Really excellent review, maybe the most professional one I have heard so far. I have ridden a 750 for a while and its behavior on twisties is like you said here...very comfortable, very handling. This was maybe the best reason I choose it.
Thank you for the excellent review. I’ve driven the F750 for 30k and enjoyed touring with it. It handles well and 40 to 50kg luggage seems to balance the bike even better, making driving a pleasure. I agree that it is probably not the first choice for tall riders. I had to put the rear suspension setting to passenger to get a decent hight. Recently, I’ve exchanged my F750 for a F850. I love the extra power en torque, propelling you forward. Is a tall bike, even in rain mode I can stretch my legs flatfooted. However, back with your feet on the foot pegs, the position of the legs is more or less the same as on the F750. Up to now the main difference is the handeling, cornering etc at different speeds. For me, it takes getting used to, but a bar raiser did help. Can’t wait to go touring, all road…….
Thanks, Santana! It means a lot to us to hear, and I'm glad you liked the video! :-) And congratulations on your new bike! What accessories did you get for it?
Thank you gentlemen for your entertaining and informative videos. I've watched them all. I'm agonising over the 750 or 850 but the standard height of the 750 with ESA seems to wins out. I have to be confident (feet down) and comfortable (not extra low "torture" seat) after having a lot of different bikes previously. I saw your video on the aftermarket lowering of the 850 and still keep ESA, and that is VERY interesting, but in AUS its still about a $4k difference in price for 850 over 750. Will I ride on some graded dirt roads...yeah sure, but mountain trails, I don't think so. The better upright position and more power on the 850 is very tempting. Arghhhhh!!! It's such a hard decision when dealers don't have any stock to test ride and won't have any in this current climate.
Interesting comparison, thanks. I have the F750GS (I've owned it about 10 weeks now and done 1800 miles). I'm quite heavy, but I have to admit I am quite happy with the standard seat. I'm also happy with the power and on-road bias. And finally, the F850GS is too tall for me.
Hey, Richard! It is a great bike! Have you tried the comfort seat? For me, on my old F700GS I had before, I drove around on the stock seat and didn't realise it could be any different, but I did squirm around in the seat quite a lot on the longer stretches, when I was driving for 6-10 hours per day. Then, I tried an after market saddle from Sergeant, and it was like a whole new bike. It blew my mind.
@@MotorcycleTourists Well I guess we don't know what we don't know... So far - for me - the bike seems very comfortable, and I have not felt any discomfort - but perhaps on longer stretches I may wish for something better. Only one way to find out.
Wow gentlemen, what a fantastic video and review! Your riding tests are real-world and relevant to most everyday riding, and your video is very professionally done! Thank you so much for the effort you made to enlighten so many of us "normal" riders. Others can learn that it's not just about out & out horsepower and speed. Well done, great job, and thanks for sharing! Best regards from South Africa!
Agree. I tested both thoroughly and I basically felt the 850 to be more tailor-made to me (I'm 6'). I also like best the white version on the 850 than the 750, plus the spoke wheels. I ended up with the 850 (last week). I came from a Royal Enfield 350 Classic so it was quite an upgrade.
@@MotorcycleTourists first looks, second, ease of repairing, and third, I've never done off road before. I'd really like to try though. So far in the city turned out to be an awesome bike.
You guys are great - very sincere and very knowledgeable. Your comparative preferences helped me make my decision. I bought an F850GSA today! Thanks for being a part of my decision making process. I would love to spend a few days on a trip with you guys, chatting about bikes and life. Best to you.
Hey, Keith! Hope you’re happy with it, and we wish you many safe riding days :-) Who knows, maybe we’ll bump into each other somewhere along the road! 👍
Thank you. Very comprehensive review and comparison. I tried both in city riding only with a bit of motorway. The 850 was preferred as the motor just has that bit more punch and flexibility. The 850 was surprisingly confidence inspiring as your video suggests. Both nice bikes though.
Very good video. Well, that settles it... I'm going for the 750 coz it's lower, good for my 5'7" height. I'd probably change to knobby tires for trail rides.
Thanks! And congratulations! It’s certainly a nice bike! Miguel got one, but opted for progressive springs instead of factory lowered, in order to both lower it and keep the Dynamic ESA. It made for a slightly stiffer suspension. I’m very curious to know what the factory lowered suspension feels like!
Hi, Can i ask..... the 750 and 850 both benefit from a 853cc engine. Can the 750 engine be mapped to achieve the same power output as the identical 850 engine ? Thanks.
For when a video about motorcycle and travel gear/equipment? Thank you for all your feedback about the 750 GS! It really helped me with my choice and no regrets 8000 Km after 😉 Best regards from Portugal 🇵🇹
17:20 Here you're addressing a very important point. Many riders underestimate how important it is to have a safe stand with a motorcycle. A safe stand with both feet completely on the ground gives safety and confidence to the motorcycle. Just like you, I've often seen riders at traffic lights tilt around on their toes on a 250 kilo bike. It is much too unsafe and the risk that such a bike falls over or that of an accident is significantly higher. That would be out of the question for me.
Cheers, and I agree. We put a lowered saddle and progressive springs in our 850, and now Miguel can plant his feet solidly on the ground, a bit wide, even 👍
Growing horns is exactly what i felt when I got onto the 750. The quickshifter made me feel like i was riding a 50cc with aggressive down gearing...that slipper clutch makes all the diffs.
Brilliant video contrasting 2 very similar bikes made with a good sense of humour. Appreciate the detail about seat height being one of those riders with shorter legs, when will other reviewers learn it's your inside leg measurement that matters not your height.
@@MotorcycleTourists Just wanted to let you know I finally had a chance to watch the rest of your posted reviews. Again, great job and love the scenery also. Do you guys have anything in the works coming up? Any thoughts of doing the Suzuki V-Strom 650 or Triumph Tigers?
Hey! We sure do! We got a few more videos planned for the 850 in terms of accessories and mods. We’re trying them out now and planning the videos. We also plan on doing some videos about riding gear and at least three new bikes ;-) It’s been a bit of a slow winter with everything buried in snow, but we’re ramping up now again for the summer, so stay tuned! We actually did reviews of both the V-Strom 650 and Triumph Tiger last year, but I wasn’t happy with the way they turned out (we were on Gran Canaria for those reviews and the audio turned out crap). We’ve since invested in professional audio equipment, so hopefully that’ll never happen again! We’ll definitely give both of them another go as soon as we can! We got a bunch of b-roll and riding footage we can use, but need to reshoot quite a bit.
Fantastic review. Are you father and son? The way you speak with each other is so pleasant, respectful and thoughtful. Every statement had purpose. Nothing was performative. I don’t know if it’s an American thing to talk too much and embellish the message, but this simple honesty was refreshing. And I laughed out loud at the “medieval torture device called seats” comment haha 👌 Cheers.
Hey, Arthur! We are indeed! We’re also best friends, and we ride all over the world together. Dad got me bitten by the motorcycle bug, guided me away from the idea of giant scooters and onto the path of adventure bikes, and adventures in general. He gave me a lifelong hobby and passion, and we really connected through it :-) I’ll show him your message later tonight, and I know it will mean the world to him.
thx for a good video. I just got a 850 gs for the wife and 1250 gsa for me , cant wait to get on the road . we are still in winter mode here in denmark so i am waiting for spring.
