Tell me about the 850GS

[Littledumptruck]

Well I've had mine for 4 years, but also an 1150 since last summer. And AFAIC, up to about 85-90, there's very little difference between them. Yes the gearing is lowered to make up for the lower power, which robs you of about 15-20 mph off the top speed, so if you use that bit then you'll need the bigger one.
The 850 is def built better, even though its the same age, go figure that!! Less corrosion, after more miles and having spent a fair portion of its life outside.

But the decider for me was a ride out with a mate a few months back, while he was borrowing the 850 and I was on the 1150, and I was shocked how hard I had to ride the 1150 to stay with him. Ok, he was pushing on, but I was having to push on just as hard to stay with him.

If you see a good one, it should be somewhat cheaper than either an equivalent 1100 or 1150, so I'd highly recommend it, they really aren't very much different.

 

[Colin]

R850

I've owned my 2003 R850R for 3 years, I always ride 2 up. we tour europe a couple of times a year, which includes austria & swiss mountain passes, with full luggage. I'm 15 stone &wife 9 1/2 stone and mine copes very well.
80-90 mph on motorways and still overtakes cars. does 58 - 62 mpg.
It has a high centre of gravity, but certainly not heavy. my other bike is a Harley Softail 2004,1450cc. 200 lbs heavier with the same 70 bhp as the 850.
and 42 mpg.

 

[Trullion]

I believe th R1100rs was more powerful than the R1100gs and had different gearing so can't really be compared to the 850/1100gs as it was built as a sports tourer.

Yes, the stock RS produced a claimed 90bhp against 80bhp for the GS (so did the 1100RT). However, a lot of RS owners (me included) have replaced the RS air tubes with GS ones because it increases the torque in the mid-range where it is needed most, at the expense of a little top-end power. This only made the difference in acceleration greater, not less. The gearing on the RS is not that much higher than that on the 1100GS, an example of which I had the pleasure of riding recently when my RS was having a new clutch fitted.

That said you are right that the only valid comparison is the 1100GS. The 1150 is a different animal and so is the later 6 speed R850R - the 850GS never had the upgrade as it was only made for a couple of years. If I were in the market for a GS I'd go for a nice late 1100GS in Kalahari Yellow....