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2020 BMW F 850GS Overview
The 2020 BMW F 850GS is an enduro / off-road motorcycle built around 853 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Liquid-cooled parallel twin, four-stroke, 4 valves per cylinder engine running Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation, a compression ratio of 12.7:1. 2020 BMW F 850GS delivers 95 hp @ 6250 rpm) of peak power and 92 Nm @ 6250 rpm) of torque. The factory-quoted top speed stands at 197 km/h, making it a capable performer in its class. From a practical standpoint, the 2020 F 850GS tips the scales at 229 kg, carries a 15 L fuel tank, offers a seat height of 860 mm and spans a 1593 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 59.5 kg heavier than the average enduro / off-road motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2020 BMW F 850GS spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2020 BMW F 850GS compared with other bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category
Here is how the 2020 BMW F 850GS stacks up against other bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 1434 models.
- Top speed of 197 km/h is higher than that of 384 of the other 449 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category.
- Only 224 of the other 1433 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category have a larger engine displacement than the 853 cc of the F 850GS.
- With 70.8 kW, the F 850GS has the joint 137th highest power output of 800 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category, 72% above the category average of 41.3 kW.
- Narrowing the field to the 54 models within five model years of it, the top speed of 197 km/h is higher than that of 32 of the other 53.
Versus the 2019 model
Compared with the 2019 model, seat height was lowered from 890 mm to 860 mm (-30 mm) and top speed dropped from 200 km/h to 197 km/h (-3 km/h). Peak power, peak torque, wet weight and displacement are unchanged.
2020 F 850GS - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: 2020 BMW F 850GS makes 95 hp @ 6250 rpm) with 92 Nm @ 6250 rpm) of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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🔧
Fuel injection: The Electronic intake injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
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🛑
Strong front braking: The disc front brake gives excellent stopping power and responds well to aftermarket braided lines.
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🛡️
ABS fitted: Anti-lock braking is standard, adding a real margin of safety on wet roads or in an emergency stop.
Considerations
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📏
Tall seat height: The 860 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
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⚙️
Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Cooling system servicing
The Liquid cooled system on the F 850GS needs a coolant change roughly every two years (or per the service schedule) - skipping it lets the coolant turn acidic and corrode the aluminium water passages over time.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling comes from Electronic intake injection. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.
Valve clearance checks
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) valve actuation on the F 850GS means clearances should be checked at the manufacturer's specified interval - they can tighten as mileage accumulates, and a light top-end tick is usually the first sign.
Brake disc and pad wear
The disc front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.
Suspension condition on used examples
Up front, the F 850GS runs 43 mm USD forks and Aluminum double-sided swing arm, directly mounted, preload and rebound damping adjustable at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.
Frame & chassis check
The frame is Steel bridge frame in monocoque design, load-bearing engine - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.
Handling the weight at a standstill
At 229 kg, the F 850GS is a substantial machine - low-speed manoeuvring in car parks takes more physical effort than on a lighter bike, though the weight disappears once rolling.
F 850GS - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2020 BMW F 850GS with its 853 cc enduro / off-road, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 6 years old, this enduro / off-road is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained F 850GS should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task for the F 850GS's 853 cc liquid-cooled parallel twin, four-stroke, 4 valves per cylinder. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. With a 12.7:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The F 850GS's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
Valve clearance service
Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used F 850GS. A bike with clearances out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for service documentation proving it's been done.
2020 BMW F 850GS - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2020 BMW F 850GS have?
The 2020 BMW F 850GS uses a Liquid-cooled parallel twin, four-stroke, 4 valves per cylinder engine with 853 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.
What is the top speed of the 2020 BMW F 850GS?
The 2020 BMW F 850GS has a factory-quoted top speed of 197 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 2020 BMW F 850GS weigh?
The 2020 BMW F 850GS weighs 229 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2020 BMW F 850GS make?
The 2020 BMW F 850GS produces 95 hp @ 6250 rpm) of power and 92 Nm @ 6250 rpm) of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2020 BMW F 850GS?
The 2020 BMW F 850GS has a 15 L fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 250-300 km between stops.
Is the 2020 BMW F 850GS suitable for shorter riders?
The 2020 BMW F 850GS has a seat height of 860 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2020 BMW F 850GS have?
The 2020 BMW F 850GS uses 2 x 305 mm discs, 2 piston calipers, ABS at the front and single 265mm disc,1 piston caliper, ABS at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2020 BMW F 850GS use?
The 2020 BMW F 850GS runs 90/90-21 front and 150/70-17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2020 BMW F 850GS have?
The 2020 BMW F 850GS is fitted with a Constant-Mesh 6 speed transmission.
