On Track Off Road No.183

But inevitably it can’t match the R1200GS
for low-rev grunt, and doesn’t have the big
boxer’s distinctive character either.
It is however impressively economical, averaging
close to 60mpg to give a range of 170-
plus miles from the 15-litre tank. (There’s
also an F850GS ‘Adventure’, with 23-litre
tank plus hand-guards and taller, adjustable
screen.) Whether the fairly thin and not outstandingly
comfortable seat encourages such
mileage without a break is another matter.
Disappointingly, the F850GS doesn’t approach
the Adventure model’s level of wind
protection, largely due to its low, narrow
screen, which does little apart from generating
some noisy turbulence. A taller option
is available, and there are also higher and
lower options for the seat, which also can’t
be adjusted, and at 860mm is typically
adventure-bike tall as standard.
With that standard seat the F850GS is respectably
roomy and it handles well on road,
feeling reasonably light and agile despite
weighing 229kg with fuel, and having a 21-
inch front wheel.
The wide handlebar gives plenty of leverage
to get the bike flicking through bends, steering
is accurate and there’s plenty of stopping
power from the Brembo front brake calipers.
Suspension is well controlled despite giving
very generous travel; there’s also a semiactive
option that links with riding mode.
As standard the modes are simply Road
and softer Rain. Paying extra for the Pro
upgrade adds Dynamic, with sharper throttle
response, plus off-road-friendly Enduro
and Enduro Pro (which disables rear ABS to
allow skids). The options are good to have,
though the engine’s rider-friendly character
means that even the sharper throttle response
is very manageable.
You couldn’t describe the F-bike as compact
or particularly light, but it’s respectably
manoeuvrable, and usefully less heavy and
more agile than the R1200GS.