written by jfro5867 on 20/03/2013
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 WORLD, not journo world. I could have got anything but out of them all you know I've chosen to get another 850, I found a gorgeous low mileage 2001 Black Classic with wire wheels and its now in my garage ready for the spring. Why the 850 then you might ask...well its the outstanding quality, the comfort, the fact you know you can do 100,000 miles on them (even though thats unlikely) and still they keep going (how many other bikes can do that?), they do an effortless 80mph which is plenty quick AND they are an absolute delight to service yourself, which really helps you to bond with your machine. I have put a Remus can on it (like my last one) and it sounds gorgeous and lets it breathe. Other than that its bog standard. I cannot recommend them highly enough as long as you know and are honest with yourself that you don't want a sportsbike.
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Neil-England's Response to jfro5867's Review
Written on: 28/07/2014
Thanks for an enjoyable read, and after reading many others with positive vibes I've committed to a 2003 R850R which I'll pick up this week all being well.
Happy motoring!
Neil
Photomegus's Response to jfro5867's Review
Written on: 11/07/2019
I couldn't agree more. I have an early (1999) model and just love it. Lot's of torque at lower revs and sufficient top end when you need it, albeit not as exciting as some, but it's viceless. Servicing is so easy that I do it on the fly. That is I may do an oi and filter change, then the following month the tappets, etc. The bike still looks good, even earlier today receiving a query on the reg as it looks a lot newer, despite 50k miles. Providing like me, you are ready to have a settled ride where you enjoy the thrill of the ride more than the thrill of defeating the risk, then I thoroughly recommend this lovely under-rated member of the BMW family.