BMW F850GS 2018 First REAL Review | Off-Road and On-Road

[@leejones9737]

This is the way to review an off-road motorcycle! Put the bike on the trail and in the mud! Great video, Thanks for the efforts by the entire crew. LMJ

[@LookattheBiggerPic]

Really nice intro to this bike, good balance of information, riding footage and commentary - much thanks!

[@Gersao2axe]

Thanks for the good review, i believe is one of the most honest reviews we can find here on youtube keep up the good work

[@InuitWolf]

Great to finally see a review on this new BMW. Look forward to your more in depth review.

[@DriveMagRiders]

As soon as we can get it

[@namcojr]

Thank you, finally something about the F850/F750. Let us know more about the 750 as well. Very nicely done!

[@DriveMagRiders]

GSRider Thanks. We'll publish the F750 in three days

[@leonisbacher1772]

heart felt presentation, like it should always be ! Bravo.

[@jtandy]

Very informative and great production as usual. Keep up the great work guys!

[@louiebodenstaff6772]

Awesome review .... your review made me buy one!!!

[@ivodassen87]

Cool to see Matei, that GS rallye video with him was excellent

[@DriveMagRiders]

Ivo Dassen yeah, he's a very good guy. And high skilled instructor

[@disekjoumoer]

Thank you so much for this video. You guys are awesome!

[@vinjofin1972]

As always a good review! For the same money I can buy a Honda Africa twin with over 24 liter fuel capacity higher screen and more powerful engine. And the Honda looks better.

[@DriveMagRiders]

We're gonna test the new Africa Twin Adventure Sports soon. And the come up with a comparison.

[@vinjofin1972]

I am looking forward to that review. Let me know.

[@DieAgentur666]

Your comment about the price for the Africa Twin is not really correct. For the - more or less - price of a basic Africa Twin you get a fully equipped F850 with all available upgrades. Thats a major difference, you should not sweep it under the table. But anyway, the Africa Twin is the very best!

[@shiftupadventure]

Great video 👍 didn't know they fully changed the engine. Cheers guys

[@krishanant]

Looking forward for a comparison between this vs 2018 tiger 800 xca vs Honda AT.

[@DriveMagRiders]

Same here.

[@akadvtime1900]

Great review.. still hate that low windscreen. It was the first think I had to upgrade.

[@sv7017]

Im glad i have the most underrated adventure bike.

[@juanms8747]

Actually im looking into the Africa twin, the tiger 800 and was wasting for some good reviews on this one. After looking into this, im propably discarding the bmw, mostly because of ergonomics and weather protection ( 1,86 and 105 kg). Very useful review, keep it going! ;)

[@boomer_75]

I buy AT. BMW f850gs sux hard. China engine, low suspension, weight Up.

[@danyel9256]

I am in the market for an all road as well... I do like the Tiger but I think I will buy the Honda AT , it is the most reliable because it is Japanese... I am 2.00m so like Juan said , the BMW is no option...

[@juanms8747]

Also, forgot to mention, i dont have a car, so is my conmuter to go to work all days, and a 15 ltr tank, with that consumption in the city, i dont see me visiting that much the gas station each week :P

[@MrKdr500]

Africa twin all the way buddy.

[@juanms8747]

Never took in consideration the tiger, until i tested it. Im a great fan of the AT, but the quality and equipement of the Tiger, makes this one a tough rival. What worries me about the at is the lack of cruise control, the tube tires and heated grips (we are talking about a 15000+ € bike)

[@robertpolkamp]

My experience in the USA has taught me that 330km is a minimum range for a proper adventure ride. It sounds like this new bike may fall short. Also at 100kg and loaded with additional gear and a full tank the lack of preload adjustment of the front makes the 850GS an expensive mistake.

[@louiebodenstaff6772]

Awesome machine!

[@tarandusmt8089]

Thanks for a very useful and entertaining video. I'm currently riding a 650 gs and have wanted to move up to an 800 gs. The 850 is intriguing, but still think the 800 gs is the next step for me. Maybe they will be cheaper now! Sorry to see BMW move totally away from the thumper though. End of an era.

[@peterlai1985]

Looking forward to a comparison video between this bike and the others.

[@DriveMagRiders]

Same here. Tiger 800 XCX, Honda Africa Twin, KTM 1050..

