I am acquiring a R850R ??

Daniel G. Banting · Post by **Daniel G. Banting** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 2:26 pm

I am returning to the fold after a 6 or 7 year hiatus. I had ridden a stripped 1980 Gold Wing for nearly 10 years and finally "retired"it with nearly 300,000km. I eventually gave it to my uncle and he did an off the frame restoration and is still riding it.

My personal circumstances have changed and I have had the fire once again ignite. Having always been impressed with the BMW legend of reliability and enduring quality and less than impressed with what the Wings have become I am looking to acqure a R bike.

Initially I had hoped to obtain one of the R1100 or newer R1150s. I had decided to take my time and look around and even investigate the possibility of finding one in the US for what I am sure are obvious reasons to the members of this board. In any case I recently found (locally in Canada, a like new 1996 R850R that is resonably priced (less than 30,000Km, heated grips,Wudo windscreen, tach,volt,clock group, BMW luggage,near new conditon $6000.00 Cdn) I am just wondering if any of you that are far more familiar with this type of bike can make any suggestions as to why I should avoid the 850 and hold out for the 1100 or 1150.

I appreciate any of your comments and I hope the inquiry is not inappropriate for this 1100,1150 board.

Thanks,
Dan

Ves · Post by **Ves** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 9:52 pm

I use to own a '96 R850R. Did everything on it from daily commuting to track days (with stock suspension). The bike had plenty of get up and go and handled great. I loved the adjustable seat height; lowered it for track raised it for daily riding. The only thing I changed was the cast handlebars for some tubular bars. The transmission is a bit clunky, but if you preload the shifter it's smooth as glass. The cable clutch kind of sucks; pull force is a little on the high side and gets tiring in traffic. Lack of a tachometer was kind of strange, but you didn't really need one.

I sold it to a guy three years ago, who still has it, and he tells me he's told me several times how impressed he is with the power and handling, runs great, and doesn't use oil. His previous bike was a Goldwing and he wanted something a little more nimble.

I have a Rockster now. The riding attitude is quite a bit different; Rockster is more aggressive. The Rock has more power, and the six speed tranny is nice, so is the hydraulic clutch. The stock seat on the R850R was more comfortable. So, technology doesn't stand still, but overall the 850 is a great all around bike.

pinecone · Post by **pinecone** » Thu Nov 08, 2007 1:18 am

I've been riding a '97 R850R for the past 3.5 years and have been extremely happy with it and can't argue with any of Ves's comments. Except I do have a tach and would probably miss not having it. It's a comfortable, capable and fun bike. Still get lots of compliments on it even. When I eventually upgrade it will likely be to a R1200, and probably a GS.

If you could get an R1100R with the same extras - in the same condition - for the same price - well, that would be a no-brainer. But I don't think the extra 250cc are worth giving up the other things.

My only negative thought about BMW right now has to do with how expensive the dang parts are! Sounds like you wouldn't really need anything for awhile though.

hirsty · Post by **hirsty** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 4:10 pm

Welcome.

We've been through this one a few times, so try a search on '850' & see if anything pops up. I have an '05 850R, which is more similar to the 1150 than the 1100 - I think they'd stopped exporting them outside Europe by then though.

IMO there's not all that much performance deficit between the 1100 & 850, so I'd go for the best deal / condition / accessories etc you can find locally.

Daniel G. Banting · Post by **Daniel G. Banting** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 4:51 pm

Thank you gentlemen for your advice and replies. You have given me a greater degree of comfort and confidence in my decision. I will let you know the outcome. Negotiations continue and I "may"be picking it up tomorrow.

Thank you once again.

db

slant · Post by **slant** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 8:21 pm

I can add a little here.

Since 1996 I own a R1100R. ABS,Bags,heated grips,small windscreen
of course clock and tach.
Also have the tubular bars.
This, in my opinion was the last year without catalytic converter.

With about 90 000 km on it I have no complaints.
Early on (under warranty) the transmission and clutch was replaced.
This summer I replaced Battery and starter.
(The starter on those bikes is a potential problem,but 10 or 11 years "ain't" too bad.)
All else is stock.
Would I buy this bike again ?

Depending on my favorite type of riding.
Mostly the answer is YES.

Sporty touring, great. Fairly comfortable.Much easier on tires than an out and out "Sport-Bike".

And I would consider selling. $ Canadian 5 000

Have another steed in my "stable."

slant

Daniel G. Banting · Post by **Daniel G. Banting** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 9:36 am

It has been done! Picked up the bike yesterday. Now I just have to look after the paperwork and insurance.

I am as excited as a kid on his first date. I will keep you posted on our progress. In the meantime thank you all who responded. Your advice and comments were instumental to my purchase.

Dan

hirsty · Post by **hirsty** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 12:07 pm

Daniel G. Banting wrote:... Your advice and comments were instumental to my purchase.

Dan

Oh dear! I hope you like it then!

Seriously, well done - I hope you are very happy together. You've found the right board for support & honest/expert opinion already - no question seems too dumb here - which I was very relieved about when I got started with mine.

slant · Post by **slant** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 7:37 pm

Congratulations,Dan.
I am sure you'll enjoy the bike.
Now to have a few warm days in the Toronto area.