6k the “as tested” price? Including all the features like cruise control, whizzy wheel control etc.?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Sadly no - usual BMW extras game....

[@stevec9959]

What’s with the washing machine part coming out of the left hand radiator ??

[@boris101101]

Great review as always. However I have one question left, how would you compare it to Honda Africa Twin?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Better tech, lower....both great bikes though.

[@jamesnelson843]

And there are 850 owners who haven’t switched out the screen? And, at 180cm, recommend the wunderlich low option seat.

[@MrBodyforma]

Nice bike, but I can't help but feel it's somewhat contradictory to offer lower suspension option on an adventure bike!

[@mickeypopa]

Cuz they made the damn thing too tall for anyone but the 6'2 giants. 860mm seat height... ridiculous. And as a result, they had to reduce the tank capacity to only 15l otherwise it would be too tall AND too top heavy. So on top of that, it's now impractical as well (as an adventure bike).

[@ahmedzainy4971]

Would you chose the F850 GS or VFR800X Crossrunner?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

F850GS

[@ChaohsiangChen]

Is the physical needle gauges still available? I work in the tech industry, and the last thing I want is looking at TFT display on my way home after reading codes on TFT display all day long.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I know the feeling - one day we’ll pay a premium for a good old fashioned gauge!

[@pauld430]

Interesting.....nice review. I imagine i could buy a bike like this in the future, so many to choose from...... I wonder how it would be loaded up with luggage and a pillion?....... That’s probably where the 1200 delivers........

[@motonirvana6861]

Glad to see the wheels transitioned to tubeless while retaining the spokes. Secondly, if you're not going to do any off-roading, the Tracer GT is probably a better choice. Less expensive and probably better durability.

[@vmcougarintn5035]

Could explain the soft suspension and nonsoft suspension? I really don't understand what you are talking about. I enjoyed this ride. That bike is nice looking. Stay safe.

[@davidflorance7868]

Nice bike .. do they still make the 850 GT?

[@davestafford8560]

Really cranking out the video's. Love it. (You in Norway right now?)

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yep sure am - early start today...

[@jurgentreue1200]

Do you think your ride to the Norwegian Arctic Circle would have been less fun or even a bit more difficult on the F850GS instead of your R1200GS? I'm asking, how the F850GS would go as a serious touring bike?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I think it would have been completely fine for it....

[@jurgentreue1200]

I've got a 2015 BMW F800R which I tour on. I've added luggage and a screen. Fantastic on the open road. I avoid major highways if I can and stick to secondary roads. My first big trip we rode 740 klms on the first day. A lot of that was through the Australian Alps. No problem what so ever except for the heat and hard seat.

[@ALIENdrifter66]

Hate this screen trend that's going on now, to me they make bikes look cheap and they all now look the same, otherwise it seems like a great machine. The review is top notch as always.

[@carllewis1691]

don't bmw still produce the F750GS ?

[@corynewton9311]

How does it stack up to the KTM 1090 Adventure R? Where would you rank the 850GS relative to that?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

1090 has more go, 850GS feels more comfortable and has more gizmos - so depends what you value most I guess!

[@corynewton9311]

Thanks for the reply! That's kind of what I figured. I think that KTM put more money into the 1090's off-road capabilities and BMW put more into the 850GS's touring/comfort with the option of going off-road. If you want both the tech and the power though you might as well get the 1290 Super Adventure for a marginal increase in price. Thanks for your content and keeping me occupied while working on night shifts! Safe riding and hope you make a trip to the PNW one of these days!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

PNW???

[@corynewton9311]

Sorry, the Pacific Northwest in the states and Canada. There is some superb riding to be had. Especially in British Columbia.

[@corynewton9311]

Another Vlogger, you may have heard of, William Gloege, highly recommends Air Canada for motorcycle air transport. I believe you can go from the UK to Vancouver, BC for around $1000?

[@davidknott1839]

So TMF, this or a Tiger 800? Or perhaps even a Honda Africa?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

This I think - although all those options are good ones!

[@toshtwentythree195]

Is it an 800 cc ?? You didnt say the mpg ?...Its close to 70 mpg....thats a good selling point

[@crewgadjy]

Shame they ditched the under seat tank, was useful having filler on side panel when loaded up with luggage.

[@bobvandick2546]

Sounds like a great bike. Great review, and chances of doing a long term in the future? Does it have a center stand?

[@mattmcalister1915]

I think I saw you riding with mrs flyer on the a4421 (really long 50mph section) at about 3 in the afternoon on monday

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Unlikely as I'm on a bike tour in Norway and Mrs Flyer never rides with me....

[@mattmcalister1915]

TheMissendenFlyer well someone near Oxford has a gs and your helmet and the same panniers then haha

[@vriendelijkegroet]

Middle class Adv bike with a 21inch wheel: Africa Twin. Costs almost the same but feels bit more mature and it has a bit more power.