BHPian racingturtle recently shared this with other enthusiasts:BMW F 850 GSA | 1,967 km Ownership Review “Storm Shadow”IntroductionIn September, that journey culminated in the form of a BMW F 850 GS Adventure Pro (Triple Black). So far, I’ve covered 1,967 km across city commutes, fast highways, mist-covered hill roads, broken rural patches, and even some stretches of night riding in heavy rain. More than the kilometres, though, this period has been a personal learning curve, especially as someone who returned to motorcycling after a decade. This is an ownership experience written from the perspective of a big-bike beginner in his 40s, trying to understand and adapt to a 250-kg adventure motorcycle.Bikes Considered Honda Transalp 750 – My first choice and initially booked in Ross White (June 2025). This is a brilliant bike, especially when city use is also involved. Perfect blend of power and comfort Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE – Considered after Aerowheel Suzuki opened in Chennai, conveniently close to my workplace. Ironically, I never took a test ride because I initially assumed the ~230 kg kerb weight would be too much to handle. The tube-type setup, along with the absence of cruise control and cornering ABS, was an additional downer for me. Triumph Tiger Sport 660 – 2025 launch was delayed due to GST changes. Pre-GST GST I was informed, August would be the launch period. GTS change put this plan on indefinite hold. Triumph Tiger 900 Pro – Entered the list post-GST announcements but was too expensive at ~19.5L OTR. BMW F900 GS/GSA – Added only after supply issues hit the original choices. Pre GST attempts to fast-track the Transalp through BigWing (Chennai/Bangalore) didn’t work out, Post-GST pricing was not Value For Money, especially without cruise control, tubeless tyres and cornering ABS. So I ended up cancelling the booking. The Pre-Owned Twist A colleague reminded me that going the pre-owned route made far more sense, especially since I wasn’t yet certain how consistently I would pursue long-distance touring. It was a practical nudge that helped me look at the pre-owned market more seriously. Browsing classifieds led to shortlisting: BMW F850 GS Trophy (7,500 km, 2023) BMW F850 GSA Triple Black (9,500 km, Jan 2024) Triumph Tiger 900 (<10,000 km, 2021) BMW F850 GSA Kalamata Metallic (20,000+ km, 2024) The F850 GSA Triple Black in Coimbatore stood out immediately due to transparency and genuineness of the seller. A quick trip and short ride later, I paid a 50,000 advance and planned to have the bike inspected at BMW Kun Motorrad Coimbatore pre purchase. For slightly above the Transalp's ex-showroom price, I ended up with a fully loaded GSA (Kerb weight of 244 kg) I christened it as Storm Shadow a fitting name for the brooding Triple Black look. Standard Equipment Bi-directional quickshifter Cruise control Keyless ride Centre stand Engine bash plate + lower guard Hand guards TPMS Heated grips Comfort seats Pannier & top-box mounts OEM auxiliary LEDs USB-A charging portRider Aids ABS Pro Dynamic Traction Control Dynamic ESA 5 Riding Modes Assist & Slipper Clutch BMW Wonder WheelAdded Accessories (Previous Owner) BMW aluminum Top Box HEX EZCAN Gen 2 Baja Squadron Pro auxiliary lights Wunderlich upper crash bars Front and rear axle sliders Side-stand extender Shifter assist protectorAccessories I Added- November BMW Low Seat (used and via OLX) BMW Connected Ride Cradle (used and via OLX) Rynox Navigator 50L tail bag Squadron Pro Lens Covers Denali Sound Bomb mini horn Rubbatech tank pad Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
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