BMW F850GS vs F800GS | Visordown.com

[@kensimon]

Thank for the nice comparison review. Here's my take. I live in Portugal where there are plenty of unpaved roads to explore. I can't speak for the 850 because I still ride my 2011 F800 GS. I can say that fitted with full panniers I've done some long road tours. I get about 400 kms on the road with the 18L tank. Plenty for the civilized world. The Austrian made Rotax engine rocks. Comfort has it's limits and it's not an RT or pretending to be one. I need to stop a bit more and stretch and I've upt my wet gear because protection is minimal. When I feel like some off road fun this bike can take a pounding and keep going and it does. My GS 1200-1250 buddies are grunting and moaning with every fall and pick up on the trail. The F 800 GS is lighter fun and makes me smile. OK so the forks are not the best but they do provide enough travel and installed aftermarket springs from Hyperpro F & R with good result. It doesn't have a TFT screen and all those electronic modes nobody ever uses after 6 months. So ok the 800 is not perfect for anything and yet still good at everything. I'm going to keep it.

[@GIGABACHI]

YUP, many people saying the same. The new 850 was 1 step forward and 2 backwards.

[@chrisredfield3240]

Was 207kg wet now 228kg wet that's 10 years of progress and the tank went from 16ltr to 15ltr. Hope the 10hp makes up for it

[@khakimzhanmiras]

the engines are made in china, lost the underseat tank and the frames are cheaper to manufacture. bravo bmw.

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

The original was a master piece a part from the leaky water pump hole dripping on the engine (Grease) and the rearward weight bias.. 2 up and loaded with luggage and with a fresh full tank of fuel good luck getting it off the side stand without it tipping over backwards.. The new one for me isn't even worth a look imho.

[@maxflight777]

Chris, nicely put ! Agreed.

[@chrisredfield3240]

@@MagicAyrtonforever forget about putting luggage on the f800 they did mess that part up.

[@jjhout5988]

F850 weighs bit more that the F800. which makes it less controllable on dirt.

[@joelchong7336]

I ride an 800 with LV One slip on and I absolutely love its low rev growls and exhaust pops on deceleration when the engine is hot. If I wanted a F850, I'd seriously consider getting the Africa Twin instead since they are both 270deg parallel twin

[@joem5110]

850GS = Made in China, 800GS = Made in Germany. I'll take the 800.

[@onestyopouah1489]

F800gs : in austria

[@joem5110]

@onestyopouah1489 Wrong, the engine is a Rotax that is built in Austria, the bike was built in Berlin, Germany.

[@stuarthall2523]

@@joem5110The Rotax engine is brilliant.

[@CaptainCaveman782]

What a foolish thing to say and shows no understand of bikes

[@mrams0504]

I own f800gs and even though it's not perfect I'm very happy to take it for a long road trip, having right tires, modified front suspension and some skills. It feels great to go medium offroad with some modern companion (mostly new Africa Twin or KTMs). I think BMW failed with new f850gs, considering competition, mostly ktm 790 adv or upcoming yamaha tenere 700, unfortunately...

[@FBK-811]

Do u still thinking that bmw failed with the new 2019-2023 gs850 ? I’m considering buying one 💭

[@mrams0504]

​​@@FBK-811 i don't have hands on experience with f850gs, have traded my f800gs 2 years ago for tenere 700 which i like a lot (especially with some small suspension modifications made for about 300 usd) however i care more for offroad capabilities then road comfort. I'd say depends a lot on your preferences, if you prioritize comfort onntarmac over offroad capabilities may be ok, otheriwse, especially (if its not such well priced used bike) i would rather consider some more recent competition like like Aprilia Touareg, Ducati Desert X or Husqvarna Norden

[@volodymyrspyrydonov]

Why not to mention, that later F800GS forks were upgraded from 43mm Marzocci to 45mm WP and those became more convenient? There are no excuse why BMW put so crappy non-adjustable suspension on rather expensive machine. Chinese made 850 engine vs Austrian 800, much higher weight of 850 - for me F800GS is Way better than new 850GS especially on the trail.

[@chrisredfield3240]

They even lost 1.1" of travel on the front forks. But you do get it back on the F850GSA that's 244kg. The r1200gsa was 228kg wet r1200gs LC 2013> 238kg wet.