[@gilgriffith]

If you get to speak with those guys who developed the bike, ask them if they changed the gear ratios. What is needed on the 800 is a lower first gear, and a higher top gear with appropriate wider spacing of the ratios. I saw that you did 100kph in second gear, which is way too high a ratio for second. I have put a 17 tooth front sprocket on and I rarely stay in 4th gear at 100kph when passing trucks etc. as there's plenty of torque on my 2009 800gs and the new 850 sounds like it has more power and torque anyway.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Finally did the parallel twin the only way a parallel twin should be done, with a 270° crank.

[@0619Octupi]

They essentially designed a new bike yet did not provide adj front suspension. I'll upgrade early 2019 and this bike is off the list as a majority of my riding is off-road and I need adjustability. I currently ride an F800GS but will be looking to Yamaha or KTM for my next ride.

[@AndrewCleland1972]

Great review, thanks :)

[@originalkontrol]

Great video! I enjoy your reviews, you do a great job with highlights and disappointments. But I agree with the last comment, the Tiger looks to be the better bike for the money. If you’re a BMW loyalist, then you’d go for the GS. I Don’t really have any particular brand loyalty and although my current ride is a Street Triple, I’ve owned and loved several other brands as well. I’d look at several bikes, but I’d likely end up with a Tiger or an Africa Twin AS.

[@NelisLamprecht]

Great review, well done.

[@doro8592]

Frumoasa motocicleta,, cand vi prin italia zona Treviso, partea de nord anuntama... eu am un bmw xr si in august am fost pe transfagarasan si transalpina.. Top

[@DriveMagRiders]

Dam un semn

[@carlarthur4442]

Nice bike and good information about it, seems a good all rounder, with typical B. M W quality build, about wind buffeting can be a problematic on motorway journeys. But it depends hat you want from your bike.

[@MrKdr500]

Nice work!

[@yoshimitsu411]

Of all the BMW GS (1200 or 850) bikes you have ridden over the years, which one would you say is your absolute best and highly recommended?

[@motoRoutero]

Good job! Nice presentation !

[@DriveMagRiders]

Thanks

[@kymstock1852]

SO less suspension travel, still softly sprung and valved , more weight and less fuel capacity. It should suit European adventures fine. If you are contemplating anything harder perhaps take a look at the KTM1090, Tiger800 or Africa Twin

[@ShymkentAdventure]

I think that 850 gs is step back from BMW in moto world. BMW made a big mistake when they changed fuel tank position 😰 Old 800 gs the best 💪

[@chrissandles4833]

Shymkent Adventure agree. Had an 700 gs before my 1200 gsa and that tank was the best. Besides recall issues.

[@SAMFICOM]

There is KTM 1090 out there. Try it - so much better than any F series.

[@chrissandles4833]

SAMFICOM my new 1200 gsa is on the boat. KTM gives your short burst of happiness. Wouldn’t mind riding the new husqvarnas

[@SAMFICOM]

Sold mine R1200GSA LC. Sold then noticed, that not only engine, but shaft drive is also water cooled apparently... For sure for Loooong distances big GS is better, however it is too boring and suck offroad.

[@ShymkentAdventure]

it is heavier and consumes more fuel than F series but sespentions for offroad in ktm better i agree

[@42micks42]

Not convinced, I think I will keep my GS800 Adventure for a bit longer as I love the large fuel tank.

[@reinaldoatilano7562]

Nices reviews. The clutch still wire or Hydraulic?

[@nomad_lad]

Non Adjustable front fork!?!?!? Wow. So I'm 100kg. If I load up luggage and pillion... I can't adjust my forks? No way... A Tiger 800 for my please. They have just copied the tiger... badly. Raised the centre of gravity by moving fuel tank up and forward, made it heavier and also given it the exact same power as the Tiger. Test the new tiger 800 guys... I think it will be much better.

[@MrKdr500]

At 100kg if you are serious about setting up the bike properly then you would need to buy heavier fork spring no matter what bike you buy.

[@markb1511]

MrKdr500 I am 105kg and I have never had to get stiffer springs on any of my motorcycles. However, all of my motorcycles have had adjustable suspension.

[@markjurczyk]

Are you nuts ? Why superior bike company copied English junk ? Hahahahahah

[@steinert]

How can BMW copy the Tiger when the GS was engineered before?

[@kai-uweoch1159]

Two thoughts: no adjustability of the front fork in this price class? Acceptable for a cheap bike, but not in this price class. The only reason for that can be that BMW wrote an agreement with Touratech... Second: do you think it`s possible to come down to those fuel consumption numbers of 3.X l/100km that BMW is stating, riding a calmer touring pace?

