BMW F850GS Sport

The F850GS replaces the ageing F800GS, which first appeared in 2008. The 850 doesn’t just have a bigger engine — it’s a new bike from the ground up, sharing almost nothing with the 800. Where the 800 used a tubularsteel frame, an underseat fuel tank and a 360° crank, the 850 has a cast-bridge frame, a conventional tank and an offbeat 270° crank.

The F850GS starts at £9400, while the Sport (quickshifter, heated grips, LED lights) is £10,650. Our test bike has Comfort (£560: keyless ignition, tyre-pressure monitors, centrestand), Style (£225: graphics) and Premium (£840: cruise, rack, semi-active suspension) packs, sat-nav mount (£200), TFT dash (£595) and SOS button (£295).

SPEC Price £10,650 (£13,365 as tested) Engine 853cc 8v parallel twin, l/c Power 94bhp @ 8250rpm Torque 68lb·ft @ 6250rpm Transmission 6-speed, chain Chassis steel bridge Front suspension 43mm forks, 204mm travel, non-adjustable Rear suspension monoshock, 219mm travel, adjustable preload and rebound Front brakes 305mm discs, 2-piston calipers Rear brake 265mm disc, 1-piston caliper Front tyre 90/90-21 Rear tyre 150/70 R17 Wheelbase 1593mm Rake/trail 28°/126mm Seat height 860mm Kerb weight 242kg (measured) Fuel capacity 15 litres PCP FINANCE Price £10,650.00 Deposit £2000.00 Monthly repayments 36 x £150.58 Optional final payment £5281.25 APR 9.9% Total payable £12,702.13 Annual mileage 4000