My 1200gs is in for service and I got the F750GS as a loaner. I noticed a lot of the same things; -Front end appears to have been made by Nerf. -Engine sound might be the best parallel twin I've heard this side of the Africa Twin. -Gear box is noticably smoother than the 1200, but the friction zone on the clutch lever starts way too soon. -Power delivery is perfect for around town. It's been a great loaner, but I'm very much looking forward to getting the big brother back this afternoon. Thanks as always, Bruce!
Another great vid and review....have to agree about bikers not nodding to one another but I don't think it's only a London thing, here in the Midlands less and less bikers acknowledge each other ! Looking forward to the next Pico's vid.
To answer your question "why wouldn't you get the bigger 1250GS " simple answer, at least here in the US, around $6000 to $7000. Thanks for the review, nice one. Cheers
Thanks Bruce, great video. My very first bike was a 2009 800GS, I loved it, I upgraded the front fork springs, improved the front dive considerably. I agree the 1200 is an easier bike to ride.
With the issues you had with the GS Adventure in UK in 24 hours and the current issues with Helga I'm not sure another BMW would be top of my shopping list. You mentioned going to Canary Motorcycle Tours; I've ridden with them many times, I would be amazed if you didn't have a great time. Joy and Martin are great and were kind enough to invite me over when you were there as a thank you for the odd vid I made there and vlogger recommendations....... sadly work prevents me coming over. Cheers.👍
The issues don’t bother me tbh. I rode every single day and normally do around 30,000-40,000 miles a year on a bike so issues will always occur. For me it’s how those issues are dealt with by the garage/dealership that really counts. So far BMW have been fantastic in their service so I’m happy to stay with them. Can’t wait for the Canary trip, looks amazing over there. Shame you can’t make it bud 👍
Great video Bruce she looks nice I thought as you say fork dive I’m thinking of getting a newer Gs or maybe a 1000XR and the diving forks on the Xr will take some real acclimating to I think keep em coming
Felt the same about the forks Bruce. The brakes were very responsive though. People would buy it over the 1200s because of insurance surely. Keep up the good work. Don't just you hate wind around your helmet....
I picked the F850 GS sport for commuting as the 1200 were to big.. I work for BMW Williams Motorrad and I couldn't live with the low end wideness at least I can walk the handle bars pass wing mirrors on the 850 :) .. I still want a 1200 mind..
Conventional forks on BMW's are quite soft and most upgrade the springs on the front end. It is becuase of some crazy BMW engineering thing about the ABS and about how much dive and compression of the forks you need under breaking to have to make it all work togther. But very few enjoy the sensation and it is expecially difficult off road.
I’ve been riding long and hard for fifty years, never could have imagined back in the 1970’s that the power of an 850 in 2019 could be called “gutless” and “nothing fantastic” and that BMW would still have an “agricultural” gear box. I guess we don’t only manufacture improved motorcycles; concomitantly we also manufacture new entitlements. Perhaps not a bad thing? That said, backlighting the switches is a good idea. Excellent video!
I just bought myself a second bike being a 1983 400 Superdream and the difference between that and my Tiger 800 is mind blowing so I agree, we have seen some amazing progress in bikes over the years...
Great review as usual Bruce, but I will definitely be getting the 1250gsa. Prefer the larger capacity and physical size of the bike. Have a great day brother.
Nice looking bike ,I like it , I did the Simon Pavey off road school a few years ago and when I was sorting it out I chose a small GS ,they asked me if I had ridden a GS off or on Road ,I said no ,they then advised me to use the 1200gs as it was easier to ride and handle so I opted for the 1200 ,right choice , a few on the course opted for the 650gs and asked to change half way through the course ,which they gladly did for them , And obviously I bought a 1200GS
I rode the 850 on a bmw ride out at the squires cafe and I really liked it. I would consider buying one even though I wasn't looking to swap my r1200rs
Hey Mr Smart. Sorry to hear about your Helga. But some good news though. I had the same problem with my GS. I have a 2018 R1200GS RallyeX here in Australia. The RallyeX is a GS spec'd by BMW Motorrad Aus for us who use our bikes offroad. It comes standard fitted with sport suspension, rallye screen and one piece seat, Conti TKC80, and with keyless ride and centre stand deleted. Mine also started stalling a few months into ownership. It would splutter and cutout without any recovery. It also would just stall when idling, sounding almost like a hydraulic lock. My BMW dealer in Sydney told me that there was immobiliser faults as well as fuel pump faults. Keep in mind I have no alarm or keyless options. All the components checked out fine during their guided fault finding plans. Some of the engine electronics completed substantial software updates. They kept it for a few days completing some longer test rides as part of quality control. It did not fault again and is still in top form. On the F850GS Advenure. From personal experience, it feels a better bike in the dirt. The 21" wheel seems to track better and the dirtbike like suspension work a bit better when negotiating obstacles. But.... I will never parts with my R1200. Boxer is best! And more protection on a fall. Regards Gerhard
Hi Gerhard, Ah that sounds pretty much identical to the issues I was having. Helga needed 4.5hrs of software downloads too and that seemed to fix the problem mostly. It still can’t idle for the first minute when I start her at the start of the day (or after any prolonged stop of more than say a few hours). I just hold it at 2k revs for about a min and then it’s absolutely fine. Rides like an utter Beast now too! 👍
Excellent video as usual, the bike looks great however as with all "Adventure" bikes, me being vertically challenged at a mere 5'4" I'd need a box or perhaps Elton John's platform boots just to get on. As for the music on your video's, on my steam driven computer it sounds absolutely fine..!
They have a low version that is really low compared to this one,because the seat and the suspension are low. Unfortunately tje low version dont have Esa
Nice alternative to the big 1200/1250 if you prefer something smaller or more frugal, you could travel anywhere on it. I’ll stick with the 1200 tho, like you Bruce I’ve been spoiled now😊
Good video and i cant hear any issues with the music mate....... i do agree with not quite getting the 850 especially as they are now making it physically bigger with the new GSA style bodywork when i thought it was meant to be a smaller slimmer option
God i still want one. The 1200/1250 for me, it costs too much to buy even second hand. Costs three times the amount to insure, even with 9 years no claims!! Only annoying thing with bmw is everything is an extra. So may got for the multistrada 950 instead!
