I own GSA it is heavy but that's the only bad point. I purchased mine second-hand with 5,000 miles on the clock with all the extra's on it. Its comfortable, okay for dirt tracks. I have covered a total 12,000 now. Its did burn little oil up to 10,000 miles then it was okay. I have no reliability issues. Its great for touring and very comfortable and good on MPG.
Hi I just left a deposit on 2022 f850gsa will be collecting it on the 19th , there are mixed reviews about the reliability issues what should I do shall a go ahead with it ? Plz do let me know
Boy, if you're concerned with reliability, the Husky-KTM would be my last choice in motorcycles. Don't listen to me but, Ive had KTM's and Husky's as well as my buddies and there is always issues. I just wouldn't purchase one in the future. My Honda 1100 Africa Twin Adventure Sport is my standard to judge all bikes by, and so far nothing comes close. I hope you have a care free experience and enjoy the bike.
I have been researching many types of bikes in the last few months trying to decide what to buy for my retirement present. I started off looking at cruisers as i have had them before but I have decided that now is the time to do some offroading. The BMW 850gs Rallye is what I have landed on. I have seen so many youtube reviews about this model and this is the only negative review I have come across. That 21" front wheel mixed with all that amazing electronic suspension and other awesome technologies. I can't wait to get it now. You must have got a rare bad apple.
I was virtually decided on a 900 GS next year but researched all the reliability issues with the Chinese built engine on the 850 GS and its put me right off the 900. Looking at the Tenere world rally now, they are virtually bullet proof.
I absolutely love the look of the Norden 901. It’s also now the middleweight to beat in all round performance on/offroad, power, suspension. I own a 2019 850GSA Ralleye. I love the seating position, overall comfort and engineering of the bike. I do plenty of offroad fsr roads washouts… it is heavy and particularly difficult in situations when you need to go slow. I have improved a lot on the bike and my technique has improved. I find all the bells and whistles work well together. The bikes steering rake keeps you on a straight line and it handles bumps well. Love the riding modes, abs, and quick shift. My friend just bought a Norden 901 and I can’t wait to try it out. I have sat on it and must say it reminds me of his 390 it terms of it being a cheap plasticy feel. To each their own I suppose.
I agree with you that the BMW has some of the nicest controls and tactile feel, nothing feels cheap. The Norden seems to take it’s queues from the dirt bike world and has that plastic feel. In the end it doesn’t bother me as everything works! Whatever you have, ride it I say!
I have an 850 GS, the non adventure minus the big tank. You might have been better off with this version. However I agree with the oil consumption, that isn't exactly confidence inspiring. Touch wood, haven't had an issue with mine and its a 2019. It seems that they've had problems with the Chinese engine supplier; I wish they would keep manufacturing in house. Looks is such a subjective thing, the headlight on the 901 looks like a Suzuki gs11 from the eighties, but that's just me. Am surprised you went with an another European manufacturer, my most reliable bikes have always been Japanese and the former are always towards the bottom. Another TH-camr "Big Rock Motto" has a 901 and he's experienced some problems within a short time. Anyway enjoyed your video, looks beautiful in your area and enjoy the new bike.
Totally subjective but I think your bike looks better than a GSA. The fairing is just too big. I still think the 800 GS had a better setup for weight distribution as well. As long as you like what you ride that’s what matters!
I was about to ask what bridge you went over at the beginning of the video. Then I saw the casino and realized its my hometown bridge. Cool I cross that bridge every day. Picking my Norden up this week
Cool videos. I live on the island and my Norden is showing up any day! I have been a little worried reading the forums with the rear shock. Have you experienced any issues? Thanks
@@knuckleheadadv2825 ok cool. let’s get all the Nordens together with beer and geek out. I believe I have talked to you a few times over the years. I think our kids went to the same preschool.
So surprised, firstly because of the reliability (seems to me that you were unlucky). Mine has 11K km on the clock with no issues. Secondly, the rest of your mentioned reasons. At some point of the video i started to question myself, why did thus guy even decided to buy this bike, weight is known as well as can feel during a test-drive. Look is something subjective... Anyways, enjoy your new bike and let us know how if works out to you in the long term...
