2023 BMW F850 GS Adventure TE: First Dates

Welcome to my first ride review of the F850 GS Adventure in TE spec - the first ever parallel twin BMW that I've swung a leg over! I had my expectations but I was very pleasantly surprised by the end of the ride!

Timestamps:
0:00 Welcome
0:57 Comfy! First impressions
2:30 3k rpm pull
2:43 Sorry no Connected App action
3:09 It's a lot of bike...
3:36 Lets see how it rides
4:49 Bit noisy (featuring; a stone...)
5:58 How does the 21" front feel on the road
7:04 The engine (in Road mode...)
7:43 Equipped to power gadgetry
8:09 (not) off road
8:59 Check out my recent ADV bike vids :)
9:19 Some talk of the controls
9:40 Modes and the engine again (this time in Dynamic mode)
11:56 Some confusion about Hill Hold
12:23 Walkaround (featuring; Soft Ground Alert!)
15:26 Not a fan of Speedo Angels protective screens
16:06 Remember that the Ride Mode is linked to the ESA Suspension mode
17:18 The urban jungle!
18:16 Don't look
18:54 Liking it! But would I take it off road?
19:56 Clutch isn't heavy but isn't light (you're welcome)
20:20 Motorway stint (comparing Road and Dynamic too)
21:07 I'm surprised (also featuring; smoke)
23:00 Exhaust and brakes
23:39 Getting the bike on and off the centre stand (featuring; fear)
24:39 Summing up

[RikkyTang]

Timestamps:
0:00 Welcome
0:57 Comfy! First impressions
2:30 3k rpm pull
2:43 Sorry no Connected App action
3:09 It's a lot of bike...
3:36 Lets see how it rides
4:49 Bit noisy (featuring; a stone...)
5:58 How does the 21" front feel on the road
7:04 The engine (in Road mode...)
7:43 Equipped to power gadgetry
8:09 (not) off road
8:59 Check out my recent ADV bike vids :)
9:19 Some talk of the controls
9:40 Modes and the engine again (this time in Dynamic mode)
11:56 Some confusion about Hill Hold
12:23 Walkaround (featuring; Soft Ground Alert!)
15:26 Not a fan of Speedo Angels protective screens
16:06 Remember that the Ride Mode is linked to the ESA Suspension mode
17:18 The urban jungle!
18:16 Don't look
18:54 Liking it! But would I take it off road?
19:56 Clutch isn't heavy but isn't light (you're welcome)
20:20 Motorway stint (comparing Road and Dynamic too)
21:07 I'm surprised (also featuring; smoke)
23:00 Exhaust and brakes
23:39 Getting the bike on and off the centre stand (featuring; fear)
24:39 Summing up

[johnnaunton]

Great review of a bike I recently bought - love the imposing size and the fantastic tank size and range - 300 miles on a tank. Like you I was very pleasantly surprised at the difference between road and dynamic modes. First bike I have had with such a real noticeable difference between the modes. I also love the TFT and the tech it comes with

[mrbjay]

WOW... intense deep sound! Beautiful!!!

[stephenscott]

I have the 2022 F850 GSA and with full fuel tank it certainly feels top heavy (but only gently dropped it once in parking lot u-turn on slight downhill grade even paddle walking in the turn). I actually carry an Eastbound Motowinch on the rear seat. Recently bought a 2023 R1250 R as well. It is actually 10 lbs lighter, but feels 50-70 lbs lighter due to boxer engine lower center of gravity. The F850 GSA is better for the 5+ nights moto camping (using Mosko Moto panniers and duffle). The R1250 R much more fun to ride and will be a 1-2 nights hotel stay bike (use the SW Motech Blaze Pro saddle bags).

[brentmassago]

Thanks for the review. I rode a Rallye edition yesterday and really enjoyed it.

