R850R buying advice needed!

[Mog22]

Hi this is my first post here, just like to say hello to everyone. I have recently been to view a 1999 R850R that is for sale, the present owner knows nothing about bikes, and can't ride one!, the bike has been advertised with ABS, however I can't see the usual toothed ring on the front disc, is there any way I can tell visually if this bike has ABS?. Also does anyone know if the front seat height is adjustable?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[nick.ct]

Hi and welcome

No toothed ring, no ABS. Seat height is adjustable but not by much

Just in case you're not 100% sure what it looks like............ http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=0401&mospid=51673&btnr=34_0660&hg=34&fg=11

 

[Littledumptruck]

If there's no rings on the wheels it won't have abs. Don't think many 850's got abs anyway.
Welcome, the 850's are cracking bikes, I've had mine nearly 6 years, been one of the best bikes I've ever owned. Cracking VFM and so exceeds expectations. I've doubled the mileage on mine already, and more than likely I'll double it again

 

[Mog22]

Thanks for the replies, that's what i thought about the abs, never had a bike with it before, so just needed to check i was looking for the right thing. Hi Littledumptruck, good to hear you are pleased with your 850, I went for a short ride on the one I'm looking at, its got 34000 on the clock, engine sounded really sweet and ran very smooth, great looking bike too, a modern classic IMO.

 

[Comfy Old Boots]

Seat is adjustable to three heights. Put it this way, I'm six foot four and all leg and I fit on it grand. I find the gs palatial in comparison but it's a comfy bike non the less.

 

[Steptoe]

Which model of 850 ... 1999 should be the clutch cable 1100 type engine model. But there is also the hydraulic clutch version based on the 1150 model.

Chalk and cheese.

 

[Comfy Old Boots]

Newer one

Older one

 

[Mog22]

It's the older model, like the bottom pic, is it a poor one to buy? It looked pretty well looked after and seemed to run ok.

 

[MarkShelley]

The main advantage with the newer model is that you get `normal` handlebars so more room for adjustment. The older ones have cast clip-on bars in a similar fashion to the RT models. I suspect you could fit a GS top yoke to the older bike if you really wanted to. Somebody will no doubt confirm if this is possible, or otherwise.
The older model should be a hell of a lot cheaper?better value.

 

[Kritou]

There is also the Classic R850R. There is an interesting cream colour or the black with pinstriped tank and laced wire wheels

 

[Comfy Old Boots]

Nothing wrong with the older ones. Their better looking in my humble opinion!

 

[Littledumptruck]

It was the Classic version that I was given as a loan bike by Balderstons once, while my original 1150GS was in for service. I had it for a day riding round the area with a couple of mates and was so impressed with how well it went and how comfy that seat is. A few years later after I'd given up on the 1150 I was offered my 850GS and didn't hesitate. Probably wouldn't have though, had I not had the experience of that R. So many people that haven't tried them don't realise how small the difference really is. Very few people that ride with me believe mines 'only the 850'
Make sure you don't pay too much though, they are worth less.

 

[Mog22]

Nice bike Kritou, i've always liked Boxers with the classic pinstripe tank, where was the picture taken? Great scenery. Price is £2250, Sounded about right to me, but I am no expert in Bmw's, only had one Bmw previously, it was an R80, had it in the late 1980's, nice bike though, very comfortable, but seems like the boxer engine has been developed quite a bit since then.

 

[Mzokk]

That looks like Stac Pollaidh in the background. So the Glen Oykel road.

 

[typan]

Love my 02 850 and as said, a cheaper option and not a lot of difference. I got mine for an absolute bargain.

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[Comfy Old Boots]

Love my 02 850 and as said, a cheaper option and not a lot of difference. I got mine for an absolute bargain.

[/IMG]

Looks lovely with the spoked wheels