Unfortunately test rides are fairly limited where I live so you can’t get a good sense for the bike plus you can’t take them off road. This bike really penalizes you when you go off road. I’m not the best rider so for me that’s amplified.
How does someone buy a bike and then complain about the weight and weight balance? Seriously did you test ride or research? Same with the height, really that's a reason we should sell our GSA because it was too high for you? Did you research, test ride or even sit on the bike before buying? How is this a surprise or even an issue once you own the bike? Oh and complain about the looks? Seriously we should all sell our F850 because you say it's ugly? Again this is on you, nothing to do with the bike at all. 60 MPH cross winds and you think it's the fairing design? And as for the clutch how can you burn a clutch in 3000 miles and not notice any drag? Sorry you had issues but honestly you could have made this a "short" you bought the wrong bike for you, not that hr GSA should be sold by every owner. Oh and reliability and you buy a KTM....lol Please point to the forum where so many F engines are burning oil? Haven't seen them myself and I suspect it's most people are not checking the oil correctly.
I have the same oil consumption issue with my 2018 gs. 1 l/10kkm, then1.5 l/10kkm. Have been told by dealer that it"s normal consumption up to 2L per 10kkm. That sounds pretty hilarious for bike with 50 kkm on the clock. Beside that, bike is great adventure machine that fun to ride
Just two reasons that perhaps may justify selling the 850GS on….the clutch and oil problem. The other three is down to poor choice before purchase, weight, height and looks, that my friends is simply poor judgement and personal preference, nothing else. My research on this bike has outlined leaks from the suspension and radiator, cam chain tensioner failure and the need to constantly change or clean the air filter when riding in a dusty environment. This is a bike that is supposedly designed for round the world travel???? That is what I was looking for in this review but wasn’t mentioned. The engine is manufactured by Loncin in China, I’m guessing to BMW standards but…..BMW have always left their R & D to the customer. Loncin are a large company and produce a huge variety of engines but in my experience have a short life life for commercial work despite regular maintenance, that said, they are relatively cheap to replace, it’s the labour cost that makes it prohibitive. If one of these engines in the 850GS fails out of warranty, it will be the opposite if you buy from BMW, very expensive. I was a BMW devotee, ridden almost every boxer engine and had quite a few cars over the last 40 years but this Loncin engine plus the general poor finish on these mid range bikes are steering me in another direction. I have one of the last air cooled 1200 GS bikes and can’t fault it. The finish is excellent but age has crept up and I need a smaller/lighter machine and may just go for a used 650 with the Rotax engine. Do your research before buying and spend your money wisely.
Really?!?! You bought a bike that did not like the look, how it rides, the weight, height etc. Then you went on the trip and burned the clutch (yes, I'm 99% sure it was your fault, like of skill etc. not bikes) and you complain about bike issue. The only potential problem was oil that I can't really comment on as not enough detail. There is definitely USER problem not bike.
Rider & user error for BMW oil & ride issue. The Norden is a lemon for long distance. Test rode it and the wind buffeting was absurd and looking down at the plastic tank bits k could see every panel vibrating and flapping. This with the very well known shock issue blowing out around the world, I think it’s a lemon out of the box. Meanwhile the GSA Will soldier on being well loved and proven bike
I don’t know about a lemon for long distance. I haven’t had any vibration issues or blown out the shock and I’m 240 lbs! That being said if I’m doing long highway miles I’d rather have a different bike but who wants to do long highway miles on either of these machines? Off road the Norden or 890 blows the 850 away. i agree with you on the buffeting though, they screwed up the wind shield height on the Norden or should have used the 850 style adjustable screen. That may be the only thing i miss from that bike!