@@MotorcycleTourists Had a 1200 GSA from 2014-2017 sold it and bought a K1600 GTL. The K1600 was fun but we like to go on long trips and camping, and the k1600 cant take that much cargo (tent..sleeping bags....). The R1200 GSA was to slow and underpowered for me, no fun factor, and when i tryed the new R1250 i was in love again. Why GSA, i think it looks better and i like the large tank.
Cheers! Thanks for the reply! I agree that the 1250 has a lot more fun factor than the 1200. I drove around on a 1200 for a few months last summer and it felt a bit utilitarian to me. The 750 had a much higher fun factor. I tried the 1250 a few months ago, while waiting for ours to be delivered, and it's on a whole new level, compared to the 1200. Those shift cams sure work wonders on the mood :-D
Great review guys! I have a 2012 f650gs (bought brand new) and love it, but will upgrade to get more power and off road capability. Surprisingly, I can do quite a bit of off roading (dirt, gravel) with my f650 as I have all the protection on it with a heavy duty skid plate, and Michelin Anakee tires, so even at 5'7"/66 years old, I will probably prefer the f850. I rode a 1250gs recently and it is a beast - beautiful on the highway, but off road, for me it's tall and heavy. I'm not boulder jumping, but I have had the 650 on bad mountain dirt roads, in sand, crossing streams, etc. So my guess is the f850 will more than suit my needs, maybe just lower the suspension?
You make awesome reviews... I love your voice too. So soothing. I'm almost sold on the 750. I watched a review stating that the 750 isn't for big guys (I'm 95kg) because of suspension in the front; but in your review of the bike you told it wasn't a issue so that's reconforting.
Thanks, Kelly! Truly appreciated! Maybe I'll do audio-books at some point ;-) I don't think you need to worry at all. At 95kg, the bike will hardly notice you on it. I'm a lot heavier than that, not quite twice as much, but definitely a lot more, and I've never felt the suspension came up short, bottomed out or left me wanting. Neither on gravel roads nor on absolutely horrendously wrinkly, broken asphalt with potholes. In fact, it's one of the very few bikes in the segment that can handle my weight on such terrain with next to no effort.
Thanks Vicha! Truly appreciate it! I’ll have to check the name of the song next week when I get back. I’m abroad on vacation right now, but I’ll get back to you as soon as I’m in front of my computer :-)
Hey Vicha! The song is called Teenage Lullaby, by Ooyy. I've licensed it via Epidemic Sound. You can listen to it here: th-cam.com/video/5_FdqTT6Ztg/w-d-xo.html
Great Review Guys i Am New Sub....You Both Had Good Reviews of Both Bikes and Were Funny !! I Am Buying The 750 in 2 Weeks and Yes Will Replace Seat and Bigger Windshield For Wind and Then She Will Be Perfect For Me.....Most of My Driving Will Be City and Some Freeway Here in Los Angeles.
Riktigt sugen på att köpa en f750 gs. Det står mellan den och en triumph tiger 800 xr. Kan du ge en ungefärlig bild på vad försäkring + servicekostnader ligger på? Tack för grymma filmer!
Tusen tack, Yar! Försäkringen tror jag går loss på ca. 2400 helår med BMW klubbförsäkring hos Svedea, men det skiljer en hel del på vart man bor, hur gammal man är etc. Första servicen var inte så blodig. Minns inte exakt, men tror det var under två tusen. 1000 milaservicen gick på runt 4-5000 kr. Vi skruvade på en del extrautrustning i samband med det, så vet inte exakt, men tycker mig minnas att det var där i krokarna. Jag minns vad totalbeloppet vart, men inte exakt hur stor del av det som var servicen, men jag tycker mig minnas att det var där omkring. Vad är det hos dessa två hojar som tilltalar dig mest? Båda är bra. Jag har inte testat nya Triumph XR, så inte helt hundra på hur den känns. Jag testade en 2015 modell en gång i några dagar och tyckte att fjädringen var undermålig, men jag tror de fixat det sedan dess på de nyare modellerna. Därför som jag är nyfiken 🤠
Nice review guys thanks. is it posible to mapp the 750 with the same as the 850 have perhaps ? ? Handelbar shuld be abel to change to the 850's handelbar if this makes u sitt better allso right ?? ?
Hello, Göran! I’ve read somewhere that it’s possible, but it’ll probably void the warranty. I’d rather consider a factory lowered 850 instead of a remapped 750, if the height difference is the show stopper for you. It’s also not just the shape and size of the handlebar, but the position of it and the overall ergonomics of the bike. The 750 is undeniably more “street bike” shaped while the 850 is more “adventure bike” shaped. Out of curiosity, if the 850 is more your thing, why not get that instead of reshaping the 750? That said, you can probably do it, just not sure it’s worth it. The cost would probably be higher than the price difference between the two.
You two are awesome together, liked and subscribed . Appreciate your thoughts and opinions on these 2 bikes , I am looking for a mid weight street bike that does everything . I do enjoy my 2004 919 Hornet , I like an upright seating position but still like the twistiest . I am 5’10 and like the lower seat height and I am in stop and go traffic at times .I do 💯 on road but still think mid size adventure bikes might be right for me .
Very nice review and generally very good video editing. I would have liked a caption on the riding sections showing which bike you are riding as they look so similar.
Hey, Steve! Thanks for the great feedback! I hadn’t thought of that, but I will in the future! (You can usually tell by the 850 having a taller screen), but caption would have made it much more obvious. Thanks again for the tip and for taking the time to post it :-)
The BMW low seat on the 850 makes touring on it very unpleasant if you are a tall person. I ride/drive the 850 like i'm playing GTA. It's no where near the comfort level of the last beemer I owned but it's fun and I take it off-road without feeling guilty.
Cheers! Sargent, and a few others offer after market low comfort saddles that are a clear improvement. That said, there’s only so much miracle one can expect from a single inch or less of padding. A review of the one from Sargent is being made as we speak (type?) 👍
Thanks for the great job! Very useful especially for people who are "between" africa, 750 and 850. Maybe important would be also to pay attention to abilities to make the BMW lower (non beatable by other manufacturers) - may be important to add into description something about 850
Thanks! You’re right, even lowered, the 850 has more suspension travel than the 750, but you lose out on Dynamic ESA (suspension adjustment with riding programs). I haven’t had a chance to try a lowered one, so I don’t know what they’re like. Miguel considered having his 850 factory lowered, but opted instead to keep the Dynamic ESA.
What I really wanted to know - and you didn't talk about it at all - is what advantages come from the lower powered engine. BMW must have had something in mind when they de-tuned that engine, so what does the 750 owner get out of it?
Hey, Dale! Good question and the answer is nothing. Plain and simple. There is no logical reason why the 750 is detuned down from the 850. I don’t know, but I’m guessing it’s a marketing thing. They have near enough identical fuel consumption, so that’s not it either, if anyone was guessing. At least, the difference is too small to merit it as a point alone. If anyone actually knows, or has facts, I’d love to hear them!
great video. Thanks. Have a f650gs twin myself - 2009. Love the bike. Have a lowered shocks and seat. No comfort problems. Maybe it is because I only weigh 67 kg :). Thinking of getting a 750 and giving my bike to the girlfriend. Have never felt the need for more power. Remapped the f650gs as an r800 and it gave me better lower down power. Love the light maneuverability of the bike. Raised the handlebars and pivoted them back. Made a big difference to the sitting position and maneuverability in traffic (I live in e city). I am only 5’6” and so higher bikes won’t work for me. Any view on the weight of the 750? Is it much more top heavy than the 700?
