Overview
After a long absence, the BMW F 850 GS has made a comeback to the Indian two-wheeler market and affirmed the presence of the German brand in the middleweight category. A more premium option above the smaller F 750 GS in the middleweight adventure tourer category, the new BMW F 850 GS has returned to India with a slew of updates, such as design enhancements, new colour options and features, slightly revised engine and attractive price tags. The new F 850 GS has replaced the smaller F 750 GS in BMW Motorrad’s lineup for India.
Variants and Price
Like the bigger R 1250 GS, the new BMW F 850 GS is being offered in two different variants – F 850 GS and F 850 GS Adventure. Both the variants differ based on colour options and a few features. While the standard F 850 GS is priced at Rs 12.50 lakh, the more premium F 850 GS Adventure will set you back by Rs 13.25 lakh (both prices ex-showroom, India).
Variant |
Price (Ex-showroom, India) |
BMW F 850 GS |
Rs 12.50 lakh |
BMW F 850 GS Adventure |
Rs. 13.25 lakh |
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Engine and Specifications
Powering both the variants of the new BMW F 850 GS is a four-stroke, water-cooled, inline-twin, 853cc engine, which churns out a maximum power output of 95 bhp @ 8,250 rpm and a peak torque output of 92 Nm @ 6,250 rpm. The transmission unit paired to the engine is a 6-speed gearbox.
Specifications |
BMW F 850 GS |
Engine |
Four-stroke, water-cooled, inline-twin, 853cc |
Maximum power |
95 bhp @ 8,250 rpm |
Maximum torque |
92 Nm @ 6,250 rpm |
Gearbox |
6-speed |
Top speed |
200 kmph |
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Mileage
For an adventure motorcycle tourer of its cadre, the aspect of fuel efficiency doesn’t matter too much. However, for its size and performance on tap, the BMW F 850 GS returns a commendable fuel economy of 17-18 kmpl in ideal riding conditions.
Handling and Braking
Sitting on a bridge-type steel frame in shell construction, the BMW F 850 GS gets a suspension combination of 43mm upside-down hydraulic telescopic forks and a centrally-mounted mono-shock with the adjustability of spring pre-load and rebound damping, along with a dual-sided aluminium swing-arm, at the back. The braking duties are performed by dual 305mm discs at the front and a single 265mm disc at the back. The BMW F 850 GS rides on a 21-inch wheel with 90/90-21 tyre at the front and a 17-inch wheel with 150/70 R17 tyre at the rear.
Specifications |
BMW F 850 GS |
Front suspension |
43mm upside-down hydraulic telescopic forks, 230mm travel |
Rear suspension |
Cast aluminium dual-sided swing-arm, central WAD spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable, rebound damping adjustable, 215mm travel |
Front brake |
Dual 305mm discs, double-piston floating caliper |
Rear brake |
Single 265mm disc, single-piston floating caliper |
Tire size (front) |
90/90-21 |
Tire size (rear) |
150/70 R17 |
Wheel size (front) |
21-inch |
Wheel size (rear) |
17-inch |
Tire type |
Front – tubeless, Rear – tubeless radial |
Dimensions
Both the variants of the BMW F 850 GS share their wheelbase, but the Adventure variant is wider and taller than the Standard variant, which is the longer of the two. With a kerb weight of 233 kg and a seat height of 860 mm, riding the F 850 GS is no child’s play. However, the F 850 GS Adventure breaks the barrier with its kerb weight of 248 kg and a seat height of 875 mm.
Specifications |
BMW F 850 GS |
BMW F 850 GS Adventure |
Length |
2305 mm |
2300 mm |
Width |
922 mm |
939 mm |
Height |
1356 mm |
1437 mm |
Wheelbase |
1593 mm |
1593 mm |
Kerb weight |
233 kg |
248 kg |
Seat height |
860 mm |
875 mm |
Colors
The standard version of the BMW F 850 GS is available in a single colour option of Style Rallye, which is BMW’s Racing Blue Metallic colour scheme. On the other hand, the more premium BMW F 850 GS Adventure is available in two colour options of Style Rallye (Kalamata Metallic Matt) and Style Triple Black (Black Storm Metallic).
Design and Features
Both the variants of the BMW F 850 GS look like a scaled-down version of the bigger R 1250 GS, which in itself makes them true-blue adventure tourers ready to take the worst of terrains. While both the variants of the motorcycle look very similar from a distance, a closer inspection reveals the clear differences between the two.
The Adventure variant of the BMW F 850 GS looks more off-road ready, with additional bits like larger side body panels flowing down towards the engine, additional clear lens panels above the headlamp extensions flowing towards the fuel tank, tubular leg guards on either side of the engine, widened enduro footrests and an adjustable gear lever. It also comes with additional features like hand protectors, a comfort seat, stainless steel luggage carrier for an aluminium top case, an anti-hopping clutch and a touring windscreen.
Both the variants of the BMW F 850 GS come bestowed with LED headlamps with asymmetric daytime running LEDs, golden-coloured spoke wheels, adjustable front windscreen, LED turn indicators and tail lamp, keyless ignition system, 6.5-inch full-TFT instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity, adjustable front brake and clutch levers, 12V power socket, and gear shift assistant pro. They also come with premium safety features and riding aids, like dual-channel ABS, automatic stability control, riding modes (dynamic, enduro and enduro pro), an on-board computer pro, dynamic electronic suspension adjustment and dynamic traction control.
Competition
The direct rivals with which the new BMW F 850 GS will compete in the Indian two-wheeler market are Triumph Tiger 900, Ducati Multistrada V2 and the Honda Africa Twin. Amongst all of its competitors, the new BMW F 850 GS is the most affordable.
Verdict
While the new design and feature updates, revised engine, coveted BMW Motorrad badge and premium mechanical hardware do make the BMW F 850 GS a brilliant motorcycle, what gives it an edge is its affordable pricing when compared to its direct rivals.
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