2020 BMW F 850 GS/Adventure

The current BMW F 850 GS and Adventure models follow the lead of the original 2009 F 800 GS as a wallet-friendly and approachable adventure-ready alternative to BMW’s larger, more premium 1250 GS/Adventure—price points are around $4,000–$6,000 less and the power source is a smaller 853cc parallel-twin engine. The engine, we reviewed in 2019, is energetic and quick to rev with a higher rev and a little less noise than we were expecting, but it is more than happy to deliver smooth power down stoplight-riddled streets, open highways, or challenging dirt trails.

Compared to Honda’s Africa Twin, the F 850 GS supplies a sophisticated package and premium feel with its features and technology, but odd clutch feel and limited fuel range led test riders to side with the Africa Twin in the end.

The MSRP of the F 850 GS and GS Adventure increases by $150 compared to 2019, but now includes TFT/connectivity as standard.