BMW F850GS and Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe do big miles
Major changes make 850 capable of anything
211 miles
Many larger adventure bikes I’ve tried have proven to either be brilliant or cumbersome giants. Being just 5ft 5in is a challenge before I even start on most twowheelers and while the F850’s seat height of 860mm isn’t exactly short-person-friendly, its narrow tank and seat allow me to get a foot firmly on the ground. Add a comfy, upright position and intuitive switchgear and I quickly feel at home.
635 miles
The low, non-adjustable screen has become fatiguing and annoying at most speeds. It’s perfectly angled to buffet my head around and I consider removing it completely. You soon forget the wind once you reach a twisty road, though, as the 850 has incredible handling even though the big, 21in front wheel is a tad slow to react to direction changes. So much so that I’m torn between wearing textiles or one-piece leathers for a B-road scratching session.
The TFT screen (£595 extra) is incredibly detailed and full of useful menus and info although, as my bike hasn’t got satnav, tyre pressure sensors or Bluetooth headset, a lot of its functions are redundant.
822 miles
The updated parallel twin motor produces 95bhp and 68ftlb of torque, more than enough to zip from corner to corner on road and get you in or out of trouble on the loose stuff. Power is smooth all the way to the red line and peaks at 8250rpm. And while it lacks a little low-down grunt it can still hustle like its bigger brother, the 1200GS. BMW’s Gearshift Assist Pro also gets a thumbs up, allowing clutchless up and down shifts. Although sometimes a little clunky it’s an easy way of getting through the box without your fingers leaving those toasty heated grips on cooler days.
1062 miles
It’s already clear BMW have revised their middleweight GS for the better. A few long journeys have shown the small, 15-litre tank is nothing to worry about, with the GS easily returning 62mpg on a long run. At around 160 miles the fuel light comes on and your bum is thankful for a rest. The seat is soft to the touch but it’s a little uncomfortable over longer periods. Alternatives are available as options which may offer more comfort.
1257 miles
Thanks to a taut chassis which gives fantastic handling, a powerful and economical engine, good brakes and electronic suspension plus confidence-inspiring Michelin Anakee 3 tyres, the 850GS is a very capable machine. It’s involving, smooth and just gets on with the job in hand without kicking up a fuss. It also has a refined finish throughout, as one would expect from BMW. The F850 looks, feels and performs like a true GS.