We gave a fairly in-depth view of the new F850GS and its engine in issue #33, but as a ring-in on the R1250GS release, BMW Motorrad chucked in an F850GSA. We took the bike for a day, and while we thought the 850GS was good, it seemed the Adventure model was made for us.
For tighter trails and off-road tomfoolery, the 850s are excellent. For serious adventure riding which includes that type of terrain, the F850GSA is on our very short list of ‘best options’.
To recap the important points of the F850GS, it has an 853cc, parallel-twin, water-cooled motor with a 270-degree firing order. We felt the motor was big on ‘fun’ in the best possible way.
Where the F800GS was precise and smooth and everything a 798cc twin should be, and we liked that, the 850 has a stack more character and was an absolute hoot to ride.