Buying advice: R850R (UK)

signo26

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Hello everyone!

I have recently got my R850R stolen and am looking to replace her. (I grew attached to the old oilhead!). I need some advice on a couple of bikes, please.

Budget is £2,500 (max), I'm looking for early 2000s models, non-ABS versions, ideally with no modifications (I like the stock naked look), with a steering damper fitted and hopefully with some original panniers included. I'm close to Newcastle but looking nationwide. I'm not in a terrible rush but hope to have a replacement before autumn.

1) I had my eye on this one but was hesitant about the ABS - that is until I spoke with the seller, who says he believes the previous owner (who worked on the bike a lot) removed the ABS?! I can see some new break lines but I'm no expert, can you guys tell if this is an ABS disable/delete job? Apparently no ABS warning light comes on at ignition. I am attaching more pics: here. Also its latest MOT mentions 'Steering headbearing slightly stiff or notchy' - but no mention of this issue in the previous MOT, with the bike covering just 100 miles between the dates. Seller says the tester was being extra zealous... and that it seemed fine to him. What do you think, is this a solid bike at the price? Lots of work seems to have gone into it, is that a positive I wonder?

2) I was considering this one too but I'm not keen on the new screen and the 'modern' styled mirrors, plus it doesn't have a steering damper and seller won't fit one..

3) There's this one, but it's 1997... I read somewhere that the post 2000s are better/more reliable in some way?

Any advice, general or specific, including other bikes to consider / for sale would be GREATLY appreciated!

Many thanks!
 
All three look okay to me, I wouldn't worry about the ABS delete, if it were me I'd make a below £2k offer on the red one and get the steering bearings replaced.
 
Why on earth do you need a steering damper? 850/1100/1150 oilheads are probably the stablest bikes ever built.
As for the ABS, the problematic one is I-ABS from 2002 to 2006 (though mine is 22 y old and still working perfectly). On previous versions, the worst that can happen is the loss of antilocking function, which doesn't affect the braking power.
Finally the "modern styled mirrors " come from an R1200 C and can hardly be called modern.
 
@Cyrano: Apparently high speed wobbles can happen on these bikes, especially when loaded..

Here is a possible bargain, though; MOT history indicates has been stored last 4 years. 80k on the clock. Don't mind the larger engine. Is it a risky purchase or would a comprehensive fluid change keep her on the road for the foreseeable future?

I also realised that my budget can cover a used 1150 GS, so looking at those little monsters too! :)
 
signo26 said:
@Cyrano: Apparently high speed wobbles can happen on these bikes, especially when loaded..

Here is a possible bargain, though; MOT history indicates has been stored last 4 years. 80k on the clock. Don't mind the larger engine. Is it a risky purchase or would a comprehensive fluid change keep her on the road for the foreseeable future?

I also realised that my budget can cover a used 1150 GS, so looking at those little monsters too! :)
Click to expand...

From Rockster experience: the high speed weave can happen at above three figure mph speeds (how often do you ride that fast?), when panniers are fitted. (I think it's more an aerodynamic effect than load weight related.) I've also found that a topbox negates the effect.

I've never even thought about considering fitting a steering damper too any of my bikes.
 
signo26 said:
@Cyrano:

I also realised that my budget can cover a used 1150 GS, so looking at those little monsters too! :)
Click to expand...
A wiser choice
You will enjoy a 1150GS
Everytime I tried a 1100/1150R I found it cramped and uninspiring
Once had a 1150R for a long weekend to run it in for a dealer and took it to Devon
I was glad to get my GS back again
 
I’d buy the black one. Newest, lower miles, looks spot on. Had an 850R as a loan bike once, had a cracking day on it, by far the most comfy bike I’ve ever ridden. So undervalued especially considering there’s little difference really to a GS of the day. I parked my old 1150GS next to a Rockster once many years ago and was surprised how similar they really are. You won’t get a better GS than an R for the same money.
 
An informal unbinding offer over the phone!! Said I’d think about it and that it moved up my list. Should have been more clear 😌
 
Am test riding the GS this afternoon. Any advice on what to look for/ask much appreciated!
 
signo26 said:
Am test riding the GS this afternoon. Any advice on what to look for/ask much appreciated!
Click to expand...
Smile sweetly, look like an angel, ride it like you've stolen it...👌😆
Look decent condition, should ride smoothly and brakes should be strong... Standard ABS 2 so no servo and id be looking at any history for a possible clutch but not essential...
But on your gut reaction s it looks a decent bike... Looks like y piece and aftermarket silencer so will be a bit louder than standard...
 
Was good fun but the GS is not for me! This particular one had tyres from 2014 (front one perishing slightly), an extremely spongy front break and it stalled twice while riding, the last one unrecoverable! Got picked up by their van. :) In fairness the fuel reserve light had just come on before the final stall (maybe 5 minutes into the ride), and the guy said it was the fuel running out. Maybe. Could still hear some sploshing around in there though. Don't know - was stored a few years so might need some attention. I really liked the transmission - compared to my old 850r it's like Japanese smooth!!! I expected clunks and got none, it was just press and go - and the huge torque, even in 4th! Clutch seemed ok too. VERY nice engine - can't imagine why anyone would complain when you have like a milion nm of torque in the lower midrange! Also very easy to turn and overall nimble feeling, a lovely adventure bike. Actually too adventure for my current needs I think - handlebars felt off compared to my old 850, it just felt like it wanted to be ridden standing in a riverbed or something! Great visibility and overall confidence-inspiring. If I had the money would consider one of these older GS-s as a second bike. Ergonomics-wise, I prefer the 850!!

It's now probably between the red one and the black one... I mean is 2004 vs 2000 a big difference? Is the clutch more reliable as they say? I mean yes, newer and fewer miles.. Am thinking.

Thanks again for all your input - story ongoing!
 
Def the black one. Newer wheels which might both be 17” which makes tyre choice easier and cheaper, and it might also be a six speed box, not sure though, differnet sites quote different specs.
 
Ha, so you found all the bad bits of long term little use storage of a bike... All the good points of GSdom, and all the bad points of old fuel, shite in tank and brakes not used properly for years... I don't even like leaving my bikes for short term storage and good luck finding you R as they are great bikes as well and probably more bike for the cash even if it is fairly marginal at the lower end of the market...
 
I don't think the black one a true post 2000, it still has the dumpy styling of the earlier model so I doubt it has the 6th gear and other improvements.

This is my 850R which is 04 and has the 6spd box, proper bars, oil coolers in pods on tank etc etc

Also for sale, but have a first dibs on here.
33197d6f82156b844796ee2d31222b42.jpg


Sent from my Pixel 7a using Tapatalk
 
Nige P said:
I don't think the black one a true post 2000, it still has the dumpy styling of the earlier model so I doubt it has the 6th gear and other improvements.

This is my 850R which is 04 and has the 6spd box, proper bars, oil coolers in pods on tank etc etc

Also for sale, but have a first dibs on here.
33197d6f82156b844796ee2d31222b42.jpg


Sent from my Pixel 7a using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Yeh it is a bit of a mix of models. Late model swing arm might suggest 6 speed box, and late style wheels being 17”. Are yours both 17”? Did they swap the whole range over to the new styling? Didn’t they do a classic model that kept the rounded tank and had spoked wheels IIRC, or had that been dropped by this time.
Yours looks stunning btw….
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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