BMW R850R Reviews

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BMW R850R
4.4 stars
Average rating for this product is: 4.4 out of 5

From 4 ratings and 11 reviews

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Average Ratings for BMW R850R

  • Build quality4.5 stars
  • Reliability4.7 stars
  • Value for Money4.2 stars
  • Reviewer Ratings4.5 stars
  • Overall Rating4.4 stars

11 Reviews For BMW R850R

  • maruphil 7th Aug 2009

    Reviewer rating: 4 stars


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    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.

  • aland3400 29th May 2009

    Reviewer rating: 5 stars


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    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.

  • tex999 14th Jan 2009

    Reviewer rating: 4.5 stars


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    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.

  • phil bell 27th Nov 2008

    Reviewer rating: 4.5 stars


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    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.

  • hirsty2 Rank: Lance Corporal 21st Sep 2007

    Reviewer rating: 4 stars


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    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-styl ...

  • foxinsocks74 Rank: Corporal 24th Mar 2007

    Reviewer rating: 4.5 stars


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    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 power. I ...

  • John Day 21st Jul 2006

    Reviewer rating: 5 stars


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    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.

  • bors 7th Jun 2006

    Reviewer rating: 5 stars


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    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.

  • jonothan Rank: Lance Corporal 29th Jul 2005

    Reviewer rating: 4.5 stars


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    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 kit.

    ...

  • david wadsworth Rank: Corporal 12th Apr 2005

    Reviewer rating: 4.5 stars


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    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 sno ...

  • d00gal Rank: Lance Corporal 17th Aug 2004

    Reviewer rating: 3.5 stars


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    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 stu ...