BMW F 850GS Spec Evolution
The BMW F 850GS was produced across 6 model years (2018-2023). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
| Max Power |
95 hp / 70.8 kW @ 8250 rpm (Brazil Model: 79hp / 58.9 kW @ 6250 rpm) |
95 hp / 70.8 kW @ 8250 rpm (Brazil Model: 79hp / 58.9 kW @ 6250 rpm) |
95 hp / 70.8 kW @ 8250 rpm (Brazil Model: 79hp / 58.9 kW @ 6250 rpm) |
90 hp / 66 kW @ 8000 rpm |
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- |
| Wet Weight |
229 kg / 505 lbs |
229 kg / 505 lbs |
229 kg / 505 lbs |
233 kg / 513.6 lbs |
229.0 kg / 504.9 lbs |
229.0 kg / 504.9 lbs |
| Dry Weight |
- |
205 kg / 452 lbs |
205 kg / 452 lbs |
216 kg / 476.2 lbs |
216 kg / 476.2 lbs |
216 kg / 476.2 lbs |
| Engine Type |
Twin, four-stroke |
Liquid-cooled parallel twin, four-stroke, 4 valves per cylinder |
Liquid-cooled parallel twin, four-stroke, 4 valves per cylinder |
Liquid-cooled parallel twin, four-stroke, 4 valves per cylinder |
Twin, four-stroke |
Twin, four-stroke |
| Top Speed |
200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph |
200.0 km/h / 124.3 mph |
197.0 km/h / 122.4 mph |
201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph |
201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph |
201.2 km/h / 125.0 mph |
| Seat Height |
815-890 mm / 32.1-35 in |
815-890 mm / 32.1-35 in |
860 mm / 33.9 in |
860 mm / 33.8 in |
861 mm / 33.9 in. |
836 mm / 32.9 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
15 Litres / 4.0 US gal |
15.0 L / 3.96 US gal |
15.0 L / 3.96 US gal |
15 Litres / 4.0 US gal |
15.14 litres / 4.00 US gallons |
15.14 litres / 4.00 US gallons |
| Comments |
Ride-By-Wire. Riding Modes Rain and Road. Dynamic Traction Control. |
BMW Motorrad ABS (can be switched off) |
- |
Automatic Stability Control. Riding modes Rain/Road. High Windshield. |
Automatic Stability Control. Riding modes Rain/Road. High Windshield. |
Automatic Stability Control. Riding modes Rain/Road. High Windshield. |
Key Specifications
Engine
Liquid-cooled parallel twin, four-stroke, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
95 hp / 70.8 kW @ 8250 rpm (Brazil Model: 79hp / 58.9 kW @ 6250 rpm)
Torque
92 Nm / 67.9 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm ( Brazil Model: 86 Nm / 63.4 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm)
Top Speed
197.0 km/h / 122.4 mph
Fuel Capacity
15.0 L / 3.96 US gal
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Full 2020 BMW F 850GS Specifications
Year
2020
Make
BMW
Model
F 850GS
Colours
Rallye Style, Lightwhite uni, Racing Red, Lupin Blue
Make Model
BMW F 850GS
Seat Height
860 mm / 33.9 in
Wheelbase
1593 mm / 62.7 in
Height
1356 mm / 53.4 in.
Length
2255 mm / 88.8 in
Width
922 mm / 36.3 in (incl mirrors)
Dry Weight
205 kg / 452 lbs
Fuel Capacity
15.0 L / 3.96 US gal
Wet Weight
229 kg / 505 lbs
CO2
95.1 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Engine Type
Liquid-cooled parallel twin, four-stroke, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel Control
Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Stroke
77.0 mm
Displacement
853 cc / 52 ci-in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System
Injection
Bore x Stroke
84 x 77mm
Compression Ratio
12.7:1
Cooling System
Liquid cooled
Emissions
Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-4
Engine Lubrication
Dry sump
Fuel Consumption
4.10 litres/100 km (24.4 km/l or 57.37 mpg)
Fuel Induction
Electronic intake injection
Fuel Reserve
3.50 litres / 0.92 US gallons
Ignition
Knock control and oxygen sensors.
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Clutch
Multiplate wet clutch (anti-hopping), mechanically controlled
Final Drive
O-ring chain
Gearbox
6-speed
Primary Drive
Endless O-ring chain with shock damping in rear wheel hub
Transmission / Drive
Constant-Mesh 6 speed
Frame Type
Steel bridge frame in monocoque design, load-bearing engine
Suspension - Front
43 mm USD forks
Suspension - Rear
Aluminum double-sided swing arm, directly mounted, preload and rebound damping adjustable (Dynamic ESA)
Rake
26.0°
Trail
126 mm / 5.0 in.
Wheel Travel - Front
204 mm / 8.0 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
219 mm / 8.6 in
Tachometer
Standard (6.5-inch connectivity TFT dashboard)
Lighting system
LED headlamps
Brakes - Front
2 x 305 mm discs, 2 piston calipers, ABS
Brakes - Rear
Single 265mm disc,1 piston caliper, ABS
ABS
BMW Motorrad ABS (Standard, disengageable)
Rims
Cross spoke wheels
Tyres - Front
90/90-21
Tyres - Rear
150/70-17
Wheels
Cross-spoke wheels with aluminum rims
Wheels - Front
Cross-spoke 21 x 2.15 in
Wheels - Rear
Cross-spoke 17 x 4.25 in
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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