BMW

BMW F 850 ​​GS Test of 2018

Much has been said and commented on the evolution of the new BMW F 850 ​​GS compared to the previous model and the potential that it may have to compete for the leadership in its segment, beating with fierce competition from Honda, Triumph and KTM, with models full of strong arguments, but also internally, with the possible ability to come to take part of the role of its sister boxer engine, 1200 GS.When BMW provided us with one of its units to test our curiosity was in fact high in knowing to what extent the new 850 GS would be prepared to face its rivals in the segment of Maxi Trails of average displacement with greater vocation for the off-road .After the experiences with the new Honda Africa Twin "Big Tank" version and with the Triumph Tiger 800 Xca the expectation was now to know if the 850 GS really would have evolved enough compared to its predecessor to be able to continue being an option and reference in the segment of the Maxi Trail of average displacement.


To begin with we knew that the 850 GS was not just an upgrade from the previous 800 GS version but rather an entirely new bike that inherited only a few elements from its sister. So the engine was now new and more 10CV than the previous one, the redesigned frame, the suspensions changed and the electronics now more sophisticated.


The engine of the F 850 ​​GS now has more 58cc and 10 CV of power, debuting a powerful 95CV, having gained a greater performance in all its regimes, mainly in the middle and low regimes.With regard to the frame, BMW abandoned the previous steel tubular frame and opted for a new, more sturdy and precise steel double girder structure, where the engine starts to function as a structural element. But it is also in electronics that BMW bet on the greater sophistication of its F 850 ​​GS, giving it a level of intervention and control that we usually see on the bikes of larger displacement and top-of-the-range. 


This segment of average displacement in the Maxi Trail has been developing more with respect to its sisters heavier and of greater displacement, taking into account its greater versatility and polyvalence mainly in Off-Road capacities of the same.Thus the F 850 ​​GS includes Ride-by-Wire, Engine Modes, Traction Control, a new and excellent 6.5 "TFT color panel with a contrast and reading above the competition that includes anti-glare glass, as optional, and the possibility to include DTC traction control, Electronic Suspensions, Quick Shift, eCall emergency and Connected Ride, Cruise control and LED daytime running light kit.Aesthetically the new 850 GS has also undergone an evolution compared to the previous model, appearing a larger dimension associated with an extreme quality of all its elements and componentes.


At first we noticed a greater height of the seat to leave us only with the tips of the feet in the ground what for users of lower stature (I have 1.80) it is advisable to the option of a lower bench or even of the adoption of a kit which lowers the suspension and places the seat at a mere 815mm. For those who want a Rally bike, to face more serious off-road routes, there is also the option of the taller, more comfortable seat that reaches 890mm.In spite of the height of the seat, which made it difficult for us to maneuver with the bike stopped, the 850 GS is extremely close at knee level allowing greater control on off-road driving. The seat has been quite comfortable, even though it is narrower at the front, and the position on the bike is quite natural, not tiring, with the handlebar grips in a correct, high position, enduro type bike, and a standing position perfect and right with knees close to the tank, a reality facilitated by its narrowness in that zone.


The keyless system allows us to start the motorcycle with the key in the pocket of the jacket, key that is detected by the proximity of it. The same ignition switch is used to automatically lock the motorcycle when pressed for a few seconds with the bike turned off and the handlebar turned to the maximum position to the left. Very practical and functional.The navigation system is very simple and intuitive and easy to read thanks to the excellent resolution of the screen, option installed in the version that was available to us, with total absence of reflexes. The different options are obtained by turning the typical BMW knob, in the form of a ring, next to the left hand grip, where most of the buttons are located that activate the various electronic functions of the motorcycle, ABS, Cruise Control, , and Menu navigation. On the right hand we have the ignition start and cut button and the button that allows to select the different engine modes.


The version that was available also included GPS, also excellent reading that optimized with the BMW Connected Ride Kit that allows us to easily manage the navigation and simultaneously obtain information on temperature, tire pressure, view phone calls, select songs .The BMW F 850 ​​GS has a serious and engaging sound provided in this version by an Akrapovic exhaust specially designed for the bike. We started at the beginning of a road course and immediately noticed the excellent work of the suspensions, ensured by an effective braking, dosageable but maybe something "spongy" felt, felt in the most abrupt braking.At the level of aerodynamic protection we feel the lack of a bigger frontal screen, since from little 120Km / h little or nothing the small frontal glass can deflect the wind of our trunk. If you want to make great road journeys then this situation should be reviewed with the investment in a higher glass. However off-road the low glass is welcome as it greatly facilitates the reading of the terrain, whether sitting or obviously standing.Off the road the 850 GS was quite comfortable with the suspensions showing that they are prepared to face any challenge. With the engine mode set to the Enduro Pro position and the rear ABS off, we feel some intervention in the acceleration, making the most of the low-torque torque providing and holding all the traction on the sandy ground with rocks where we tested off road 850 GS.




The Quick-shift works perfectly, especially at speeds, with a precise and quiet box, an advantage here in relation to its sister 1200. Already in road course and with the side bags, that came with the model, mounted, a an extremely simple system to assemble and dismantle and to block, we are somewhat penalized in the urban traffic of city because when passing between cars we tend to forget of our greater "wingspan" back, being in principle, to the right, where they pass the mirrors will also pass the rear.We liked the smoothness and absence of engine vibrations but above all the delivery of power at low and medium speeds of the parallel twin-cylinder of the 850, with fast ascents of regime, accompanied by a beautiful and exciting sound of its tip Akrapovic.Extremely comfortable and not tiring to drive, only penalized at higher speeds because its front glass is too low, the new BMW 850 GS is a serious competitor in this segment Maxi Trails medium displacement, a segment that is increasingly claimed as a real alternative to the tradition imposed by the large and heavy Maxi Trails, due to its greater versatility and also affordability, making the decision, especially for those who are more faithful to the GS1200 tradition, now more difficult.But the competition is there and BMW could not leave its credits for "other machines".


BMW also offers a series of options to customize your 850 GS according to your taste or purpose and there are also the following Packs:
. PACK COMFORT which includes "keyless system, central rest, tire pressure control system and heated handles.
. DYNAMIC PACK which includes ABS PRO, Dynamic Stop Light, Quick Shift Pro, DTC Traction Control and Pro Driving Modes (Dynamic, Enduro and Enduro Pro)
. PACK LIGHTING which includes white LED technology flashers, LED lights and LED daytime running light system.
. PACK TOURING which includes Dynamic ESA suspensions, Cruise Control and Luggage support system
And still:
. Navigation system "Connected Ride"
. Emergency Call System
The PVP of the Base model of the BMW F 850 GS is 12.222.- euros, and there are 3 models with different levels of equipment and colors. The bBase model, the Exclusive model and the Rally model.



Pedro Rocha, direto de Portugal