BMW R850R

Hi, I have been riding bikes for over 20 years now and have owned all sorts from Harleys to Hayabusas and what I haven't owned I've probably ridden. Anyhow, about 10 years ago I had an R850R, I did about 18000 on it and really loved it but of course sold it. Of late I have lost my way a bit and seriously thought about giving motorbikes up for good because of all the speed cameras, idiots on the road, modern bikes being really un DIY friendly and wondered what I wanted from a bike IN THE REAL WORLD, not journo world. I could have got anything but out of them all you know I've chosen to get another 850, I found a gorgeous low mileage 2001 Black Classic with wire wheels and its now in my garage ready for the spring. Why the 850 then you might ask...well its the outstanding quality, the comfort, the fact you know you can do 100,000 miles on them (even though thats unlikely) and still they keep going (how many other bikes can do that?), they do an effortless 80mph which is plenty quick AND they are an absolute delight to service yourself, which really helps you to bond with your machine. I have put a Remus can on it (like my last one) and it sounds gorgeous and lets it breathe. Other than that its bog standard. I cannot recommend them highly enough as long as you know and are honest with yourself that you don't want a sportsbike.

I have a 2006 model and no one gets away from me!! I have had 19 bikes to date, and this thing i can't get rid of. I have had since new and love it!!

I've had my R850R for two years and it's grown on me to the point where I find even new bikes don't compare with it for build quality and that feeling of knowing it's never going to let you down.

It is loaded with standard features that are extras on many other brands - ABS, heated grips with two heat settings, toolkit, low fuel warning. But that's not it's biggest feature - it is simply bullet proof. It starts first time every time, never misses a beat, feels so solid that you feel that rust has got no chance of getting a hold as long as you keep it clean. It is a heavy bike and isn't that manoeuvrable at low speeds but once on the move, it eats up the corners and just wants to flow into the next one.

Previous reviews rightly. Pick up on the clunky gear changes - this is the only real issue I've had with my bike. The engine is surprisingly lively if you're prepared to open the throttle up and edge towards the 'red zone'. It will hold its own against similar bikes in the 850 range.

In two years I've only had to put on a new tyre and am just about to give it a service. MOT is due in March - no doubt it will fly through it again (that's the confidence this bike gives you). At some point temptation will get the better of me and I'll move on, but the only bike tempting at the moment is Triumph's new Explorer. The trouble is even though my bike is nearly 14 years old, it 's got those standard features I'm going to have to pay extra for! Maybe I'll just hang on hey?

Bottom line - you could do a whole lot worse than get one of these trusty machines. No regrets.

A bike which you become increasingly attached to. I've had a few boxers and this one has ABS so with the telelever, braking is A1. The bike really provides comfort, superb build quality and a great feeling of total security on the road.

It's a heavy lump though and low speed manoeuvreing could be a challenge for smaller riders (it's a big 90 lb heavier than BMW's similarly powered F800R).

The gearbox is characteristically (for a boxer)notchy at lower revs but it eases with age.

No other bike has instilled such confidence on the road.

The later ones with the oil coolers on the tank sides have a timeless look and with care should run forever. A future classic for sure.

My honest advise for those who love motorbikes: find a BMW R850R in second hand in good quality and get it, you won't regret and you will have it for the rest of your life. You may take care of it, of course, but like every other motorbike. I would say, it runs even better than the newests 1200cc. It's really confortable for short as well as long distances, with a very accurate and soft driving. Mechanically advanced and full of extras that make of it, a great motorbike, already a classic. It is, but, a bit heavy, so you may think about it if you have petit constitution.

After a 30 year break from motorcycling I took up the hobby again in my early 50s. I bought a second hand BMW R850R (2001 model) and love it. A stable, reliable, very comfortable and from a personal point of view, a great "starter bike" which has enabled me to get back into this fabulous pastime after a long absence. My only complaint would be the slightly notchy gearbox, which I am told is a trait shared by BMWs in general.

The BMW R850R is an all round ride brilliant and comfort second to none. I have had several bikes but this bike is far superior to any of them.

BUILD QUALITY,reliability, comfort. all round ability, only minor niggle is the paint finish on the engine.

Superb BMW R850 bike, torquey, reliable does everything you want , and if ridden by someone who can ride, will show up a lot of quicker bikes on the twisties.

I have been riding since 1966.

The past 18 years I have owned BMW boxers.

I love my bike and could not see my self purchasing another brand unless BMW do something silly.

The BMW R850 is a areat bike overall & I'm glad I bought it for my mixed use - mostly commuting, but some touring in UK, Eire & France and sunny weekend rideouts. All-rounders are hard to find, but this does most things pretty well - Boxers are an acquired taste though & you should definitely take a good long test ride before committing!

Tried both an R1100R and R1150R first & didn't think there was much in it performance wise - mine is an '05 R850R Classic which has 1100-style oil coolers and 1150-style round handlebars instead of cast.