R850RT?

[ChrisF]

The manuals provided with the R1150RT also cover an R850RT, but the latter is not included in any BMW sales literature that I've seen. I'm guessing the bike exists and is available in at least one English-speaking country, but not in the U.S.

With a smaller bore and lower compression ratio, the 850 has a HP rating 23% less than the 1150, but the gas mileage is 17-20% better. The rest of the specs, except for the higher final drive ratio and lack of a second plug, appear to be the same. I'm intrigued by this bike, because it seems to be "overbuilt" to handle higher horsepower. R75/5's had this reputation as precursers to R90S models.

Does anyone out there have an R850RT? Where are they sold?

[Spider]

The R850RT and the R850Gs were never exported to the US, although the R850R was sold here for a few years.

http://www.bmbikes.co.uk/specpages/R850RT.htm

http://www.bmbikes.co.uk/specpages/R850R.htm

http://www.bmbikes.co.uk/specpages/R850GS.htm

:brow

[lorazepam]

The europeans are not so beholden to the "bigger is better" theory, nor is their manhood challenged by riding something with less than 1000 cc's. The 850 is a way smoother bike than the 1100 that was sold at the same time.

[ChrisF]

Spider, thanks for the links. I guess the U.K. qualifies as an English-speaking country.:D

I've got an R1150RT on order, but I'd seriously consider the 850 version if it were available here since all of my riding is done solo. I've had my R75/5 speedometer into the triple-digit ranges a few times in my youth. As an old fart I'm unlikely to try the 116 mph top speed of the 850, much less the 124+ speed of the 1150.:brow