I absolutely love the F650GS. One of my favorite bikes ever. The 750 is a little bit more top heavy, and you’ll notice some subtle differences in feeling when leaning it down. But it’s not so much that you’d maybe noticed if you parked your 650 for a month and then jumped on the 750. Besides, you’ll be too busy enjoying the new engine character 👍 If you don’t have a problem with the comfort of the 650 stock saddle, then the 750 will probably not be a problem either. Though the saddle on the 650 I’ve ridden was more comfortable, I don’t know if it was stock or after market.
Liked the review. Is comprehensive. Good job. However i have one comment: in your review about 750 made in the video where you went in north cap, you said that the sadle is very comfortable and that you don't need an aftermarket one. It's quite confusing hearing you todat saying the exact opposite. Can you explain?
Hello, Serban! Sure thing! It might not have been easy to see (and maybe only explained in one of the older ones), but in that video, I was riding with the BMW comfort saddle, not the regular one. The BMW comfort saddle is quite good, but the regular stock saddles are not. I hope that clarified it :-) Ride safe!
Thanks for the efforts on your videos. I am looking at a new F850 GS and GS Adventure. I am 173 cm tall. After viewing your video maybe I should rethink the 850. I was under impression I could get a lowering kit that would make the fit ok. Do you have any "must have" accessories you recommend? What do you think of the BMW Motorrad Navigator VI?
Thanks, jbrose! Glad you liked it! We put a lowered seat and progressive springs in the suspension on the 850, now Miguel reaches to ground with his feet planted slightly wide, even. It made The suspension a bit firmer (because of less travel, of course), and we have to replace the side stand with the shorter one. Seems to work okay! We’re planning on doing a video about it in the coming weeks. I like the navigator, and a lot so because you can control it using the controls on the handle bar, which makes it the best option for your BMW. As for must have accessories, a bracket to mount the GPS above the dash like on the 1220/1250GS is a must have if you ride with a gps. The factory mount for the gps on the handlebar is outright dangerous, since it requires you to take your eyes off the traffic completely in order to check the gps. I personally love the TFT display and keyless ride. We also mounted the adjustable windscreen from the 850GSA on both the 750GS and the 850GS. Big improvement. Then there’s luggage, of course, of which there are many, many options. But that’s a whole other topic :-) Quick shift is nice, but nothing most people couldn’t live without. I use it mainly to downshift into curves. It’s a pure convenience, but not a must have. I can see if you’re going off-road and standing on the pegs, it would be even more convenient, since you can shift without using the clutch. On the other hand, a solid thump from the side when you drop it and it’ll probably bend or break, leaving you stranded, so it’s a trade-off.
@@MotorcycleTourists Where did you find the adjustable screen for the 850GSA? I only see an option for a screen 4" taller for the 750GS which makes it the same size as the stock 850GS screen. Is it a direct fit and how much did it cost you?
Great video as always Jesse. I tested both bikes extensively since I wanted to trade my F700, I daily commute with my bike, heavy traffic involved with occasional out of town trips. The 850 was sweet, gear ratios were spot on, torquey on every gear/revs, but the 750 was horrible, very lumpy ride, unlike my 700, you have to be in the correct gear every time, you can’t go 2nd gear on low revs. The 750 ride rough and definitely not at home in congested roads. Disappointed since the 850 felt great in this scenario but with a 21” wheel, the bike is noticeable less nimble. I guess I’ll keep the 700 for now. Any comments?
Hey, Luis! Thank you so much! The 850 does pack a bit more oomph, for sure. I didn’t have that clunky experience with the 750, though. Admittedly, the 700 was wonderful gearing for city traffic with its very long 1st gear. That is something I really liked with the 700. Then again, I haven’t driven so much in congested traffic. A bit, but not that much. Maybe it was faulty?
I’m being offered a small mileage 850 but at the same time thinking about a brand new 750 for the same money. I’m 1.80 but feel intimidated by the height of the 850. Could I use a 19” wheel on the 850? I’ll be riding mostly road, so you would say: go for the obvious choice 750; but I like the feeling of riding the superior bike that the 850 is
The 310 is junk. It's made in India and cost over 6 grand u.s.. it's a big bike height wise. But it feels very cheap and has no power. I'm 6ft3 200 lbs. In fact, sitting next to a750 or a 850 they look very similar. People who bought the 310 are already trading them in. I've seen quite a few under a 1000 miles. They are junk. Buy a650 or bigger and you'll be much happier. And you'll get an actual bike made in Germany.
@@jimgordon3468 the price of f850 is almost x3 times from g310, yes g310 is a cheap bike(bmw) but its best in class. I am looking for f750gs after rode g310 below 1,000 km., But i still saying its best in class and enough for cruise speed 120-140 km/hr.
What height are you guys? Trying to get an idea of how seat height will work for me. II thought I'd leave here wanting the 750, but the 850 is certainly sounding good....
Excellent comparison / review. Do you think it would have still been too tall with the lower seat it ? 850 is way too big for me, I'd need a lower seat on the 750GS possibly lowered suspension too. : (
Thanks, Paul! I can't quite get my heels down, even with a lowered seat. Still a few millimetres too tall. Miguel went to a cobbler and added an extra 3 cm sole on his shoes, turning them into pumps (I can't stop laughing...) so he reaches the ground. He's ordered progressing suspension springs to lower it another couple of centimetres. We'll see how that works out. If it works out well, then with the lowered seat (low comfort seat from Wünderlich) and the progressive springs, it might work! We hope to make a video of that once the springs and the comfort seat all gets delivered. These are the progressive springs: hyperpro.com/bmw-f850gs-f750gs/ It's a great alternative, since it doesn't disqualify the Dynamic ESA as an option. It works with it (or so the sales material said).
Thank you for this video, it was very helpful. I really want the 850 but i am a little short so i don't know how i will do on the 850. I did up to the start of this year have a F800R & i was tippy toe on that bike, but i was happy & i never dropped it. I mite have to go for the 750, but i really like the spoke wheels on the 850. I guess when i am closer to buying i will try both bikes & see what happens, great video guys. From Australia
Wunderlich lowered -25mm comfort seat BMW F750GS F850GS With regard to comfort and lowering do you now know anything about this Wunderlich seat? Thanks for the review!
850 for me even though I almost never go off road. I'm 191cm / 97kg and my priority is comfort for those long 3000km+ trips The problem is the 850 is 50% dearer than 750 here in Asia
How tall are you guys? Long time cruisr rider switching to Adventure bike, havent bc of seat height....im 5'10 and can never be flat footed while stopped. 750 may do it for me.
Great review and nice videos! I can’t decide between the two. I am a beginner, stand 182cm with 33in inseam and will 99% ride on pavements. Which one would suit me best? It’s sad that those models are on a preorder basis in my place and no test ride units available. Sport/naked bikes are out of the question since my knees ache when bent like that for a long time.