Lol, BMW's GS750/850 Chinese Loncin developed and made engine is having a lot of issues and there comes this guy saying that's a proven bike. 🤣🤦♂ Do a quick search on Google or TH-cam and you'll find people complaining easily. 👍
@@tiagofigueiredo2529 as with any bike. Majority here and other places say different. As with performance, much is rider. My point is - buy for purpose riding. The 901 is in between. If you want to ride >120kph plus amongst trees and down clay based fire trails all year round, get a Husky 700. Otherwise for inbetween multi purpose stuff, I couldn’t justify the price tag of the 901 and risk the shock or put up with the buffeting for more than 30kms let alone >600kms which I do regularly which the GSA does easily and in comfort. And I can do fire trail at about 85% of the speed I can do on a Honda African twin
Chinese are now making BMW motorcycles. Big mistake by BMW. Reputation is everything. Oh, how the mighty are falling. Was thinking about buying an 850 GS but quickly changed my mind after the overwhelming amount of bad reviews. Shame. Will buy Japanese.
@@piotrpawlak4237 Are BMW engines made in China? Contract manufacturing Loncin, China. Since September 2007, the Chinese manufacturer Loncin has been producing various engine components, motorcycle parts and complete engines for BMW Motorrad. One of China's largest motorcycle and scooter manufacturers, the company currently employs over 5,000 people.
@@piotrpawlak4237 The Chinese Loncin designed and built the GS750/850 engine, is also building the BMW Scooters (entirelly made by Loncin) and builds the F900XR/R engines. All those engines have been having reliability problems, no other brand is having so much reliability problems than BMW due to those Chinese engines they're using.
![[UNCUT] ฝันรักห้วงนิทรา | EP.8 (4/4)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RDYJYiDwsj0/mqdefault.jpg)
I have had my 2020 for a few years now. It has been a perfect machine. Not one single issue and uses no oil between oil changes. Absolutely love it.
I own GSA it is heavy but that's the only bad point. I purchased mine second-hand with 5,000 miles on the clock with all the extra's on it. Its comfortable, okay for dirt tracks. I have covered a total 12,000 now. Its did burn little oil up to 10,000 miles then it was okay. I have no reliability issues. Its great for touring and very comfortable and good on MPG.
Definitely comfortable for road touring and comes with a lot of creature comforts. Just not the best bike if you do a lot of dirt.
Hi I just left a deposit on 2022 f850gsa will be collecting it on the 19th , there are mixed reviews about the reliability issues what should I do shall a go ahead with it ? Plz do let me know
Boy, if you're concerned with reliability, the Husky-KTM would be my last choice in motorcycles. Don't listen to me but, Ive had KTM's and Husky's as well as my buddies and there is always issues. I just wouldn't purchase one in the future. My Honda 1100 Africa Twin Adventure Sport is my standard to judge all bikes by, and so far nothing comes close. I hope you have a care free experience and enjoy the bike.
I have been researching many types of bikes in the last few months trying to decide what to buy for my retirement present. I started off looking at cruisers as i have had them before but I have decided that now is the time to do some offroading. The BMW 850gs Rallye is what I have landed on. I have seen so many youtube reviews about this model and this is the only negative review I have come across. That 21" front wheel mixed with all that amazing electronic suspension and other awesome technologies. I can't wait to get it now. You must have got a rare bad apple.
I was virtually decided on a 900 GS next year but researched all the reliability issues with the Chinese built engine on the 850 GS and its put me right off the 900. Looking at the Tenere world rally now, they are virtually bullet proof.
I absolutely love the look of the Norden 901. It’s also now the middleweight to beat in all round performance on/offroad, power, suspension. I own a 2019 850GSA Ralleye. I love the seating position, overall comfort and engineering of the bike. I do plenty of offroad fsr roads washouts… it is heavy and particularly difficult in situations when you need to go slow. I have improved a lot on the bike and my technique has improved. I find all the bells and whistles work well together. The bikes steering rake keeps you on a straight line and it handles bumps well. Love the riding modes, abs, and quick shift. My friend just bought a Norden 901 and I can’t wait to try it out. I have sat on it and must say it reminds me of his 390 it terms of it being a cheap plasticy feel. To each their own I suppose.