[@oesda]

I agree with you - prefer the Rotax Austrian engine over a Chinese engine + new swing arm curved design does not convince me at all.

[@hitibikunu]

What are they on about? The 850 extra weight offroad is not at all what you want, unless you stay on gravel that is. I just took my 800 for 3300km with lots of luggage. No problem WSE

[@janisvinters8797]

How about airbox of F850 and dirt offroad...?

[@davidroberts1960]

You should have compared it to a 2017 F800GS.

[@chrisredfield3240]

At least then he would not moan about the lack of off road abs traction control and rider modes+ fly by wire the 2017 had all those

[@davidroberts1960]

@@chrisredfield3240 True.

[@brucekendall52]

Correct.They have no idea.

[@adriengoux]

no idea why they compare the 850 to the old old model. they could even compare to the monocylinder GS650 at this point ...

[@fernandoaragon1941]

@@chrisredfield3240 and with all that is $C 10000.00 chipper and you don't destroy those tubeless rims on the first rocky terrain

[@dallen8997]

f850 is now a street/fire road bike. F800 is a big dirt bike, should be called f800 BDB...BMW 4 steps back off road.. BOO

[@AkaAndyKnuckles]

The design hardly improved, but the rims accommodating tubeless tires is great.

[@pragmaticcorporatepromotio1608]

Hi, This is Ayaz, Saw your comparison video. My majority of the riding will be in city and occationaly off road. Kindly advice should i buy f800 2017 trophy edition or F850 GS 2019 model. Mile on both bikes is 10000 km.

[@robertmarsh3588]

F850GS is as heavy as a 2010 - 2012 R1200GS (twin cam); it has less power and chain rather than shaft drive. How is this progress? Very very disappointed and will definitely be keeping my 2011 R1200GS.

[@ttxela]

Loving my f800 so far, not finding it uncomfortable on the road at all really and the dive in the front forks is easy to manage once you are aware of it 👍

[@AkaAndyKnuckles]

Come on. Comparing the 850 suspension to the 1250 is rather meaningless; the 1200 does not have a traditional fork.

[@catcaturday2384]

The 1200 isnt even a bike, its a blasted ship

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

@@catcaturday2384 Agree.. I loved my 2013 F800GS a part from slight corrosion creeping in after 2 years ownership and battery going. The 1200 is indeed just better and better but again makes you wonder how long it will last without being pampered (cosmetics)

[@lonelongrider5331]

when BMW told the world that there will be a f850gs i was very exeited… but then very very dissapointed… after 10 years with my f800gs and 120.00km i sold it and bought a 2016 f800gs ADV... i woud never consider the new one… i Paid more for the 2015 then a normal 2019 but it was worth it

[@busterrabbit]

It's obvious that Leo knows nothing about engines; more low down power (I presume he means torque) does not come from it being a parallel twin v the 270 crank of the 850, it's merely a result of it being designed to produce more torque lower down; valve lift and timing for example.

[@grahew632]

No back ground music!...........up's sorry just a main road, only needed to add a couple of fighter jets!

[@whtEhahtgksms]

Really need to invest in better mic

[@motomark121]

I've rode both bikes, I own a F800gs 2008. The 800 is the better bike, just a couple of small tweaks, gives it better road craft, power and fuel economy. With less weight.... Admittedly, yes the 800 is more off road based. But isn't that the point of an Adventure Bike!!

[@peaceoutvanlife]

Some good info, but "hey let's park next to a busy road while we do our review???"

[@jezevans8697]

One of few negative reviews i've read. I opted for a 2012 F800GS as my winter bike a few weeks ago. For my A/B/unclassified road riding, it's plenty good enough - you just adjust your riding to suit it's quirks as with any bike. Anything heavier would be no use to me where i ride and the competition is better for sure but pricier. £5k and 15000 miles, the bike will see me through around 20,000 winter miles. I sold my Tiger 800 with 50,000 on the clock. So far, the Tiger was a slightly better bike in my opinion.

[@AceMBP]

Can solve the f800 vibe problem with aftermarket pipe and fuel mixture adjustment like AfXIED. Also a little bit of smokeless 2 stroke oil added to each tank of gas lubes the injectors and top end. When these are applied it's very smooth bike.

[@tad3549]

That sounds like an amazing fix! Does it really help that much?

