Bmw F850GS Review

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Enjoyed that Bruce, and thanks for the mention...I completely agree with you on the diving front end, once you've sampled the non-diving telelever all other adventure bikes don't seem to cut it do they! Other than that though, I personally liked the bike much more than you did. I didn't find it lacking in much (if any) power compared to the bigger GS, loved the slick gearbox, the same features/controls/TFT as the big brother but the big GS costs (at least) 50% more....so that's why I think this one could sell, great VFM compared to the bigger bikes.....all the best, keep 'em coming!

[@teapotone]

Yep it’s a lot of bike for the money for sure, cheers bud 👍

[@fastfrankee]

Its a great bike, like it better than my 1200gs, feels half the weight and much more nimble and better off road.@@teapotone

[@teapotone]

Certainly agree it would be better off road, but personally I didn’t think it was anywhere near as nimble as the 1200.

[@stevejenkins236]

Try the F750GS. The Ergo's and Cockpit are exactly the same (it's the same bike actually apart from the bouncy bits!!) and the shorter suspension gives a much better road ride. The engine doesn't feel lacking in the 750 compared with the 850, even though it is mapped with less peak power. It is lower and therefore feels more flickable than the 850 and will address one of your main points. With it being even cheaper, the 750 is a viable all rounder at half the price of a TE spec 1200.

[@VictorCastillo-xu4eu]

I have a 2016 1200GS and I’m curious about the 850, I’m getting older 50’s and I want a lighter bike without missing the punch and features of the 1200, I was also considering the Africa Twin standard, any input?? 🙏

[@markguppy2715]

Looking forward to the IAM content. Passed mine about 13 years ago and still maintain that its the best money I've ever spent on biking. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

[@kevinwhite2380]

Congratulations on signing up to the IAM. I'm a full Green badge holder, having passed last year. The training ISwell worth it. I keep going back for the Slow Riding courses which are great confidence boosters, especially on my 1200GSA :-)

[@markgr1nyer]

Love this vid, your summary sums up the bike perfectly (as for future ride, love to see your take on the K1600). I ride an F800GT for the local blood bikes (for another 3 months then I can ride the FJR1300s we have as I turn 30) and my own bike is a ZZR14. Unfair to compare them really but the weakness of the F8 is also a strength for me. When we get an urgent run so its up to the speed limit ASAP and sit there I have to work the bike harder than my ZZR or the RT I had before, so in some ways its more rewarding of a ride. I hate the brakes on the F8, but thats probably due to being used to the ZZRs brakes but they certainly can't be described as anchors. I hope your enjoying the IAM, I was 26 when I started, took me 18 months as I had a bit of time away from the bike due to a low speed high side after hitting a curb and landing on said curb on my spine (back protector saved the day but confidence in the wet was shot to pieces), but once you get it (and there will be a ride which just flows and it all makes sense) you become safer, smoother and due to the smoothness far more progressive without going silly on the throttle. And yes they all had 1200GS...and I ended up with a 1st gen RT-P by the end of the course after the off. There's a reason they all have the same sort of bike, because they do anything and in the right hands are just as quick as a sports bike on the road...try keeping up with an SEG Rider, you on a ZZR14 against them on a R1200s, you won't stand a chance. Its not the size of it, its what you do with it lol

[@peterreeve8663]

I’ve got a 2010 Gs650F twin as a first big bike 3 years ago. I love it except the seat is like a plank after about an hour. Got a taller screen but still get head buffeting. I’d love to see you ride a Honda VFR800 like Richy Vida enthuses over. Love it now you publish every Friday. It’s a great start to the weekend. Best wishes.

[@teapotone]

I’d love to do a vid with Rich and swap Bikes, me on his VFR and him on my GS! One day hopefully 👍

[@andrewamandarobertson1423]

Hey Bruce, great vlog again. I'm test riding the new 1250 next week, so looking forward to that. I started my IAM in September and passed my advanced test recently. It's a great experience, it's changed my riding for the better and I'm sure that by being a safer, thinking rider you will enjoy your riding again, but on an elevated level. Look forward to the vlogs on that.

[@teapotone]

Cheers Andy 👍

[@BMRTV]

This is the GS I'd consider. Looking forward to your thoughts....I'll shut up now and watch.

[@marcr660907]

Nice one Bruce, I had the previous model and had a similar experience with the front end. I replaced the fork springs, which was very expensive, and it sorted it out very nicely. Keep up the good work, I’m really enjoying your channel.