[OzTwanger]

That’s the same as my bike except I have standard seat. I love it

[SouthWest-jjyu]

Nice review I have several BMW’s they all change the suspension settings when changing mode but can as you know be changed with the suspension button. I’ve tried screen protectors from Speedo angels, didn’t like the nano ones but all TFT’s have the tempered glass non reflective. Unlike the others you have no issues with air bubbles it’s just lay it on and it adheres by itself with a little pressure just to finish it off. Makes the TFT much better and stops the water marks that seem to appear regularly on the screen.

[alanmorgan-jones]

I am 72 years old, 5ft 6INCH. I currently ride a 2017 1200gsa. I'm thinking of a change to a smaller bike. I love the gsa but it is rather heavy to maneuver when parking. Might take o look at the 850.

[kramnam]

nice! you’re a happy fella! always cheer me up! 👏🙏🏼

[theballminator]

I tested the África Twin, the v85tt, the tracer, the f900xr, and a lot others. This One just smokes them all. The Africa has more power yes.... But confusing menus and is more expensive.. the F850GSA WON. I HAVE FOR A YEAR and AM in love. Also Zero mechanichals

[sobek]

Im working towards my full licence (Mod 1 and Mod 2 end of the month) and Im considering one of these as a first bike (Honda CB650R is other consideration). Im tall, 6'4" so I have to factor this into chosing a bike

[fransvoorham]

Good evening I have an F850GSA myself now for over a year. I traded in my R1200GS for it, I have made progress with the electronics but I certainly miss the boxer. My partner is now riding on the back and it is quite a climb for her. Furthermore, a great motorcycle with a nice range of more than 550 km on 1

[Hinckley_Biker]

Very impressive bike, I understand the thing with the weight, my Versys 1000 is 257kg, and it can be a bit much sometimes! I loved the make-do side stand puk! 😂😅 excellent video Rikky as always 👍

[sarathraj]

Will be picking one in another couple of months 😊

[sandman]

Great video thanks, I'm mulling over making this my second ever bike. 6ft 3 rider, currently have a CB500X looking to progress to this. Thank you.

[paulxrp]

I wanted 850 GSA but sat on few and was so hard to stand up.
Went for 850 GS as was a bit easier. Tip - turn handlebars fully right and comes off sidestand easier

[simonthecarpenter]

Enjoyed this review a lot. I owned one of the early f850gs models and it’s still my favourite bike to date, better to me than the mt10 I owned and all the others. The engine belies it’s power figures and was actually genuinely quick, especially up to three figures, that combined with the plush suspension made it likely the quickest cross country bike I’ve owned, especially on our British A and B roads.
The price is a bit salty once you get into the options but as said, you get a lot for the money. How does it compare to the 1050 v strom you rode recently?

[peterrick]

I have a 2023 BMW 850 GS. I too find the throttle response difference between Road & Dynamic mode very noticeable. First reviewer that has noticed this big difference and/or commented on it. Much more than the difference i ever felt on three previous 1200/1250 bikes. While the 850 has plenty of giddy-up in Road mode, changing to Dynamic gives the impression it has just become a 1000cc engine. Impressive.
But i find Dynamic mode a bit too 'dynamic' when riding on tight twisty roads and Road mode is much more progressive and controllable and just better (for me).
The engines are mechanically noisy which is a let down imo, but they have proved to be reliable for the length of time they have been used in the 850 models.
The exhaust has a nice mellow, deep sound when throttle is applied and again when throttle closed coming into corners etc. Could be a tad louder for me as i wear earplugs to deal with wind & engine noise. Helmet communicators work much better using ear plugs with the extraneous noises reduced.
Over-all i like the bike and do not miss the bigger engines or bikes. Though the 850 GS is heavier & taller than i would like it to be.
The bike works good off-road as well, especially with forks that have absolutely no adjust-ability of any kind. They can be improved at a cost but not sure warranted for the riding i do.

[cerioscha]

Sharp short double pull on the front brake (or set to 3 degree incline detection) for hill hold?

[TammyCooke-mm]

RikkyTang does this bike have much vibrations through the bars at all, at any speeds ??