Hey, Elgin! It’s a very difficult question, because buying a motorcycle is such a personal choice. It’s more than just numbers on paper, it’s also a lot of heart. With those legs, I think your okay with either one. I think 34” inseam is maybe ideal for the 850 if you want your feet firmly planted on the ground. But that can be fixed either with a thick sole on your boots, or by factory lowering the 850, if you want to have your feet really planted. But I think you can get away with original height. So then it really comes down to what you prefer. Smaller front wheel for tighter cornering or a bit more upright riding position for the ergonomics, and a bit more power. You can also get lowered foot pegs, so your legs are more outstretched when you ride. It does shave a few degrees of your maximum lean angle, but unless you plan on knee scraping your way through corners, I don’t think that’s a problem either. Let me know what you decide!
My wife bought for me an F850 back in 2019. I know, my reply is two years late, sorry. I have been enjoying it! I installed the Touratech lowering kit based on your review also. Thanks for your reviews. Keep on making videos and ride safe!
Very good video, I enjoyed a lot! I am thinking about both bikes. From which country are you recording? Here where I live the 850 is 25% more expensive. I am a short guy , but I was more impressed with the 850, unfortunately here in my country only the 850 comes with the TFT dashboard. I am going to wait until next year to buy it, and I will only rely on the low seat version if I do feel terribly insecure on the ordinary bike. The reason I will wait is because I have heard there are a few problems with these bikes, engine related. Thank you for the video!
Hi! I’m glad you liked the video! I live in Sweden, but some of the videos are recorded in Gran Canaria :-) How Come only the 850 comes with the TFT? What country are you from? There have been some issues with the early bikes and the engines, yes. But I think all those problems have been fixed by now, though. If you liked the 850, go for that. You can get it factory lowered if it’s too tall for you. You lose a little bit of suspension travel, but that’s the price we pay for being short :-)
Coming from from a 750GS (which I loved) and after riding a 850 extensively, I recommend you to try a 1250GS. It’s a hoot! although a comfortable and very well balanced bike. Hope you can test that bike and give us your unbiased opinion.
Off road is not major time riding a bike... So for me the F750 is better. I drove 4500 km in 15 days with it and i xan really say it's a fantastic bike!
Not that I know of, but you might want to check with Touratech and Wünderlich, they are usually quick to release those kinds of things for BMW bikes after they hit the market.
You sure can! I’m 137 kg, and the bike has no problem. You’re good 👍 I just set the suspension mode to “rider with passenger” to stiffen it up properly for the weight.
Hi. Thanks for sharing. I bought a little F850 recently and it will be delivered to me in two weeks. Some friends in my country told me that their F850 has some problem with the yoke, because there is a lot of vibration. They have taken their bikes as a guarantee but they only tighten the yoke and after a few kilometers they have the same problem again. Do you know something about that?
I have 29" legs, and my F750GS is ok with the Wunderlich low seat, and really tall boots. I can't quite flat foot it. The 850 with low seat is still a couple of inches too tall for me, and not as good a road bike.
how do you rate tiger 800xca if compared with these two.....i own tiger 800 xca 2019 and i think its better than both of these ....and the Bmw Gs 1200 is the best adventure bike ever i drove it just once and loved it
Then you should try the new R1250GS ;-) I hadn’t tried the new 800xca. I did ride a 2015 model, and found the suspension a bit lacking, when compared to these two. But I know they did something like 200 improvements on the 2017 model, so that might no longer be a valid point.
@@MotorcycleTourists bro i think you must ride the 2019 xca 800 ..i have the 2019 in blue colour you will love it for sure ...it is good on both off and on road ...and has arrow exhaust thats why it sounds way better than any 750 or 850Gs.....
Will make that soon! We’re on the continent going through the Alps and Carpathians filming now for the next video. Miguel’s mods is the next video after that :-)
Yo estoy contento con mi 850. Cierto es que no he probado la 750. Mi elección realmente fue debido a que en el concesionario la 850 era una 40 aniversario y me gustaban los colores…
This review was amazing and solidified my choice to the 750! I’ll be on the street 70% of my miles!
Cheers! Glad you liked it!
instaBlaster
Guys, your channel should have 200k subs by now. Top quality content. Congratulations!!
Really excellent review, maybe the most professional one I have heard so far. I have ridden a 750 for a while and its behavior on twisties is like you said here...very comfortable, very handling. This was maybe the best reason I choose it.
Really nice review! Thank you for talking about the differences so clearly, helps a lot!
Thanks! I’m glad you liked it! :-)
Thank you for the excellent review. I’ve driven the F750 for 30k and enjoyed touring with it. It handles well and 40 to 50kg luggage seems to balance the bike even better, making driving a pleasure. I agree that it is probably not the first choice for tall riders. I had to put the rear suspension setting to passenger to get a decent hight.
Recently, I’ve exchanged my F750 for a F850. I love the extra power en torque, propelling you forward. Is a tall bike, even in rain mode I can stretch my legs flatfooted. However, back with your feet on the foot pegs, the position of the legs is more or less the same as on the F750.
Up to now the main difference is the handeling, cornering etc at different speeds. For me, it takes getting used to, but a bar raiser did help.
Can’t wait to go touring, all road…….
This is, for me, the first video of these two bikes that gave me a really good idea of what to look for when choosing one of these BMW GS bikes! 😊👍
Hey, Paul! Glad you liked it :-)
Just want to say this was a great review and this si some seriously father/son life goals here. Thanks gentlemen.
Thanks, David! This made our day :-)
Excellent video, guys. Thank you so much for your insights. I recently got the 750 and I love it, it's perfect for riding in the city.
Thanks, Santana! It means a lot to us to hear, and I'm glad you liked the video! :-) And congratulations on your new bike! What accessories did you get for it?
Thank you gentlemen for your entertaining and informative videos. I've watched them all. I'm agonising over the 750 or 850 but the standard height of the 750 with ESA seems to wins out. I have to be confident (feet down) and comfortable (not extra low "torture" seat) after having a lot of different bikes previously. I saw your video on the aftermarket lowering of the 850 and still keep ESA, and that is VERY interesting, but in AUS its still about a $4k difference in price for 850 over 750. Will I ride on some graded dirt roads...yeah sure, but mountain trails, I don't think so. The better upright position and more power on the 850 is very tempting. Arghhhhh!!! It's such a hard decision when dealers don't have any stock to test ride and won't have any in this current climate.
Interesting comparison, thanks. I have the F750GS (I've owned it about 10 weeks now and done 1800 miles). I'm quite heavy, but I have to admit I am quite happy with the standard seat. I'm also happy with the power and on-road bias. And finally, the F850GS is too tall for me.
Hey, Richard! It is a great bike! Have you tried the comfort seat? For me, on my old F700GS I had before, I drove around on the stock seat and didn't realise it could be any different, but I did squirm around in the seat quite a lot on the longer stretches, when I was driving for 6-10 hours per day. Then, I tried an after market saddle from Sergeant, and it was like a whole new bike. It blew my mind.
@@MotorcycleTourists Well I guess we don't know what we don't know... So far - for me - the bike seems very comfortable, and I have not felt any discomfort - but perhaps on longer stretches I may wish for something better. Only one way to find out.
Indeed!
Wow gentlemen, what a fantastic video and review! Your riding tests are real-world and relevant to most everyday riding, and your video is very professionally done! Thank you so much for the effort you made to enlighten so many of us "normal" riders. Others can learn that it's not just about out & out horsepower and speed. Well done, great job, and thanks for sharing! Best regards from South Africa!
