‘The perfect all-rounder’
Best ride A drizzly late start on an empty fuel tank, riding 30 miles with the fuel counter showing 0 miles left in the tank. It sounds terrible but the bike performed flawlessly.
Longest day The following day: 450 miles off and on road and eight solid hours in the saddle.
What hurt first? The seat is uncomfortable after a few hours.
Anything to confess? I wish I’d ordered the lowering kit, especially after fitting the £1500 pannier option… I dropped the F850 twice on the same side. Once because I am 5ft 5in, and once because I found neutral instead of first gear at a junction. Those poor panniers.
High point Cresting a hill on the Black Mountain road in Wales and almost kissing the clouds before provoking big rear-end slides as I backed the Beemer into a glorious set of hairpins. That’s what adventure bikes are for, isn’t it?
Low point Seeing the brake lever skittle across the road (it really is too tall for me, this one).
What do you most admire? It’s taken me across off-road terrain in the morning and returned 73mpg on the motorway in the afternoon. What’s it really good at? Coping with whatever I throw at it.
And really bad at? Long distance and motorway comfort.
What’s broken or fallen off? Just the front brake lever end.
What irritates you most? Vibey mirrors and that tiny front screen.
Tell us a secret It has no secrets but some great features such as cruise control and heated grips.
What did you think at the beginning? I was worried it wouldn’t steer well on its narrow 21in front and whether I’d like the engine.
And now? A brilliant all-rounder.