[@Snowhite808]

Only at a very slow pace - calm hand or Cruise control and very stiff tyres. But it should not be actually doable. This bike has more rolling resistance, more weight, more wind resistance and bigger engine with less effective firing. if it can keep with the 4l/per 100 it is already pretty good. But the tank should have been kept bigger. Just marketing we might assume. And the aftermarket will be happy about the cheap and shitty suspension....

[@bithynian3700]

100kg load, i think it will have 300km range with premium fuel only. But hey, you can adventure the hell out of Starbucks :'D

[@MatBettinson]

Funny sitting in front of that tri-color gold rim f850... how much does it want to look like an Africa Twin? :)

[@OntarioAndrews415]

Good overall video. I liked it. I will add that the later part of this video; when you were sitting on the ground talking you kept looking off to the side - stop doing that! It made you look like a hostage forced to talk about the bike. :)

[@Speedytrip]

Great review! I felt the previous generation was a bit meh in the character department...

[@InuitWolf]

When will we see a more in depth review of this GS?

[@DriveMagRiders]

Of course. As soon as we get our hands on it. We're also planning some comparisons with the rivals.

[@Ramdas_Devadiga]

This or the Africa twin? thanks

[@sctpc]

The front forks still can't be setup, when asked who are they set for he said a 75kg person and half tank of fuel. What bull shit whos that light little own with rideing gear on. Stuid. But one of the best reviews I've see

He said 75kg person. The person is 75kg. Gear is on top of that.

[@emacemacii]

I might get flame by a lot of people. But I start to notice western companies tend to build more premium product in China while moving more entry level product production to other developing countries. Mercedes also build 4-cylinder turbo engines in China for cars that's being sold world wide too. Heck even when I was shopping for UGG boots I notice the more expensive selections were made in China while the rest are made in Vietnam. Not saying Made in China is good, but the tide is turning.

[@nesanrockstar5296]

Sir, can you do a review for the brand new 2018 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT and its twin sibling the 2018 Tracer 900?

[@DriveMagRiders]

Hello. As soon as I can get my hands on it! I am very curious

[@nesanrockstar5296]

Thanks for the reply sir. I will wait for your review on the Tracer 900 GT and Tracer 900 Standard as I love these bikes and they were my dream bike too.

[@RoadTrooper]

Thanks for the great and first actual YT review of the 850 although I sensed the boys from BMW were watching and you were holding back on what you really thought ;) As a tour guide I've been running the 800GS and 800GSA in the Alps, Pyrenees and north west Europe for years and love them, the 800GS/A ain't perfect but have a nice balance of practicality and low running costs. But my 800GS needs to be replaced this year and my head is wrecked. Apart from the new and probably better engine on the 850 I'm struggling to see it as a better option to the original 800GS. I'm not sold on the new tank placement, nor it's 15ltr capacity and what looks like a severe lack of weather protection - probably to keep it's weight down and claim a 300km range. Throw a touring screen, engine bars, hand guards, luggage etc along with my fat ass which together would definitely affect the claimed 4.6/4.8ltr consumption per 100km up to 5.4/5.6-ish and I'm thinking the 15ltr tank will be a major drawback on tours in remote locations or if I simply need to chew up some proper miles on the motorway where the beauty of the 800GSA lays. If that was the case then carrying extra fuel is a necessity for me which then makes the 800GSA with it's really good weather protection and 450km range a far more attractive option. I'm sure that engine and new frame construction is a major benefit, but FFS, what are BMW thinking, heavier bike, no weather protection, less fuel and seriously ugly copycat golden rims. It's like two steps forward and 4 steps back. No wonder I've got a hard on for the simple joys of the Royal Enfield Himalayan at under €6K new ;) My gut is telling me to try and get my hands on an a new-old 800GS if I can find one. I'll await for your next review of the 850 when the BMW boy's aren't looking over your shoulder before making any decision, until then I'll be looking for a new-old 800GS..

[@DriveMagRiders]

Hello RoadTrooper. Didn't hold back a second and said what I really thought. And these are my thoughts after a 200 km ride at the international media launch. There are some questions left - how it will behave with passenger and luggage, how comfortable is for a three-days trip, what's the fuel economy on the highway at 130 kph, but I just can't answer right now. :)

[@RoadTrooper]

Thanks for the reply. Love your channnel, keep up the great work. Like you said, still too many unanswered questions on the 850, can't wait to see your indepth review at a later date..

