BMW R850R Reviews

BMW R850R
WRITE A REVIEW
★★★★★
4.5 / 5
From 16 reviews
100% of users recommend this

  • Build quality

  • Reliability

  • Value For Money

Media Gallery for BMW R850R

item68631.jpg
item68631.jpg

Latest Reviews

★★★★★
WRITE A REVIEW

“Old Friends re-united”

Written on: 20/03/2013 by jfro5867 (1 review written)

Hi, I have been riding bikes for over 20 years now and have owned all sorts from Harleys to Hayabusas and what I haven't owned I've probably ridden. Anyhow, about 10 years ago I had an R850R, I did about 18000 on it and really loved it but of course sold it. Of late I have lost my way a bit and seriously thought about giving motorbikes up for good because of all the speed cameras, idiots on the road, modern bikes being really un DIY friendly and wondered what I wanted from a bike IN THE REAL... (read more)

Report this review
★★★★★
WRITE A REVIEW

“baby boxer?”

Written on: 14/03/2013

I have a 2006 model and no one gets away from me!! I have had 19 bikes to date, and this thing i can't get rid of. I have had since new and love it!! (read more)

Report this review
★★★★☆
WRITE A REVIEW

“BMW's solid reliable baby boxer does the business for me”

Written on: 23/01/2013 by GRP1 (1 review written)

I've had my R850R for two years and it's grown on me to the point where I find even new bikes don't compare with it for build quality and that feeling of knowing it's never going to let you down. It is loaded with standard features that are extras on many other brands - ABS, heated grips with two heat settings, toolkit, low fuel warning. But that's not it's biggest feature - it is simply bullet proof. It starts first time every time, never misses a beat, feels so solid that you feel that... (read more)

Report this review
★★★★☆
WRITE A REVIEW

“Superb engineering, solidity and safe”

Written on: 02/05/2012 by HadaPanther (1 review written)

A bike which you become increasingly attached to. I've had a few boxers and this one has ABS so with the telelever, braking is A1. The bike really provides comfort, superb build quality and a great feeling of total security on the road. It's a heavy lump though and low speed manoeuvreing could be a challenge for smaller riders (it's a big 90 lb heavier than BMW's similarly powered F800R). The gearbox is characteristically (for a boxer)notchy at lower revs but it eases with age. No other bike... (read more)

Dcives's Response to HadaPanther's Review

Written on: 06/11/2012

just got a 2004 r850r with only 1500 miles from new. chuffed to little meatballs.
versatile, practical, economical.
2012 and still only 2500miles. saving for the nice weather.....

Reply to this comment
Report this review Read 1 Comment
★★★★★
WRITE A REVIEW

“It's already a classic”

Written on: 08/07/2011 by JamesLeighton (3 reviews written)

My honest advise for those who love motorbikes: find a BMW R850R in second hand in good quality and get it, you won't regret and you will have it for the rest of your life. You may take care of it, of course, but like every other motorbike. I would say, it runs even better than the newests 1200cc. It's really confortable for short as well as long distances, with a very accurate and soft driving. Mechanically advanced and full of extras that make of it, a great motorbike, already a classic.... (read more)

Report this review
★★★★☆
WRITE A REVIEW

“After a 30 year break from motorcycling I took up the...”

Written on: 07/08/2009 by maruphil (1 review written)

After a 30 year break from motorcycling I took up the hobby again in my early 50s. I bought a second hand BMW R850R (2001 model) and love it. A stable, reliable, very comfortable and from a personal point of view, a great "starter bike" which has enabled me to get back into this fabulous pastime after a long absence. My only complaint would be the slightly notchy gearbox, which I am told is a trait shared by BMWs in general. (read more)

Report this review
★★★★★
WRITE A REVIEW

“The BMW R850R is an all round ride brilliant and...”

Written on: 29/05/2009 by aland3400

The BMW R850R is an all round ride brilliant and comfort second to none. I have had several bikes but this bike is far superior to any of them. (read more)

Report this review
★★★★★
WRITE A REVIEW

“BUILD QUALITY,reliability, comfort. all round ability,...”

Written on: 14/01/2009 by tex999 (1 review written)

BUILD QUALITY,reliability, comfort. all round ability, only minor niggle is the paint finish on the engine. Superb BMW R850 bike, torquey, reliable does everything you want , and if ridden by someone who can ride, will show up a lot of quicker bikes on the twisties. (read more)

Report this review
★★★★★
WRITE A REVIEW

“I have been riding since 1966.”

Written on: 27/11/2008 by phil bell (1 review written)

I have been riding since 1966.
The past 18 years I have owned BMW boxers.
I love my bike and could not see my self purchasing another brand unless BMW do something silly. (read more)

Report this review
★★★★☆
WRITE A REVIEW

“The BMW R850 is a areat bike overall & I'm glad I...”

Written on: 21/09/2007 by hirsty2 (1 review written)

The BMW R850 is a areat bike overall & I'm glad I bought it for my mixed use - mostly commuting, but some touring in UK, Eire & France and sunny weekend rideouts. All-rounders are hard to find, but this does most things pretty well - Boxers are an acquired taste though & you should definitely take a good long test ride before committing!

Tried both an R1100R and R1150R first & didn't think there was much in it performance wise - mine is an '05 R850R Classic which has 1100-style oil coolers... (read more)

Report this review
See next 10 reviews Showing 1 - 10 of 16 Reviews
★★★★★
WRITE A REVIEW

“I commute everyday in an out of London, and my choice...”