Your conclusion mirror that of every single person, including even BMW sales persons I have had this discussion with. They’d all take a good second hand 1200 over the 850 for the same money. The problem is not the 850, or any other similar bike for that matter. The issue is the 1200gs is just that amazing.
So, it's not just me then! I've had people remarking about the music levels being higher than the speech on my videos, despite them seeming to be OK on my laptop when I watched before uploading. I knock the music back 5-8db mostly now. I am convinced something happens at the TH-cam end. I've heard creators complain about video quality loss due to the compression YT does, maybe it affects the sound too.
Great vid, Bruce. Sorry about Helga, hopefully they get her sorted soon. Have to say I am jealous about your trip to Gran Canaria. The Canary Islands are the TOP of my cycling bucket list. Can’t wait to hear what you think. Are you just riding GC or heading over to Tenerife as well? Lucky devil... Peace!
Am guessing you have watched TMF’s videos. There are so many motovlogs on GC rides. My takeaway is if you are following Martin you are going to be in biker heaven.
Thanks for the upload another great video 👍 me thinks you do that route often 😂 I was thinking how was the noise from the front end like on the GS ? Iv Just bought 2018 GSA TE loving it and such great value at the mo 😉 ride safe fella
Thanks Martyn, I didn’t notice any noise tbh? I’ve never really noticed any noise on the bigger bikes either really, only the road noise from the tyres, which obviously depends on what rubber you have on there 👍
That's a super and honest review, I need to get on one of these at some point.... I have so much editing to catch up on though! Love the way you edit your vids, I need to improve mine and make them shorter!! haha... cheers and safe riding...
@@ivodassen87 Cheers, much appreciated... I am just doing them for fun and as a hobby, but do hope to make them better over time. If I can't sleep I start watching one of my own videos and I am soon zzzzzz hehehe . teapot1 is so good, he keeps me watching to the end every time...
Thanks very much bud, I think it’s just a question of both finding your own natural style and then the audience that best fits that. If you try to be something you’re not then people will see through that and they won’t bond with you. Just be yourself and focus on the content, your own community it will grow in time, it’s definitely not a quick thing - I’ve been doing vids since 2012!! 👍
@@teapotone Cheers, your wisdom is appreciated; yes will remain as I am thats me! I probably just need to be a little more ruthless with what I bin and keep when editing, your fils all move quickly and hence keep my interest... Thanks again.
Great stuff. I have some people who say they don’t like the constant jump cuts, but to be blunt, they’re not going to be my community. Most people, like you, enjoy the fast moving style of my vids, hence that’s why they subscribe and come back again and again to watch the vids - hopefully! 🙏 I must confess I’ve not watched your vids yet but will make a point of doing so now bud 👍
Not my kinda bike to be honest but I enjoy your vids so always watch 😆....hope you're well mate and you and your colleagues are getting some well deserved standdown after all the work in London lately....mopping up after our politicians is never ending eh?....ps have you rode the r1200r yet?!...you absolutely must lol
Thanks bud, I work in the Diplomatic Protection side of the police so it’s always mental busy at our end I’m afraid - but at least the endless overtime allows for a few extra toys here and there 👍 I’m actually picking up the new R1250R next week for a few weeks test, so can’t wait to see what that’s like
Great vid Bruce, as you pointed out why would you pick this over the bigger brother... Initial cost may be a factor or perhaps someone who's not long passed there test.. Either way if you've never riden the 1200 or 1250 you wouldnt know any different.. I like the idea of mid size ADV bikes as I'm only a short arse hence the 800 Tiger 😀. Keep up the good work matey.... 👍
I get why shorter people might go for the lower CC bikes, but this 850 doesn’t feel any ‘shorter’ than the 1200, so I just do t get it - part from cost and insurance obviously?
I can imagine the 1250 is a better bike but is it worth the extra (significant) cash? I guess the answer is that it depends. I was very tempted by the 850GS but as it wasn't due to be released until well after I wanted to change I ended up going for the Tiger 800 Xrt as I couldn't stretch to the GS1200 and was/am still a bit daunted by it's size as I am only a short arse (5'7")
Thank you for posting. Great video. Just a quick question. Do you think the bike has a soft suspension or is it that you are used to the paralevel front suspension? Just curious.
I have the 'rallye' smaller screen (about the same size as the standard screen on this 850) on my 1250 GSA. More wind noise of course, but the air is 'cleaner' / less turbulent. I'm 5 ft 10 though, so it's probably a very different story for taller riders. I also have bar backs / risers which also changes the ergos slightly. The smaller screen is fine for motorways etc. I rode a GS1200 with it to Portugal and back last summer - and way better / easier in traffic / commuting as there's no doubt you can see 'more' in your line of vision without a big screen in the way. (Again, less so for taller riders). So many GS/GSA riders complain about turbulence from their screens and add extra bits on the top of them or replace them with even bigger screens! Less is more......especially in the hot / summer weather. :-) Agreed, the music would be better in the background. Good videos / content though dude. Looking forward to part 2 / another long test on the new GSA 1250 after the first battery fail trip. Hopefully in decent weather etc versus another middle of the night pissing down with rain ride which didn't look fun at all! The 850 seems like a really good little bike, but like you, it would never distract me from the larger CC option - and aesthetically, it doesn't look quite right to me.
Thanks bud, interesting to hear that about the smaller screen on the bigger bike. Personally I’ve got no issues with the standard size screen on the 1200/1250, but then I’m a lard ass at 6’3” so have no issues looking over it, or with turbulent air really. That screen on the K1600 was fantastic though ❤️👍
When approaching a junction, slowing down using both front and back brakes, stop using the front brake for the last few metres. It'll rid you of most of your front dive when you are coming to a stop at least.
@@teapotone It's really soft on the 800 too. If you need need to anchor up really quickly, you'd think you're going over the bars sometimes!! I know it's mainly aimed at off road so it can be forgiven I suppose, but it handles really well, you can chuck it around bends at good speeds. It would be lovely if you never had to brake hard.
The reason why most people don't go for the 1250 is the price, fully loaded the 1250 is £7000 more expensive. With the GS850 adventure has all the mods TFT screen etc. Its got enough BHP for most people. I own the silver exclusive version and the only bad thing its heavy to move around the garage.
Bruce so it looks like you have finished work at home ?. Is this a bike that people bye it because the bike like yours cost allot or for other resons ?