[@DriveMagRiders]

RoadTrooper As soon as the bike is in the showroome we're gonna take it out for a one week ride. Or two weeks. After that, planning to do a comparison with the rivals. Thanks for your feedback and for subscribing to our channel

[@Joric78]

Even when addressing their global market, I find it difficult to believe the median weight for F800GS riders was 75kg.

[@jaypuck6912]

Yeah, that's pretty small, even for Italians. Maybe they sell a lot of bikes in Ethiopia.

[@ariasca2]

What about the extra weight compared with previus F800GS ?

[@DriveMagRiders]

Didn't feel it when riding. Really. But probably you're gonna feel it when dropping it down.

[@sergionavarro3356]

Hey! I am looking to purchase this bike with the low seat I am 1.73, what is good for you with the standard seat?

[@DriveMagRiders]

It was ok for me with the standard one. However, go to the showroom first and try the low seat. You might feel it more comfortable - it also has enough legroom for a lower seat too.. Also you sit lower, so better weather protection from that screen. But try it!

[@sergionavarro3356]

DriveMag Riders I imagine you had to lean the bike and support it with just one leg when stopping right? I will, can't wait for the bike, I'll get it as soon as it becomes available in Spain. End of this month theoretically. Been riding a g650gs up to now

[@mickeypopa]

Half full tank I can understand, but 75kg rider? Really?? No rider weighs so little on average, even women with full gear are probably more than that, and men certainly up to 85-90kg at the bare minimum. Just helmet+leather jacket weigh 5kg, forget about everything else. Those are some pretty outdated average weight assumptions, to be honest.

[@oceanadex]

Ι weight 60 and it's perfect for me, though a little high, I am 1.65

[@mickeypopa]

The key word here is "average". Average male rider (that rides a bike in this class) weighs at least 85kg with a helmet and a jacket. Take a portable scale and ask any rider you meet that rides a similar bike to step on it in their riding gear. Do this 50 times and then calculate the average weight. If it's not AT LEAST 85kg, I'll give my right hand. Yes, you heard it right - you can chop off my throttle hand! :P

[@lapstonelimousine1787]

Then he claims there must be compromise. No there doesn’t. Put manual adjustments

[@nathanboeger9329]

Very disappointing bike! I have had 2 F800's in the past. They totally forgot what they needed to "refine". This new bike is fat, less, and more expensive. The KTM 1090 is miles better and cheaper (where I am ) not to mention the Africa Twin. For just a little more I can get the KTM 1290 SA-S... BMW you f-ed up. They should have lowered the weight, added better front suspension, put a hydraulic clutch, and better windscreen.

[@antoniojmols]

Nice one. Any oficial information about the price?

[@DriveMagRiders]

António Silva Yes. It should be a little different from a country to anothere, so check up your local dealer's price list

[@mariotodorov8116]

shiny road bike for pizza delivery 😂😂😂

[@Dankeller69]

What tires were on the road version ? and were they good

[@DriveMagRiders]

Bridgestone A41. Yes. Very good grip and handling

[@lordrider9370]

Stephanie Rowe!👍👍 You shaved after south America advanture :)

[@DriveMagRiders]

Lord RideR it was about the time :)))

[@cyclopathic998]

There is no problem with the bike which cannot be fixed by adding power and weight.

[@bepowerification]

so its twice as expensive as the 310GS? I made my choice.

[@MrKdr500]

twice as much money for 3 times as much capacity, If you can be happy on a 310GS then you were never gonna buy the 850GS anyway.....FFS!

[@brucekendall52]

Thks.

[@stizzygrayson5541]

Nice review. Vlad Putin meets Borat.

[@Neoptolemus]

What is the fuel consumption at 120kmh constant? And what are the rpm on 100,120 and 160 kmh ?

[@DriveMagRiders]

Didn't manage to get an 120 km/h constant. No highway, just curvy and very curvy roads. So I don't have an answer now. But I think it's around 4.8 l/100 km.

[@MrKdr500]

Surely if you get an RPM figure for 100kph you can calculate the rest? ie...4K @ 100kph would mean 150kph i= 6K, 200kph = 8K....etc.

