BMW F 850 GS: specifications, pros and cons, compatible accessories
The best balance in the BMW range, and the most affordable to equip
270-degree parallel twin, 21-inch front wheel, chain drive. It sits between the R 1250 GS and the smaller models, and today it is the BMW touring motorcycle with the best price-to-performance ratio of all.
- In summaryHighly sought-after used, with a complete range of accessories at now-mature prices.
- Do immediatelyHandguards, crash bars, kickstand plate.
- CheckThe CHG033 crash bar fits the F 850 GS only from 2021 onward.
- AvoidThe 2024 F 900 GS kickstand plate: different foot.
- BrandsLOBOO, Barkbusters, DENALI, Eazi-Grip, Endurrad.
Who it is recommended for
It is the right motorcycle if
- You are looking for a touring BMW that costs less than a boxer, including accessories
- You want a motorcycle that is manageable off-road too, with a 21-inch front wheel
- You are buying used and want a model that resells well
- You prefer mechanics simpler than those of the larger GS models
- Around 300 km of range between refueling stops is enough for you
Look elsewhere if
- You ride very long stages: 15 liters is not much
- The 270-degree parallel-twin vibrations bother you
- You want wind protection without adding a windscreen
- You do not want to deal with a chain
- You are short and cannot find a lowered version
In short: this is the BMW with the best balance of price, weight, and capability, and it is now one of the best used-bike deals since the arrival of the F 900 GS. If you need more range and greater protection, the F 850 GS Adventure increases the tank to 23 liters and shares most of its accessories with this model; if you want the newer generation with a stronger focus on dirt riding, the F 900 GS weighs fourteen kilos less.
Technical specifications
| Engine | 853 cc parallel twin, 270-degree crankshaft |
|---|---|
| Power | 95 hp at 8,250 rpm |
| Torque | 92 Nm at 6,250 rpm |
| Transmission | 6 gears, chain final drive |
| Chassis | Steel bridge frame, upside-down forks |
| Wheels | 21 inches front, 17 rear, spoked |
| Weight | 229 kg ready to ride |
| Tank | 15 liters |
| Seat height | 860 mm standard, with lowered options |
| Production | 2018-2023, replaced by the F 900 GS |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Weight and power are well balanced: manageable off-road too
- Complete accessory catalog, with prices now lower
- Many parts shared with the F 750 GS
- Highly sought-after used, so it holds its value well
- Simpler mechanics than the boxer models
Cons
- 15-liter tank, limited range compared with the Adventure
- Parallel-twin vibrations are noticeable on long stages
- Tall seat for shorter riders
- Chain needs tensioning and lubrication, unlike a shaft drive
- Wind protection is only just adequate as standard
What to fit, in order of priority
On a motorcycle with a 21-inch front wheel, off-road riding is part of the game: useful spending goes first toward protection, then toward making the journey more comfortable.
- 1
Aluminum handguards with deflectorWith the 21-inch wheel, off-road riding is part of the experience: protect the levers and hands first. They come complete with a bar, shell, and deflector. - 2
CHG033 304 stainless steel crash barsFour bars, upper and lower, with auxiliary light mounts already built into the upper section. Pay attention to the year: for the F 850 GS, the LOBOO manual states compatibility from 2021. If yours is the front model, contact us before ordering. - 3
Larger kickstand plateCNC aluminum and stainless steel, 150 grams. Shared with the F 850 GS Adventure and F 900 GS Adventure. - 4
Barkbusters BHG-085 handguard kitThe modular alternative to full handguards: a two-point mount shared with the F 750 GS and R 1250 GS, then the bar and shell are chosen separately. - 5
19 mm riser with 25 mm setbackCode CJG033, also valid for the F 900 GS. The setback matters more than the rise: it changes standing riding. - 6
DENALI auxiliary light mountsBrackets designed for the F 750 GS and F 850 GS 2019-2023, to be paired with the SoundBomb horn mount and the CANsmart GEN II controller, which controls everything from the stock buttons. - 7
Wanderer semi-rigid panniersOn a 229 kg motorcycle, semi-rigid panniers weigh less than aluminum ones and do not make it too wide. - 8
Top-case plateFor the F 850 GS from 2021 and the F 750 GS from 2017: this is the mount needed to install a top case on the original luggage rack. - 9
4.5-6.5-liter tank bagWith the mounting ring: magnets alone are not enough on a plastic tank. - 10
Folding mirrorsFold them in before riding off-road: the stock ones break at the stem when the bike falls.