Hey, Neville! Thanks! I’m glad you liked it :-)
Agree. I tested both thoroughly and I basically felt the 850 to be more tailor-made to me (I'm 6'). I also like best the white version on the 850 than the 750, plus the spoke wheels. I ended up with the 850 (last week). I came from a Royal Enfield 350 Classic so it was quite an upgrade.
Wow, from an Enfield to an 850! Quite the jump! Did you want the spoked wheels for off-roading and ease of fixing, or the aesthetics?
@@MotorcycleTourists first looks, second, ease of repairing, and third, I've never done off road before. I'd really like to try though. So far in the city turned out to be an awesome bike.
What a great review. Balanced comments and very informative
Cheers, Paul! Glad you liked it!
You guys are great - very sincere and very knowledgeable. Your comparative preferences helped me make my decision. I bought an F850GSA today! Thanks for being a part of my decision making process. I would love to spend a few days on a trip with you guys, chatting about bikes and life. Best to you.
Hey, Keith! Hope you’re happy with it, and we wish you many safe riding days :-) Who knows, maybe we’ll bump into each other somewhere along the road! 👍
Thank you. Very comprehensive review and comparison. I tried both in city riding only with a bit of motorway. The 850 was preferred as the motor just has that bit more punch and flexibility. The 850 was surprisingly confidence inspiring as your video suggests. Both nice bikes though.
Thanks, Christopher! Glad you liked it! Congratulations on the new bike, and Ride safe! :-)
Very good video. Well, that settles it... I'm going for the 750 coz it's lower, good for my 5'7" height. I'd probably change to knobby tires for trail rides.
Excellent balanced and detailed review. I’ve just ordered the 850GS with lowered suspension offering a seat height of 815mm
Thanks! And congratulations! It’s certainly a nice bike! Miguel got one, but opted for progressive springs instead of factory lowered, in order to both lower it and keep the Dynamic ESA. It made for a slightly stiffer suspension. I’m very curious to know what the factory lowered suspension feels like!
Motorcycle Tourists Thank’s guys, that’s interesting about progressive springs. Is that a factory order option and what seat height does it offer ?
It’s not. It’s an after market thing, but the dealer ordered and installed it for us same time as the bike was delivered :-)
What amazing and helpful review, I make up my mind after this honest evaluation to the 850, you are a life savers guys:)
Hi, Can i ask..... the 750 and 850 both benefit from a 853cc engine. Can the 750 engine be mapped to achieve the same power output as the identical 850 engine ? Thanks.
Ever find out? Would make my decision 100% for the 750
Good video thank you. I'm only 5ft 5 so I'm choosing the 750. Around here in ohio there doesn't seem to be a place to test drive?
I really like the style and format of your video review. Well done!
For when a video about motorcycle and travel gear/equipment?
Thank you for all your feedback about the 750 GS! It really helped me with my choice and no regrets 8000 Km after 😉
Best regards from Portugal 🇵🇹
Cheers, Joel! Glad you’re happy with it :-)
We’re filming more videos right now! Hoping to start uploading more towards the end of the week.
17:20 Here you're addressing a very important point. Many riders underestimate how important it is to have a safe stand with a motorcycle. A safe stand with both feet completely on the ground gives safety and confidence to the motorcycle. Just like you, I've often seen riders at traffic lights tilt around on their toes on a 250 kilo bike. It is much too unsafe and the risk that such a bike falls over or that of an accident is significantly higher. That would be out of the question for me.
Cheers, and I agree. We put a lowered saddle and progressive springs in our 850, and now Miguel can plant his feet solidly on the ground, a bit wide, even 👍
Growing horns is exactly what i felt when I got onto the 750. The quickshifter made me feel like i was riding a 50cc with aggressive down gearing...that slipper clutch makes all the diffs.
Glad to hear the difference between the two. Good job
Great video, great discussion. You guys are great! Very sensible and entertaining!
Brilliant video contrasting 2 very similar bikes made with a good sense of humour. Appreciate the detail about seat height being one of those riders with shorter legs, when will other reviewers learn it's your inside leg measurement that matters not your height.
Thank you both for your excellent review!
Excellent job and review. I'm debating between both these bikes myself. Keep up the great work and keep the reviews coming.
Thanks! I’m glad you liked it :-)
@@MotorcycleTourists Just wanted to let you know I finally had a chance to watch the rest of your posted reviews. Again, great job and love the scenery also. Do you guys have anything in the works coming up? Any thoughts of doing the Suzuki V-Strom 650 or Triumph Tigers?
Hey! We sure do! We got a few more videos planned for the 850 in terms of accessories and mods. We’re trying them out now and planning the videos. We also plan on doing some videos about riding gear and at least three new bikes ;-) It’s been a bit of a slow winter with everything buried in snow, but we’re ramping up now again for the summer, so stay tuned! We actually did reviews of both the V-Strom 650 and Triumph Tiger last year, but I wasn’t happy with the way they turned out (we were on Gran Canaria for those reviews and the audio turned out crap). We’ve since invested in professional audio equipment, so hopefully that’ll never happen again! We’ll definitely give both of them another go as soon as we can! We got a bunch of b-roll and riding footage we can use, but need to reshoot quite a bit.
Super videos! And the quality of your videos is just unmatched and absolutely awesome!
Thanks, Tenebray, for the kind words! I truly appreciate it :-)
This has given me a good choice for a replacement of my 2010 Tiger 1050 which is great on broken roads in Australia.
Fantastic review. Are you father and son? The way you speak with each other is so pleasant, respectful and thoughtful. Every statement had purpose. Nothing was performative. I don’t know if it’s an American thing to talk too much and embellish the message, but this simple honesty was refreshing. And I laughed out loud at the “medieval torture device called seats” comment haha 👌 Cheers.
Hey, Arthur! We are indeed! We’re also best friends, and we ride all over the world together. Dad got me bitten by the motorcycle bug, guided me away from the idea of giant scooters and onto the path of adventure bikes, and adventures in general. He gave me a lifelong hobby and passion, and we really connected through it :-) I’ll show him your message later tonight, and I know it will mean the world to him.
Very good job guys! It's a shame you dont have more followers! Keep on the good work
thx for a good video. I just got a 850 gs for the wife and 1250 gsa for me , cant wait to get on the road . we are still in winter mode here in denmark so i am waiting for spring.
Thanks, Jørn! Same here for us in Sweden. Out of curiosity, what made you go for the GSA over the 1250GS?
@@MotorcycleTourists Had a 1200 GSA from 2014-2017 sold it and bought a K1600 GTL. The K1600 was fun but we like to go on long trips and camping, and the k1600 cant take that much cargo (tent..sleeping bags....). The R1200 GSA was to slow and underpowered for me, no fun factor, and when i tryed the new R1250 i was in love again. Why GSA, i think it looks better and i like the large tank.
Cheers! Thanks for the reply! I agree that the 1250 has a lot more fun factor than the 1200. I drove around on a 1200 for a few months last summer and it felt a bit utilitarian to me. The 750 had a much higher fun factor. I tried the 1250 a few months ago, while waiting for ours to be delivered, and it's on a whole new level, compared to the 1200. Those shift cams sure work wonders on the mood :-D
Great review guys! I have a 2012 f650gs (bought brand new) and love it, but will upgrade to get more power and off road capability. Surprisingly, I can do quite a bit of off roading (dirt, gravel) with my f650 as I have all the protection on it with a heavy duty skid plate, and Michelin Anakee tires, so even at 5'7"/66 years old, I will probably prefer the f850. I rode a 1250gs recently and it is a beast - beautiful on the highway, but off road, for me it's tall and heavy. I'm not boulder jumping, but I have had the 650 on bad mountain dirt roads, in sand, crossing streams, etc. So my guess is the f850 will more than suit my needs, maybe just lower the suspension?
