Fighting for the underdog
BMW’s middleweight adventure machine really can do it all
It’s been a real eye-opener living with the F850GS. My reservations about that 21in front wheel and non-adjustable front fork have proven unfounded, as the ‘EightFiddy’ delivers impressively accurate handling on the road. The 860mm seat height has been somewhat precarious for my vertically-challenged stature, but not as problematical as I thought it would be. And the ride is always bolstered by the tide of refined details and gadgets slathered all over it; such as the full colour TFT display, Dynamic ESA suspension and two-way quickshifter. Sure, it falls short in certain areas, such as that tiny screen and minimal equipment as standard, but overall it shines brightly.
What I’ve really enjoyed about the F850GS though is that engine. For a parallel-twin it’s got plenty of poke, but it’s also smooth once you’re rolling. The gearbox boasts great gear ratios for munching miles and touring up and down the country but they also work well if you’re a greenlane junkie. The torque delivery is punchy and makes it easy to leave it in a gear and just open the throttle. That’s not only important but impressive for a mid-sized twin. It impresses with its range, too. Its 15-litre capacity doesn’t scream adventure bike, but its frugal nature means you can easily see over 200 miles from a tankful before refuelling. Niggles have been few and far between. The only maintenance I’ve had to do is adjust the chain and while the lack of hand-guards and that small screen are the two biggest gripes the seat isn’t exactly longdistance friendly, either. The shift assist isn’t the smoothest but it does its job once you find its sweet spot, and with the engine characteristics you find yourself changing gear less thanks to the creamy torque on tap. I have had a few mishaps, finding myself on more than one occasion looking skyward with the bike on its side. It’s a tall machine and I’ve found it a little awkward for slowspeed manoeuvring, especially compared to its bigger boxer brother which carries its weight lower down. Overall, though, it has been a real pleasure to ride. Would I recommend trying one? Absolutely. Especially for those who think big adventure bikes are the only way forward. The middleweight GS might just change your mind.