FOR SALE: BMW R850 GS – 2000 ‘W’ plate. OIRO £1750.
An original, fully functioning classic GS with just 50k on the clock and all the accessories you actually need.
With chunky 90s styling (and a few areas of cosmetic challenge) my R850 GS gives you all of the suspension benefits of the 1100 GS with about 10hp less from a smaller but livelier version of their oilhead boxer engine.
Performance-wise, it feels very similar to my old Honda 750 Africa Twin but with better handling/ride and a feeling of “unstoppability”. It eats up A and B roads and isn’t that vibey on motorways – happy cruise speed is about 80mph – but it’s happy to rev beyond that.
Have owned the bike for about 4 years with work done on it by an independent BMW specialist. I love it – but my hips don’t and the weight is getting to me. Why ride a modern retro when you can just ride an original?
Contact Derek at [email protected]
Location: Brunstane, Edinburgh, EH15.
OVERALL CONDITION
An original, fully functioning classic GS with just 50k on the clock and all the accessories you actually need.
With chunky 90s styling (and a few areas of cosmetic challenge) my R850 GS gives you all of the suspension benefits of the 1100 GS with about 10hp less from a smaller but livelier version of their oilhead boxer engine.
Performance-wise, it feels very similar to my old Honda 750 Africa Twin but with better handling/ride and a feeling of “unstoppability”. It eats up A and B roads and isn’t that vibey on motorways – happy cruise speed is about 80mph – but it’s happy to rev beyond that.
Have owned the bike for about 4 years with work done on it by an independent BMW specialist. I love it – but my hips don’t and the weight is getting to me. Why ride a modern retro when you can just ride an original?
Contact Derek at [email protected]
Location: Brunstane, Edinburgh, EH15.
OVERALL CONDITION
- MOT till Feb ‘27
- Shaft final drive rebuilt 2022 with upgraded bearings
- Brakes recently overhauled
- OEM BMW hard panniers – slightly scuffed but fully functional
- Aftermarket heated grips. And a clock!
- Aftermarket exhaust, tail rack and high touring screen (not fitted).
- Metzeler Tourance front and back with plenty of life in them.
- Rider seat recovered March ’26 due to a comedy moment in my driveway (see weight above). No other damage.
- Lowered rider footpegs (originals included)
- Easy 200+ miles on a tank – light comes on about 180 which still leaves around 5 ltr left in the 23 ltr tank.
- Headlight bulb now LED
- Low mileage for year
- Full original tool kit, manuals and both keys.
- Recent oil and filter change.
- RH front indicator mount cracked and properly fixed with tape.
- Usual issue of water gathering in the fuel cap. Fix applied.
- Oil level sight glass has historic fix which is now upgraded – has never caused an issue.
- Cylinder head finish is scabby in places and some of the exhaust header bolts are “just ignore”. Otherwise, overall condition is good and original if you allow for a 26 year “patina”.
- Basic spec model – no ABS or even a fuel gauge. None of which you really need.
- Partial service and MoT history with emphasis on recent history.