[@AceMBP]

@@tad3549 yes.. the 2 stroke oil is easy.. the Afxied is helpful here in the hot desert.. maybe not as helpful in some climates.. easy to change mixture on the fly with the Axfied..

[@disekjoumoer]

The 850GS' competitors, the Tiger 800XCA, Honda Africa Twin and soon the KTM 790 Adventure R are worth looking at, I think. They all have better front suspension, i.e. fully adjustable.

[@MakTheSank]

Tenere 700

[@GerhardCombrink]

Thanks, I do agree with your comments. I also think BMW may have tried to avoid producing a bike that could take away sales from the 1200/1250 by not fitting better front suspension and going with a boxer motor producing 70Kw and a shaft drive (a medium sized 1250 if I may). I also believe BMW was wrong by not doing so, since all they’ve effectively done is to sacrifice sales to Honda, KTM and in future, Yamaha (though the Tenere will be in a market all of its own given the price point and lack of rider aids). I do think the F850gs is still an excellent bike in Adventure trim (and the Rallye version of that bike is stunning), but the F800gs adv I had’s services cost quite a bit more than my R1200gs adv’s mainly due to it having had a chain and sprockets and the F850 will be no exception. The F850 is too heavy for single track off road work (the KTM 790 adv r and new Tenere will be better suited for this purpose), and the weather protection and range is less suited for long trips than the Adventure version. The Adventure also looks far better. The F750 is a better commuter with it’s lower cost, lower insurance, and 19” front wheel. Excluding the excellent options such as the TFT and speed control, there is not a great deal that sets the standard F850 apart from the Africa Twin or Tiger apart from the badge, and when it comes to sales you need an edge especially when German engineering comes at a premium and you’re hard pressed to find the actual German in the engineering you’re riding/inspecting. So, the standard F850 as it stands is thus a very good bike in a sea of other very good bikes and nothing spectacular, devoid of anything memorable other than those offered by the options. BMW could have done better, and they most definitely know it. I do hope they sell well though because I am an avid adventure rider and love seeing more and better models coming out, and doing well.

[@FBK-811]

What do u think about the new gs850 , im considering to buy eaither 2019 or 2022 depending on my budget . Any tips to go ahead or look for alternatives?

[@GerhardCombrink]

@@FBK-811 I'd absolutely look at the 2nd hand market for these as you're suggesting since the value for money you're getting is fantastic. Unlike the previous 800gs the 850 prefers higher revs. They are heavy compared to the competition, but this is actually beneficial on open road touring. Fuel consumption is fantastic and if ridden conservatively you should easily get less than 4.5L/100km. Even with this, I'd recommend looking at the adventure model, the standard's fuel tank is too small.

[@gregbristowe3057]

I don't know what they mean about the f800 not selling well, here in Australia they sold shitloads, they're everywhere

[@maxflight777]

“Abs which kind of is a bit annoying “... What the hell was he talking about ?

[@peaceoutvanlife]

The fact that you have to turn the ABS off on the 800 at startup

[@maxflight777]

@@peaceoutvanlife thx

[@paulcummins1609]

I have a 2016 F800GSA - it's a great all-rounder excepting the vibrations from the engine: the only thing which keeps me from being completely happy with it. I did a 1000km day yesterday from Melbourne to Sydney and my wrists are still buzzing. Hyperpro progressive rate springs have transformed the front end. The excessive fork dive was especially annoying off-road with standard springs. It is now very confidence inspiring off-road and much easier to brake smoothly on loose surfaces. I think Laura and Leo's comments are fair; the 800 pulls smoothly and does the job but it is blighted on the highway by the vibration. I'll definitely take an F850 for a test but the weight is disappointing - if you go off-road you will definitely be picking it up occasionally ...

[@kimmarcelo6131]

I own a 2013 F800GS. I DID 10,000 miles last 2017. Let me tell you that I had the same vibration issue, but in SOME SHELL gas stations, with premium gas, the engine was Silky. Funny thing is not all Shell gas station has the REAL PREMIUM quality.

[@jackg5147]

Nothing compared to 44teeth. These channels need to up their game.

[@toby7504]

Like the new look on the 850, but l still go for the new 800xca..like the tripple engien an it looks, in my opinion, better. And it comes with (almost) all the extra offroad gadgets.....