[@DriveMagRiders]

Actually, I was mainly on 2nd and 3d, between 4k and 7k rpm. Sorry. But i''ll check and get back with an answer

[@mtscott]

That was interesting. Front forks are designed for 75kg person and 1/2 tank. Most motorcyclists I know are big boys that will weigh 100kg with gear! C’mon BMW....get with the program and we ain’t joining weight watchers 😁

[@kapilbsingh]

Your accent is very cool,

[@milesmoore5422]

You forgot to show shots of the bike. Details Details Details

[@szatanica1]

What does it mean “off-road possibilities are much better”? This opinion is too generic. If the weight is higher and the tank ends up on the front then how exactly this gives you better possibilities? I’m 65kg so I’d say in terms of suspension settings, it’s like finally the bike is made for a girl ;D That would explain I had such a great experience with this bike, eventhough I had only slick tires, so didn’t want to go nuts too much. The weather protection is great for me, as I’m short (165cm). I filled the tank usually half way to limit the weight. I’d love to test it in more extreme conditions, although I’m having doubts about using is as dual sport. I’ve been riding 1200GS for 3 years now and I’m afraid it will be more less the same thing in terms of weight, so the change might be pointless...

[@SLFYSH]

Suspension is set up for 75 kg rider weight with gear! Ridiculous! This is a serious fly weight expectation for people tall enough to ride the bike, especially any male.

[@πανος-μ1ζ]

Well we all wait for 850gs adv. ....with bigger tank and without golden wheels ( Someone in bmw has a really bad taste. ...)

[@barkinsahin]

Πανος Παππας cant agree more with you. What is wrong with those designers choosing gold colour for forks, rims, calipers etc...

[@MrKdr500]

It's almost like they're trying to look like an Africa twin...

[@pilatesbruxelles5258]

The golden wheels are 'optional extras', the bike doesn't come like that as default. So, it's only for those who really want it like that. Sorry, but don't blame the bad taste on BMW, the bike is not like that ;-)

[@Chriswilliams-lx9mx]

Crf 250 l if you wanna travel the world without breaking down or bmw if ya like the coffee and biscuits at the dealers when there repairing ya bike👍😫

[@columbo74]

Motor built in China - german premium price

[@BLNMotoCity]

So what are you trying to say? That the engine is terrible just because its made in China?

[@columbo74]

ConNecT!onClaN the price ! Ktm produces some bikes in india but they are 1/3 cheaper than the bmw two cylinders. what concerns the quality we will see

[@haukemaier]

They produce in China to fullfill the market entrance conditions there and sell there their products. And of course its cheaper ;)

[@columbo74]

cracken lord i own two bmws, and you?. You missed the whole point you genius

[@mickeypopa]

ConNecT!onClaN Actually, for me it's not about the product at all, it's about the cheap price of labor. So if you pay a Chinese worker for half that of a German worker for the same product, and you put the same price tag on it, then you're kinda ripping people off. Final price should reflect production costs, otherwise you're just milking the brand name.

[@Pashtet62rus]

Мне кажется у него акцент

[@yayoi1]

Gold wheels ... wonder what gave BMW that idea?

[@kloppskalli]

Watch out. Launch and lunch.. Not the same..

[@SamMight]

I see a review on the official launch, I click off the video. Always a paid advertisement for the bike basically

[@mariotodorov8116]

790adv.

[@lamilumag]

Why would anyone want a heavier bike with less reach, that is ugly and boring, has non adjustable suspension and a TV-screen? ... there is plenty of alternatives - be it a tiger, ktm 790/1090 adv, africa twin, even a ducati multistrada 950 enduro... or even a KTM 950 Adventure that is 12 years old is more exciting than this...

[@pejal1308]

Sounds like borat. Hahaha

[@Zenrising_YTCM_President]

White, blue and red decals, gold wheels. It looks like BMW is trying really hard to copy the look of the Africa Twin. Trying a little too hard. These things will never be as reliable nor as capable as the Africa Twin.

[@kvaegenbjergvej]

75 kg is a women or a rice man

[@jal1797]

I will keep my f 650 gs Rotax engine.I cannot participate to this immoral practice,pay less,demand more.Noway!even it is better than Africa Twin which by the details seems not to be,I would definetely vote Honda quality.

[@stigeilertsen5016]

Motor Made in China ! :-(

[@robertpolkamp]

My experience in the USA has taught me that 330km is a minimum range for a proper adventure ride. It sounds like this new bike may fall short. Also at 100kg and loaded with additional gear and a full tank the lack of preload adjustment of the front makes the 850GS an expensive mistake.