The 850 is a little bit cheaper to buy and a lot cheaper to insure, that’s about the only reasons I can think where it’s better than the bigger bikes. It’s harder to manoeuvre off the bike, doesn’t feel as ‘flickable’ as the 1200/1250, seemed just as high in the seat position (if not a bit higher?) hasn’t got the same performance naturally etc It’s a fun bike to ride though 👍
Nice video TP. Great quality picture. 2 points, when you said," pick a lane" I thought , (tea) pot and kettle, and the old beard doesn't half need a scythe.
Shat myself watching you in London traffic. I rode there in the 1970s; and 1980s; wouldn't have the cojones these days. Fork dive: well, I hate telelever, I prefer the proper forks on my 1993 R100 GS Paris Dakar. Sharp video. You're right about the congestion charge - unbelieveably stupid to penalise bikes.
Pick a lane, I love it! I say the same thing all the time. My sister however, has the opinion that since she pays taxes on both sides of the road, she should get to drive on both sides. The fact that she's in two at the same time doesn't seem to matter to her. Silly girl.
I think the reason you get so little benefit from the wind screen is because of your height. Every other reviewer has said that they the wind protection was great. That obviously doesn't solve the problem for you, but as a reviewer, might be something to mention.
Likely to be a big contributor,£14400 for the 1250 adventure £10600 for the 850 adventure. A lot of money either way, but £4000 is a lot of extra gear/fuel!
Ha Ha yeah I know. It’s all so the cameras can read it I believe? I always used to change it for a slightly smaller 7”x5” but think that looks a bit weird on the big GS
I'm struggling to see the benefit of this bike apart from a lower cost. It weighs just 5Kg less than a 1250GS? Payload is very impressive though at 211Kg Vs the GS 216Kg, maybe that's what accounts for the weight, a strong subframe etc.
Bullshit,I put my 1250 friends gs and my 850 on the scale and is like 25 kilos difference. Next time I will take pictures. R1250 has wet weight is 591 pds. Real weight on scale: 601 pds. F850 gsa wet weight 537,real on scale : 538. Difference: 63 pds, or 28.3 kilograms.
Let's say that I was able to afford a second hand one of these in a few years and have it restricted on an A2 licence - would it be worth it or would it be better to get something like a Bandit, Hornet, MT 07 or ER-6F? Considering that I hate going on the motorways and mostly have twisties around me and do lots of filtering, would paying for the premium of a BMW be worth it?
Personally I’d got for the Bandit or MT07 bud, loads of fun and great bikes to ride on twisties and easy to filter. However obviously if you’re doing any off-roading, then the GS would be the better option 👍
Wait till that new BMW bagger comes out with the 1800cc engine. I'm not sure if you've seen the pictures yet but somebody snuck a few pics while the test bike was on the road. The big boxer looks like a huge egg with cylinders sticking out the sides.
Hi Bruce - very interesting and thanks for putting this together. Ignore the naysayers (David Mosier for example) - life’s too short for know-it-all’s! Yours aye, Alan
Cheers Alan, Generally everyone in here is very positive with their input, even if it is critical. However sometimes you do get the odd Victor Meldrew type and I sometimes find it hard to bite my tongue 😬 Appreciate your support as always bud 😉👍
teapotone your welcome and I thought you showed great restraint! I haven’t got a touring bike yet. ( I do have a Triumph Speedmaster - windy on a longish run and a Ducati Monster 1200R - for fun, fun, fun.). So, I’m on the search and note that you and TMF always go for the BMW GS. However, I also follow Big Bike Adventures (from Australia - a great channel) and he’s a really big Africa Twin fan and he’s now becoming converted to the DCT. What are your thoughts Bruce and do you plan to test the DCT version in the near future? Yours aye, Alan
Funny you should mention that Alan, I’ve been privately messaged by a few people recently asking the same thing about DCT, so I’m going to try and get hold of one off of Honda or a dealership to give it a go. 👍
Thanks for the mention ref the issues bikers are having with the current Mayor, the absurd ULEZ tax is causing major issues for us living here. God knows what will happen when it is pushed out to the North and south circ... Ref the adventure market, the V strom 1000 is gaining a very loyal following and to be honest I doubt I would have ever even noticed the model as I own a GS and love how they ride but for the money it is hard not to be enticed by the Suzuki.. The obvious other choice is the Africa twin but as a number of vloggers have found out the engine cases on them are made from cheese... If you get a chance to jump on a V Strom I would be very interested in what you think.. Regards
I’ve heard lots of good things about the VStrom, in fact Lamb Chops Rides has taken both models for long term reviews and loved them. I’ll see if I can wangle one for a ride sometime 👍
Not a lover of the GS 1200 its just to big for my touring needs etc however i ride a Kawasaki Versys GT 650 which is just stunning and comfortable and a capable machine ...however when the time comes i would give this a test ride as i like the look of it :)
great vid! Question: I have the 700GS a couple of years old. I want to start doing some off roading on it / dropping it. Whats the smaller GS's like compared to the 1200's as far as doing more technical trails and lifting them up off the ground? Love the 12's but thinking could be too much weight?
I’ve not done any off-roading on anything other than the 1200 and my GSX-R1000 so can’t comment on that sorry. Regarding weight and lifting the bike up, if you’ve got the technique sorted for picking a bike up, you can lift anything up fairly easily 👍
@@teapotone It's kind of hilarious your off road experience includes a SUPER BIKE that you rode the planet on and its not a big deal. lol - just another reason your channel is so much fun. Thanks TP1!!!
Ha Ha thanks Mike. I’d love to know what I’m doing off road to be fair, I just tend to hang on and hope for the best if I ever have to do it, hence why I’m not too keen on it at the mo! 😬👍
Good video as always bruce, never have issues with your volumes. Will be interested on the diagnosis of helga, from what i'm observing BMW definitely appear to be suffering with more reliability issues than they used to :(
Question...do you edit out your shoulder checks? With the camera mounted on your helmet the shoulder check should be very noticeable to the viewer. But it is not. Do you do shoulder checks? It appears that you do not. Do you think that is the proper way to ride?
David, judging by your comments this morning on the vids, you plainly don’t like the way I ride, review bikes etc so why not jog on to another channel. There’s a good lad 👍
@@teapotone I asked a simple question. You dont do shoulder checks...that is entirely up to you. You don't like answering questions? Again...that is your call to make.
