Engineering:BMW F850GS
| Manufacturer | BMW Motorrad |
|---|---|
| Production | 2018–present |
| Predecessor | BMW F800GS |
| Class | Dual-sport / Adventure touring motorcycle |
| Engine | 853 cc parallel-twin, DOHC, 8-valve, liquid-cooled |
| Bore / stroke | 84 mm × 77 mm |
| Compression ratio | 12.7:1 |
| Power | 70 kW (94 hp) @ 8,250 rpm |
| Torque | 92 N⋅m (68 lb⋅ft) @ 6,250 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual with chain final drive |
| Frame type | Steel bridge frame, engine as stressed member |
| Suspension | Upside-down telescopic fork (front); aluminium swingarm with central monoshock, adjustable preload and rebound damping |
| Wheelbase | 1,593 mm (62.7 in) |
| Seat height | 860 mm (34 in) (standard) |
| Fuel capacity | 15 L (4.0 US gal) |
| Related | BMW F450GS ,BMW F750GS and BMW F900GS |
The BMW F850GS is a dual-sport motorcycle produced by BMW Motorrad since 2018. It succeeded the earlier BMW F800GS as part of a new generation of middleweight GS models powered by an all-new 853 cc parallel-twin engine. The model was designed to combine long-distance touring comfort with enhanced off-road performance.[1]
Design and development
Unveiled at EICMA 2017 in Milan, the F850GS introduced a completely redesigned powertrain and chassis platform for BMW’s middleweight adventure lineup. The 853 cc parallel-twin engine, built by Loncin in China under BMW supervision, uses a 270° crankshaft for a distinctive exhaust note and improved traction characteristics.[2]
The steel bridge-type frame replaces the tubular trellis frame used on the F800GS and integrates the engine as a stressed member. Fuel capacity remains 15 L (4.0 US gal), with the tank moved to a conventional forward position rather than under the seat to improve mass centralisation.
Specifications
The F850GS engine produces 70 kW (94 hp) at 8,250 rpm and 92 N⋅m (68 lb⋅ft) at 6,250 rpm, offering a blend of torque and tractability suited to mixed terrain. The six-speed gearbox drives the rear wheel via chain, replacing the belt drive used in earlier F-series road models.
The motorcycle features a 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel combination for off-road capability, with long-travel suspension (230 mm front, 215 mm rear). A slipper clutch and optional quickshifter (“Gear Shift Assist Pro”) are also available.
Technology
The F850GS is equipped with modern electronic rider aids, including:
- ABS Pro (cornering ABS)
- Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
- Selectable riding modes (“Rain”, “Road”, “Dynamic”, “Enduro”, “Enduro Pro”)
- Optional Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment)
- 6.5-inch full-color TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity
These systems integrate with BMW’s modular electronics platform, shared with the R-series and S-series motorcycles.
Equipment and variants
Standard equipment includes LED headlight, adjustable windscreen, and aluminium engine guards. Optional packages add:
- Keyless Ride ignition system
- Cruise control
- Luggage racks and aluminium panniers
- Heated grips and comfort seat
A special “Adventure” version, the BMW F850GS Adventure, was introduced in 2019 with an enlarged 23 L (6.1 US gal) fuel tank, longer suspension travel, crash protection bars, and reinforced subframe for extended touring.
Performance
The F850GS reaches a top speed of approximately 200 km/h (120 mph) and achieves a combined fuel consumption of around 4.1 L/100 km (69 mpg‑imp). Its on-road refinement, linear power delivery, and balance between comfort and off-road agility have been widely praised by reviewers.[3]
Reception
Motorcycle journalists have described the F850GS as a “true middleweight adventure” machine offering the comfort and features of larger adventure tourers in a lighter, more manageable package. Its electronic systems, TFT interface, and ergonomics were highlighted as major improvements over the F800GS.
Production
The engine is manufactured by Loncin Motorcycle Co., Ltd. in Chongqing, China, under BMW quality control standards. Final assembly takes place at BMW Motorrad’s Spandau plant in Berlin, Germany.
See also
- BMW F750GS
- BMW F850GS Adventure
- BMW GS
- BMW Motorrad
- Dual-sport motorcycle
References
- ↑ "BMW Motorrad launches new F 750 GS and F 850 GS". BMW Group PressClub Global. 7 November 2017. https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0275427EN/the-new-bmw-f-750-gs-and-f-850-gs?language=en.
- ↑ "BMW F850GS Review". 18 July 2018. https://www.motorcyclistonline.com/2019-bmw-f850gs-first-ride-review/.
- ↑ "2019 BMW F850GS First Ride Review". Cycle World. March 2019. https://www.cycleworld.com/2019-bmw-f850gs-first-ride-review/.
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