TopGear | Test-ride: BMW F850 GS

With competition strengthening from all sides in the middleweight dual-sport segment, the mighty Bavarian shield has rightfully upped the ante when time came to replace its F800 GS offering, bringing us to this new F850 GS successor.

Given how well its predecessor performed, we were keen to see how this new one fared. Despite our brief seat time with it, we still managed to lock in a quick weekend road trip to Penang plus a brief spot of off-road riding with the F850 GS, and things felt impressive to say the least.

On the surface, the basic silhouette from the outgoing F800 GS hasn’t changed, but there’s more to it upon closer inspection. All the exterior panel design is new, as are the windscreen and signature asymmetric headlights, the latter now lit by LEDs.

Notably, the fuel tank has moved to the front now instead of being in the unconventional spot at the back, underneath the seat, thus improving weight balance. Welcoming too is the rich and interactive new 6.5-inch TFT instrument display that’s also brimmed with connectivity functions.

Overall, the F850 GS looks great indeed, especially when dressed in BMW’s signature ‘Rallye’ colour-way as pictured, which comes with gold-painted spoke wheels. Things only get better once we legged over into the hot seat and got going.

While it looks tall, BMW has readied several seat height options, with our tester sporting the lowest of them all at 815mm thanks to a suspension lowering kit. While the standard seat height sits at 860mm, an 835mm low seat option is also available, as are taller 875mm or 890mm options.

Getting the right seat height will be crucial as the F850 GS doesn’t come brimmed with adjustable front forks, but that’s not bad news entirely per se. On the move, the improved riding ergonomics and comforts, even in this low-seat and suspension form, are evident, especially during low- and medium-speed rides.

Things only start to get uncomfortable during high-speed highway cruises, which is where the lack of wind deflection becomes apparent and compounded further by the absence of a cruise control. Predictable, but easily forgiven.

What is a gem though is the enlarged new 853cc parallel-twin mill. Like before, this twin harnesses a 270-degree crankshaft offset to mimic a 90-degree V-twin in both performance and sound, but it’s the smoother torque delivery and reduced vibrations bonuses that make it sweet.

Though 95bhp and 92Nm doesn’t sound like much, it adequately gets this bike’s claimed 229kg kerb heft going at a respectably rapid rate. There’s also the six-speed box’s new assist and slipper clutch module to savour too.

Our only gripe with the motor lies in the rather muted and ‘disconnected’ feel of its electronic Ride-by-Wire (RbW) throttle system. Nevertheless, this is one con that’s easily offset by a number of pros, key amongst which being the versatility it grants.

The RbW offers four ride modes in total, those being Dynamic, Road, Rain and Enduro. Aptly, each has different levels of throttle sensitivity and interventions from the ABS and Traction Control, feeling its best on road when set in Dynamic.

Peppiness aside, the F850 GS’s other brilliance lies in its ride and handling, which felt well balanced. Despite being suspended on fixed, high-travel front forks and rolling on off-road-ready spoked wheels shod with dual-sport tyres, you won’t break a sweat when tearing up the asphalt with the F850 GS.

Going off into the unpaved path? Just set the ride mode into Enduro – or Enduro Pro if you opt for the optional Ride Mode Pro package – and stand on the footrests.

Despite not having all the bells and whistles of a full-fledged off-roader, the F850 GS performed respectably well in the rough as it does on pavement. Just don’t forget to set the ride modes back to Road or Dynamic once back on the asphalt.

Compared to its predecessor, this is undeniably a better and more refined bike in every way measurable. Given the company of rivals it needs to fend off, it had to be, and BMW Motorrad has again delivered in this aspect.

We’ll agree, the RM79,500 base price this talented Motorrad commands is a steep ask, but it’s a premium worth meeting given what it can do on and off the pavement.

For those wanting more, there’s a beefier F850 GS Adventure twin to consider, but there’s a higher premium for that of course. There’s also a slightly ‘watered down’ F750 GS to consider if you’re both budget- and badge-conscious.

Nevertheless, it’s certain that as far a middleweight dual-sport bikes as such go, the F850 GS is the benchmark-setting machine that’s ready to go as far as your skills – and its fuel tank – will let. Ready to make life a ride?

As far a middleweight dual-sport go, the F850 GS is tready to go as far as your skills – and its fuel tank – will let

VERDICT

FOR	AGAINST
Sweet handling on and off the pavement, feature count and versatility	Tiny windscreen. It’s also perhaps the most ‘predictable’ choice in segment
SCORE	8/10