Great review, thanks for sharing. I have an R9T scrambler as my cafe run bike, and it is fantastic fun to ride, I jump on it at every opportunity. I use my Tiger for longer rides and in the winter, so you are bang on when you say it’s a great second bike. Ride safe 👍
Nice one someone understands. I dont want to slate the bike, I just want to make people aware before they buy. Every time I see the thumbnail I like the look of the bike. Glad you are enjoying it and thank you for watching.
Great review and spot on the short comings of scrambler. Harsh ride, no comfort, and turning circle. But yes it looks and sounds great. Very good ergonomics. And great engine. I think rninet classic with handle bar risers could be the bike !
Great and glad I could help, I am a big fan of BMW but this one was just too harsh. I also should have gone for the classic as its a bit more refined. Have a great evening.
It needs separate transmission oil , and also 4 litre of engine oil for every 10000km, and eventually rear axle oil for bevel gears does it bothers you?
Hi there, thank you for the comment. The the rear axel its a sealed unit and dont need any oil change. Its only the main engine that needs the oil change on this model according to the dealer. It was the older models where you had to replace the drive shaft oil. Hope that helps
Is the engine is refined how much maintenance is required to make the engine operate smoothly, Compare to indian ftr 1200 this is superior or inferior?
This is the aircooled engine and its very refined compare the to the first R80GS 1986 model I had way back. But this one still gives you the authentic BMW look and feel. Its not as smooth as the new air and oiled cooled version but when you buy this bike its for the look and feel. This engine will go on for ever.
No problem, when I took the bike for a test drive it only came with the almost full knobbly tyres and I could not wait to get the bike. So the test ride was not great as the tyres make the bike ride totally different compare to tyres you would find on a GS. I had the GS tyres fitted before collecting and that made a world of difference. Just take it for a good old ride to get a good feel for the bike. Good luck and its a looker this one.
Many thanks for the comment. Just wanted to highlight to people watching that its a good looking bike but make sure you test drive the bikes before buying. There are so many reviewers out there and its becoming more and more a game of you give a review to promote a shop or brand and most of the guys dont live with the bikes during day to day riding. I have really enjoyed the BMW f850GS and have now moved on to a Zero DSR. Check out the other videos and subscribe if you want to follow along. Thank you
Sounds like back to being a passenger on the GS. This is an awesome bike, pure motorcycling. But yes, no weather protection, suspension good but not elite. Not designed for long rides without stops or long freeway runs for sure. The GS should better suit your needs.Honest review
Many thanks for the feedback. As you said its an awesome looking bike and its a short distance machine. But then again if you need to go far I can just man up and do that too its just not going to be as comfortable as a GS but it can be done. Hell you can do long distance rides on anything if you dont mind a bit of pain. I loved the bike and I did move to a F850GS that was a spot on bike.
to be honest seems you just bought the wrong bike for your style of riding and not actually owning it thus not investing in simple access is probably the big issue. GS whilst boring probably offer you the comfy feeling thats fits your road style
So true, I bought this one on the retro looks and I was hoping to have best of both worlds but no luck. But this is how you learn. Still for me its such an awesome looking machine just not comfy for my riding. Thanks for watching and the comment.
Very honest review and impressed that you kept the bike 3 years with all the flaws you pointed out. Was just about to buy a 2021 which has addressed a few of your complaints but far from all. I wish more riders did real would post-honeymoon reviews. I think I will keep looking as like you comfort and wind protection are what I enjoy. The days of proving I am a man have passed :)…ride on!
Many thanks for the feedback. Yes I did like the look of that bike and it sounded awesome with the stock exhaust. In the looks department you cannot fault it. But on the comfort front it was another story. I think if they would have spent a bit more on making the stock seat a 2 hour comfort seat it would be a big upgrade. Also I think the rNINET spot has a better angle for more road use where this one was more built for offroad but then its a big bike to go riding trails on. If I was wanting to use it only for short journeys then it would have been perfect but with that awesome engine you just want to go further and just lay down the miles. If you can get one with the hand guards, heated grips and comfort seat and small screen then its a good solid bike. Did you have a look at the R nineT Urban G/S. This looks to have a bit more protection as standard?
@@Andre-Mostert It is used and the guy has it all kitted up nicely...it is a 2021 so it has cruise, heated grips, ABS Pro and traction control, ride modes (rain, road, dirt). Also comes with the new brake assist which is pretty much BMWs version of a slipper clutch. As for add ons he has crash bars, skid plate, small windscreen, add on adjustable levers, and risers. So if I got it and wanted to do longer rides, I was going to add the tail rack (add my top case...might look odd but would work) and bark busters...maybe a bigger MRA screen. With those changes, add ons and features, could it it be a 4 hour bike?