David of course I do shoulder checks, if you watch my vids you will see me doing them in some. However it’s pretty boring to watch some bloke look over his shoulder so I tend to edit them out, like I do with loads of other stuff. As for answering questions, I get literally hundreds of questions every day through here, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and I do my very best to reply to each and every one, even if it’s a simple like or dislike. I’m even taking the time to reply to you. As I said previously, if you don’t like the content, feel free to go elsewhere.
When u say that it can keep up with a Africa twin.... I'd actually say that it's a better bike than the Africa twin.... I've ridden both and think that the BMW is better....
Great review Bruce. Always appreciate an honest opinion. I'd be interested in BMW's diagnostic of the issue with Helga. I also had a start/idle issue where it would cut out after first start, unless i kept the revs up. When I had my tyres changed, my local bike servicing shop said there was an old O2 sensor error that might have been the cause, they cleared it and re-calibrated the O2 sensor. Mine is a 65 reg GS ... hence not taking it to BMW for what would have cost a LOT more that £30. BTW ... I have had Michelin Anakee Adventure tyres fitted - initial thoughts are pretty good road handling for 80/20 tyre, but they whine between 60 & 70!! :( Keep well and ride safe.
Everyones idea of adventure is different, this over the 1200 for off road if there were no other choices, so that's the first reason why I'd go for something like this over it's bigger brother. Riding on motorways is a benchmark? Why have engine bars, off road rims and tyres and suspension travel if you're only riding it on road? Then if it's off road, why in any circumstance would you go for any BMW over a 690/701? The reliability rubbish, is just that. Modern KTMs are reliable. Just find the whole 'Adventure' word slightly ridiculous. Good honest opinion for your use though.
Good points. The thing is though, the vast majority of people out there who will buy an ‘Adventure’ bike are simply buying into a look or style, same as those who buy sports bikes, naked’s, customs etc. For me I just like the fact that they give you the option to go off road if you want, but they’re equally at home on the daily commute, or hooning around twisty back roads, or spinning around the track.
Do not expect to get a nod from scooter riders 90% of them are uber drivers, 10% are using them to get from a to b fast 💨 not many of them are bikers. Even some on proper bikes just use it fro fast travel in London so they are not really true bikers and wont know the nod even exists haha when i go to the countryside where bikes are for a passion not a convenience everyone nods
Really? Not from the people I’ve spoken to about it? I tell you exactly how I find it bud, but biking is a very personal thing as we all know. One person’s chalk is another’s cheese 👍
Great video as always 👍 I've just bought the f700gs as my legs are to short for the man's version 😂 but I'm loving it it's spot on for my needs 👍
My 1200gs is in for service and I got the F750GS as a loaner. I noticed a lot of the same things;
-Front end appears to have been made by Nerf.
-Engine sound might be the best parallel twin I've heard this side of the Africa Twin.
-Gear box is noticably smoother than the 1200, but the friction zone on the clutch lever starts way too soon.
-Power delivery is perfect for around town.
It's been a great loaner, but I'm very much looking forward to getting the big brother back this afternoon. Thanks as always, Bruce!
Another great vid and review....have to agree about bikers not nodding to one another but I don't think it's only a London thing, here in the Midlands less and less bikers acknowledge each other ! Looking forward to the next Pico's vid.
Agree, here in the midlands less and less bikers nod
The nod is alive and kicking in sunny Dorset
I get so few return nods now, whats happened....?
We need a campaign to bring back the nod!! 😉
@@teapotone yes 😃
To answer your question "why wouldn't you get the bigger 1250GS " simple answer, at least here in the US, around $6000 to $7000. Thanks for the review, nice one. Cheers
Another great review Bruce. Keep them coming. Watching from Northern Ireland
Thanks Geo 👍
Thanks Bruce, great video. My very first bike was a 2009 800GS, I loved it, I upgraded the front fork springs, improved the front dive considerably. I agree the 1200 is an easier bike to ride.
Cheers Marc, yeah they really do dive don’t they!
With the issues you had with the GS Adventure in UK in 24 hours and the current issues with Helga I'm not sure another BMW would be top of my shopping list.
You mentioned going to Canary Motorcycle Tours; I've ridden with them many times, I would be amazed if you didn't have a great time. Joy and Martin are great and were kind enough to invite me over when you were there as a thank you for the odd vid I made there and vlogger recommendations....... sadly work prevents me coming over. Cheers.👍
The issues don’t bother me tbh. I rode every single day and normally do around 30,000-40,000 miles a year on a bike so issues will always occur. For me it’s how those issues are dealt with by the garage/dealership that really counts. So far BMW have been fantastic in their service so I’m happy to stay with them.
Can’t wait for the Canary trip, looks amazing over there. Shame you can’t make it bud 👍
GSXR dash is LCD not a fancy TFT, if you don't get anywhere with Haslemere let's meet and swap bikes and do a bit of vlogging 😎😎
LOVING that idea bud, cheers Chops 👍
Great video Bruce she looks nice I thought as you say fork dive I’m thinking of getting a newer Gs or maybe a 1000XR and the diving forks on the Xr will take some real acclimating to I think keep em coming
Thanks Dale,
Yeah I find normal forks strange to ride with now, really does take some tuning in to get used to again doesn’t it. 👍
Hi Bruce recently started watching your channel, lovin the videos etc etc keep up the good work
Hi David, thanks very much bud, great to hear you’re enjoying the vids and content.
Stay safe 👍
Felt the same about the forks Bruce. The brakes were very responsive though. People would buy it over the 1200s because of insurance surely. Keep up the good work. Don't just you hate wind around your helmet....
Ha Ha yeah it’s very off putting 😳🤓
Yeah the insurance is definitely one area where the 850 will certainly beat the 1250 for sure 👍
I picked the F850 GS sport for commuting as the 1200 were to big.. I work for BMW Williams Motorrad and I couldn't live with the low end wideness at least I can walk the handle bars pass wing mirrors on the 850 :) .. I still want a 1200 mind..
Conventional forks on BMW's are quite soft and most upgrade the springs on the front end. It is becuase of some crazy BMW engineering thing about the ABS and about how much dive and compression of the forks you need under breaking to have to make it all work togther. But very few enjoy the sensation and it is expecially difficult off road.