[@teapotone]

Thanks Marc 👍

[@thelikeablerider8800]

Thanks for the link Bruce! I'm expecting 21k subs to come on board now. Failing that.....stiff one in the rear will do pal lol

[@teapotone]

Ha Ha, no worries bud, I really enjoyed the series you’ve done on the Hero7, very informative. Hope you get some traction off it 👍

[@semajohn]

Missing Gary Glitter from the list of people no longer spoken about. Always enjoy watching reviews and this was another cracking one.

[@teapotone]

Thanks bud 👍

[@ianmills35]

Evening sir, just joined the IAM myself. Been thinking about it for ages having watched back to the bike and seaflyfishers channel, like you just want to be safe. Had my fist taster observed ride at the weekend and really enjoyed it. Good luck sir, I will be watching the vlogs. 👍🏍.

[@teapotone]

Thanks Ian 👍

[@jean-pierreluca3105]

Hi there a great clip and appreciate your thoughts on the 850 adv I have going through some heavy research on what type of adv to buy and was down to the Africa twin or the 850 gs I’m only 174 cm tall so which is why the one your testing was important to me cheers,, but now you’ve got me thinking about the 1250 gas rallie as have many bikes before and having places to go which is going to be off the beatin track apart from the road do you think the 1250 might be to cumbersome for that type of riding,,, cheers teapot..

[@teapotone]

Not at all, the big GS is perfectly capable off road if you are used to riding off-road.

[@waynecompton7612]

Good morning Bruce, thank you for the video. Take care and A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your Family 😎👍🇬🇧.

[@teapotone]

Cheers Wayne, Merry Christmas to you and yours too 👍

[@LambChopRides]

Get a hero4 silver.. cheap as chips no big box adaptor . I have 2 and bloody still fantastic

[@jean-pierreluca3105]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts there teapot.. have done some riding off road so will take your opinion into consideration cheers and happy trails.. Luca..

[@IuriBarros1]

Great vid as usual,Bruce! Talking about the bike, I personaly think it is a good option to those who want to make a "soft" transition from a smaller cc. to eventualy one day get to a 1200 or 1250cc... Again, greatings from Portugal , and have a nice weekend !

[@teapotone]

Cheers Paulo, and you bud 👍

[@brikfiend]

As you age you realize Safe is Good TP1 ! It's more about the journey than the destination .

[@vd2597]

Just purchased this bike. First adv bike. I like it. Loaded with features. I'm 5'8 145lbs. My only complaint is the weight. This bitch is incredibly top heavy.

[@wokeupandsmellthecoffee214]

Just ordered the 850GS Sport. Nice Tunbridge Wells accent btw 🤣 subbed you 👍

[@teapotone]

Cheers 👍

[@rottieman347]

I took one of these out from BMW Wolverhampton, drove it off the forecourt and straight back into the dealership. It's a bike you'll either love or hate and I am of the latter opinion. It just didn't give me confidence and felt like a cheap copy of the bigger GS. I'll stick with my R1200RT. My wee legs don't allow for the height of the 1200GS even with lowered suspension. As you say, it will suit some people, just not for me.

[@teapotone]

👍

[@Arachnoid_of_the_underverse]

Nice review Bruce and Im sure it makes you appreciate the 1200 GS even more than before. I got to try the Triumph 1200 on the Honda sand pit at the last bike show it was a very nice bike,with a very quiet engine and well capable but I certainly felt the higher centre of gravity than on my 1200GS boxer engine. I also tried the KTM 1290 outside on the road and that just felt like a vibby sewing machine with its V twin engine.

[@teapotone]

Cheers Andi, I’ve not tried the Superduke yet but it’s on my radar. 👍

[@mrgari189]

Signed up for IAM roadsmart at the NEC show too - well it was a saving of £50 :-) Just watched your dislocated shoulder vid - that looked incredibly painful. Makes me think about getting an inflatable vest !

[@teapotone]

Worst pain I’ve ever experienced, bar none. Yeah I’ve thought about the vest too actually

[@r13gbs]

I found it higher than the 1250, the front dives too much when you need to give it a fistful,the screen is useless ,, Great to see you back Bruce , All the best to you and Nicky

[@teapotone]

Thanks Rick 👍

[@paulpartridge2674]

If it's going to be a BMW it has to be a boxer for me . Nice to see you out and about 👍

[@teapotone]

Thanks Paul, yeah I kind of agree there, the boxer just has something about it doesn’t it 👍

[@garysmythe9545]

Wonder how it would ride and break 2 up touring, fully laden with luggage ? Good review though - thanks.

[@chrisredfield3240]

Good review. And we don't need facts and figures they don't really tell the whole storey and there easy enough to look up. Keep up the good work.