Wow that is fully kitted out. I think with those updates it would make a massive difference. As you say the hand guards is for me a must too. It keeps the wind off your hands and allow the heated grips to really work well. The top box/bag is a good idea and if you get the ones from Kriega they can be shaped smaller so they would look the part but also allow you to pack it with allot of kit if needed. Let me know when you get it and how you finding it. Exciting times
Yes I can think so, dont get me wrong its a nice bike, sound great and looks awesome but the comform on the stock version is not too great. I think that seat upgrade would make a great comfort enchancement. Also with the upgraded suspension you will get a much more supported ride. Thanks for the comment and enjoy the bike.
I think the best option would be to go and sit on the bike. I found the seat to be very flat and not shaped downwards this does make it a little more of a challenge to get your leg down. There are loads of after market seat options that is shaped different and might help. But the great thing about the big heavy BMW is that the weight is low and as soon as you get going its great. Best will be to go and try one and also try the Sport version as the Rake angle is different and might be easier to get on with. Good luck and let me know how you get on.
Hi there, this was an old Shoei XR-1100 that has now been sent away to rest with all the too old helmets. Was a super comfortable helmet and the colour and design was spot on. www.amazon.co.uk/Shoei-XR-1100-Symmetry-Motorcycle-Helmet/dp/B002VX23GI
Good to hear an honest review....from my own experience the Urban GS seems to handle much better than the Scrambler. I'm constantly hankering after an Urban GS for all the reasons you mentioned, the relative simplicity, and that lovely Boxer engine...plus it looks great!. The biggest thing holding me back is lack of long distance comforts, wind/rain protection etc., although Wunderlich do screens. The other big thing is 'plushness' of the suspension...I have a Tenere and if you hit a bump or pothole it floats over, the Urban GS was a bit spine jarring! But I still think it's a great bike! . Enjoy your new BMW!, Cheers, Steve
Many thanks for the feedback Stephen, this is so true I was also holding out for the Urban GS but could not wait for it too be released so I went for this one. What I did find was that if you start adding on aftermarket screens it take away from the look of the bike. I did ride the Sport a few times and its a much more refined version especially the suspension side of things. So far very happy with the F850GS, I had some handguards fitted to keep wind off my hands and that also makes the heated grips more efficient. Its very difficult to get a bike that can do it all, and as much as I like the bigger GS its just too much weight to be fighting through the traffic. I also wanted to give this feedback as a real world example, I will never really take the bike off road and I am not a bike tester just a rider that want to share real world feedback. Have a great day and I will be putting up a 1000mile update on the F850 when I get there.
Enjoy the new bike. I had a R9T like yours for a loaner when my GS went for a service and I must admit it's funky, minimalistic and too much money for too little bike. It would make a nice second bike in the garage though. With regards to accessories, I see here in the land of Oz people take all the accessories off and sell the stock bike and accessories separately. Unless the buyer wants it all. In RSA we used to sell the bike with all the goodies still on it. I'm learning. The new F850 might be different but the previous F800 was too tall for my short legs with no lowering options so I steered away from that option. My next bike might be a mobility scooter as I'm getting to old to handle the GS (1200) for much longer. It is the most comfortable bike I've owned I must say. Enjoy the coming summer, we're heading for winter, seeing the last of the autumn-perfect weather now. Groetnis.
Many thanks for the comments and yes agree with you. As far I understand from the sales guy they have two options for shorter riders. The first option is the suspension "Suspension travel, front / rear 204 mm / 219 mm (OE: suspension lowering kit 184 mm / 199 mm)" Second is the lowered seat "Seat height 860 mm (OE suspension lowering kit: 815 mm, OE low seat: 835 mm, OE comfort seat: 875 mm, OA rallye seat: 890 mm)" As much as I also like the big GS for my ride to work and on the weekends its just too much bike. In SA I really loved it and found that the smaller engine bikes would run out of steam on the longer rides but here in the UK everything is so close together. Glad you are still loving your GS its one of the best multi tool out there.
I,m 6’4” and love my Scrambler. I am fortunate in having a 1250 GSA as well for general use but love the Scrambler for sunny days in the lanes. Also enjoy the challenge of sporty riding with the Karoo’s on.
Great review, thanks for sharing. I have an R9T scrambler as my cafe run bike, and it is fantastic fun to ride, I jump on it at every opportunity. I use my Tiger for longer rides and in the winter, so you are bang on when you say it’s a great second bike. Ride safe 👍
Nice one someone understands. I dont want to slate the bike, I just want to make people aware before they buy. Every time I see the thumbnail I like the look of the bike. Glad you are enjoying it and thank you for watching.
Great review and spot on the short comings of scrambler. Harsh ride, no comfort, and turning circle. But yes it looks and sounds great. Very good ergonomics. And great engine.
I think rninet classic with handle bar risers could be the bike !