The collection also includes larger foot pegs, as useful as the riser for standing riding, Eazi-Grip instrument protection, PIKE TRACKER aluminum panniers with a matching top case, rear waterproof bags, an 18-liter ALPS bag that attaches on top of a pannier or top case, mirror adapters, the multi-model auxiliary light adapter, and the motorcycle cover.
See all accessories for F 850 GSCompatibility table
The F 850 shares a lot with the F 750, almost nothing with the 2024 F 900.
| Accessory | From the F 750 GS | Toward the F 850 GS Adv | Toward the F 900 GS |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHG033 crash bars | yes, same code | no | no |
| Kickstand plate | no | yes | no, except the 900 Adventure |
| Pannier frames | often yes | no | no |
| Top-case plate | yes, same code | no | no |
| Handlebar risers | no | yes | yes |
| Barkbusters handguard kit | yes | yes | no |
| DENALI auxiliary-light brackets | yes, 2019-2023 | no | no |
| Eazi-Grip instrumentation protection | yes, same code | no | no |
| Mirrors and adapters | yes | yes | yes |
| Pannier bodies and bags | yes | yes | yes |
Brands with dedicated accessories
LOBOOMost complete rangeCHG033 crash bars, kickstand plate, CJG033 risers, CHS081 handguards, top-case plate, footpegs, panniers, bags, and mirrors.
BarkbustersHandguardsTwo-point BHG-085 kit shared with the F 750 GS and R 1250 GS: crossbar plus a shell of your choice.
DENALILighting and electronicsAuxiliary-light brackets for 2019-2023 model years, a multi-model adapter, SoundBomb horn mount, and CANsmart GEN II controller.
Eazi-GripDashboard protectionHard protective film for the F 750 and F 850 instrumentation from 2018.
EndurradLuggage and detailsWaterproof rear bags, a motorcycle cover, and finishing accessories.
Frequently asked questions
F 850 GS or F 750 GS: does it make much difference for accessories?
Less than it might seem. Crash bars, pannier frames, handguard kits, top-case plate, auxiliary-light brackets, and mirrors use the same codes; the kickstand plate and risers differ because the 750 has a 19-inch wheel and lower chassis.
Does the crash bar fit all model years?
No, and this is the most important detail on this motorcycle. The LOBOO CHG033 manual specifies the F 850 GS from 2021: on 2018-2020 models, the bracket routing is different. If you have one of the early model years, write to us before ordering.
Do the F 850 accessories fit the 2024 F 900 GS?
Only partly. Risers, mirrors, and luggage, yes; crash bars, kickstand plate, frames, and top-case plate, no, because the 900 has a new kickstand foot, subframe, and tank. However, the kickstand plate is shared with the F 900 GS Adventure.
Is it worth buying used today?
It is one of the best deals in the range: prices dropped after the F 900 arrived, accessories are available from several brands, and the mechanics are familiar to workshops.
What is needed to turn it into a touring motorcycle?
Handguards, crash bars, a kickstand plate, a lightweight luggage system - semi-rigid or soft bags - and a tank bag with a mounting ring. With these parts, it is ready for a week on the road.
Can the vibrations be reduced?
Partly, with anti-vibration grips and handlebar weights. However, the 270-degree twin remains more vibratory than a boxer: it is part of the motorcycle's character.