We tested the BMW F 850 ​​GS Adventure: a long-distance trail motorcycle for the A2 license from 13,200 euros

After having tested the completely renewed BMW F 850 ​​GS and having been pleasantly surprised, the arrival of the new BMW F 850 ​​GS Adventure 2019 was one of our X's on the calendar, as it is one of those motorcycles who do not get into fruitless wars for power and focus on being tireless travelers.

More equipped than ever and taking advantage of the new mechanical base with the same 95 CV as before but with a lower level of emissions and expanded technological capabilities, the BMW F 850 ​​GS Adventure wants to become the benchmark for medium-sized trail bikes for long journeys.

BMW F 850 ​​GS Adventure 2019: long-distance trips for the A2 license

In a first visual impact, the Adventure cannot deny that it comes from an F 850 ​​GS, but its standard equipment added They make this motorcycle a frame with its own identity, suitable for those bikers who want a companion for eternal trips in which they do not worry too much about the type of terrain or how far the next gas station is.

The bodywork changes a lot. Compared to the plain GS, the F 850 ​​GS Adventure debuts a new front half, with the same headlight and fenders, but with a huge new 23-litre tank, much more voluminous, whose sides extend towards the bottom of the motorcycle to protect the rider's legs. It incorporates some side deflectors next to the headlight and the screen on this occasion is adjustable without tools with two positions.

For the rest and except for the fenders that appear at the bottom, the Adventure is almost identical to its sister except for a matter of height, and that is that the suspensions vary considerably up to 230 and 215 mm of travel front and rear respectively (204 and 219 mm on the F 850 ​​GS). It is a tall motorcycle, with a considerable wingspan and more so when it is equipped with suitcases and top case, as is the case.

At Motorpasion MotoWe tested the 2019 KTM 790 Adventure: an exciting 'ready to race' intermediate trail

Getting on this bike is a challenge for those of us who are less than 170 cm tall, but it is possible. We throw our leg over it and quickly realize that the 875mm seat height is not for everyone if they don't face the challenge with the necessary confidence. You reach the ground better on a KTM 790 Adventure R, being 5 mm higher on the seat (880 mm) because its central area is narrower.

Carefully making the pendulum we put ourselves at the controls and we started it using the keyless start system that this unit was equipped with. We press the contact button and the digital control panel common to practically the entire BMW Motorrad range greets us with its well-defined graphics, but with the Achilles heel of this type of screen, which is that they are scratched and marked with ease.

< p>After placing ourselves at its controls we press the start button and the completely revamped parallel twin of this generation comes to life. It is exactly the same engine as the one used in the F 850 ​​GS, a two-cylinder 853 cc with a power of 95 CV and 92 Nm of torque that makes it perfectly valid for the A2 license.

We began to roll the first few meters cautiously, because the ground is really far away. As far as we use only the tip of one foot to reach the ground without compromising verticality. We are not going to fool you, it is so high that you have to concentrate well when you reach the stop line at the traffic lights because in addition to being large, it weighs: 244 kg in running order without counting the optional equipment.

But we leave the traffic lights behind as soon as we can to go looking for clearer terrain in which to bring out the benefits of this model whose purpose is none other than to devour as many kilometers as possible.

We tested the BMW F 850 ​​GS Adventure: a long-distance trail bike for the A2 license from 13,200 euros

On the road, the BMW F 850 ​​GS Adventure is a motorcycle that likes to roll tirelessly. The driving position is relaxed, with the back well upright and the knees slightly bent while the hands remain at an ideal height for driving. This unit with the Rallye finish is perhaps the least suitable for driving on asphalt.

Apart from aesthetics, this option is equipped with a specific seat, more offroad and with less padding, as well as a shorter windshield, so the result is not as comfortable as the standard model. Even so, the protection is good and the screen in its high position covers just up to the height where the helmet begins. The chest is well protected by the side deflectors and we only miss something more soft in the seat.

We cannot object to the response of the right fist. The 95 CV offered by this engine are enough for any type of traveler. It pushes from below, in a linear way and it only falls a little short in the upper area where, for example, the KTM 790 Adventure stretches a little more or the Triumph Tiger 800 shines its extra cylinder, both with 95 CV and all equally valid for the A2 card.

Of these three contenders, the BMW stands out with a flatter, sweeter curve. Its engine is possibly the most progressive of the three but in return it is also the one that produces higher vibrations. They are not uncomfortable but they are perceived through the handlebars and are constant at cruising speed at a normal pace.

