written by hirsty2 on 21/09/2007
Good Points
- Good performance, no sportsbike but way faster than most cars up to 80mph
- Very easy to ride whether slow or quick
- Reliability is excellent, never failed to do anything it should.
- Build quality very good, expected better (let down by some poor bolts & screws etc) & minor gearbox seal leak
- Very comfy for all day riding & brilliant visibility from upright position
- Great ergos (pegs/seat/bars ratio), everything feels substantial & high quality, great clocks etc
- Loads of aftermarket stuff available to make it exactly what you want
- Tank range between 150/180 miles depending on use
- Easy to load up with luggage (Baglux tankbag, pillion seat, OEM panniers or Ventura rack etc)
- Shaft-drive a real bonus, totally hassle free
Bad Points
- Could be a bit quicker & lighter! Remus end-can, y-pipe and cat removal helped a lot & improved sound
- Fuel tank nozzle is a pain, takes a while to refuel
- Don't believe everything about new BMW residuals, but levels-off after 3-years or so of depreciation
General Comments
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 and 1150-style round handlebars instead of cast.