written by david wadsworth on 12/04/2005
Good Points
Reliable and survives winters well. Smooth power delivery and incredible handling. Good brakes.
Bad Points
Engine protectors not standard but necessary. Gear box takes 25k miles to smooth out. Standard seat too profiled to be comfortable.
General Comments
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 snow have scarred the cylinder head on one side so engine protectors (£70) a must. For the size is important crowd the 1150 version must be just as good but probably no quicker. The suspension design must be the best available and the lack of dive under braking makes city riding much safer.