Great and glad I could help, I am a big fan of BMW but this one was just too harsh. I also should have gone for the classic as its a bit more refined. Have a great evening.
Great review and feedback
Many thanks, I hope this helped you if you looking at this bike. Thank you for watching
It needs separate transmission oil , and also 4 litre of engine oil for every 10000km, and eventually rear axle oil for bevel gears does it bothers you?
Hi there, thank you for the comment. The the rear axel its a sealed unit and dont need any oil change. Its only the main engine that needs the oil change on this model according to the dealer. It was the older models where you had to replace the drive shaft oil. Hope that helps
Is the engine is refined how much maintenance is required to make the engine operate smoothly,
Compare to indian ftr 1200 this is superior or inferior?
This is the aircooled engine and its very refined compare the to the first R80GS 1986 model I had way back. But this one still gives you the authentic BMW look and feel. Its not as smooth as the new air and oiled cooled version but when you buy this bike its for the look and feel. This engine will go on for ever.
Thanks for honest review mate! I plan to purchase one soon and will definitely take your feedback into consideration during the test ride. Cheers!
No problem, when I took the bike for a test drive it only came with the almost full knobbly tyres and I could not wait to get the bike. So the test ride was not great as the tyres make the bike ride totally different compare to tyres you would find on a GS. I had the GS tyres fitted before collecting and that made a world of difference. Just take it for a good old ride to get a good feel for the bike. Good luck and its a looker this one.
Hi, What happened to the BMW F850 GS Sport??
That was moved on a long time ago. I am now working my way through the Triumph range of bikes lol.
Dont know why people complain, its a honest review, it seems the bike didnt suit you, thats it. Have fun with your 850GS
Many thanks for the comment. Just wanted to highlight to people watching that its a good looking bike but make sure you test drive the bikes before buying. There are so many reviewers out there and its becoming more and more a game of you give a review to promote a shop or brand and most of the guys dont live with the bikes during day to day riding. I have really enjoyed the BMW f850GS and have now moved on to a Zero DSR. Check out the other videos and subscribe if you want to follow along. Thank you
Sounds like back to being a passenger on the GS. This is an awesome bike, pure motorcycling. But yes, no weather protection, suspension good but not elite. Not designed for long rides without stops or long freeway runs for sure. The GS should better suit your needs.Honest review
Many thanks for the feedback. As you said its an awesome looking bike and its a short distance machine. But then again if you need to go far I can just man up and do that too its just not going to be as comfortable as a GS but it can be done. Hell you can do long distance rides on anything if you dont mind a bit of pain. I loved the bike and I did move to a F850GS that was a spot on bike.
to be honest seems you just bought the wrong bike for your style of riding and not actually owning it thus not investing in simple access is probably the big issue. GS whilst boring probably offer you the comfy feeling thats fits your road style
So true, I bought this one on the retro looks and I was hoping to have best of both worlds but no luck. But this is how you learn. Still for me its such an awesome looking machine just not comfy for my riding. Thanks for watching and the comment.
Very honest review and impressed that you kept the bike 3 years with all the flaws you pointed out.
Was just about to buy a 2021 which has addressed a few of your complaints but far from all.
I wish more riders did real would post-honeymoon reviews. I think I will keep looking as like you comfort and wind protection are what I enjoy. The days of proving I am a man have passed :)…ride on!
Many thanks for the feedback. Yes I did like the look of that bike and it sounded awesome with the stock exhaust. In the looks department you cannot fault it. But on the comfort front it was another story. I think if they would have spent a bit more on making the stock seat a 2 hour comfort seat it would be a big upgrade. Also I think the rNINET spot has a better angle for more road use where this one was more built for offroad but then its a big bike to go riding trails on. If I was wanting to use it only for short journeys then it would have been perfect but with that awesome engine you just want to go further and just lay down the miles.
If you can get one with the hand guards, heated grips and comfort seat and small screen then its a good solid bike. Did you have a look at the R nineT Urban G/S. This looks to have a bit more protection as standard?
@@Andre-Mostert It is used and the guy has it all kitted up nicely...it is a 2021 so it has cruise, heated grips, ABS Pro and traction control, ride modes (rain, road, dirt). Also comes with the new brake assist which is pretty much BMWs version of a slipper clutch.
As for add ons he has crash bars, skid plate, small windscreen, add on adjustable levers, and risers. So if I got it and wanted to do longer rides, I was going to add the tail rack (add my top case...might look odd but would work) and bark busters...maybe a bigger MRA screen.
With those changes, add ons and features, could it it be a 4 hour bike?
Wow that is fully kitted out. I think with those updates it would make a massive difference. As you say the hand guards is for me a must too. It keeps the wind off your hands and allow the heated grips to really work well. The top box/bag is a good idea and if you get the ones from Kriega they can be shaped smaller so they would look the part but also allow you to pack it with allot of kit if needed. Let me know when you get it and how you finding it. Exciting times
I have updated suspension and a aktivkomfort Wunderlich seat...more comfort !