I agree with you that the BMW has some of the nicest controls and tactile feel, nothing feels cheap. The Norden seems to take it’s queues from the dirt bike world and has that plastic feel. In the end it doesn’t bother me as everything works! Whatever you have, ride it I say!
I have an 850 GS, the non adventure minus the big tank. You might have been better off with this version. However I agree with the oil consumption, that isn't exactly confidence inspiring. Touch wood, haven't had an issue with mine and its a 2019. It seems that they've had problems with the Chinese engine supplier; I wish they would keep manufacturing in house. Looks is such a subjective thing, the headlight on the 901 looks like a Suzuki gs11 from the eighties, but that's just me. Am surprised you went with an another European manufacturer, my most reliable bikes have always been Japanese and the former are always towards the bottom. Another TH-camr "Big Rock Motto" has a 901 and he's experienced some problems within a short time. Anyway enjoyed your video, looks beautiful in your area and enjoy the new bike.
Totally subjective but I think your bike looks better than a GSA. The fairing is just too big. I still think the 800 GS had a better setup for weight distribution as well. As long as you like what you ride that’s what matters!
I was about to ask what bridge you went over at the beginning of the video. Then I saw the casino and realized its my hometown bridge. Cool I cross that bridge every day. Picking my Norden up this week
uh oh…Norden party on the island!
Enjoyed your style of talking us through 😄👍
Thanks!
Cool videos. I live on the island and my Norden is showing up any day! I have been a little worried reading the forums with the rear shock. Have you experienced any issues? Thanks
Nice I think that makes 4 on the island! No issues with mine and I think it was the first one in WA. I’m 240lbs so not easy on suspension either!
@@knuckleheadadv2825 ok cool. let’s get all the Nordens together with beer and geek out. I believe I have talked to you a few times over the years. I think our kids went to the same preschool.
Really? Reliability was an issue and then you go and buy a KTM/Husky… Lol
So far soooo much better!
I know... it's their first adventure bike.
@@knuckleheadadv2825did you consider any Japanese made ADV before?
So surprised, firstly because of the reliability (seems to me that you were unlucky). Mine has 11K km on the clock with no issues. Secondly, the rest of your mentioned reasons. At some point of the video i started to question myself, why did thus guy even decided to buy this bike, weight is known as well as can feel during a test-drive. Look is something subjective... Anyways, enjoy your new bike and let us know how if works out to you in the long term...
Unfortunately test rides are fairly limited where I live so you can’t get a good sense for the bike plus you can’t take them off road. This bike really penalizes you when you go off road. I’m not the best rider so for me that’s amplified.
How does someone buy a bike and then complain about the weight and weight balance? Seriously did you test ride or research?
Same with the height, really that's a reason we should sell our GSA because it was too high for you? Did you research, test ride or even sit on the bike before buying? How is this a surprise or even an issue once you own the bike?
Oh and complain about the looks? Seriously we should all sell our F850 because you say it's ugly? Again this is on you, nothing to do with the bike at all.
60 MPH cross winds and you think it's the fairing design?
And as for the clutch how can you burn a clutch in 3000 miles and not notice any drag?
Sorry you had issues but honestly you could have made this a "short" you bought the wrong bike for you, not that hr GSA should be sold by every owner.
Oh and reliability and you buy a KTM....lol
Please point to the forum where so many F engines are burning oil? Haven't seen them myself and I suspect it's most people are not checking the oil correctly.
I have the same oil consumption issue with my 2018 gs. 1 l/10kkm, then1.5 l/10kkm. Have been told by dealer that it"s normal consumption up to 2L per 10kkm. That sounds pretty hilarious for bike with 50 kkm on the clock. Beside that, bike is great adventure machine that fun to ride
Maybe try another oil? 10W60?
There was never two tanks on any model of a gs
The clutch burn itsel up…
Just two reasons that perhaps may justify selling the 850GS on….the clutch and oil problem. The other three is down to poor choice before purchase, weight, height and looks, that my friends is simply poor judgement and personal preference, nothing else.
