BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019 vs. BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

The BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019 and the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 are both enduro motorcycles designed for adventure riding. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences in terms of specifications and features.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the F 850 GS Adventure 2019 is equipped with an in-line, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 853cc. It delivers a power output of 95 HP and a torque of 92 Nm. On the other hand, the R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 features a boxer, 2-cylinder engine with a larger displacement of 1254cc. It offers a higher power output of 136 HP and a torque of 143 Nm. The R 1250 GS Adventure has a more powerful engine, providing better acceleration and overall performance.

In terms of suspension, the F 850 GS Adventure 2019 has an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 43mm and a travel of 230mm for the front suspension. The rear suspension consists of a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 215mm. On the other hand, the R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 features a telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37mm and a travel of 210mm. The rear suspension is also equipped with a monoshock, offering a travel of 220mm. Both motorcycles have adjustable preload and rebound settings for the rear suspension.

BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have a steel frame with a load-bearing engine design. The F 850 GS Adventure 2019 has a frame type of tubular, while the R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 has a load-bearing engine frame type. The R 1250 GS Adventure has a slightly steeper rake angle of 65.1 degrees compared to the 62-degree rake angle of the F 850 GS Adventure. This difference in rake angle may affect the handling characteristics of the motorcycles.

Both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. In terms of advanced rider assistance systems, both models are equipped with ABS, anti-slipping control, and riding modes. However, the R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 has additional features such as hill start assist, electronically adjustable suspension, cornering ABS, and ride by wire.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the F 850 GS Adventure 2019 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches and a rear tire width of 150mm. The R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 has a slightly smaller front tire diameter of 19 inches but a wider rear tire width of 170mm. The wheelbase of the F 850 GS Adventure is 1593mm, while the R 1250 GS Adventure has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1504mm. The seat height of the F 850 GS Adventure is 875mm, while the R 1250 GS Adventure has a higher seat height of 890mm. The kerb weight of the F 850 GS Adventure is 244kg, while the R 1250 GS Adventure is heavier at 268kg. The fuel tank capacity of the F 850 GS Adventure is 23 liters, while the R 1250 GS Adventure has a larger fuel tank capacity of 30 liters.

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021

In terms of strengths, the F 850 GS Adventure 2019 is praised for its silky-smooth engine, top ergonomics and comfort, suitability for touring and off-road riding, and its overall technical maturity. On the other hand, the R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 is praised for its practical details for frequent riders, a gigantic range with low fuel consumption, good wind and weather protection, great ride comfort, a powerful engine, great connectivity app, easy-to-read display, confident feeling in the saddle, pleasant seating position for the pillion passenger, practical riding aids, great headlights, and great ergonomics for tall people.

In terms of weaknesses, the F 850 GS Adventure 2019 is criticized for its high price with additional equipment, a lack of emotional appeal in the engine, non-adjustable fork, and high weight. The R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 is criticized for its high weight, stiff gearshifts at low revs, and a jagged appearance with little elegance.

Overall, the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure 2021 offers more power, advanced rider assistance systems, and a larger fuel tank capacity compared to the BMW F 850 GS Adventure 2019. However, it also comes with a higher price tag and a heavier weight. The choice between the two models ultimately depends on the rider's preferences and priorities.