Who needs tarmac?
The BMW F850GS heads for the dirty stuff
THE F850GS PERFORMS very well on road, handing and cornering with great poise, but I really wanted to know what it’s like away from the tarmac. After all, this bike is billed as a continent crosser, and looks the part with its gold spoked wheels, high pipe and bash plate.
Hearing the sad news that Rockingham Motor Speedway is due to close at the end of the year prompted me to make one last pilgrimage, but only not for the racetrack. Many people don’t realise
that hidden behind the sprawling grandstands they had a really good off-road course, originally designed for 4x4s but equally good for off-road bikes.
I used a network of local green lanes and public byways to head over there. Thankfully, after such a long hot summer there was no need to change from the original road-biased Michelin Anakee 3 tyres as the ground wasn’t too wet.
Pre-ride, my first job was to set the engine and suspension up, and turn off the traction control. If you don’t, it makes progress extremely difficult with the system cutting power every time it feels a hint of wheel-spin. I put the engine into ‘Enduro’ mode, which greatly softens the power delivery, and ran the shock preload on the ‘rider and pillion’ setting, making the ride height taller.
Off-road the F850GS proves to be extremely accomplished, due to a mix of decent(ish) ground clearance, punchy engine, compact chassis and plush rear shock. It’s a pity there’s no adjustment on the forks, as they’re a touch underdamped for some of this terrain. A really heavy landing off a jump would bottom them out if you’re not careful. The 850 twin fuels impeccably and pulls strongly from low speed making the steep hill climbs a joy. The BMW could do with a little bit more ground clearance, and may get stuck in deep ruts, but with the right tyres (and rider) it’s capable of tackling whatever comes its way.
I’m left to bid Rockingham a fond, final farewell. Outrageous that a fantastic facility is worth more to new owners as a big car park. GARETH ASHMAN