Is BMW’s parallel-twin 2020 F 850 GS Adventure worthy of its hefty MSRP?

By Adam Waheed | motorcyclistonline.com

BMW GS motorcycles are synonymous with adventure. But not everyone wants to wield 1,254cc of Bavarian-made muscle. While we adore the character of big brother R 1250′s horizontally opposed twin, there’s no denying how substantial it is. Enter Motorrad’s F 850 GS, a more compact, but still capable adventure-touring steed. We tested it in up-spec Adventure trim with added range, suspension travel, and creature comforts versus the standard model.

In typical GS Adventure form, the F 850 is still a sizable motorcycle. It takes up more space in the garage as compared to other middleweight adventure bikes, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing—especially if you plan on logging mileage, which we did. Over the course of three days, we covered more than 600 miles across the Baja peninsula.

The wide saddle and broad forward fairing were especially appreciated, however the position of the rearsets (further back in relation to the seat) make for a bit of a squeeze for 6-foot and taller riders. The manual two-position adjustable windscreen could also be a tad higher in its tall position. We did appreciate its low setting when kicking up dust increasing airflow on the rider’s head and torso.

Oddly enough, our F 850 wasn’t outfitted with cruise control, nor heated grips, however both features are available as an option. And you’ll certainly want to pony up for these goodies. Plus plastic hand guards offer some protection for the mitts from chilly air.

As opposed to the R 1250, the 850 employs conventional suspension components with an inverted fork and direct-mount, linkage-less shock. The suspenders offer excellent ride quality over well-worn pavement typically found south of the border. Yet when pushed, the suspension gives ample damping support. We would be remiss if we didn’t miss compression damping adjustment inside the fork. Rear suspension adjustment is limited to spring preload and rebound damping. A handy adjustment knob makes preload adjustment a breeze based on handling preference or payload.

The rear luggage rack supports optional hard luggage cases. Thing is, we didn’t spring for them. Instead we used the mounting surface as attachment points for bungee cords and backpack. Crash bars are also included, but we didn’t test them.

The suspension performed equally well past pavement, and we were surprised how well appointed the ergonomics package is in the standing position. Like a dirt bike, it was easy to squeeze the bike between your legs and the position of the controls felt like a traditional knobby bike. This made this GS feel considerably more maneuverable considering its 538-pound fully fueled curb weight (claimed).

As opposed to its big brother, the F 850 rolls on a larger 21-inch front spoked wheel—a big plus for real adventurers. Curiously, rear wheel diameter is a traditional road-friendly 17-inch diameter. Considering the wide availability of aggressive off-road, and now sporty-ish road tire fitment, we wonder why BMW didn’t outfit this GS with a real dirt bike-sized 18-inch rim. Still the OE-fitted Michelin Anakee 3 road tires offered an unexpected amount of traction on moist dirt and performed well on slimy asphalt too.

Power-wise, the 853cc parallel twin is one heck of an engine, offering gobs of low-end torque and a very pleasing sound and power pulse feel. The engine puts back power to a left-hand-side chain final drive (finally) and exhaust gases exit from the right. A low first gear makes it easier to launch from stops when loaded down with heavy luggage, yet the top cog is high enough to eke out extra mpg. During the course of our trip we record 42 mpg, during mostly high-speed riding antics. Factor in its 6.1-gallon fuel capacity and fuel stops are few and far between. The cable-actuated clutch is well-weighted and includes a slipper function to mitigate rear wheel instability if you downshift at too high of rpm for vehicle speed. Motorrad’s slick-shifting Gear Shift Assist Pro (electronic up and down quickshifter) is available for an upcharge.

The twin-counterbalancer-equipped engine offers just the right amount of engine vibration. In typical fashion for ride-by-wire Motorrad bikes, throttle response is excellent, in any of the four power modes. As usual we couldn’t discern much of a difference between Road and Dynamic settings. Rain and Enduro settings are also incorporated, which makes for easier going in those conditions.

Older-style axial-mount front brakes and a single-piston rear brake caliper keep speed in check. The front brakes are underwhelming when used in a more sporty manner on pavement. However, off-road, the softer brake pad bite is welcome. The back brake, on the other hand, feels mushy in both environments and could benefit from added bite and feel. Defeatable ABS and traction control elevate control in the dirt. BMW also includes cornering ABS function and a Dynamic Brake Light function that automatically increases taillight intensity based on speed and brake input.

BMW’s now signature 6.5-inch color TFT displays keep tabs on vehicle settings. We love its bright, clean, crisp, and responsive layout. However, resetting the tripmeter is more complicated than it should be. Riders can easily pair their smartphones using the BMW Motorrad Connected app. Enabling the program allows you to monitor trip and vehicle service information. You can use it to navigate with turn-by-turn directions displayed on the dashboard.

Despite its size, the F 850 GS Adventure proves versatile and well-rounded both on pavement and in the dirt. It balances the right combination of power and handling making longer trips more comfortable than they’d be on other middleweight ADV rigs. But then again, what middleweight bike costs more than 15 grand? For that cash outlay more experienced riders would likely find greater value with liter-and-above-sized equipment from Japan. Still, if you want an authentic globe-trotting Motorrad experience, in a slightly smaller package, the F 850 GS Adventure delivers.

Gear Box

Helmet: Shoei RF-SR

Jacket: Rev’It Offtrack

Gloves: Rev’It Cayenne Pro

Pant: Rev’It Trousers Offtrack

Boots: Rev’It Discovery Outdry

2020 BMW F 850 GS Adventure Technical Specifications and Price

PRICE	$15,840 as tested
ENGINE	853cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled parallel twin; 8-valve
BORE x STROKE	84.0 x 77.0mm
COMPRESSION RATIO	12.7:1
FUEL DELIVERY	Fuel injection w/ 48mm throttle bodies
CLUTCH	Wet, multiplate slipper clutch; cable actuation
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE	6-speed/chain
FRAME	Tubular steel
FRONT SUSPENSION	43mm inverted fork; 9.1-in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION	Hydraulic shock adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping; 8.5-in. travel
FRONT BRAKES	2-piston floating calipers, 305mm discs w/ ABS
REAR BRAKE	1-piston floating caliper, 265mm disc w/ ABS
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR	Wire-spoke aluminum; 21 x 2.15-in. / 17 x 4.25-in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR	Michelin Anakee 3; 90/90-21 / 150/70-17
RAKE/TRAIL	28.0°/4.9 in.
WHEELBASE	62.7 in.
SEAT HEIGHT	34.4 in.
FUEL CAPACITY	6.1 gal.
CLAIMED WET WEIGHT	538 lb.
WARRANTY	3-year
AVAILABLE	November 2020
CONTACT	bmwmotorrad.com