[@chrisredfield3240]

I think the longer wheelbase and 21" front wheel make manoeuvring the 850 more effort than the boxer

[@gerardomusano6919]

Nice to see you back on the road again .You forgot to say that the engine is made in China and they had some problems on it before making it go worldwide.

[@teapotone]

Thanks Gerardo, I didn’t know that actually! 👍

[@the_kato]

Good work Bruce! 👍🏻

[@teapotone]

Cheers Jon 👍

[@geoffwhale9252]

nice vid mate

[@teapotone]

Thanks Geoff

[@alexmorgan3435]

To reduce front dive could the compression of the front fork not be adjusted? Poor Brembo brakes could just be crap pads. Doesn't inspire confidence when a dealer's courtesy bike's brakes are not spot on. Maybe EBC sintered would offer an improvement? Agreed you need a much better camera as footage is now quite dated i.e. poor in comparison to GoPro or Sony.

[@caroldave4037]

Hi Bruce because we don't spend most of the day sat at traffic lights.... here in cumbria ...we not fussed about having tft screens to play with...😉😉😉😉😉he he..best wishes for Christmas from dave..

[@simongregory4264]

Another round the world trip would be good Bruce , I keep trying to do the Iam also , but struggle for time .

[@SX1000ninja]

So Hero7 or what about the TomTom bandit ? Also please refrain from using words like ‘stiff ride’ and you liking it ‘hard’ remember it’s a family show 👍 Cheers Bruce 👌🏻

[@teapotone]

Ha Ha, that’s my attempt at doing a ‘Baron’! TomTom Bandit is an ok camera but it’s discontinued now. Technology has now moved on a lot since it was designed so there are better cameras available, such as the Hero7 👍

[@SX1000ninja]

teapotone ......just shows you how much I know on the camera set up then when the Bandit is now discontinued. I know you did a comparison vid on the TomTom and it seemed to get a decent review from you. I’m actually thinking of purchasing the Bandit purely down to looks and shekels.....any thoughts 🤔🤔

[@garethburningham9467]

Great vid Bruce. Don't think I'll be trading in my 800 Tiger for the 800GS, the Triumph definitely has the edge looks wise and I'd much rather have the British built triple engine over the Chinese twin. Saying that I would consider the 1200GS given all the great revues it gets, but my little legs might prove somewhat of a hurdle with the bigger BMW.... 😂 Keep up the great work buddy.... 👍

[@teapotone]

Cheers Gareth, give the big GS a go bud, you can lower the seat on them and the weight is all very low down, much easier to ya for than the big Triumph 1200 👍

[@BulldogGaz]

As always just love watching your videos, I think it's the accent 😉 why don't you do a test ride on a Honda 90, he he 👍

[@teapotone]

I think I’d kill it! 😬🤣👍

[@IanTed]

1250 after Xmas for me Bruce, Exclusive with wire wheels, gold wheels would be nice😜

[@teapotone]

Beautiful machine that ❤️👍

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

Good review...agree with your observations Bruce. Not that powerful...if nippy enough on it's own...would struggle loaded up I think and too soft up front. Acid test...I wouldn't trade my 1200 for this Chinese made 850 lump but I seriously considered trading my 1200 Explorer for the Triumph 800 version...stonking good bike. I'll buck the trend of many bmw fanboys and say that the old Rotax engined gs parallel twin was the better bike over this new el cheapo version. Without the badge and fancy tft it wouldn't sell many when you have bikes like the ktm790, Ducati 900 multistrada and triumph tiger 800 competing with it. Yamaha's mt07 I think is more fun...their mt10 is bonkers...off piste but was invited to try it a few weeks back...what a blast!

[@teapotone]

I’ve not tried any of them actually except the Triumph 1200 and 800, but wouldn’t trade the 1200 for the 800 Triumph to be honest. Hopefully getting a shot of some KTM’s this year so looking forward to that 👍

[@motoventure_6938]

Great first impressions vid Bruce. Definitely hasn't got that 1200GS sound track to it! Regarding the IAM, I passed my assessment in September and got to say it really opened my eyes to what's going on around me on the bike. So plans for the 1250GS, are you going to Toro Adventures to use/try theirs? Maybe even using their 1250 to lead a tour, maybe Morocco?!

[@teapotone]

Thanks Reece, glad you enjoyed it. Regarding Toro, no idea to be honest. I think TMF has that gig nailed down these days 😉 Something is happening tomorrow though 😉👍

[@motoventure_6938]

@@teapotone Look forward to hearing/seeing all about it 👍

[@thejohnnerparty]

Good job on the vlog. ….. I am interested in the 2019 Honda CB500X. If you get the chance, I'd really like to see your vlog on it. ;-)

[@robbo2822]

Hi Bruce I hear what you're saying about what camera to get next after the ghost S. I have the ghost HD and it's never let me down, i've tried getting the S but unfortunately i haven't managed to hunt one down . I won't touch the ghost x or the 4k as i think they're crap. It seems that Drift have lost their way after the ghost HD and the S. The trouble i find with gopro is they stick out like sails.