Loving the reviews mate. Would be great to see more
Thanks Jay, hoping to do a few this year all going well 👍
I love Your accent. Calm but very characteristic.
👍
Top video as always Bruce.
Thanks Reece 👍
I’ve been riding long and hard for fifty years, never could have imagined back in the 1970’s that the power of an 850 in 2019 could be called “gutless” and “nothing fantastic” and that BMW would still have an “agricultural” gear box. I guess we don’t only manufacture improved motorcycles; concomitantly we also manufacture new entitlements. Perhaps not a bad thing? That said, backlighting the switches is a good idea. Excellent video!
I just bought myself a second bike being a 1983 400 Superdream and the difference between that and my Tiger 800 is mind blowing so I agree, we have seen some amazing progress in bikes over the years...
Great review as usual Bruce, but I will definitely be getting the 1250gsa. Prefer the larger capacity and physical size of the bike. Have a great day brother.
Thanks bud, and you 👍
Nice looking bike ,I like it , I did the Simon Pavey off road school a few years ago and when I was sorting it out I chose a small GS ,they asked me if I had ridden a GS off or on Road ,I said no ,they then advised me to use the 1200gs as it was easier to ride and handle so I opted for the 1200 ,right choice , a few on the course opted for the 650gs and asked to change half way through the course ,which they gladly did for them , And obviously I bought a 1200GS
I rode the 850 on a bmw ride out at the squires cafe and I really liked it. I would consider buying one even though I wasn't looking to swap my r1200rs
Hey Mr Smart.
Sorry to hear about your Helga. But some good news though. I had the same problem with my GS. I have a 2018 R1200GS RallyeX here in Australia. The RallyeX is a GS spec'd by BMW Motorrad Aus for us who use our bikes offroad. It comes standard fitted with sport suspension, rallye screen and one piece seat, Conti TKC80, and with keyless ride and centre stand deleted.
Mine also started stalling a few months into ownership. It would splutter and cutout without any recovery. It also would just stall when idling, sounding almost like a hydraulic lock. My BMW dealer in Sydney told me that there was immobiliser faults as well as fuel pump faults. Keep in mind I have no alarm or keyless options. All the components checked out fine during their guided fault finding plans. Some of the engine electronics completed substantial software updates. They kept it for a few days completing some longer test rides as part of quality control. It did not fault again and is still in top form.
On the F850GS Advenure. From personal experience, it feels a better bike in the dirt. The 21" wheel seems to track better and the dirtbike like suspension work a bit better when negotiating obstacles. But.... I will never parts with my R1200. Boxer is best! And more protection on a fall.
Regards
Gerhard
Hi Gerhard,
Ah that sounds pretty much identical to the issues I was having. Helga needed 4.5hrs of software downloads too and that seemed to fix the problem mostly. It still can’t idle for the first minute when I start her at the start of the day (or after any prolonged stop of more than say a few hours). I just hold it at 2k revs for about a min and then it’s absolutely fine.
Rides like an utter Beast now too! 👍
Excellent video as usual, the bike looks great however as with all "Adventure" bikes, me being vertically challenged at a mere 5'4" I'd need a box or perhaps Elton John's platform boots just to get on. As for the music on your video's, on my steam driven computer it sounds absolutely fine..!
lol agree im 5'4 and always need low seat option :)
They have a low version that is really low compared to this one,because the seat and the suspension are low. Unfortunately tje low version dont have Esa
Thanks men for your video very cool how was the heat on traffic btw?
Thanks Felix, I didn’t have an issue with it being too hot in traffic👍
Nice review of a splendid bike.
The music volume is an issue, I thought t was just me but I have to keep changing the volume by a third.
What even in this one???
My 2016 GSA did that, just on idle, just a reset of the engine adaptive parameter and all was well!
Cheers Diego 👍
Nice alternative to the big 1200/1250 if you prefer something smaller or more frugal, you could travel anywhere on it. I’ll stick with the 1200 tho, like you Bruce I’ve been spoiled now😊
Good video and i cant hear any issues with the music mate....... i do agree with not quite getting the 850 especially as they are now making it physically bigger with the new GSA style bodywork when i thought it was meant to be a smaller slimmer option
Another great product from BMW. Speaking of which, what gloves are you wearing. Cheers
Cheers Chris, they’re Knox Handroid’s.
God i still want one. The 1200/1250 for me, it costs too much to buy even second hand. Costs three times the amount to insure, even with 9 years no claims!!
Only annoying thing with bmw is everything is an extra. So may got for the multistrada 950 instead!
Wow is it that much difference in insurance?!
I want to try and give the Multistrada’ da go myself, look loads of fun 👍
Have you seen the cost of the extra's for a Multistrada? Makes BMW appear reasonable.
Really?! Haven’t looked into any of that yet actually 👍
Your conclusion mirror that of every single person, including even BMW sales persons I have had this discussion with. They’d all take a good second hand 1200 over the 850 for the same money. The problem is not the 850, or any other similar bike for that matter. The issue is the 1200gs is just that amazing.
Yep 👍
So, it's not just me then! I've had people remarking about the music levels being higher than the speech on my videos, despite them seeming to be OK on my laptop when I watched before uploading. I knock the music back 5-8db mostly now. I am convinced something happens at the TH-cam end. I've heard creators complain about video quality loss due to the compression YT does, maybe it affects the sound too.
thanks for the video .
I'm glad I didn't buy it . I'm now enjoying my 1250 exclusive
drive safe 👍🏾🏍
Awesome David, hands down a better option bud. Hope you’re loving it 👍
Great vid, Bruce. Sorry about Helga, hopefully they get her sorted soon. Have to say I am jealous about your trip to Gran Canaria. The Canary Islands are the TOP of my cycling bucket list. Can’t wait to hear what you think. Are you just riding GC or heading over to Tenerife as well? Lucky devil...
Peace!
Thanks Graden, I don’t know actually what the itinerary is? Just turning up and following the guide 👍
Am guessing you have watched TMF’s videos. There are so many motovlogs on GC rides. My takeaway is if you are following Martin you are going to be in biker heaven.
