Living with the 2019 BMW F850GS Adventure | In depth review

Having had the BMW F850 GS Adventure for a couple of weeks and generally ridden the pants off of it, I have been able to come to some conclusions about the bike. In this video I not only show you what the bike is like to ride at night, on fast roads, in the wet, in town and so on but i also give you my lessons learned about the bike, both good and bad! if you're interested in the 2019 BMW F850GSA you need to watch this video!

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My current motorcycles are:-
Honda CRF250L
Triumph Street Triple R
BMW R1200GS
Ducati 899 Panigale
Triumph Speed Twin
Royal Enfield 650 Interceptor

[avv]

Good review however the two negatives you brought up are easily solved by the non-adventure version. I own a F850GS so I can speak to this. First, the non-adventure version is a bit lower and weighs less. The fuel capacity with the improved fuel economy over the F800 is just fine. Secondly, the non-adventure version looks really well put together and the design cues flow much better. The GSA version seems to be an afterthought and definitely a design compromise. Just my two bits worth.

[cperos]

I have followed your great reviews and advice for a long time and in this one you addressed something very important to me and older folks like me. When the bikes get too heavy to handle when standing or pushing it around becomes a chore. After your review of the R1200 several years ago, I bought one. I remember that I had a lot of problems standing my F800RT. When I sat for the first time on a R1200 I almost sent it to the other side because I found it too light (though is heavier) just like you pointed out. I love my bike. I will hate getting rid of it but I have to do it. I was always in a short side but at my age I lost at least 2 inches of height. I cannot tell you my loss of strength either. I hope you get to my age, or that by then, they have stopped aging. Many over 80 stop riding, but I have decided go lighter but keep having fun. Unfortunately, the F850GS won't be it. I looking seriously at the BMW G 310 GS or the new Honda CB500X when I can try them. I’m looking forward to it. I hope you review them. Most people call this class of bike rookies' bikes. They forget the people at the other end that still enjoy a ride in the trails or the twisters but no longer have the strength to lift it if they drop it. It is not easy been old but the alternative is even worse. Keep your nice channel going. Happy trails.

Enjoyed the side view with you siting on the bike -- really gives a good view of the seating position and seat height, hope you incorporate that again in future review videos Thanks again for all your insight

[PVAPPE]

Another excellent review TMF. This channel deserves more subscribers - I have seen channels with over a million subs that lack the quality of your content.

[johnshield]

Had this bike from BMW while mine was in for a service so rode it around London. It is a big bike but it’s very easy to ride and didn’t think it was heavy. I guess always best to try yourself.

[YasumotoUS]

New bike buyer here, so I really appreciate the detail into which you went on this video! The night riding, the bike lugging, etc. are exactly what I have been seeking.

[davereinhart]

Just bought this bike. I absolutely love it. I moved from a 07 R 1200 GS. I actually find this one feels much lighter, especially in the dirt. The quick shift is brilliant. It shines in the dirt as well. Thank you for this review. (It is a pain to wash!)

[kawabungah]

This is a brilliant review and very helpful. I especially appreciate the"cost of ownership" section of the discussion. Most reviewers don't do this research and, as far as I'm concerned, this sets you a step above other reviewers. I am inclined to want to save my money a bit longer and buy the 1250 GSA because of the heavy handling characteristic of this machine. Thank you!

[johnrichardson]

I like the long term tests, great to see how how the GS performs in all conditions, helps potential buyers make the right choice .
great video Andy

[adytzu]

These reviews are like medicine for me. Just takes my mind off everything. They should be played in SPAs and other relaxation facilities.

[paulburgess]

Your comment about the outside spoked wheels is so on point. I had a R100GS with those wheels and they were a real pain to keep clean. In the end, after a year or so of scuffed knuckles etc I found the answer, spray them with a liquid soap - kerosene mix and then hit them with high pressure water jet (not a water blaster but that would work) then, and this is the bit you would probably find difficult, turn your back on them. Saved me a heap of pain and anguish about dirty wheels.

[ozziejim]

This is, in my humble opinion, a benchmark review!
You covered things I forget to ask.
Cheers mate👍

[tsav]

You're right about the visibility, saw one the other day in daylight coming towards me, super bright lights, really stood out. I wonder if BMW ever considered a smaller displacement boxer for this bike. That would be cool. Probably not cost prohibitive for the bean counters. Enjoy the American football game being played in London. Chicago Bears vs Los Angeles Raiders. Go Bears!

[jupiter]

I've got the F800GS Trophy 2016...tank under the seat. Makes it easier to handle at slow speed / wheeling around etc. I wouldn't change to this 850, love the bike (800) but come time for an upgrade I'd go for the KTM 790 instead.

[stuarthall]

Had the 850gsa rallye out yesterday while my R12R was in for service. Nice bike, but it is heavy, and the rallye seat is high. I found it very balanced in slow traffic, junctions etc, but needed revving to get the best from it. Weather protection proved to be good, the heavens opened at one point.
It has some stiff competition out there, the KTM 790 adventure to name one, lighter, and more entertaining engine.

[justintalbot]

Excellent review! The fact you went through all of the realistic riding conditions (including rain — absolutely unheard of!) was fantastic. Subscribed.

[Solo_adv]

This is a great review! you touched on all the practical points about the bike and gave us the spec's.
Also real life situation most other reviews wouldn't even think of. thank you

[rochmel]

One of the best reviews of any bike that I have seen. I am considering one and it was ticking all my boxes until you mentioned the weight which to me is one of the most important issues so something I will look at very closely when I take a test ride. Thank you.

[notmenotme]

8:28 If you’re a new rider who’s just passed their direct access, the cheapest insurance I was quoted for a second hand 850GS was £587 with £700 excess

[kevinmobile]

For those who are just looking at seat height, compare and contrast the reviewed bike with the plain 850 GS and 750 GS.

850 GS Adventure:
835mm - Low Seat
875mm - Standard Seat
815mm - Extra Low/ Low Suspension
875mm - High / Comfort Seat
890mm - Extra High / Rallye Seat

850 GS:
815mm - Low Suspension Kit (Option)

835mm - Low Seat (Option/Accessory)

860mm - Standard Seat

875mm - Comfort Seat (Option/Accessory)

890mm - Rallye Seat

And finally the slightly detuned (77 versus above 95 hp) but same 853 cc engine with much lower seat height options.

750 GS:
770mm - Low Suspension Kit (Option)
790mm - Low Seat (Option/Accessory)
815mm - Standard Seat
830mm - Comfort Seat (Option/Accessory)