850gs

[bigwelsh]

Anyone know much about 850`s? Ive seen an imported one on autotrader, were they sold in this country? Are they much lighter than an 1100? Is it a "half way house" between a 650 and an 1100? Finally, are they any good?


Thinking of swapping my dakar already!

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

Isn't it exactly the same as the 1100 - except smaller pistons etc
same as the 80/7 was same as 100/7 ?

Phil

 

[richie]

They are exactly the same weight as an 1100 give or take a couple of kilos and are ten HP down (i think) I road an 850R once and thought that it totaly lacked grunt. But have heard from other people that in fact once ridden for a while it is a much sweeter engine than the 1100. Best is to get news of someone who has one I think haircut 100 (wrong name) has one ask him.

 

[Dave & Val]

I HAD ONE

I had one for three years riding two up with all the bags, we covered 25,000 miles. The only difference in grunt was the set off, as the gearing is set up different it was slower off the mark, however once back with a group it was fine. Did over a ton even two up with the club shop on board!

I loved it, I only changed up to an 1150 because my dealer is a good one and he got me hook line and sinker.

 

[GADGET]

850R

I had an R850R for the day last Monday, whilst my 1150 was in for service at Ocean, Plymouth. Did 90 odd miles on it on the moors and some faster roads. I thought it was a sweet bike for todays UK roads, not the grunt of the 1150, I guess it depends on how much you are saving on initial cost. I don`t suppose it will be much cheaper to run on a day to day basis.

 

[Deleted Member]

R not the GS

Same weight as the 1100 with sleeved down pistons I believe.

Yes, trade off in torque but advantages too.
Did not feel at all under powered.
Lot less vibration and lumpy feel than 1100 and engine seemed to spin up and rev out easier.

If there is a bargain to be had I would buy one.

 

[richie]

They are exactly the same weight as an 1100 give or take a couple of kilos and are ten HP down (i think) I road an 850R once and thought that it totaly lacked grunt. But have heard from other people that in fact once ridden for a while it is a much sweeter engine than the 1100. Best is to get news of someone who has one I think haircut 100 (wrong name) has one ask him.

Hairnet 600 I think it is who has an 850

 

[shuck raider]

Just chopped my 850 against a new 1150 last month. Early days for a comparison, still running-in the new one, but the 850 was great. I had a Remus Revolution on it, went like shit off a shovel. Sweet engine, same cycle parts as the 1100, all in all a great bike, can thoroughly recommend it.

 

[Dave Hall]

I had an 850 RT on trial when they first came out and I was very disappointed with the lack of power and torque. Admittedly it was a Police spec RT and had some heavy kit on but I thought they had really lost the plot and I`ve never been tempted to try the 850 in any other guise since.

 

[MikeO]

I was very impressed with the R850R I was loaned while my Adv was being serviced during the summer. The engine was way smoother than any 1100/1150 I've ridden.

In a previous life, studes used to ride R80RTs whilst the instructors used to ride R100RTs. The 80s were always smoother and not much slower, although the 100s had a lot more torque. I can remember discussions as to whether 800-900cc was the optimum capacity for the boxer engine....

Mike

 

[Tokoloshe]

R850

Hello!

My missus has an R850R that she doesn't use a lot so I use it to commute on.

I own an R1150GS -02 which is a lot of fun but when it comes down to blasting around, I actually prefer riding the R850R. This could be down to tyres or general size/fit but I'm a lot quicker on the R850R.

I used to think that it would be better if the 850 had a 6 speed gearbox but after buying the 1150 I think the 850's better off with the 5 speed.

It does "tingle" a little bit but that's only when cruising at 90 or so. I fitted a Secdem screen to relieve pressure on my neck and I'm dead chuffed with it so far.

My wife is currently thinking about a new bike but all she likes so far is the latest R850R model so I'll think about buying a new one and keeping the old one as a winter special.

The 850 has been a great bike. I do like the R1150GS but feel more "in control" of the R850R.

Perhaps it's down to personal preference but I, for one, won't knock B*W's 850 motor.

PM or e-mail for more detail.
Cheers

Tok

 

[AndyT]

I've got one of the last UK GS850's (2001). I looked high and low for an 850 rather than the 1100/1150 as the engine is far smoother. I've had 120mph and the clock. I went touring in the Alps earlier this year with Panniers, box and baglux and it was just superb. Like the other guys say its the same as the 1100 although the rider display was an option which I believe was standard on the 1100.

They are a great buy 2nd hand too.

Have Fun

AndyT

 

[Shaunie]

Rode an R850R as a courtesy bike. It was very smooth and free revving and didn't seem that slow.

My 1100 is lumpier (which I like) and gruntier (which I like even more) but I would certainly have an 850 if a nice one was selling for an attractive price.