BMW F 850 GS 2020 — Specifications

When Munich speaks of adventure, the world listens. The problem with reputation is that it ends up weighing heavily on the shoulders of those who must defend it on a daily basis. The BMW F 850 GS doesn't have the instant glory of its boxer big sister, but it has built a serious place for itself in the mid-size trail category, a segment where the Honda Africa Twin has seriously raised the bar. Munich couldn't stand by and watch without reacting.

The response begins in the engine's core. The parallel twin climbs to 853 cm3, a gain of 55 cm3 over the previous F 800 GS, and the difference is felt in the numbers. The BMW F 850 GS develops 95 horsepower at 8250 rpm and a torque of 92 Nm available from 6250 rpm, a gain of 10 hp over the previous generation. This engine, shared with the F 750 GS in a less powerful version, has also gained in mechanical logic. The secondary transmission chain now goes to the left, the exhaust migrates to the right, as BMW had already done on the R 1200 GS when switching to the water-cooled boxer. The practical result is a machine that is more pleasant to handle when stationary, without the risk of contact with a hot exhaust when lifting it on the left side. A detail that counts when spending hours maneuvering on muddy trails.

The chassis changes in nature. Exit the tubular trellis, place for a more rigid steel monocoque structure. The 15-liter fuel tank returns to its classic position between the rider and the handlebars, where the previous one hid it under the seat. The suspensions are tuned to get off the beaten path. The 43 mm inverted fork and the central mono-shock offer 204 mm and 219 mm of travel respectively. The 21-inch front wheel shod with a 90/90 leaves no doubt about the machine's off-road intentions. The saddle sits at 860 mm, a drop of 20 mm compared to the previous one, which will help those of medium build, even if 229 kg full is still a reality to manage. This is the downside. The BMW F 850 GS 2020 has gained 12 kg over the generation it replaces, and it is felt as soon as the terrain becomes really complicated.

Electronics constitute a strong commercial argument. As standard, there are two riding modes, the ASC traction control, ABS and the Dynamic brake light. But it is the list of options that makes your mouth water. ESA electronically adjustable suspension, quickshifter, ABS Pro active in curves, Enduro and Enduro Pro modes, 6.5-inch color TFT dashboard with music and phone management. The BMW F 850 GS technical specifications end up resembling those of a premium touring bike, and that is precisely the positioning desired by Munich. At a basic price of 12,650 euros, the bill quickly rises as you start to tick the boxes. For those looking for a used BMW F 850 GS, recent versions remain well-equipped even in standard configuration.

Faced with the Africa Twin and the Triumph Tiger 900, the BMW F 850 GS adventure stands out for the depth of its list of options and the consistency of its off-road equipment. It is just as suitable for the globetrotter who wants to venture far from paved roads as for the experienced rider wanting a competent machine without switching to the world of heavy trails. Bridable to A2 format, it also opens the door to recent licenses. The blue and white diamond on the fairing reassures buyers. It also legitimizes a price that remains to be monitored, especially when Japanese competitors offer similar services for less money.