BMW F 850 GS 2018 vs. BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW F 850 GS 2018

BMW F 850 GS 2018

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

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Overview - BMW F 850 GS 2018 vs BMW R 1250 GS 2020

The BMW F 850 GS model year 2018 and the BMW R 1250 GS model year 2020 are both enduro motorcycles from BMW, but they have some notable differences in terms of technical specifications and strengths.

Starting with the engine and drive train, the BMW F 850 GS 2018 is equipped with an in-line, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 853ccm. It produces 95 HP of power and 92 Nm of torque. The engine is started electrically and the power is transmitted to the rear wheel through a chain transmission. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 features a boxer, 2-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1254ccm. It delivers a higher power output of 136 HP and a torque of 143 Nm. The engine is also started electrically, but the power is transmitted to the rear wheel through a prop shaft transmission.

In terms of suspension, the BMW F 850 GS 2018 is equipped with an upside-down telescopic fork at the front and a swing arm suspension with a monoshock at the rear. The front suspension has a diameter of 43mm and offers a travel of 204mm, while the rear suspension has a travel of 219mm and can be adjusted for preload and rebound. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 features a telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37mm and a travel of 190mm. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock and offers a travel of 200mm, also adjustable for preload and rebound.

BMW F 850 GS 2018

BMW F 850 GS 2018

Both motorcycles have a steel frame, but the chassis design differs slightly. The BMW F 850 GS 2018 has a tubular, load-bearing engine frame with a rake of 62 degrees and a trail of 126mm. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 also has a load-bearing engine frame, but with a slightly steeper rake of 62.9 degrees and a shorter trail of 109mm.

In terms of braking, both motorcycles are equipped with double disk brakes at the front. However, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 offers additional advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, riding modes, and ride by wire.

In terms of dimensions and weights, the BMW F 850 GS 2018 has a front tire diameter of 21 inches, a rear tire width of 150mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a wheelbase of 1593mm, a seat height of 860mm, a kerb weight (with ABS) of 229kg, and a fuel tank capacity of 15 liters. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has a front tire diameter of 19 inches, a rear tire width of 170mm, and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches. It has a slightly shorter wheelbase of 1525mm, a slightly lower seat height of 850mm, a higher kerb weight (with ABS) of 249kg, and a larger fuel tank capacity of 20 liters.

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

In terms of strengths, the BMW F 850 GS 2018 is praised for its superior engine performance, adequate braking system, very good seating position, easy handling, extensive range of accessories, riding modes, traction control, and off-road capability. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is praised for its extremely high-torque boxer engine, good sound, comfortable seating position suitable for long distances, stable braking performance, good weather protection, standard color TFT display, and LED headlights.

However, the BMW F 850 GS 2018 does have some weaknesses, including a disc that is positioned too low and a sound that could be better. On the other hand, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is criticized for its manageable standard equipment and a long surcharge list, as well as a jagged appearance with little elegance.

In conclusion, the BMW F 850 GS 2018 and the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 are both capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 offers a more powerful engine, advanced rider assistance systems, and some additional features, but it also comes with a higher price tag and a slightly heavier weight. Ultimately, the choice between the two models will depend on the rider's specific preferences and requirements.

Technical Specifications BMW F 850 GS 2018 compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW F 850 GS 2018
BMW R 1250 GS 2020
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BMW F 850 GS 2018
BMW F 850 GS 2018
BMW R 1250 GS 2020
BMW R 1250 GS 2020

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeIn lineEngine typeBoxer
BoreBore84 mmBore102.5 mm
StrokeStroke77 mmStroke76 mm
Engine powerEngine power95 HPEngine power136 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power8,250 rpmRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpm
TorqueTorque92 NmTorque143 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque6,250 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.7 Compression Ratio12.5
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
Throttle BoreThrottle Bore48 mmThrottle Bore52 mm
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeAntihopping
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionProp shaft
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders2
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquidCoolingliquid-air
Can be restricted for A2 licenceCan be restricted for A2 licenceYesCan be restricted for A2 licenceYes
DisplacementDisplacement853 ccmDisplacement1,254 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionTelelever
DiameterDiameter43 mmDiameter37 mm
TravelTravel204 mmTravel190 mm

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSwing armSuspensionSingle swing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel219 mmTravel200 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload, Rebound
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeTubular, Load-bearing engineFrame typeLoad-bearing engine
RakeRake62 degreeRake62.9 degree
TrailTrail126 mmTrail109 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter305 mmDiameter305 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter265 mmDiameter276 mm
PistonPistonSingle pistonPistonDouble piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABSAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Riding modes, Ride by Wire

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height70 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width150 mmRear tyre width170 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height70 %Rear tyre height60 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter17 inch
LengthLength2,305 mmLength2,207 mm
WidthWidth922 mmWidth952.5 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,593 mmWheelbase1,525 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height860 mmSeat Height850 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)229 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)249 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity15 lFuel Tank Capacity20 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW F 850 GS 2018

BMW F 850 GS 2018

You might not see it at first glance on the new BMW F 850 GS, but it really is a completely new design. Both the steel chassis and the drivetrain have been changed, the engine enlarged to 853 cubic capacity and designed to be even more powerful with the 90-degree crankpin offset. As a result, the new F 850 GS presents itself more sovereign than excited and is convincing both on the road and off-road. The very special thing about the BMW is the ability to tailor it exactly to your personal needs thanks to the extensive range of accessories - there is actually no feature currently available that you can't get on your F 850 GS. However, this also drives up the price.

superior engine

adequate braking system

very good seating position

easy handling

extensive range of accessories

riding modes

traction control

off-road capable

Disc too low

sound could be better

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

The BMW R 1250 GS is the logical further development of the R 1200 GS - logical above all because one should not expect such a popular motorbike to be radically changed. Accordingly, the design has been changed cautiously, and the familiar options for the chassis and electronics have been retained. The new name R 1250 GS, however, promises a new engine - and it really is something! 136 hp at 7750 rpm and a whopping 143 Newton metres of maximum torque at 6250 rpm are an absolute blast! BMW has thus renovated the big GS almost perfectly: it remains clearly recognisable, has a little more electronics as standard, a still long list of surcharges (which customers like to tick from A to Z) and a now even better and more sovereign power plant - what more could you want?!

extremely high-torque boxer engine

good sound

comfortable seating position, suitable for long distances

stable braking performance

good weather protection

colour TFT display standard

LED headlights

Manageable standard equipment, long surcharge list

jagged appearance with little elegance

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW F 850 GS vs BMW R 1250 GS

There are a few key differences between a BMW F 850 GS 2018 and a BMW R 1250 GS 2020. In terms of price, the actual average price of a BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is about 59% higher. A BMW F 850 GS 2018 experiences a loss of 2,440 USD in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 590 USD for a BMW R 1250 GS 2020. Compared to BMW R 1250 GS 2020 there are less BMW F 850 GS 2018 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 5 compared to 71. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 43 days compared to 112 days for the BMW F 850 GS. Since model year 2018 1000PS.de editors have written 31 reviews for the BMW F 850 GS and 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS since model year 2019. The first review for the BMW F 850 GS was published on 11/21/2017 and now has more than 69,800 views. This compares to more than 305,600 views for the first review on BMW R 1250 GS published on 9/19/2018.

Price BMW F 850 GS

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Price BMW R 1250 GS

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Current average market prices

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