BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 vs. BMW F 850 GS 2018

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

BMW F 850 GS 2018

BMW F 850 GS 2018

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Overview - BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 vs BMW F 850 GS 2018

The BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 and the BMW F 850 GS 2018 are both enduro motorcycles with their own unique features and strengths.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the R 1250 GS Adventure is equipped with a Boxer engine, while the F 850 GS has an in-line engine. The R 1250 GS Adventure has a larger displacement of 1254cc compared to the F 850 GS's 853cc. In terms of power, the R 1250 GS Adventure boasts 136 HP, while the F 850 GS has 95 HP. The R 1250 GS Adventure also has higher torque at 143 Nm compared to the F 850 GS's 92 Nm. Both motorcycles have electric starters, but the R 1250 GS Adventure has a prop shaft transmission, while the F 850 GS has a chain transmission.

In terms of suspension, the R 1250 GS Adventure features a telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37mm and a travel of 210mm. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 220mm. The F 850 GS, on the other hand, has an upside-down telescopic fork front suspension with a diameter of 43mm and a travel of 204mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 219mm. Both motorcycles offer preload and rebound adjustment for the rear suspension.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have a steel frame. The R 1250 GS Adventure has a load-bearing engine frame, while the F 850 GS has a tubular load-bearing engine frame. The R 1250 GS Adventure has a slightly steeper rake at 65.1 degrees compared to the F 850 GS's 62 degrees. The trail of the R 1250 GS Adventure is 95.4mm, while the F 850 GS has a trail of 126mm.

Both motorcycles have double disk front brakes, but the R 1250 GS Adventure also offers additional advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, riding modes, and ride by wire. The F 850 GS only has ABS as an advanced rider assistance system.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the R 1250 GS Adventure has a front tire diameter of 19 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches with a width of 170mm. The F 850 GS has a larger front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches with a width of 150mm. The wheelbase of the R 1250 GS Adventure is 1504mm, while the F 850 GS has a longer wheelbase of 1593mm. The seat height of the R 1250 GS Adventure is 890mm, while the F 850 GS has a slightly lower seat height of 860mm. The R 1250 GS Adventure also has a higher kerb weight of 268kg compared to the F 850 GS's 229kg. The fuel tank capacity of the R 1250 GS Adventure is larger at 30 liters, while the F 850 GS has a smaller fuel tank capacity of 15 liters.

BMW F 850 GS 2018

BMW F 850 GS 2018

In terms of strengths, the R 1250 GS Adventure offers great ride comfort, an extreme range, good ergonomics, excellent weather protection, bulbous torque, clean response, and generally good rideability due to its low center of gravity. It also has a wide range of customization options. On the other hand, the F 850 GS has a superior engine, adequate braking system, very good seating position, easy handling, and an extensive range of accessories. It also offers riding modes, traction control, and is off-road capable.

However, both motorcycles have their weaknesses. The R 1250 GS Adventure's high weight can be noticeable in the braking zone, and it also comes with a high price tag. The F 850 GS, on the other hand, has a disc that is too low and its sound could be better.

In conclusion, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 and the BMW F 850 GS 2018 are both impressive enduro motorcycles with their own unique features and strengths. The R 1250 GS Adventure offers a larger engine, more power and torque, advanced rider assistance systems, and a larger fuel tank capacity. The F 850 GS, on the other hand, offers a superior engine, easy handling, and is off-road capable. Both motorcycles have their own weaknesses, but overall, they provide excellent options for riders looking for adventure and versatility.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 compared to BMW F 850 GS 2018

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019
BMW F 850 GS 2018

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeIn line
BoreBore102.5 mmBore84 mm
StrokeStroke76 mmStroke77 mm
Engine powerEngine power136 HPEngine power95 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power8,250 rpm
TorqueTorque143 NmTorque92 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio12.7
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore52 mmThrottle Bore48 mm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionChain
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquid-airCoolingliquid
Can be restricted for A2 licenceCan be restricted for A2 licenceYesCan be restricted for A2 licenceYes
DisplacementDisplacement1,254 ccmDisplacement853 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTeleleverFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter37 mmDiameter43 mm
TravelTravel210 mmTravel204 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel220 mmTravel219 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engine
RakeRake65.1 degreeRake62 degree
TrailTrail95.4 mmTrail126 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter305 mmDiameter305 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonDouble piston
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter276 mmDiameter265 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Riding modes, Ride by WireAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter21 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,270 mmLength2,305 mm
WidthWidth952 mmWidth922 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,504 mmWheelbase1,593 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height890 mmSeat Height860 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)268 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)229 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity30 lFuel Tank Capacity15 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019

The big GS Adventure is and remains a great motorbike for any terrain - even for tight corners. The low centre of gravity of the boxer engine, the longitudinally mounted crankshaft, the upright seating position and the powerful but easily controllable torque from far below are simply a force. Although the Adventure version has a higher seat with more weight, which is a decisive hindrance when turning or manoeuvring, in terms of performance the engine also has so much punch in the big GS Adventure that you can let it rip. The BMW's braking system is stable and excellently controllable, and the equipment and electronics can be upgraded considerably - as long as you tick the boxes on the order list. Of course, this pushes up the price, but the many fans of the fat GS Adventure obviously don't mind.

High-torque engine that accelerates strongly from low revs

low centre of gravity ensures surprisingly accessible manoeuvrability

practical details for frequent riders on board

gigantic range of 600 km

amazingly low consumption

good wind and weather protection

great ride comfort

powerful engine

great electronics

easy-to-read display

confident feeling in the saddle

practical riding aids

great ergonomics for tall people.

High weight

gearshifts at low revs somewhat clumsy

jagged appearance with little elegance

high-priced with full equipment

BMW F 850 GS 2018

BMW F 850 GS 2018

The BMW F 850 GS also scores points in 2022 with its pleasant ergonomics and accessible character. Operation is easy and you quickly feel comfortable on the motorbike. The longer the tour, the more you miss the finesse in the details. The damping of the fork is too lax and not adjustable. The engine gets a bit boring in the long run, and the gearstick and quickshifter are always stiff. In direct comparison with other touring enduros, it is always somewhat overshadowed by more exciting models.

Good wind and weather protection

well thought-out operating concept

practical equipment

very accessible operation and driveability in everyday use

good seat comfort

great connectivity solution

Vibrations in the upper rev range

boring engine

stiff quickshifter gearstick

front damping too lax

fork not adjustable

ponderous feel

front brake could do with more bite.

Price Comparison Average Market Price BMW R 1250 GS Adventure vs BMW F 850 GS

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 and a BMW F 850 GS 2018. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 is about 67% higher. A BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 experiences a loss of 780 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 2,480 GBP for a BMW F 850 GS 2018. Compared to BMW F 850 GS 2018 there are more BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2019 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 24 compared to 5. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure with 51 days compared to 112 days for a BMW F 850 GS. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 30 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure and 31 reviews for the BMW F 850 GS since model year 2018. The first review for the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure was published on 06/11/2018 and now has more than 43,300 views. This compares to more than 69,800 views for the first review on BMW F 850 GS published on 21/11/2017.

Price BMW R 1250 GS Adventure

Model year
Current average market prices

Price BMW F 850 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

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