As far as dynamics are concerned, the front end has gained a good stretch of travel, the chassis was well balanced on all kinds of roads. On the highway they are comfortable and facilitate the passage of kilometers and on curved roads they contain weight transfers in a fairly dignified way, with good sensations, helped in the front end with a steering damper equipped as standard.

The increase in weight and the changes in direction are noticeable, as well as the greater height of the set and the high center of gravity make us have to insist more on the handlebars and help us with the pressure on the footrests to move it from one side to the other. other. Once on the line his behavior is precise.

In the brakes section we find a double 305 mm front disc bitten by two-piston brake calipers and axial anchorage accompanied by a 265 mm rear disc. Its performance is just enough to stop the group, without great fanfare and less when going as a duet or with luggage. The touch is soft and manageable, although without being spongy.

After covering a good handful of kilometers on all kinds of roads and enduring intense hours of rain during the test with faultless, very solid and consistent behavior, we went to dry looking for a bit of off-road action in a excursion on roads where these types of motorcycles do not usually make an appearance.

For this mission we wanted to do the test without even disassembling the suitcases to see how it behaved and the result was predictable. Although the BMW F 850 ​​GS Adventure behaves like a trail motorcycle capable of navigating low or medium difficulty paths, all the additional equipment takes its toll and its behavior is somewhat inferior to that of the F 850 ​​GS.

All the extra weight makes the behavior of this trail media where the asphalt does not reach, more lazy and somewhat more complex. Each kilogram of extra weight is more inertia to control and that, with trail-type tires but quite asphalt such as the Michelin Anakee 3 that this unit had mounted, did not give us all the confidence that the F 850 ​​GS did in offroad driving. especially with knobby wheels.

The suspensions fulfill their mission and contain the entire span of the bike without making stops, good in this aspect although the performance of the rear shock was somewhat dry and uncomfortable even though it was equipped with the Dynamic ESA electronic system.

In general terms, the BMW F 850 ​​GS Adventure in its 2019 version is re-postulated as a powerful ally for those who want tanks with which to travel more than 400 kilometers in one sitting, although we miss somewhat better dynamic capabilities , not so far from the F 850 ​​GS from which it derives.

A lot of equipment within the optional packages

The starting price of the BMW F 850 ​​GS Adventure 2019 is 13,200 euros, a relatively affordable amount of entry in relation to the market average, taking into account Keep in mind that there are few options that come standard with such a large tank, long suspension and fenders, but it increases as we add equipment options.

As standard it is only available in a more than sober ice gray color, but the unit that we have been able to test is the one that incorporates the Rallye finish that for a price of 330.96 euros receives the tricolor finish, golden wheels, bars of golden fork, specific seat and a lower screen. It also equipped all option packages:

In addition, this unit also mounted the HP Option 719 sports exhaust, which with a price of 754.16 euros plus all of the above added up to a total of 17,616.42 euros, to which the price of the suitcases would have to be added.

BMW F 850 ​​GS Adventure 2019 - Rating

6.9

Engine7Vibrations6Change6Stability7Agility7Front suspension8Rear suspension7Front brake6Rear brake6Rider comfort8Passenger comfort7Consumption7Finishes8Aesthetics7

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BMW F 850 ​​GS Adventure 2019 - Technical sheet

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Engine
Type Two cylinder in parallel of four DOHC times
Displacement 853 cm3
Compression 12.7:1
Starting Electric
Bore x Stroke 84 mm x 77 mm
Power 70 kW (95 hp) at 8,250 rpm
Torque 92 Nm at 6,250 rpm
Cooling Liquid
Ignition Electronic
Power BMS-M
Clutch Multi-disc in oil bath with anti-rebound system
Gearbox Six speeds
Cycle part < /th>
Chassis Steel monocoque type
Front suspension Inverted fork 43 mm diameter, 230 mm travel
Rear suspension Adjustable monoshock, 215mm travel
Front brake Dual 305mm disc with dual-piston calipers
Rear brake 265mm disc with single-piston caliper, switchable ABS
Front wheel Steel spokes, 2.15x21", 90/90-21"
Rear wheel 4.25x17" steel spokes, 150/70-17"
Dimensions and weights
Wheelbase 1,593 mm
Length 2,300 mm
Width 939 mm
Seat height 875 mm
Feed 124.6 mm
Weight in running order 244 kg
Tank 23 liters
Price 13,200 euros
The photography service was provided by Two Sides. For more information, see our company relations guide. The equipment used during the test has been: Icon Variant helmet, X-Lite X-803R helmet, Icon Varial set, Icon El Bajo boots, Rev'It! Discovery Outdry, Rev'It! Summit H2O, Rev'It! Offtrack