Very entertaining as always, be safe 👍🏻
Thanks for the upload another great video 👍 me thinks you do that route often 😂 I was thinking how was the noise from the front end like on the GS ? Iv Just bought 2018 GSA TE loving it and such great value at the mo 😉 ride safe fella
Thanks Martyn,
I didn’t notice any noise tbh? I’ve never really noticed any noise on the bigger bikes either really, only the road noise from the tyres, which obviously depends on what rubber you have on there 👍
That's a super and honest review, I need to get on one of these at some point.... I have so much editing to catch up on though! Love the way you edit your vids, I need to improve mine and make them shorter!! haha... cheers and safe riding...
I ve seen your videos, I like them!
@@ivodassen87 Cheers, much appreciated... I am just doing them for fun and as a hobby, but do hope to make them better over time. If I can't sleep I start watching one of my own videos and I am soon zzzzzz hehehe . teapot1 is so good, he keeps me watching to the end every time...
Thanks very much bud, I think it’s just a question of both finding your own natural style and then the audience that best fits that. If you try to be something you’re not then people will see through that and they won’t bond with you.
Just be yourself and focus on the content, your own community it will grow in time, it’s definitely not a quick thing - I’ve been doing vids since 2012!! 👍
@@teapotone Cheers, your wisdom is appreciated; yes will remain as I am thats me! I probably just need to be a little more ruthless with what I bin and keep when editing, your fils all move quickly and hence keep my interest... Thanks again.
Great stuff.
I have some people who say they don’t like the constant jump cuts, but to be blunt, they’re not going to be my community. Most people, like you, enjoy the fast moving style of my vids, hence that’s why they subscribe and come back again and again to watch the vids - hopefully! 🙏
I must confess I’ve not watched your vids yet but will make a point of doing so now bud 👍
Not my kinda bike to be honest but I enjoy your vids so always watch 😆....hope you're well mate and you and your colleagues are getting some well deserved standdown after all the work in London lately....mopping up after our politicians is never ending eh?....ps have you rode the r1200r yet?!...you absolutely must lol
Thanks bud, I work in the Diplomatic Protection side of the police so it’s always mental busy at our end I’m afraid - but at least the endless overtime allows for a few extra toys here and there 👍
I’m actually picking up the new R1250R next week for a few weeks test, so can’t wait to see what that’s like
@@teapotone you're gonna love it!
Great review.. 20+ stone? That Hero does you a favour Teapot lol..
Like the music. How much for Beemer ?
From £10,600 otr
Great vid Bruce, as you pointed out why would you pick this over the bigger brother... Initial cost may be a factor or perhaps someone who's not long passed there test.. Either way if you've never riden the 1200 or 1250 you wouldnt know any different.. I like the idea of mid size ADV bikes as I'm only a short arse hence the 800 Tiger 😀. Keep up the good work matey.... 👍
I get why shorter people might go for the lower CC bikes, but this 850 doesn’t feel any ‘shorter’ than the 1200, so I just do t get it - part from cost and insurance obviously?
I can imagine the 1250 is a better bike but is it worth the extra (significant) cash? I guess the answer is that it depends. I was very tempted by the 850GS but as it wasn't due to be released until well after I wanted to change I ended up going for the Tiger 800 Xrt as I couldn't stretch to the GS1200 and was/am still a bit daunted by it's size as I am only a short arse (5'7")
Thank you for posting. Great video. Just a quick question. Do you think the bike has a soft suspension or is it that you are used to the paralevel front suspension? Just curious.
I have both motorcycles, and the answer is yes,is a little soft, but also you get used to the 1200 not moving at all.
Thanks for the reply.@@12masterr
Yep exactly what 12masterr said 👍
I have the 'rallye' smaller screen (about the same size as the standard screen on this 850) on my 1250 GSA. More wind noise of course, but the air is 'cleaner' / less turbulent. I'm 5 ft 10 though, so it's probably a very different story for taller riders. I also have bar backs / risers which also changes the ergos slightly. The smaller screen is fine for motorways etc. I rode a GS1200 with it to Portugal and back last summer - and way better / easier in traffic / commuting as there's no doubt you can see 'more' in your line of vision without a big screen in the way. (Again, less so for taller riders). So many GS/GSA riders complain about turbulence from their screens and add extra bits on the top of them or replace them with even bigger screens! Less is more......especially in the hot / summer weather. :-) Agreed, the music would be better in the background. Good videos / content though dude. Looking forward to part 2 / another long test on the new GSA 1250 after the first battery fail trip. Hopefully in decent weather etc versus another middle of the night pissing down with rain ride which didn't look fun at all! The 850 seems like a really good little bike, but like you, it would never distract me from the larger CC option - and aesthetically, it doesn't look quite right to me.
Thanks bud, interesting to hear that about the smaller screen on the bigger bike. Personally I’ve got no issues with the standard size screen on the 1200/1250, but then I’m a lard ass at 6’3” so have no issues looking over it, or with turbulent air really.
That screen on the K1600 was fantastic though ❤️👍
@@teapotone The smaller screens also look cool in my humble! :-)
Nice bike, my F800GS dives under braking too. Takes a lot of getting used to.
Think I need to get back to riding bikes with ‘normal’ suspension a bit more as I’ve been spoilt with the big GS and it’s tele-lever system
When approaching a junction, slowing down using both front and back brakes, stop using the front brake for the last few metres. It'll rid you of most of your front dive when you are coming to a stop at least.
@@terenceokeeffesmotorcyclestuff Hi, I have resorted to that. Does get rid of some, but hard breaking its still there
Terry I’ve tried that but the front is REALLY soft on the 850
@@teapotone
It's really soft on the 800 too. If you need need to anchor up really quickly, you'd think you're going over the bars sometimes!! I know it's mainly aimed at off road so it can be forgiven I suppose, but it handles really well, you can chuck it around bends at good speeds. It would be lovely if you never had to brake hard.
The reason why most people don't go for the 1250 is the price, fully loaded the 1250 is £7000 more expensive. With the GS850 adventure has all the mods TFT screen etc. Its got enough BHP for most people. I own the silver exclusive version and the only bad thing its heavy to move around the garage.
2 totally different bikes bud, nothing similar about them for me except they’ve got 2 wheels and a Beamer badge.
Both have their own target audience 👍
I stay in Lewisham, so if you see a red Suzuki bandit blowing it's horn at you in the area, give me a wave lol.
Ha Ha ok Ally 👍
Brilliant again mate 👍
So Bruce, when the M20 is finally converted to a Smart motorway does that mean that only you can use it?
