... This said knowing the agricultural set up, sound and feel on some models!!!!
Sadly as noticed with my recent later model BMW bikes, the finish is more for a summer polisher than an all year round biker. I still have a 23 years old K100 to testify to that, and my older R100 and R80's just ... Read review
Advantages: Real BMW, docile, light feel, enough power, pulls well all gears, economical, good handling Disadvantages: Needed higher saddle, and variable height options on bars.
...with my recent later model BMW bikes, the finish is more for a summer polisher than an all year round biker. I still have a 23 years old K100 to testify to that, and my older R100 and R80's just washed down and parked, whereas these newer ones seem to scratch just looking at a bungy.
Lastly I seem to have forgotten the lights. However, the round headlight of the R series does very well all round without the quite vicious light 'cut ... more
Riding 45 years, Police, courier, instructional and pleasure (BMs since a T reg R100RS 1978) now having two new knees and having sold an R1100RS, and an R1200, I felt I needed a lighter feel for my native Yorkshire dales and Scottish island trips, yet have a biggish bike around me. ( I'm 6' 1") I also felt a more docile performance without big engine grunt and go more suited me for current and prospective use.
The R850R does it all. Very well! The 6 speed box is well spaced, 1 and 2 are bit low for me on tarmac but very controllable on loose with only throttle trickle style like on trials needed, the softer response from the 850 engine stopping wheel slip and potential slide. The luggage carrying capacity solo using rear seat is as good as a big cruiser with a carrier, and it still pulls well. It pulls from 30mph upwards in 6th, cruises effortlessly at 70 - 85mph, and is economical. Around Dales and narrow moors tracks it feels more like a quiet 250cc traily, whilst on motor-ways one plays with the big boys within limits of keeping a licence! Overall handling is very good. Said bearing in mind I could scrape my red RS on the ground either side as witnessed by members of York Advanced Motorcyclists!! (Yes I know, very naughty.) Variable choice suspension settings are available.
The brakes on mine are none ABS. This I prefer, but they are superb and one can feel the road with only a light touch via the front lever whilst the rear is very responsive to every pressure as required with no indication of lock up. The hydraulic clutch is faultless, and better than say the R1200's. Gear changes are quiet and very smooth for a boxer. This said knowing the agricultural set up, sound and feel on some models!!!!
Sadly as noticed with my recent later model BMW bikes, the finish is more for a summer polisher than an all year round biker. I still have a 23 years old K100 to testify to that, and my older R100 and R80's just washed down and parked, whereas these newer ones seem to scratch just looking at a bungy.
Lastly I seem to have forgotten the lights. However, the round headlight of the R series does very well all round without the quite vicious light 'cut off' when cornering fast at night up the moors - very noticeable on my late owned RS1100 when on dip or into oncoming cars, which can mean a slight dis-orientation and loss of, and in, forward observation until warned of it, or used to it.
