BMW F 850 GS versus BMW R 1200 GS Adventure K255
BMW F 850 GS
Reise-Enduro
BMW R 1200 GS Adventure K255
Adventure
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2018 bis 2023
Built von 2006 bis 2013
RRP 13.000 €
RRP
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Competitors
Pros:
- raised seating position
- good handling on and off-road
- Wide range of extras and accessories
- successful appearance
Pros:
- Load donkey
- good-natured driving behaviour
- long range
- comfortable seating position
- very good wind protection
- also suitable for long and fast motorway passages
Cons:
- Windscreen could be slightly larger
- Price skyrockets with extras
- not quite as manoeuvrable
Cons:
- heavy, manoeuvring problematic
- vulnerable ABS
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase: 1.593 mm
Length : 2.305 mm Height : 1.356 mm
Seat : 860 mm until : 880 mm
Weight : 229 (max: 445 ) kg
Length : 2.305 mm Height : 1.356 mm
Seat : 860 mm until : 880 mm
Weight : 229 (max: 445 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.510 mm
Length : 2.250 mm Height : 1.470 mm
Seat : 890 mm until : 910 mm
Weight : 256 (max: 475 ) kg
Length : 2.250 mm Height : 1.470 mm
Seat : 890 mm until : 910 mm
Weight : 256 (max: 475 ) kg
Engine
Motor design: Number 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 853 ccm
Hub: 77 mm
Hole: 84 mm
Cooling: wassergekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 853 ccm
Hub: 77 mm
Hole: 84 mm
Cooling: wassergekühlt
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Motor design: Boxer 4-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Cooling: Luft/Ölgekühlt
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Cooling: Luft/Ölgekühlt
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Performance
Maximum speed: 204 km/h
Performance: 95 HP at 8.250 U/Min
Torque: 92 NM bei 6.250 U/Min Tank contents: 15 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 341 km
Performance: 95 HP at 8.250 U/Min
Torque: 92 NM bei 6.250 U/Min Tank contents: 15 Litre
Consumption: 4 l
Reach: 341 km
Maximum speed: 200 km/h
Performance: 98 HP at 7.000 U/Min
Torque: 115 NM bei 5.500 U/Min Tank contents: 33 Litre
Reach: 600 km
Performance: 98 HP at 7.000 U/Min
Torque: 115 NM bei 5.500 U/Min Tank contents: 33 Litre
Reach: 600 km
Chassis
Frame type:
Steel bridge frame in shell construction (steel) Front suspension:
Upside-down fork, Ø 43 mm (travel 204 mm) Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 219 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 90/90 21
Rear tyres: 150/70 R17
Steel bridge frame in shell construction (steel) Front suspension:
Upside-down fork, Ø 43 mm (travel 204 mm) Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 219 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm Tyres at the front: 90/90 21
Rear tyres: 150/70 R17
Frame type:
Three-part frame concept consisting of front and rear frame with supporting engine (steel) Front suspension:
Telelever 41mm central strut (travel 210 mm) Rear suspension:
WAD strut (travel 220 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm Paralever Tyres at the front: 110/80 R19
Rear tyres: 150/70 R17
Three-part frame concept consisting of front and rear frame with supporting engine (steel) Front suspension:
Telelever 41mm central strut (travel 210 mm) Rear suspension:
WAD strut (travel 220 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm Paralever Tyres at the front: 110/80 R19
Rear tyres: 150/70 R17
Brakes
Front brake
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 265 mm)
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc (∅ 265 mm)
Front brake
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Single disc (∅ 265 mm)
Double disc (∅ 305 mm) Rear brake
Single disc (∅ 265 mm)
Conclusion - what gets stuck
"Excellent off-road capability with even increased road characteristics" was the press release for BMW's new adventure. By offroad, the scribes probably didn't mean the cross-piste with jumps and deep sand at that time - the GS 1200 Adventure is simply too heavy for that. Nevertheless, this motorcycle is the ideal bike for the gaaaanz long journey. Charly Boorman and Ewan McGregor provided the proof in 2007 on their "Long Way Down" journey, in which they covered 23,500 kilometers through Africa precisely on these machines.Unfortunately, even used and older GS Adventure bikes are not quite cheap. Depending on age, mileage, condition and equipment, up to 13,000 euros are required. However, it is doubtful that such prices are actually paid, but for a good GSA K255 one has to reckon with 8,000 euros. Back to the initial question: Is it worth it? Clear "YES!" on our part, because these machines last forever and still bring a lot of joy after 15 years.