Written on: 24/03/2007 by foxinsocks74 (2 reviews written)

I commute everyday in an out of London, and my choice of bike is driven by need for something very practical and comfortable but also fun. I used to think the R850 was underpowered until I read a bike magazine review that cited it as a 'hooligan bike'! I was curious and read further. The absolutely key thing to do with this bike is to remove the standard catalytic converter. It was designed for the much bigger R1150 series and is far to big for this bike, and significantly restricts the... (read more)

Cmy5Chi's Response to foxinsocks74's Review

Written on: 02/04/2007

I enjoyed your pointers and ride experiences, especially on the robust response to the Fiat. Overall, a dream for good value on all grounds to cover when travelling near & far. Thumbs UP and take good care of the beast looking beautiful as well!

Reply to this comment

Foxinsocks74's Response to foxinsocks74's Review

Written on: 30/03/2009

Just an update after 2 more years and 50k miles. The bike still running nicely and I've further enhanced performance by changing the engine management chip (got a new one from bbpower). Makes a noticeable difference and eliminates some surging at mid throttle positions.<br/><br/>Additional notes: if the bike is equipped with windscreen the metal bars holding it to the bike have a tendency to wear and snap. I've had to replace several. ADVICE: as soon as one breaks, replace it, if you wait, another will break soon. Once two have gone the other two won't last more than 20 miles! ADVICE: Do NOT attach satnav holder to the winsdcreen bars. Bad idea, makes them snap within a few thousand miles.<br/><br/>For some reason I've snapped several clutch cables in the past two years. Not sure why they keep going, but I advise keeping a spare on the bike. They are easy to replace on the fly.<br/><br/>I've recently decided to retire my beloved ride to reserve duty as its hit a venerable mileage and I want a change. Unfortunately I didn't like the new BMW's for personal reasons (too ugly, too plasticky, too expensive) so I went for a Kawasaki ZZR1400. This is a fantastic bike but not for the faint hearted! I'll review it at some point. <br/><br/>But I decided to keep the BMW as a second bike because of its many miles of loyal service and its general reliability. It looks so nice I couldn't part with it. Also good for rainy days when I don't want to soil the new bike.<br/><br/>Happy riding!

Reply to this comment

Rod Savage's Response to foxinsocks74's Review

Written on: 05/12/2010

I found this review very helpful because...it is the second reference I have heard to changing the exhaust to a Remus system and getting rid of the Catalytic Converter.
<br/>Thats my birthday present to myself sorted!
<br/>Thanks

Reply to this comment
Report this review Read 3 Comments
★★★★★
WRITE A REVIEW

“The BMW R850R is a great bike that is under-rated. It...”

Written on: 21/07/2006 by John Day

The BMW R850R is a great bike that is under-rated. It is not a jap rocket but it is not trying to be, it's a reliable safe and fun motorcycle. It is fast enough to enjoy and not lose your licence. The brakes are great and the heated grips make all the difference on cold Sunday mornings. When you pull up in the car park you will not find another. (read more)

Report this review
★★★★★
WRITE A REVIEW

“The BMW R850R is a fine bike. I have not been on a...”

Written on: 07/06/2006 by bors

The BMW R850R is a fine bike. I have not been on a bike for about 10 years and i recently made a trip of 200 km without any pain, its simply a prima bike. (read more)

Report this review
★★★★★
WRITE A REVIEW

“I'd just passed my Direct Access Motorcycle Test and...”

Written on: 29/07/2005 by jonothan (1 review written)

I'd just passed my Direct Access Motorcycle Test and was looking for something that was stylish and of good quality but not your run-of-the-mill Japanese "Pocket Rocket". I had always admired the BMWs anyway and loved the looks of the R850R and its big sister, the R1150R. I had also greatly enjoyed the highly acclaimed TV series "The Long Way Round" with Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman, in which they rode BMW R1150GS Adventures around the world. The BMWs looked to be a serious piece of... (read more)

Def Fid's Response to jonothan's Review

Written on: 03/10/2009

I found this review very helpful because... it helped me choose an R850R.

Reply to this comment
Report this review Read 1 Comment
★★★★★
WRITE A REVIEW

“I ride a 2002 model BMW R850R Sports Bike and have...”

Written on: 12/04/2005 by david wadsworth (3 reviews written)

I ride a 2002 model BMW R850R Sports Bike and have clocked up 31k in all weathers. Bike finish is still like new. Despite modest power, the superb handling and brakes make this a very quick bike. It is a superb all rounder and is used regularly in London traffic as well as those European tours each summer. It cruises silenty at 100mph (with a screen) yet will potter through traffic at 15mph effortlessly. The gearbox was annoying for at least 15-20k miles but OK now. A couple of slides in the... (read more)

Report this review
★★★★☆
WRITE A REVIEW

“Realy approve of the telelever front suspension, it...”

Written on: 17/08/2004 by d00gal

Realy approve of the telelever front suspension, it makes a huge difference breaking in a corner. The BMW R850R sports bike had plenty of torque, but the power band was small, approx 6krpm-7.5krpm. The riding position is upright and the weight of the bike make it suitable for touring. My bike had a vibration at 5.5krpm or 120kmph in 5th, very annoying. I have spoken to one other R850R owner, he also complained of engine harmonics.
The bike is easy to work on and service yourself.
Overall a... (read more)

Report this review
overview

Share this page?

Business Owner?Claim your free Review Centre Star Rating badge now!
Claim your item page Take control of your reviews by setting up
your free Business Account