The whole on-road
handling experience
is excellent. The BMW
feels very composed,
light and nimble
Jumping on the F850GS I’d say it feels a
reasonable size, not too big, but probably still
tall for shorter riders. The one-piece seat is
stepped up to the pillion area, something which
I’m not a fan of because it restricts movement
for proper adventure riding, but it does look
good. Over-size handlebars are a comfortable
bend and well positioned given that most
riding on this machine will undoubtedly be
done in the sitting position. The foot-pegs are
comfortably placed, so the overall ergonomics
of the riding position are great. However, the
footpegs are small, skinny and rubber-topped…
try riding quickly over rough ground on skinny
rubber-topped footpegs with wet boots and tell
me they’re suitable for an adventure bike. Yes,
the rubber can be removed, but, frankly, these
footpegs are an embarrassment on a premium
adventure bike, particularly as, almost without
exception, all other features on this machine
are excellent. For offroad riding they give a very
32 KIWI RIDER
insecure grip on the bike and really do need to
go! Fortunately, BMW has superb ‘pegs on the
1200GS-A, so the solution is only a parts order
away. Hopefully the 850GS-A will have bigger
footpegs.
The short screen works a treat allowing just
enough breeze to make travel comfortable
while deflecting the worst of nature overhead.
There was no buffeting around the helmet
area which can be an issue, especially for
anyone who prefers to use a peaked helmet for
adventure riding, like I do.
The whole on-road handling experience is
excellent. The BMW feels very composed, light
and nimble, the steering damper no doubt
adding to the secure, confidence-inspiring feel.
On gravel the GS is a very competent machine
too, but, as with all standard adventure bikes,
true offroad riding will show some weaknesses
– mainly from weight-derived ‘cause and effect’
suspension issues.