Yes I can think so, dont get me wrong its a nice bike, sound great and looks awesome but the comform on the stock version is not too great. I think that seat upgrade would make a great comfort enchancement. Also with the upgraded suspension you will get a much more supported ride. Thanks for the comment and enjoy the bike.
I am 5 feet 7 inches. Do you think this is a good bike for my height? It will be my first bike as well
I think the best option would be to go and sit on the bike. I found the seat to be very flat and not shaped downwards this does make it a little more of a challenge to get your leg down. There are loads of after market seat options that is shaped different and might help. But the great thing about the big heavy BMW is that the weight is low and as soon as you get going its great. Best will be to go and try one and also try the Sport version as the Rake angle is different and might be easier to get on with. Good luck and let me know how you get on.
Andre and Anneliese thanks for your feedback
What kind of shoei helmet is the one in the video mate? Btw your bike looks fantastic!
Hi there, this was an old Shoei XR-1100 that has now been sent away to rest with all the too old helmets. Was a super comfortable helmet and the colour and design was spot on.
www.amazon.co.uk/Shoei-XR-1100-Symmetry-Motorcycle-Helmet/dp/B002VX23GI
Good to hear an honest review....from my own experience the Urban GS seems to handle much better than the Scrambler. I'm constantly hankering after an Urban GS for all the reasons you mentioned, the relative simplicity, and that lovely Boxer engine...plus it looks great!. The biggest thing holding me back is lack of long distance comforts, wind/rain protection etc., although Wunderlich do screens. The other big thing is 'plushness' of the suspension...I have a Tenere and if you hit a bump or pothole it floats over, the Urban GS was a bit spine jarring! But I still think it's a great bike! . Enjoy your new BMW!, Cheers, Steve
Many thanks for the feedback Stephen, this is so true I was also holding out for the Urban GS but could not wait for it too be released so I went for this one. What I did find was that if you start adding on aftermarket screens it take away from the look of the bike. I did ride the Sport a few times and its a much more refined version especially the suspension side of things. So far very happy with the F850GS, I had some handguards fitted to keep wind off my hands and that also makes the heated grips more efficient. Its very difficult to get a bike that can do it all, and as much as I like the bigger GS its just too much weight to be fighting through the traffic.
I also wanted to give this feedback as a real world example, I will never really take the bike off road and I am not a bike tester just a rider that want to share real world feedback.
Have a great day and I will be putting up a 1000mile update on the F850 when I get there.
Enjoy the new bike. I had a R9T like yours for a loaner when my GS went for a service and I must admit it's funky, minimalistic and too much money for too little bike. It would make a nice second bike in the garage though. With regards to accessories, I see here in the land of Oz people take all the accessories off and sell the stock bike and accessories separately. Unless the buyer wants it all. In RSA we used to sell the bike with all the goodies still on it. I'm learning. The new F850 might be different but the previous F800 was too tall for my short legs with no lowering options so I steered away from that option. My next bike might be a mobility scooter as I'm getting to old to handle the GS (1200) for much longer. It is the most comfortable bike I've owned I must say. Enjoy the coming summer, we're heading for winter, seeing the last of the autumn-perfect weather now. Groetnis.
Many thanks for the comments and yes agree with you. As far I understand from the sales guy they have two options for shorter riders. The first option is the suspension "Suspension travel, front / rear 204 mm / 219 mm (OE: suspension lowering kit 184 mm / 199 mm)"
Second is the lowered seat "Seat height 860 mm (OE suspension lowering kit: 815 mm, OE low seat: 835 mm, OE comfort seat: 875 mm, OA rallye seat: 890 mm)"
As much as I also like the big GS for my ride to work and on the weekends its just too much bike. In SA I really loved it and found that the smaller engine bikes would run out of steam on the longer rides but here in the UK everything is so close together.
Glad you are still loving your GS its one of the best multi tool out there.
😍 👍
Many thanks, Was a great bike.
your title says "Last Ride and Feedback" I dont see your riding, what up?
I currently dont have a gopro style camera to be able to capture video while I am riding. But I am working on it. Thanks for the feedback.
I think it's the best looking bike, too bad they are not ment for tall people.
I think the angle of your knees will be too high as mine was straight and I am only 5.11. Thanks for watching and the comment.
I,m 6’4” and love my Scrambler. I am fortunate in having a 1250 GSA as well for general use but love the Scrambler for sunny days in the lanes. Also enjoy the challenge of sporty riding with the Karoo’s on.
Надо ездить . Только слова
Thanks for the feedback.
Lost you in the first three seconds as you did not engage your public.
Always room for improvement. Thank you for the feedback Wouter.
You don't even know what it is!
mmm must try harder. Thanks for the comment.