BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2020 — Specifications

You have a budget of €13,700, the desire for a true trail capable of handling a bivouac in Mongolia as much as a round trip from Paris to Lyon in the rain, but not yet the kidneys strong enough for an R 1250 GS. BMW has clearly anticipated this dilemma with the BMW F 850 GS Adventure, a boosted version of an F 850 GS that has already been convincing since its arrival in 2017 to succeed the eponymous 800.

The frame first changes material: exit the aluminum of the previous generation, place for a steel tubular trellis considered more rigid and better suited to off-road excursions. The 853 cm3 parallel twin has also been deeply revised. Power climbs to 95 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 92 Nm at 6,250 rpm, representing a gain of 10 hp and nearly 10 Nm compared to the F 800 GS Adventure it replaces. BMW has also moved the exhaust silencer to the right and the final drive chain to the left, a logic already applied to the 1200 GS during the switch to liquid-cooled boxer: this avoids burning your leg during maneuvers on the left side, where the rider places their foot first. This kind of detail says a lot about the care given to real ergonomics.

It is moreover on this point that the BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2020 distinguishes itself most clearly from the standard version. The fairing is redesigned for better protection, the engine guard is standard, the footrests widen for an enduro-worthy support, and the taller, wider screen adjusts in two positions. The handlebars rise by 15 mm, the luggage rack switches to stainless steel with an increased surface area. Result: 15 kg of lightness is lost compared to the base GS, and the weight when fully fueled climbs to 244 kg. This is not negligible compared to a Triumph Tiger 900 Rally or a Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports that play in the same league. But the 23-liter tank changes the game dramatically: at an announced consumption of 4.1 L/100 km, the theoretical range exceeds 550 km. This is the kind of argument that weighs heavily when planning a long tour.

The standard on-board electronics remain within the norm of the segment: two riding modes Rain and Road, traction control ASC and ABS. Nothing exceptional, but the optional platform is generous. Electronic ESA adjustable suspension, DTC, Enduro and Enduro Pro modes, ABS Pro curve, 6.5-inch color TFT screen and Keyless Ride are available through the Comfort, Touring and Dynamic packs. The BMW F 850 GS Adventure Rallye and the Exclusive version cater to distinct customer bases, one oriented towards track and dirt, the other more focused on comfort and refined finishes. The BMW F 850 GS Adventure test generally confirms that the base version is amply sufficient for sustained road use; the packs become relevant as soon as the machine is regularly taken off the asphalt.

Restrictable to A2, this mid-range trail is aimed at both young license holders aiming for the 1250 and experienced touring riders seeking a less intimidating and lighter machine than the Queen of Munich. The only real limit compared to its big sister remains the absence of a cardan drive. On the rest, the BMW F 850 GS Adventure technical specifications live up to their promises, and the price of €13,700 positions the machine consistently within a very competitive segment. For those looking for a used BMW F 850 GS Adventure, the 2019 and 2020 versions offer a solid price-quality ratio, the engine having reached maturity from the first year of Adventure commercialization.