BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019 vs. BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

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Overview - BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019 vs BMW R 1200 GS 2015

The BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019 and the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 are both enduro motorcycles with their own unique set of features and characteristics.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the F 850 GS Adventure is equipped with an in-line, 2-cylinder engine with a bore of 84 mm and a stroke of 77 mm. It produces 95 HP of power and 92 Nm of torque. The transmission is chain-driven and the displacement is 853 ccm. On the other hand, the R 1200 GS has a boxer engine with a bore of 101 mm and a stroke of 73 mm. It delivers a more powerful 125 HP and 125 Nm of torque. The transmission is a prop shaft and the displacement is 1170 ccm.

In terms of suspension, the F 850 GS Adventure features an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm suspension at the rear, both of which can be adjusted for preload and rebound. The R 1200 GS, on the other hand, has a strut front suspension and a single swing arm rear suspension, with only preload adjustment available.

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019

Both motorcycles have a steel frame, with the F 850 GS Adventure having a tubular, load-bearing engine frame type and the R 1200 GS having a twin tube, load-bearing engine frame type.

When it comes to brakes, both motorcycles are equipped with double disk brakes at the front.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the F 850 GS Adventure has a larger front tire diameter of 21 inches, while the R 1200 GS has a smaller front tire diameter of 19 inches. The rear tire width is 150 mm for the F 850 GS Adventure and 170 mm for the R 1200 GS. Both motorcycles have a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. The wheelbase is longer for the F 850 GS Adventure at 1593 mm compared to the 1507 mm of the R 1200 GS. The seat height is higher for the F 850 GS Adventure at 875 mm compared to the 850 mm of the R 1200 GS. The F 850 GS Adventure also has a higher kerb weight with ABS at 244 kg compared to the 238 kg of the R 1200 GS. The fuel tank capacity is larger for the F 850 GS Adventure at 23 liters compared to the 20 liters of the R 1200 GS.

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

In terms of strengths, the F 850 GS Adventure is praised for its silky-smooth engine, top ergonomics and comfort, suitability for touring and off-road use, and overall technical maturity. On the other hand, the R 1200 GS is known for its powerful engine, low fuel consumption, comfortable seating position, off-road capabilities, and high reputation.

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses as well. The F 850 GS Adventure is criticized for its high price with additional equipment, lack of emotional engine character, non-adjustable fork, and relatively high weight. The R 1200 GS has drawbacks such as a long and expensive surcharge side, a Telelever front suspension that takes some getting used to, and sharp brakes.

In conclusion, both the BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019 and the BMW R 1200 GS 2015 have their own unique set of features, strengths, and weaknesses. It ultimately depends on the rider's preferences and priorities to determine which motorcycle suits them better.

Technical Specifications BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019 compared to BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019
BMW R 1200 GS 2015

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore84 mmBore101 mm
StrokeStroke77 mmStroke73 mm
Engine powerEngine power95 HPEngine power125 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,250 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,700 rpm
TorqueTorque92 NmTorque125 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,500 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.7 Compression Ratio12.5
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingAir
Can be restricted for A2 licenceCan be restricted for A2 licenceYesCan be restricted for A2 licenceYes
DisplacementDisplacement853 ccmDisplacement1,170 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionStrut

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engineFrame typeTwin Tube, Load-bearing engine

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonFour pistons
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFixed caliper

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,300 mmLength2,207 mm
WidthWidth939 mmWidth953 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,593 mmWheelbase1,507 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height875 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)244 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)238 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity23 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019

Packed with technical features and additional equipment, the "small" Adventure is a high-tech machine. The many functions work well, and our testers were particularly impressed by the electronic chassis and the silky-smooth running of the engine. The Asian origin of the engine is not noticeable. The larger tank of the Adventure version and all the accessories drive up both the weight and the price. At 244 kg, the BMW F 850 GS Adventure is a bulky lump, which doesn't please everyone. But the ergonomics are top-notch, and the seating position in the wide fairing conveys a feeling of safety and protection.

Silky-smooth engine

top ergonomics and comfort

absolutely suitable for touring

suitable for off-road

technically very mature

High price with additional equipment

engine exudes little emotion

fork not adjustable

quite high weight

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

BMW R 1200 GS 2015

A GS is at home almost anywhere - but only to a limited extent on the racetrack. It's a pleasure to feel the power of the partially water-cooled boxer twin cylinder on the exit of the bend - 125 hp only seems much weaker on paper than 150 or even 160 hp on the competition. With 125 Newton metres of torque, the acceleration from the bottom is superb anyway and the GS, at 238 kilos ready to ride, does not carry too much flab despite its bulky appearance. In very tight corners, the low centre of gravity also has a positive effect - the BMW R 1200 GS is very hard to crack! Even the front telelever suspension, which suppresses the front wheel's tendency to sink in when braking, fits perfectly into the overall package on the GS and can only slightly detract from its sporty character.

Powerful engine

low fuel consumption

comfortable seating position

can also be used off-road

high reputation

Long and expensive surcharge side

Telelever front suspension takes some getting used to

Brake very sharp.

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW F 850 GS Adventure vs BMW R 1200 GS

There are a few key differences between a BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019 and a BMW R 1200 GS 2015. In terms of price, the actual average prices of both motorbikes are almost the same. A BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019 experiences a loss of 0 GBP in one year and 1,260 GBP in two years of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 450 GBP and 1,080 GBP for a BMW R 1200 GS 2015. Compared to BMW R 1200 GS 2015 there are less BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 5 compared to 47. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1200 GS with 66 days compared to 138 days for the BMW F 850 GS Adventure. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 12 reviews for the BMW F 850 GS Adventure and 98 reviews for the BMW R 1200 GS since model year 2005. The first review for the BMW F 850 GS Adventure was published on 06/11/2018 and now has more than 33,200 views. This compares to more than 19,100 views for the first review on BMW R 1200 GS published on 20/01/2004.

Price BMW F 850 GS Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW R 1200 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

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