BMW F850GSA

We gave a fairly in-depth view of the new F850GS and its engine in issue #33, but as a ring-in on the R1250GS release, BMW Motorrad chucked in an F850GSA. We took the bike for a day, and while we thought the 850GS was good, it seemed the Adventure model was made for us.

To recap the important points of the F850GS, it has an 853cc, parallel-twin, water-cooled motor with a 270-degree firing order. We felt the motor was big on ‘fun’ in the best possible way. Where the F800GS was precise and smooth and everything a 798cc twin should be, and we liked that, the 850 has a stack more character and was an absolute hoot to ride.

BMW offered the F850GS as its ‘most off-road capable’ bike, and we agreed wholeheartedly. It’s a riot on dirt and trails while still being a weapon on the road. How could it be better?

Hard core