Great video and very well delivered in an interesting and informative way. Well Done Lads enjoyed it
I demo both bikes today🤔 your video was extremely helpful thank you very much😊 USA
Thanks for your really excellent video! I really appreciate the time and effort put into it.
You make awesome reviews... I love your voice too. So soothing. I'm almost sold on the 750. I watched a review stating that the 750 isn't for big guys (I'm 95kg) because of suspension in the front; but in your review of the bike you told it wasn't a issue so that's reconforting.
Thanks, Kelly! Truly appreciated! Maybe I'll do audio-books at some point ;-) I don't think you need to worry at all. At 95kg, the bike will hardly notice you on it. I'm a lot heavier than that, not quite twice as much, but definitely a lot more, and I've never felt the suspension came up short, bottomed out or left me wanting. Neither on gravel roads nor on absolutely horrendously wrinkly, broken asphalt with potholes. In fact, it's one of the very few bikes in the segment that can handle my weight on such terrain with next to no effort.
I love this comparison and information that you guys provided.
Thanks, Sam! Glad you liked it!
Thank You. Very honest comment. 850 is good but maybe 750 for me too.
Utterly brilliant review. So helpful in making my choice. Thank you!
Great review!
Thanks, Spiros! Glad you liked it! :-)
Awesome Video.... Superb review... can't ask for anything better. Great Job mate!
btw whats the name of the song/music that you have it on the intro?
Thanks Vicha! Truly appreciate it! I’ll have to check the name of the song next week when I get back. I’m abroad on vacation right now, but I’ll get back to you as soon as I’m in front of my computer :-)
@@MotorcycleTourists Awesome...!! Thanks for the prompt reply... Enjoy your vacation..Have Fun :)
Hey Vicha! The song is called Teenage Lullaby, by Ooyy. I've licensed it via Epidemic Sound. You can listen to it here: th-cam.com/video/5_FdqTT6Ztg/w-d-xo.html
@@MotorcycleTourists Thanks a lot...!!
Excellent review. Very informative.
Hope you will do a review comparing 2020 Triumph Tiger 900 get pro against 2020 BMW 850 GS
Very informative and helping in the feeling of our desicion..
Great comparison. Thank you. I was surprised that the 850 felt less agile on the road than its bigger sibling, the R 1250 GS.
Stumbled across your videos, great stuff! Keep it up 👍
love the review ......... thank you so much . subscribed
Hi what is the low seating option for 850?
Hey, Bulu! We just posted a video about a lowering kit for the 850GS that you might like!
Fantastic review. Feels very honest. Thank you.
Great Review Guys i Am New Sub....You Both Had Good Reviews of Both Bikes and Were Funny !! I Am Buying The 750 in 2 Weeks and Yes Will Replace Seat and Bigger Windshield For Wind and Then She Will Be Perfect For Me.....Most of My Driving Will Be City and Some Freeway Here in Los Angeles.
Hey! Congratulations! Glad you liked the video :-)
Nice! Very enjoyable and useful review!
Riktigt sugen på att köpa en f750 gs. Det står mellan den och en triumph tiger 800 xr. Kan du ge en ungefärlig bild på vad försäkring + servicekostnader ligger på? Tack för grymma filmer!
Tusen tack, Yar! Försäkringen tror jag går loss på ca. 2400 helår med BMW klubbförsäkring hos Svedea, men det skiljer en hel del på vart man bor, hur gammal man är etc. Första servicen var inte så blodig. Minns inte exakt, men tror det var under två tusen. 1000 milaservicen gick på runt 4-5000 kr. Vi skruvade på en del extrautrustning i samband med det, så vet inte exakt, men tycker mig minnas att det var där i krokarna. Jag minns vad totalbeloppet vart, men inte exakt hur stor del av det som var servicen, men jag tycker mig minnas att det var där omkring. Vad är det hos dessa två hojar som tilltalar dig mest? Båda är bra. Jag har inte testat nya Triumph XR, så inte helt hundra på hur den känns. Jag testade en 2015 modell en gång i några dagar och tyckte att fjädringen var undermålig, men jag tror de fixat det sedan dess på de nyare modellerna. Därför som jag är nyfiken 🤠
Great Revue with common sense observations .Thanks .
You’re most welcome! Glad you liked it :-)
Nice review guys thanks. is it posible to mapp the 750 with the same as the 850 have perhaps ? ?
Handelbar shuld be abel to change to the 850's handelbar if this makes u sitt better allso right ?? ?
Hello, Göran! I’ve read somewhere that it’s possible, but it’ll probably void the warranty. I’d rather consider a factory lowered 850 instead of a remapped 750, if the height difference is the show stopper for you. It’s also not just the shape and size of the handlebar, but the position of it and the overall ergonomics of the bike. The 750 is undeniably more “street bike” shaped while the 850 is more “adventure bike” shaped. Out of curiosity, if the 850 is more your thing, why not get that instead of reshaping the 750? That said, you can probably do it, just not sure it’s worth it. The cost would probably be higher than the price difference between the two.
Excellent video and review!
Thanks, Kamillus! I’m glad you liked it!
Superb quality video ☺️👍
Hey, Piyabud! Thanks for the kind words :-)
I wear cycling pants with gel patches for long rides. I found it better and cheaper than sending the seat for tuning.
Great video guys!
You two are awesome together, liked and subscribed . Appreciate your thoughts and opinions on these 2 bikes , I am looking for a mid weight street bike that does everything . I do enjoy my 2004 919 Hornet , I like an upright seating position but still like the twistiest . I am 5’10 and like the lower seat height and I am in stop and go traffic at times .I do 💯 on road but still think mid size
adventure bikes might be right for me .
Very nice review and generally very good video editing. I would have liked a caption on the riding sections showing which bike you are riding as they look so similar.
Hey, Steve! Thanks for the great feedback! I hadn’t thought of that, but I will in the future! (You can usually tell by the 850 having a taller screen), but caption would have made it much more obvious. Thanks again for the tip and for taking the time to post it :-)
How tall are you both to be precise? Do you also think that bikes like these need taller persons so that both the feet touch the ground? I am 5ft 6.
BMW F750GS 👍😎
The BMW low seat on the 850 makes touring on it very unpleasant if you are a tall person. I ride/drive the 850 like i'm playing GTA. It's no where near the comfort level of the last beemer I owned but it's fun and I take it off-road without feeling guilty.
Cheers! Sargent, and a few others offer after market low comfort saddles that are a clear improvement. That said, there’s only so much miracle one can expect from a single inch or less of padding. A review of the one from Sargent is being made as we speak (type?) 👍
Great review. Thank you
Thanks for the great job! Very useful especially for people who are "between" africa, 750 and 850. Maybe important would be also to pay attention to abilities to make the BMW lower (non beatable by other manufacturers) - may be important to add into description something about 850
Thanks! You’re right, even lowered, the 850 has more suspension travel than the 750, but you lose out on Dynamic ESA (suspension adjustment with riding programs). I haven’t had a chance to try a lowered one, so I don’t know what they’re like. Miguel considered having his 850 factory lowered, but opted instead to keep the Dynamic ESA.
