When the new F850 GS was revealed last year, everyone know it was just a matter of time until we saw a ruggedized, adventurized version, and here it is: the 2019 BMW F850 GS Adventure.
As with past Adventure models, this is, at its core, an F850 GS, but with beefier suspension, bigger windshield, more protection and longer-range tank included as standard.
Starting with the motor, we have the same liquid-cooled 853 cc parallel twin that was built into the F850 GS last year, with smoother, more powerful performance than the outgoing F800 twin, which was definitely showing its age. A system of internal tweaks, including dual counterbalancers, make the F850 much more enjoyable to ride. As with last year’s F850, the new GS Adventure makes 95 HP at 8,250 rpm and 67.9 lb-ft of torque at 6,250 rpm. The transmission is a six-speed, with a chain final drive.
According to BMW, the new bike also packs a “New onboard electrical system with more powerful alternator and starter.” Output is 416 watts.
Seat height is 875 mm, with options ranging from 815 mm to 890 mm. Road-ready weight is 244 kg.
The frame is nothing fancy—it’s made of sheet steel, which is good for RTW travelers who might need something welded roadside in Zimbabwe. The suspension, though, is revised in the F850 Adventure, with 43 mm USD forks with 230mm of travel; the rear monoshock has 215 mm of travel (adjustable for preload and rebound). BMW’s Dynamic ESA system (electronic suspension adjustment) is optional.
The fuel tank is bumped up to 23L (standard F850 is 18.5 litres), which BMW says is good for a whopping 550 k of range.
Bodywork has also been redesigned for the Adventure, including a larger windshield with adjustment capability. The shift lever and rear brake pedal are adjustable, and crash bars and a stainless steel luggage rack are also stock items. Wider enduro-style footpegs are standard equipment.
As befits an adventure bike, the rims are spoked with tubeless tires, 2.15 x 21 up front and 4.25 x 17 in the rear.
Up front, there are dual 305 mm brake discs with two-piston calipers, with a single 265 mm disc in rear with one-piston caliper. ABS is standard, but can be switched off for offroad-riding.
The 6.5-inch TFT screen functions as a dash, but also as a centre for the bike’s Bluetooth integration, allowing riders to manage their in-helmet entertainment and communication systems.
“Rain, and”Road” riding modes are standard. ASC (Automatic Stability Control) is standard, but ABS Pro (aka leaning ABS) is optional, as is Dynamic Traction Control and “Dynamic,” “Enduro” and “Enduro Pro” riding modes, which allow for more hoonery on street or in the dirt.
An LED headlight is standard, and as usual, other LED lighting options are available at extra cost. A keyless ignition is also available as an option. Other options include the usual range of accessories: more crash bars, luggage (soft or hard), lowered suspension, cruise control, offroad seat and lots more.
Canadian pricing is $16,200, with no word on availability yet, but we’re sure you’ll see it by next season.