My research on this bike has outlined leaks from the suspension and radiator, cam chain tensioner failure and the need to constantly change or clean the air filter when riding in a dusty environment. This is a bike that is supposedly designed for round the world travel???? That is what I was looking for in this review but wasn’t mentioned.
The engine is manufactured by Loncin in China, I’m guessing to BMW standards but…..BMW have always left their R & D to the customer. Loncin are a large company and produce a huge variety of engines but in my experience have a short life life for commercial work despite regular maintenance, that said, they are relatively cheap to replace, it’s the labour cost that makes it prohibitive.
If one of these engines in the 850GS fails out of warranty, it will be the opposite if you buy from BMW, very expensive.
I was a BMW devotee, ridden almost every boxer engine and had quite a few cars over the last 40 years but this Loncin engine plus the general poor finish on these mid range bikes are steering me in another direction.
I have one of the last air cooled 1200 GS bikes and can’t fault it. The finish is excellent but age has crept up and I need a smaller/lighter machine and may just go for a used 650 with the Rotax engine.
Do your research before buying and spend your money wisely.
The nordern engine is also fully made in china by CF MOTO...
Really?!?! You bought a bike that did not like the look, how it rides, the weight, height etc. Then you went on the trip and burned the clutch (yes, I'm 99% sure it was your fault, like of skill etc. not bikes) and you complain about bike issue. The only potential problem was oil that I can't really comment on as not enough detail.
There is definitely USER problem not bike.
Rider & user error for BMW oil & ride issue.
The Norden is a lemon for long distance. Test rode it and the wind buffeting was absurd and looking down at the plastic tank bits k could see every panel vibrating and flapping. This with the very well known shock issue blowing out around the world, I think it’s a lemon out of the box. Meanwhile the GSA Will soldier on being well loved and proven bike
I don’t know about a lemon for long distance. I haven’t had any vibration issues or blown out the shock and I’m 240 lbs! That being said if I’m doing long highway miles I’d rather have a different bike but who wants to do long highway miles on either of these machines? Off road the Norden or 890 blows the 850 away. i agree with you on the buffeting though, they screwed up the wind shield height on the Norden or should have used the 850 style adjustable screen. That may be the only thing i miss from that bike!
Lol, BMW's GS750/850 Chinese Loncin developed and made engine is having a lot of issues and there comes this guy saying that's a proven bike. 🤣🤦♂ Do a quick search on Google or TH-cam and you'll find people complaining easily. 👍
@@tiagofigueiredo2529 as with any bike. Majority here and other places say different. As with performance, much is rider. My point is - buy for purpose riding. The 901 is in between. If you want to ride >120kph plus amongst trees and down clay based fire trails all year round, get a Husky 700. Otherwise for inbetween multi purpose stuff, I couldn’t justify the price tag of the 901 and risk the shock or put up with the buffeting for more than 30kms let alone >600kms which I do regularly which the GSA does easily and in comfort. And I can do fire trail at about 85% of the speed I can do on a Honda African twin
Chinese are now making BMW motorcycles. Big mistake by BMW. Reputation is everything. Oh, how the mighty are falling. Was thinking about buying an 850 GS but quickly changed my mind after the overwhelming amount of bad reviews. Shame. Will buy Japanese.
You should check your source. Since 1967, all BMW motorcycles have been produced exclusively in Berlin at the BMW Berlin-Spandau factory.
@@piotrpawlak4237 Are BMW engines made in China?
Contract manufacturing Loncin, China.
Since September 2007, the Chinese manufacturer Loncin has been producing various engine components, motorcycle parts and complete engines for BMW Motorrad. One of China's largest motorcycle and scooter manufacturers, the company currently employs over 5,000 people.
@@piotrpawlak4237 No, you should update your "facts" and your sources. 🤣👍
@@piotrpawlak4237 The Chinese Loncin designed and built the GS750/850 engine, is also building the BMW Scooters (entirelly made by Loncin) and builds the F900XR/R engines.
All those engines have been having reliability problems, no other brand is having so much reliability problems than BMW due to those Chinese engines they're using.
@@tiagofigueiredo2529 I buy all my toys from China.