Very helpful - thank you soo much!
What I really wanted to know - and you didn't talk about it at all - is what advantages come from the lower powered engine. BMW must have had something in mind when they de-tuned that engine, so what does the 750 owner get out of it?
Hey, Dale! Good question and the answer is nothing. Plain and simple. There is no logical reason why the 750 is detuned down from the 850. I don’t know, but I’m guessing it’s a marketing thing. They have near enough identical fuel consumption, so that’s not it either, if anyone was guessing. At least, the difference is too small to merit it as a point alone. If anyone actually knows, or has facts, I’d love to hear them!
@@MotorcycleTourists I am guessing it is so a new entry into Adv riding with limited experience has a reduced power in their right hand?
Could be! Not sure though, it’s not like the 850 is so aggressive that it’ll set your pants on fire :-D
great video. Thanks. Have a f650gs twin myself - 2009. Love the bike. Have a lowered shocks and seat. No comfort problems. Maybe it is because I only weigh 67 kg :). Thinking of getting a 750 and giving my bike to the girlfriend. Have never felt the need for more power. Remapped the f650gs as an r800 and it gave me better lower down power. Love the light maneuverability of the bike. Raised the handlebars and pivoted them back. Made a big difference to the sitting position and maneuverability in traffic (I live in e city). I am only 5’6” and so higher bikes won’t work for me. Any view on the weight of the 750? Is it much more top heavy than the 700?
I absolutely love the F650GS. One of my favorite bikes ever. The 750 is a little bit more top heavy, and you’ll notice some subtle differences in feeling when leaning it down. But it’s not so much that you’d maybe noticed if you parked your 650 for a month and then jumped on the 750. Besides, you’ll be too busy enjoying the new engine character 👍 If you don’t have a problem with the comfort of the 650 stock saddle, then the 750 will probably not be a problem either. Though the saddle on the 650 I’ve ridden was more comfortable, I don’t know if it was stock or after market.
Liked the review. Is comprehensive. Good job. However i have one comment: in your review about 750 made in the video where you went in north cap, you said that the sadle is very comfortable and that you don't need an aftermarket one. It's quite confusing hearing you todat saying the exact opposite. Can you explain?
Hello, Serban! Sure thing! It might not have been easy to see (and maybe only explained in one of the older ones), but in that video, I was riding with the BMW comfort saddle, not the regular one. The BMW comfort saddle is quite good, but the regular stock saddles are not. I hope that clarified it :-) Ride safe!
Thanks for the efforts on your videos.
I am looking at a new F850 GS and GS Adventure. I am 173 cm tall. After viewing your video maybe I should rethink the 850. I was under impression I could get a lowering kit that would make the fit ok.
Do you have any "must have" accessories you recommend?
What do you think of the BMW Motorrad Navigator VI?
Thanks, jbrose! Glad you liked it! We put a lowered seat and progressive springs in the suspension on the 850, now Miguel reaches to ground with his feet planted slightly wide, even. It made
The suspension a bit firmer (because of less travel, of course), and we have to replace the side stand with the shorter one. Seems to work okay! We’re planning on doing a video about it in the coming weeks. I like the navigator, and a lot so because you can control it using the controls on the handle bar, which makes it the best option for your BMW. As for must have accessories, a bracket to mount the GPS above the dash like on the 1220/1250GS is a must have if you ride with a gps. The factory mount for the gps on the handlebar is outright dangerous, since it requires you to take your eyes off the traffic completely in order to check the gps. I personally love the TFT display and keyless ride. We also mounted the adjustable windscreen from the 850GSA on both the 750GS and the 850GS. Big improvement. Then there’s luggage, of course, of which there are many, many options. But that’s a whole other topic :-) Quick shift is nice, but nothing most people couldn’t live without. I use it mainly to downshift into curves. It’s a pure convenience, but not a must have. I can see if you’re going off-road and standing on the pegs, it would be even more convenient, since you can shift without using the clutch. On the other hand, a solid thump from the side when you drop it and it’ll probably bend or break, leaving you stranded, so it’s a trade-off.
@@MotorcycleTourists Where did you find the adjustable screen for the 850GSA? I only see an option for a screen 4" taller for the 750GS which makes it the same size as the stock 850GS screen. Is it a direct fit and how much did it cost you?
Great video as always Jesse. I tested both bikes extensively since I wanted to trade my F700, I daily commute with my bike, heavy traffic involved with occasional out of town trips. The 850 was sweet, gear ratios were spot on, torquey on every gear/revs, but the 750 was horrible, very lumpy ride, unlike my 700, you have to be in the correct gear every time, you can’t go 2nd gear on low revs. The 750 ride rough and definitely not at home in congested roads. Disappointed since the 850 felt great in this scenario but with a 21” wheel, the bike is noticeable less nimble. I guess I’ll keep the 700 for now. Any comments?
Hey, Luis! Thank you so much! The 850 does pack a bit more oomph, for sure. I didn’t have that clunky experience with the 750, though. Admittedly, the 700 was wonderful gearing for city traffic with its very long 1st gear. That is something I really liked with the 700. Then again, I haven’t driven so much in congested traffic. A bit, but not that much. Maybe it was faulty?
I’m being offered a small mileage 850 but at the same time thinking about a brand new 750 for the same money. I’m 1.80 but feel intimidated by the height of the 850. Could I use a 19” wheel on the 850? I’ll be riding mostly road, so you would say: go for the obvious choice 750; but I like the feeling of riding the superior bike that the 850 is
I watched the review but didn’t quite get why the 850 is better off road since the 750 is lower and lighter would it be easier off-road?
Can you please do a review for BMW G310GS? You guys are amazing!!!
Thanks, Marinas! It means a lot to hear! I’ll see what we can do. I certainly wouldn’t mind.
Yes please....review the 310 GS...
i like your honest reviews.
The 310 is junk. It's made in India and cost over 6 grand u.s.. it's a big bike height wise. But it feels very cheap and has no power. I'm 6ft3 200 lbs. In fact, sitting next to a750 or a 850 they look very similar. People who bought the 310 are already trading them in. I've seen quite a few under a 1000 miles. They are junk. Buy a650 or bigger and you'll be much happier. And you'll get an actual bike made in Germany.
@@jimgordon3468 the price of f850 is almost x3 times from g310, yes g310 is a cheap bike(bmw) but its best in class. I am looking for f750gs after rode g310 below 1,000 km., But i still saying its best in class and enough for cruise speed 120-140 km/hr.
For the price of a 310GS spend just a tiny bit more and get a Suzuki V-Strom 650!
What height are you guys? Trying to get an idea of how seat height will work for me. II thought I'd leave here wanting the 750, but the 850 is certainly sounding good....
What is the height and inseam of the gentleman that rides the f850 GS?
Also what is your opinion of the BMW comfort seat?
Excellent comparison / review. Do you think it would have still been too tall with the lower seat it ? 850 is way too big for me, I'd need a lower seat on the 750GS possibly lowered suspension too. : (
Thanks, Paul! I can't quite get my heels down, even with a lowered seat. Still a few millimetres too tall. Miguel went to a cobbler and added an extra 3 cm sole on his shoes, turning them into pumps (I can't stop laughing...) so he reaches the ground. He's ordered progressing suspension springs to lower it another couple of centimetres. We'll see how that works out. If it works out well, then with the lowered seat (low comfort seat from Wünderlich) and the progressive springs, it might work! We hope to make a video of that once the springs and the comfort seat all gets delivered. These are the progressive springs: hyperpro.com/bmw-f850gs-f750gs/ It's a great alternative, since it doesn't disqualify the Dynamic ESA as an option. It works with it (or so the sales material said).
