Is a BMW r850r worth considering?

[leggly]

Hello folks, I’m looking at getting a bike for the first time in a very long time. I’d like something like a CCM 600 really but. A BMW r850r is available at around £1500 if I’m lucky. Is it a good idea? I don’t need or want a top speed machine, all I’m looking for is something to potter about on, on single track roads with minimal traffic. I’m in the very very north of Scotland so I’m thinking a shaft drive will minimise downtime given that it won’t be doing massive miles. Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks in advance, Les.

[spoodler]

I've ridden one, and it's a damn good bike. Certainly capable of far more than just pottering about. Sounds a fair price too, if it's in good nick. It's a long way from a CCM scrambler tho'.

[Biker9090]

As I understand it it's a sleeved down 1100. So you don't gain any weight advantage over the 1100 but get a chunk less power.

[SAS Tom]

I had one for a short while. I’d had a few 1100 BMW’s prior but I thought the 850 was crap. Everything is the same as an 1100 but slower. May as well just buy the 1100.

[leggly]

Thanks for the replies, I have no need for an 1100, the CCM will be bought once funds allow. I really don’t care about power that much. If you’d tried riding the roads we have here you’d understand. If the potholes don’t get you, the wildlife will with its desire to cross the road as you get to it.

[Steve_H80]

It's most likely a good bike for you and the roads up there.
It's from BMW's peachy period so reliability should be good, shaft drive is always nice to have and the bikes are relatively easy to service.
At £1500 I would go for it, if you don't like it you can always sell it on or part ex it.

[Janluke]

Probably the sweet spot for BMW build quality without falling into "classic" levels of upkeep. For you use you describe the 850 should be fine. IIRC there is a bearing in the shaft that needs changing every 30k or so, not expensive but if it gives out it will leave you stranded

[Rubin215]

They're heavy, slow and a bit dull.

Comfy enough, fairly reliable, hold value well but there are many bettet bikes out there.

[leggly]

Rubin215 said:

They're heavy, slow and a bit dull.

Comfy enough, fairly reliable, hold value well but there are many bettet bikes out there.

As I mentioned earlier, I don’t need speed and living on the north coast of Scotland there isn’t much choice locally. I think if I go for it it’ll suit my needs for now. The nearest MacDonalds is 110 miles away, bike shops are very few and far between.

[-Cappo-]

I think you're missing the point somewhat - people aren't saying "buy a faster/more powerful bike", they're saying "this one might be a bit lardy and ponderous". And after all, you did ask.

Conversely, if you don't care how the bike feels or performs, then just buy the cheapest thing you can find until you buy your CCM.

[Rubin215]

leggly said:

Rubin215 said:

They're heavy, slow and a bit dull.

Comfy enough, fairly reliable, hold value well but there are many bettet bikes out there.

As I mentioned earlier, I don’t need speed and living on the north coast of Scotland there isn’t much choice locally. I think if I go for it it’ll suit my needs for now. The nearest MacDonalds is 110 miles away, bike shops are very few and far between.

Seeing as how you've already made your mind up you're buying it, you don't need a bunch of strangers on the internet to tell you you're doing the right thing...

[leggly]

Rubin215 said:

leggly said:

Rubin215 said:

They're heavy, slow and a bit dull.

Comfy enough, fairly reliable, hold value well but there are many bettet bikes out there.

As I mentioned earlier, I don’t need speed and living on the north coast of Scotland there isn’t much choice locally. I think if I go for it it’ll suit my needs for now. The nearest MacDonalds is 110 miles away, bike shops are very few and far between.

Seeing as how you've already made your mind up you're buying it, you don't need a bunch of strangers on the internet to tell you you're doing the right thing...

Thanks for deciding for me. I’m in absolutely no rush to buy anything this end of the year. I just thought I’d ask for some advice.

Edited by leggly on Sunday 20th August 15:09

[Biker9090]

leggly said:

Thanks for deciding for me. I’m in absolutely no rush to buy anything this end of the year. I just thought I’d ask for some advice.

Edited by leggly on Sunday 20th August 15:09

Which you've been given.

They offer precisely ZERO advantages over the 1100 version and quite a few disadvantages.

[Janluke]

I suspect the biggest advantage is that its local. If you live up there having to travel vast distances to view cheap bikes can be a pain. The convenience of having something that more or less fits the bill but handy comes into play in the far north.