Motorcycle specifications BMWF 850 GS Adventure 2020 De Johannesburg à Durban

whilemaintaining its 'mid-range' positioning, the F850GS pulls out its passport and pokes fun at the sleeping Allan Quatermain in us.

Arriving in autumn 2017 as a replacement for the eponymous 800, the F 850 GS awaited its 'Adventure' version like any self-respecting Bavarian adventurer. The little sister of the R 1250 GS, from which it stole its backpacker's guide and its wanderlust, the F 850 GS takes to the road with the arrival of this 'Adventure' derivative in the catalog.

In keeping with its mid-range positioning, this F850GS Adventure has brought out its passport and is a real treat for the Allan Quatermain in all of us.

A differentiated, more protective and masculine fairing (as the Bavarian firm is keen to point out), a higher, wider and two-position adjustable bubble, hand and case protectors. All of which immediately differentiates this upgraded version from the mid-size trail bike, while promising greater protection against the elements. On closer inspection, you'll also notice that ergonomics have been slightly optimized, with footrests that widen Enduro-style and an adjustable brake pedal and gear selector. A longer, stainless-steel luggage rack also sets this "Adventur'ière" apart, making it more suitable for zulupacks and down jackets. With this new look, the F850 GS Adventure and its passenger, linked by double-reinforced handlebars raised by 15 mm, can attempt to push back the horizon with greater ambition...and fewer aches and pains.

But what would a true adventurer be without a propensity to swallow up the kilometers like a budget at the local gas station? In this respect, the Adventure has made enormous progress, with its fuel tank increasing from 15 to 23 liters, enabling it to cover a minimum of 550 kilometers. That's Paris-Düsseldorf without a pit stop. Or Johannesburg-Durban for the more exotic among us!

Of course, with all its equipment, this F 850 GS gains in weight, climbing to 244kg fully loaded, i.e. 15kg more than the standard version.

But let's get back to the heart of the machine, housed in a new, stiffer and more robust tubular steel trellis frame (the old one was aluminum). Compared to the F800GS Adventure it succeeds, this 850 boasts a completely revised engine, ready for a multitude of occasions. BMW has taken a serious look at its parallel twin to make it more powerful. With more space in the cylinders, it will be able to set the tone. Displacement has been increased by 55 to 853 cm3. Power reaches 95 hp at 8250 rpm and 9.4 mkg of torque at 6250 rpm. That's 10 hp and almost 1 mkg more than on the previous F 800 GS Adventure. All these modifications result in a reversal of position for certain peripherals. The secondary drive chain moves to the left, and the exhaust migrates to the right. BM made a similar move when its 1200 GS adopted the liquid-cooled boxer. Why did BM do this? Because with the muffler on the right-hand side of the grinding wheel, there's no risk of getting burnt when manoeuvring the wheel on the left-hand side - the side we use most.

Like the F 850 GS, the Adventure is packed with electronics, both standard and optional. Let's start with the standard equipment, which includes two riding modes (Rain and Road), ASC (Automatic Stability Control) traction control, ABS, and a redesigned instrument panel. But this being BMW, a trip to the amuse-bouches section can quickly tempt you. The F 850 GS Adventure can be equipped with ESA electronically-adjustable suspension, DTC traction control, a shifter, Pro Riding Modes - which add Enduro, Enduro Pro and Dynamic - Pro cornering ABS, LED signature headlight, Dynamic brake light, emergency call, Keyless Ride keyless start system, and a brand-new 6.5-inch color TFT instrument panel. This high-tech screen offers a much more modern display, and can be used to manage music, telephone and vital machine parameters. As usual, BMW offers different packages to access different options depending on intended use (Comfort, Touring, Dynamic)

The F 850 GS Adventure is available in an exclusive gray color (Icegrey) and two styling variants, Rallye and Exclusive.

Of course, this machine can be bridled in A2, which is a plus for a machine that will be the springboard for a beginner aiming to challenge the 1250GS queen once his experience (and portfolio) have been built up. But when you come right down to it, this mid-range trail bike, in its adventurous version, will have little to envy its superstar sibling, apart from the famous final drive shaft.

M.B - Manufacturer's photos