Hello, would you still pick 2017 model gs 1200 with over 30k mile over brand new 850 gsa?
Bruce so it looks like you have finished work at home ?. Is this a bike that people bye it because the bike like yours cost allot or for other resons ?
The 850 is a little bit cheaper to buy and a lot cheaper to insure, that’s about the only reasons I can think where it’s better than the bigger bikes.
It’s harder to manoeuvre off the bike, doesn’t feel as ‘flickable’ as the 1200/1250, seemed just as high in the seat position (if not a bit higher?) hasn’t got the same performance naturally etc
It’s a fun bike to ride though 👍
Nice video TP. Great quality picture. 2 points, when you said," pick a lane" I thought , (tea) pot and kettle, and the old beard doesn't half need a scythe.
Ha Ha I wondered how long until someone mentioned the ‘pick a lane’ comment 🤣
Shat myself watching you in London traffic. I rode there in the 1970s; and 1980s; wouldn't have the cojones these days. Fork dive: well, I hate telelever, I prefer the proper forks on my 1993 R100 GS Paris Dakar. Sharp video. You're right about the congestion charge - unbelieveably stupid to penalise bikes.
Isn’t it!!!! What congestion do bikes cause?!?!
agree with you on why one wouldn't just spend a few extra $$$ and get a shaft driven 1200/1250!!!!!
Pick a lane, I love it! I say the same thing all the time. My sister however, has the opinion that since she pays taxes on both sides of the road, she should get to drive on both sides. The fact that she's in two at the same time doesn't seem to matter to her. Silly girl.
I know that video is from 2019, But the price at that time it was in pound 19,290, and the price today in 2020 in Denmark it cost ow 19.834 pound.
I think the reason you get so little benefit from the wind screen is because of your height. Every other reviewer has said that they the wind protection was great. That obviously doesn't solve the problem for you, but as a reviewer, might be something to mention.
Yay, another video, that intro describes my missus to tee right now 😁
Great vid! Cheers
Thanks Joe 👍
Bruce, agree with other folks re the music on the last videos and one this one. Thanks for posting. Joe.
Bruce - simplest anser to your last question - price of course !
Likely to be a big contributor,£14400 for the 1250 adventure £10600 for the 850 adventure. A lot of money either way, but £4000 is a lot of extra gear/fuel!
I saw your bike at coopers Monday just gone, the camera mount in the front looked a bit rusty.lol
Rusty??? Nope no rust, probably dirt 🤣
Can the English License plate get any bigger? That thing is huge, it can double as a mud flap :)
Ha Ha yeah I know. It’s all so the cameras can read it I believe?
I always used to change it for a slightly smaller 7”x5” but think that looks a bit weird on the big GS
True Bruce us bikers dont cause traffic jams.
I'm struggling to see the benefit of this bike apart from a lower cost. It weighs just 5Kg less than a 1250GS? Payload is very impressive though at 211Kg Vs the GS 216Kg, maybe that's what accounts for the weight, a strong subframe etc.
That’s exactly where I was coming from Terry, apart from cost and insurance, I just don’t see the point in getting this 850 over a 1200 or 1250?
Bullshit,I put my 1250 friends gs and my 850 on the scale and is like 25 kilos difference. Next time I will take pictures. R1250 has wet weight is 591 pds. Real weight on scale: 601 pds. F850 gsa wet weight 537,real on scale : 538. Difference: 63 pds, or 28.3 kilograms.
Let's say that I was able to afford a second hand one of these in a few years and have it restricted on an A2 licence - would it be worth it or would it be better to get something like a Bandit, Hornet, MT 07 or ER-6F? Considering that I hate going on the motorways and mostly have twisties around me and do lots of filtering, would paying for the premium of a BMW be worth it?
Personally I’d got for the Bandit or MT07 bud, loads of fun and great bikes to ride on twisties and easy to filter.
However obviously if you’re doing any off-roading, then the GS would be the better option 👍
i ride f650gs dakar in the united states and i am just shocked by how much this guy is cutting and sharing lanes! is that legal for the britts?
Yes
Thks.
Wait till that new BMW bagger comes out with the 1800cc engine. I'm not sure if you've seen the pictures yet but somebody snuck a few pics while the test bike was on the road. The big boxer looks like a huge egg with cylinders sticking out the sides.
Hi Bruce what cameras are you using
Bruce, what do you use to block off the GoPro open door for the mic port?
I use a q pliable ear plug, I’ll be doing a vid on it soon 👍
Cheers chum Il have a look at that, have tried all sorts, they really should make some sort of rubber door insert for it!
Love it when a BMW fanboy can't get themselves to say it's rubbish!!
It’s called Diplomacy 😉
As always 👍👍👍
I've just ordered a new 850 GSA. Same spec 1250 = another £7000....that's one reason why!
Totally different bikes though
I always love listening to those lovely Scottish tones :D Do you actually live in Scotland? #Lane
No I live down in Kent in the South East now, but get back home whenever I can
Hi Bruce - very interesting and thanks for putting this together. Ignore the naysayers (David Mosier for example) - life’s too short for know-it-all’s! Yours aye, Alan
Cheers Alan,
Generally everyone in here is very positive with their input, even if it is critical. However sometimes you do get the odd Victor Meldrew type and I sometimes find it hard to bite my tongue 😬
Appreciate your support as always bud 😉👍
teapotone your welcome and I thought you showed great restraint! I haven’t got a touring bike yet. ( I do have a Triumph Speedmaster - windy on a longish run and a Ducati Monster 1200R - for fun, fun, fun.). So, I’m on the search and note that you and TMF always go for the BMW GS. However, I also follow Big Bike Adventures (from Australia - a great channel) and he’s a really big Africa Twin fan and he’s now becoming converted to the DCT. What are your thoughts Bruce and do you plan to test the DCT version in the near future? Yours aye, Alan
Funny you should mention that Alan, I’ve been privately messaged by a few people recently asking the same thing about DCT, so I’m going to try and get hold of one off of Honda or a dealership to give it a go. 👍
teapotone That would be great!
