BMW R850RT any advice
 

I am looking for a modern tourer and have found a 2005 BMW R850RT at the BM dealer in Blois. It appears to be in superb condition but has 75000 kms. Has any one any advice about these bikes as there seems to be plenty of ino on the 1100/1150 and 1200 models but little on the 850. The dealer says that in some respects the 850 is a better bike that its bigger brothers but hes trying to shift one so he would say that wouldnt he.
Any advice or experiences much appreciated

BMW Martin

Hi Martin,

the R850RT was a mega rare machine in the UK and I reckon the only users were the Driving Standards Agency.

About 12 or so of these rascals came up for sale about 18 months ago, when the DSA upgraded to newer bikes.

I believe the spec was originally offered at a reduced tax rate in Germany and were bought by Public agencies.

Can't tell you much more I'm afraid.

I rode a R850R for a couple of weeks, two-up and it was a nice bike, a bit cramped in the seating for me at 6ft 183cm. The ABS was very annoying, but. The warning light kept flashing, and sometimes it took three or four restarts for it to go away. Apparently "They all do that Sir".

Regards

Nigel in NZ

bmwmartin

You might like to visit my local bmw independant dealer/repair shop. he usually has 20-50 bikes in stock, and i can vouch for his mechanics competance.

you can email me via le-frene.com for more info.

Get it or buy mine
 

The 850 is a great bike there is no difference between it and the 1100. I have owned mine from 2004 and it does everything very well. The reason I'm getting rid of mine is because I want a bike I can offroad. But for Motorways and lanes it gets the job done well. At 75 km its hardly ran in. Once you get used to BMW indicators its a nice all round bike more than capable of any Tarmac tour.:scooter:

ABS warning light
 

As far as the ABS warning light comming on. Yes alot of BM's do this but it is generally down to the battery not being fully charged. Normally once youre on the move the light will go out. Mine suffered this problem but now it has a new battery its fine again.

BMW R850RT any advice
 

I used to ride a R850RT, and now have the 1150 version. The problem with the 850 is that it is just as heavy as the 1150, but obviously less powerful. The engine of the 850 is supposed to be smoother, but I can't say I noticed the difference. I have found the R1150RT to be a great bike for touring on tarmac, fine on mountain roads despite its weight and size. It will also cope with rough roads if ridden carefully, and is very stable at slow speeds.

bought something completely different!!
 

Sorry to have been so quiet but been working in UK. Thanks for the advice. Been home a week qand couldnt resist buying another bike on ebay france.Yes it is a BMW but a bit different to what i was looking at. Decided to do at least another years touring and commuting to UK on the R80RT. So.................................Just for fun i have a 1977 BMW R60/7 cafe racer. Runs beautifully and looks gorgeous. Few little jobs to do, should be just right for TT next year. May go quiet again after Sunday as im off to UK on the R80 for another couple of weeks work.

Chrome wont get you home!