[@teapotone]

Yep I’m in exactly the same boat Robbo, I don’t like the physical size of the GoPro Hero’s, the Drift has a much better design for helmet mountain. However the GoPro smashes all over everything else in terms of quality, with maybe the old Sony X3000 coming close.

[@IanTed]

teapotone Sony X3000 for me now, don’t miss my GoPro, only use for handlebar and rear views...

[@garrywhippe7140]

Phew Bruce! Glad you didn’t think it was to bad, just picked mine up after trading my tiger800 in for one. What did you think of the forks? As no adjustment. Another top vlog👍🏍

[@teapotone]

Suspension felt good mate, you can adjust the ride too electronically, same as the 1200/1250, and I’ve never found it wanting 👍

[@garrywhippe7140]

teapotone not got the electronic suspension (tight arsed), went for the end can,centre stand on the sport model. Screen is naff so trying out a powerbronze tall one. What coms device do you use? I have a scala rider q1 and it does not run to clever with the tft display.

[@teapotone]

I use the Cardo Scalia Pactalk Bold, it’s awesome. However I don’t link it to the satnav/display, just to my phone for listening to the radio, intercom and phone.

[@docgreen4934]

teapotone Hi Bruce. How much does the Cardo Scalia Pactalk Bold cost? Great vid and thanks for all your work. I’ve been watching for a year now and really enjoy your trips AND travails! I’m looking at the new GS for the spring and plan to lay down the deposit next week after initial discussions at Motorad over the past two weeks. First I’ve had to clear the garage. Sold my MT09 and retained my Speedmaster (that will never go - it’s my baby!!). TMF has been very helpful regarding BMW advice too. Anyway, this is my first comment to you and I wish you and yours well over the holiday. Yours aye, Alan

[@teapotone]

Hi Alan, Welcome to the channel bud and thanks for your support. The Cardo Pactalk is about £200 I think. I got a double pack and it was around £400 I’m sure

[@bigjoe4020]

good review with some humour. Also very timely as I have a test ride on in 1/2 hour for both, this one and the big 1250. Never ridden either so should be a good comparison. One of the reasons I would like a smaller bike is, NOT to be intimidated by the size. I recall watching TMF not going down a bitumen road on one of his trips because he was worried that he wouldn't be able to turn around ???? THAT limits your adventure too much. I wanna be able to look at just about any but the worst dirt road and not worry about the bike being too heavy etc etc. Anyway gotta go to that test ride.....rsm8

[@IanTed]

Big Joe 1250 feels lighter than the 850, with far more grunt and superb balance, I’m not a big guy but 1250 for me...

[@chrisredfield3240]

I'm sticking with my f800gs feels like a 125 after riding a r1200gs and s1000xr for the day

[@Neohurricane]

I was interested in this bike but it was released too late so I bought the tiger800 instead. Standard seat height is way too high for shorties just like the big brother so would need the low seat/suspension. Like the active suspension which the triumph doesn't have. Triumph grips are not as good as new but the triumphs heated seat is great!

[@teapotone]

Yeah I loved the seat on the Triumph, comfiest Seat I’ve ever sat on!

[@whitecompany18]

I'm a fan of the 2003 650 Dakar , light enough to adventure on your own and pick it up when necessary and a good all round beater but once I tried the Yamaha xt660z I found that was the adventure bike for me ,lighter'ish and faster than the BMW. At the moment I'm touring on my Royal Enfield classic 500 army and loving every minute of the slow Lane and B roads so I'd love to see you test ride a classic 500 haha

[@teapotone]

Ha Ha, Ah yes.... maybe not 🤣👍

[@TFWandyzilla]

Hello! Could you set the audio on mono if you're only using one mic? Your videos have the audio on the left and I always have to set it to mono to properlly hear your voice in both channels. (That is if you're not recording in stereo. In that case, ignore me)

[@teapotone]

Sorry Wandy, I’ll have a look at that 👍

[@QuikyTortoise]

Hello to a fellow KAMG Associate!! I have a depressing feeling you wont be an associate for long. I remember you saying you dont know many country roads around kent.... You will be by the time you get the green badge. Good luck and look forward to see you on the road.