Thanks for the mention ref the issues bikers are having with the current Mayor, the absurd ULEZ tax is causing major issues for us living here. God knows what will happen when it is pushed out to the North and south circ... Ref the adventure market, the V strom 1000 is gaining a very loyal following and to be honest I doubt I would have ever even noticed the model as I own a GS and love how they ride but for the money it is hard not to be enticed by the Suzuki.. The obvious other choice is the Africa twin but as a number of vloggers have found out the engine cases on them are made from cheese... If you get a chance to jump on a V Strom I would be very interested in what you think.. Regards
I’ve heard lots of good things about the VStrom, in fact Lamb Chops Rides has taken both models for long term reviews and loved them.
I’ll see if I can wangle one for a ride sometime 👍
Hey Google: how much is 20 stone in American.
Google: Big f__n. dude
Haha. Nice review as ever Bruce
Ha ha thanks bud 🤣👍
What's that helmet?
Nice review, By the way do you know you been riding on the wrong side of the road at all time 😁
the weight reduction from the big GS would be a blessing. Great bike to fang around the country on
The thing is though Alan, it doesn’t feel lighter than the big GS?
@@teapotone ah well if that is the case then I guess stick will the big GS
Considerable weight reduction on the wallet though!!
Not a lover of the GS 1200 its just to big for my touring needs etc however i ride a Kawasaki Versys GT 650 which is just stunning and comfortable and a capable machine ...however when the time comes i would give this a test ride as i like the look of it :)
Neil , I love my Versys 650, bang for buck, superb, assuming you stay on the tarmac.
@@BobJJ9999 totally agree mate
Top review Bruce , nice bit of kit but not for me 👍
TYRES...TYRES...TYRES >>Can you please make a comment on the tyres,,,??annakies ??..Thanks Mr BS
This bike actually vibrates less than the gs1200 at cruising speed between 4 and 5k rpm.
Why do you blur your speed? Can you get a ticket from the internet police?
Just don’t want to make it any easier
tpt, have you given your beard a perm.
🤣
great vid! Question: I have the 700GS a couple of years old. I want to start doing some off roading on it / dropping it. Whats the smaller GS's like compared to the 1200's as far as doing more technical trails and lifting them up off the ground? Love the 12's but thinking could be too much weight?
I’ve not done any off-roading on anything other than the 1200 and my GSX-R1000 so can’t comment on that sorry.
Regarding weight and lifting the bike up, if you’ve got the technique sorted for picking a bike up, you can lift anything up fairly easily 👍
@@teapotone It's kind of hilarious your off road experience includes a SUPER BIKE that you rode the planet on and its not a big deal. lol - just another reason your channel is so much fun. Thanks TP1!!!
Ha Ha thanks Mike. I’d love to know what I’m doing off road to be fair, I just tend to hang on and hope for the best if I ever have to do it, hence why I’m not too keen on it at the mo! 😬👍
Good video as always bruce, never have issues with your volumes. Will be interested on the diagnosis of helga, from what i'm observing BMW definitely appear to be suffering with more reliability issues than they used to :(
Question...do you edit out your shoulder checks? With the camera mounted on your helmet the shoulder check should be very noticeable to the viewer. But it is not. Do you do shoulder checks? It appears that you do not. Do you think that is the proper way to ride?
David, judging by your comments this morning on the vids, you plainly don’t like the way I ride, review bikes etc so why not jog on to another channel.
There’s a good lad 👍
@@teapotone I asked a simple question. You dont do shoulder checks...that is entirely up to you. You don't like answering questions? Again...that is your call to make.
David of course I do shoulder checks, if you watch my vids you will see me doing them in some.
However it’s pretty boring to watch some bloke look over his shoulder so I tend to edit them out, like I do with loads of other stuff.
As for answering questions, I get literally hundreds of questions every day through here, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and I do my very best to reply to each and every one, even if it’s a simple like or dislike. I’m even taking the time to reply to you.
As I said previously, if you don’t like the content, feel free to go elsewhere.
When u say that it can keep up with a Africa twin.... I'd actually say that it's a better bike than the Africa twin.... I've ridden both and think that the BMW is better....
Great review Bruce. Always appreciate an honest opinion. I'd be interested in BMW's diagnostic of the issue with Helga. I also had a start/idle issue where it would cut out after first start, unless i kept the revs up. When I had my tyres changed, my local bike servicing shop said there was an old O2 sensor error that might have been the cause, they cleared it and re-calibrated the O2 sensor. Mine is a 65 reg GS ... hence not taking it to BMW for what would have cost a LOT more that £30. BTW ... I have had Michelin Anakee Adventure tyres fitted - initial thoughts are pretty good road handling for 80/20 tyre, but they whine between 60 & 70!! :( Keep well and ride safe.
Nothing wrong with the music volume to me.
For those outside the UK, 20 Stone = 280lbs = 17kg :-)
As for the music comment. For me it seems at least twice as loud as your voice. Way too loud.
Everyones idea of adventure is different, this over the 1200 for off road if there were no other choices, so that's the first reason why I'd go for something like this over it's bigger brother.
Riding on motorways is a benchmark? Why have engine bars, off road rims and tyres and suspension travel if you're only riding it on road? Then if it's off road, why in any circumstance would you go for any BMW over a 690/701? The reliability rubbish, is just that. Modern KTMs are reliable.
Just find the whole 'Adventure' word slightly ridiculous.
Good honest opinion for your use though.
Good points.
The thing is though, the vast majority of people out there who will buy an ‘Adventure’ bike are simply buying into a look or style, same as those who buy sports bikes, naked’s, customs etc.
For me I just like the fact that they give you the option to go off road if you want, but they’re equally at home on the daily commute, or hooning around twisty back roads, or spinning around the track.
@@teapotone Yeah I can agree with that. If you enjoy it, what else really matters. Thanks for the review.
👍
It feels noisier........how's that! haha
Do not expect to get a nod from scooter riders 90% of them are uber drivers, 10% are using them to get from a to b fast 💨 not many of them are bikers. Even some on proper bikes just use it fro fast travel in London so they are not really true bikers and wont know the nod even exists haha when i go to the countryside where bikes are for a passion not a convenience everyone nods
That’s very true 👍
Well two main reason, price and size.
you seem to say the opposite to every other review if i was you stick with your 1200gs
Really? Not from the people I’ve spoken to about it?
I tell you exactly how I find it bud, but biking is a very personal thing as we all know. One person’s chalk is another’s cheese 👍
👍👍🇨🇦