[@toby7504]

@will M yeah l think its going to be a good bike...but its yet to be seen

[@chrisredfield3240]

@will M it's only 77hp at the wheel and rather high revs to get the power (tiger 800) feels slower than it should.

[@markanthony6128]

They should make F850gs with a 19” front wheel then won’t be so wobbly on highway

[@MarkDrummond]

Hard to compare the R1200GS/GSA front Telever suspenders to the F850GS/GSA standard USD forks, but no adjustability is pretty ridiculous. Both the Tiger XCa and Honda AT AS have adjustable front suspension.

[@vidablue734]

very helpful review as i am considering upgrading my 2011 800 GS to the new 850GSA. i have a few other bikes but the newer bike has more road comfort benefits . Helpful indeed. T hanks**

[@endurofly]

With 20 kilos more 850 is closer to 1200gs

[@fernandoaragon1941]

Will be fair to compare with 800GS trophy 2017. With an old 800 is a waist of time for your viewers

[@bobriley000444]

the new 850 looks like a Chinese knock off of the 800

[@sickunit2096]

Wtf is he talking about with the arms flailing around? Ive never felt that on any twin or single, from 250 up to 1250. Nonsense. Let’s talk about the fact that the new 850 still has the same non-adjustable forks. I put the Andreani cartridges in my 800. Big difference.

[@brucekendall52]

That is not the 800 predecessor............

[@astronautonroad1]

Why dont you compare it with the Tiger 800 xca ??

[@chrisredfield3240]

They probably have. If not there are many on you tube. Most have the africa twin there too.

[@astronautonroad1]

@@chrisredfield3240 I've heard the new tiger is much more capable than any of the other bikes it it's category!! Thanks for the response though 😊

[@chrisredfield3240]

@@astronautonroad1 it's a better allrounder than the others but I've never been a fan of allrounders i still think it's better to be good at one thing. The bmw is good off road. The honda is good on the road. The triumph was not great at either and the engine is not really suited to the task. But still the best overall as it does but jobs without feeling out of it's comfort zone

[@kymstock1852]

@@chrisredfield3240 The F800GS is fine for low speed off road ( rough dirt roads) but as speeds climb its suspension is too soft to cope with sudden hits, which results in bent rims and bent rear frame shock mounts and frame. Add luggage to the rear and the F800 gets front end light and rear end twitchy, especially in sand conditions. The Honda AT is fine on and off road, except for overly sensitive Traction Control and fork internal that wear excessively. The Tiger has a great motor and suspension that works equally well on and off road, as long as you are not much over 80 kg. Best off road suspension is on the KTM 1090 , which has stiffer springs and valving than the Tiger. At least the BMW850 now offers cruise control which the Tiger has offered since 2015. Would I buy model #1 from BMW? Not likely, just as I would avoid a first model from Yamaha and KTM.

[@chrisredfield3240]

@@kymstock1852 the bent rim thing it's probably well over 500lbs in weight if a rim bends there lies the problem. I have no issue rebuilding my wheels with exel rims if it happens. The tiger did get cruise control in 2015 but it was a model refresh. That year the f800gs only got new colours really. The AF still refuses to have CC.

[@roadwarrior8560]

vstrom 1000 xt

[@PoweredbyRobots]

The only issue I have with this video is an absence of correct terminology. And relative experience of the presenters. Not saying you need to be Ron Haslam but for inexperienced riders I think correct use of language helps them fit with their newfound community as they develop. I’m available btw x

[@leefenwick4376]

Go to Snowdonia and stand In the noisiest place to do a pointless review 🙄

[@ricardinhomascaro]

chinese Crossplane = isn't GS 360crank BOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR of ROTAX = REAL BMW

[@fakhirali7224]

Good man

[@sparkyobrian6417]

ride a ktm, you wont go back, I still have my F800gs but the ktms are just miles better off road and seem just as light as my 800- both bmw's have crap for fuel capacity, thats piss poor.

[@markdennis930]

Cannot listen to him, everything he says sounds like a question.

[@whozatair]

800GS worst bike BMW ever made.

[@SkidM3rks]

Wash your mouth out with soap.

[@chrishart8548]

Maybe that's just all the other bmw bikes are amazing. Then again the f650cs is bloody awful in the looks department.

[@JDT64]

I guess that’s why people who own one love it.