[@toshtwentythree195]

The MET motorcycle police are some of the best riders in the country....Use the force luke...Er Bruce

[@iancharlton5530]

Top review I prefer it’s bigger sibling.

[@teapotone]

Thanks Ian, me too tbh 👍

[@sandy2483]

Now Bruce, I'm seriously considering getting a yamaha peewee 50cc any chance on a review please as I heard they are a fantastic commuter bike! 🤣🤣

[@malcolmmathers2690]

the 750 varient is interesting for me bein 5ft 8 and shrinkin black top and dirt roads touring i think the lil gs could handle that

[@stevebolton8471]

Yep, shame you can’t get the telelever on mid range bikes like this.

[@wj_owen]

I think the people that choose the 850 over the 1250 is because of picking it up while alone when riding offroad?!? Maybe.... Nice review.

[@teapotone]

Thanks bud. I honestly don’t think there’s much in it in regards to picking one up off the ground. The big 1200/1250’s have so much of their weight so low down that picking them up is fairly easy really.

[@wj_owen]

teapotone Okay. When i see them, the 1200 always seems abit on the heavy side. I have never managed to try one mind. But im really looking forward too some day. Might push me over to the big boy bikes someday. 👍🏻

[@bigbiketrip9182]

67 degrees ADV : Ive dropped my 1200 Adventure a few times now and i can tell you it takes about 2 miliseconds to get it back up and ride off 😜😂. It is a heavy bugger though, but lots to do with technique rather than strength. Im just a small bloke but i can pick mine up on my own.

[@wj_owen]

Big Bike Trip Oh. I must get a ride on one. There may be a change from the lighter bikes soon.. 👍🏻

[@tomduncan5690]

Fanboy ❤ lmao 😂😂🤣 Another great video 👍🏻

[@shootingcham]

Ooooooooo one day ill have this bike!

[@BiglumpADV]

Sod the bike lol, did you see that bright yellow Vauxhall Calibra at the start of the video? Takes me back to my youth, mine was red and a 4x4 turbo but what a car it was 😈

[@teapotone]

🤣👍

[@Banditmanuk]

Nice review but let's be honest you prefer them bigger and faster. The bike I would like to see you review is the Honda Grom

[@teapotone]

🤣😂🤣🤠

[@LambChopRides]

I have a vstrom 650 here at the moment so could meet up for an adventure bike blat about?

[@teapotone]

Ha Ha mate that would’ve been a great giggle! Unfortunately I only had the 850 for a short time and it’s gone back now. I’m still up for a meet-up though, you can finally break your GS cherry 😉🤣👍

[@60ri52]

i am one of them.thank you for review.

[@teapotone]

Pleasure bud 👍

[@diegocella6791]

The Anakee 3 is a strange tire, on my 2009 GS was amazing, on my 2016 GSA the froon was a bit loose, not as planted as i wanted to be, but it was the bike that has the front not so ok because even with the PR4 was not on the spot, probably a combination of suspension and 19 front rim, nothing allarming but i'm a bit sensitive on the front.

[@P67R_Nick]

Always makes me smile when I see the DRL looking like a spanner on a BMW 😂, like you're gonna need one when you own a BMW. I'm not a fan of BMW's. They are probably a very good bike but I fear they are far to clinical for me. I fell for that one with the Honda VFR 1200 Crosstourer. Very much an awesome bike, but far to good at what it does. Where is the character? Mainly in the UK, but Austria is very close in comparison. Apparently the 1250 GS has character, we'll see...

[@johnmorning7036]

You having problems with the drift camera take a look at Innovv.

[@teapotone]

Hi John, I’ve already reviewed the C5 INNOVV mate, it’s not a bike cam though, it’s more of a dashcam style of camera. Resolution isn’t good enough for motovlogging at the moment. I’ve moves across to GoPro’s now

[@johnmorning7036]

@@teapotone I saw that , innovv do a helmet cam same system you can either power off the bike or a power bank.

[@teapotone]

Yes they asked me to review it, it’s basically the Bike dashcam I already have, that you stick to the side of your kid and power it from an external power pack you keep in your pocket. Wasn’t for me.

[@johnmorning7036]

@@teapotone Ok i have the dash cam bit too much money for both

[@simongregory4264]

Of course not trying to get shot of you , but can you do another round the world trip ? Also Helga 18000 miles you say

[@teapotone]

If I could afford one Simon then I would bud! Yes she’s at about 22k Miles now.

[@handsfree1000]

It’s about half the price if the bigger gs

[@handsfree1000]

Dealer bike with top box?

[@teapotone]

Yes their demos often have top boxes on them

[@BN1960]

It is a hoogly thing you know.