Thank you for this video, it was very helpful. I really want the 850 but i am a little short so i don't know how i will do on the 850. I did up to the start of this year have a F800R & i was tippy toe on that bike, but i was happy & i never dropped it. I mite have to go for the 750, but i really like the spoke wheels on the 850. I guess when i am closer to buying i will try both bikes & see what happens, great video guys. From Australia
I bought the 850 GS and got the low suspension and low seat. Seat is 815mm (32 inches)
Thanks, Jason! Stay tuned, we’re working on a video about an after market lowering kit for the 850 :-) Might be of interest to you :-)
Hey, Jason! We just posted a video about a lowering kit for the F850GS which you might like!
Wunderlich lowered -25mm comfort seat BMW F750GS F850GS
With regard to comfort and lowering do you now know anything about this Wunderlich seat? Thanks for the review!
Hey, Kevin! Afraid not! We’d love to review them, but never tried them myself.
I have a Wunderlich low seat on my 750, and it is a tad higher than the factory low seat, because it is wider, and a LOT more comfortable.
850 for me even though I almost never go off road. I'm 191cm / 97kg and my priority is comfort for those long 3000km+ trips
The problem is the 850 is 50% dearer than 750 here in Asia
Awesome review helped alot
How tall are you guys? Long time cruisr rider switching to Adventure bike, havent bc of seat height....im 5'10 and can never be flat footed while stopped. 750 may do it for me.
Great video,
by the way what's the name of Gopro mount on side mirror ?
Thanks, Jo! It’s this mount: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/582930-REG/GoPro_GRH30_Ride_HERO.html
Great review and nice videos!
I can’t decide between the two. I am a beginner, stand 182cm with 33in inseam and will 99% ride on pavements. Which one would suit me best? It’s sad that those models are on a preorder basis in my place and no test ride units available. Sport/naked bikes are out of the question since my knees ache when bent like that for a long time.
Hey, Elgin! It’s a very difficult question, because buying a motorcycle is such a personal choice. It’s more than just numbers on paper, it’s also a lot of heart. With those legs, I think your okay with either one. I think 34” inseam is maybe ideal for the 850 if you want your feet firmly planted on the ground. But that can be fixed either with a thick sole on your boots, or by factory lowering the 850, if you want to have your feet really planted. But I think you can get away with original height. So then it really comes down to what you prefer. Smaller front wheel for tighter cornering or a bit more upright riding position for the ergonomics, and a bit more power. You can also get lowered foot pegs, so your legs are more outstretched when you ride. It does shave a few degrees of your maximum lean angle, but unless you plan on knee scraping your way through corners, I don’t think that’s a problem either. Let me know what you decide!
My wife bought for me an F850 back in 2019. I know, my reply is two years late, sorry. I have been enjoying it! I installed the Touratech lowering kit based on your review also. Thanks for your reviews. Keep on making videos and ride safe!
Very good video, I enjoyed a lot!
I am thinking about both bikes. From which country are you recording? Here where I live the 850 is 25% more expensive. I am a short guy , but I was more impressed with the 850, unfortunately here in my country only the 850 comes with the TFT dashboard. I am going to wait until next year to buy it, and I will only rely on the low seat version if I do feel terribly insecure on the ordinary bike. The reason I will wait is because I have heard there are a few problems with these bikes, engine related.
Thank you for the video!
Hi! I’m glad you liked the video! I live in Sweden, but some of the videos are recorded in Gran Canaria :-) How
Come only the 850 comes with the TFT? What country are you from? There have been some issues with the early bikes and the engines, yes. But I think all those problems have been fixed by now, though. If you liked the 850, go for that. You can get it factory lowered if it’s too tall for you. You lose a little bit of suspension travel, but that’s the price we pay for being short :-)
Coming from from a 750GS (which I loved) and after riding a 850 extensively, I recommend you to try a 1250GS. It’s a hoot! although a comfortable and very well balanced bike. Hope you can test that bike and give us your unbiased opinion.
Hey, Luiz! I can, in fact, and I very soon will ;-)
Hi buddy…Can you please compare 750 with 850? ….1250 is out of topic IMHO. Thanks.
excelente video! great guys!
Off road is not major time riding a bike... So for me the F750 is better. I drove 4500 km in 15 days with it and i xan really say it's a fantastic bike!
Is there an aftermarket company that can make a fork for the F850GS that is adjustable?
Not that I know of, but you might want to check with Touratech and Wünderlich, they are usually quick to release those kinds of things for BMW bikes after they hit the market.
what height do both riders have ?
Hey, Ovidiu! We’re both 178cm tall with 30” inseam (length of legs on jeans).
Am 125kgs and really interested in riding..as a new rider can I start off with the f750?and will my weight affect in anyway?
You sure can! I’m 137 kg, and the bike has no problem. You’re good 👍 I just set the suspension mode to “rider with passenger” to stiffen it up properly for the weight.
Hi. Thanks for sharing. I bought a little F850 recently and it will be delivered to me in two weeks. Some friends in my country told me that their F850 has some problem with the yoke, because there is a lot of vibration. They have taken their bikes as a guarantee but they only tighten the yoke and after a few kilometers they have the same problem again.
Do you know something about that?
Hello, Alberto! I’m afraid I don’t, this is the first I hear of it.
I have 29" legs, and my F750GS is ok with the Wunderlich low seat, and really tall boots. I can't quite flat foot it.
The 850 with low seat is still a couple of inches too tall for me, and not as good a road bike.
Great video! I bought the 750
how do you rate tiger 800xca if compared with these two.....i own tiger 800 xca 2019 and i think its better than both of these ....and the Bmw Gs 1200 is the best adventure bike ever i drove it just once and loved it
Then you should try the new R1250GS ;-) I hadn’t tried the new 800xca. I did ride a 2015 model, and found the suspension a bit lacking, when compared to these two. But I know they did something like 200 improvements on the 2017 model, so that might no longer be a valid point.
@@MotorcycleTourists bro i think you must ride the 2019 xca 800 ..i have the 2019 in blue colour you will love it for sure ...it is good on both off and on road ...and has arrow exhaust thats why it sounds way better than any 750 or 850Gs.....
Awesome - are you father and son? So cool you can have the bond that you do, thanks for the review!
Hey! I would love to see Miguel s bike especially those little twists that he made for his height. Thanks!
Will make that soon! We’re on the continent going through the Alps and Carpathians filming now for the next video. Miguel’s mods is the next video after that :-)
@@MotorcycleTourists Could you tell me what Miguel inseam is, I am 5'6" 70kg inseam 29" so trying to see if 850 might fit
Ian Huggins Same as you, near enough. He’s got 29.5’ish inches inseam, so I’d recommend a lowering option of some sort :-)
a great review, I am about to trade in my Street triple 2013 for this years 750
Yo estoy contento con mi 850. Cierto es que no he probado la 750. Mi elección realmente fue debido a que en el concesionario la 850 era una 40 aniversario y me gustaban los colores…