BMW’s ‘mid-sized’ GS adventure bike is the German brand’s smaller brother to the best-selling, boxer-powered R 1250/1300 GS. It has been around since 2008 and is based on the F 800 parallel twin platform. It has always been accompanied by a more novice-friendly, often detuned version which confusingly sports a smaller number, even though the two versions share the same engine. It has been repeatedly updated and often enlarged, which brings us to this latest generation F 900.
For 2024, the previous generation model, the F 850 GS, has grown into the F 900 GS, courtesy of the 895cc engine from the F 900 XR crossover. It now has a more hardcore, off-road focus with reduced weight, a new chassis and bodywork, as well as improved equipment. It all works impressively well, too, and is the best off-road GS BMW offers. It doesn’t compromise road ability, making it arguably the most versatile GS of all, coming with a sheen of BMW class and equipment (especially if you tick the options boxes) few rivals can match.
The only downsides are that it perhaps lacks a little charisma, those options quickly add up and it can’t match the kudos of its more popular bigger brother.
Part of the R 1250/1300’s appeal is that unique boxer twin engine, a layout which has been synonymous with the BMW brand since the very first R 32 went into production in 1923. The ’F’ series is BMW’s parallel-twin range and gives a more mainstream offering. Its most obvious competition comes from the likes of Triumph’s Tiger 900 range and arguably even Honda’s Africa Twin, as well as the KTM 890 Adventure – another 900cc parallel twin.
The new 895cc engine is shared with the F 900 XR and has a 42cc capacity hike over the old model. It produces 105bhp, a healthy boost of 10bhp, and the midrange is fatter, too, making it a near-ideal real world powerplant. As standard there are just two power modes, but for £500 more you get the optional Dynamic Pro package as tested. This adds an extra Dynamic riding mode plus quickshifter and, although it is very efficient, the F 900 GS’s delivery is a little wooden and charmless, although that’s probably being a little picky.
Weight has been reduced by a significant 14kg (primarily from the new ‘shell’ frame, plastic fuel tank and lighter swingarm) – and you notice it. It also has improved, longer travel and more adjustable off-road suspension. Our test bike benefitted from the even higher quality suspension that comes as part of the optional £1500 Enduro Pro package. The result is beautifully proportioned and balanced with a cultured, controlled ride and sweet, precise steering (especially considering its off-road biased wheels and tyres). Genuine dual-purpose bikes have rarely been so good on road and off.
As you would expect, the new F 900 GS has a classic upright adventure bike riding posture. Thanks to its more off-road attitude it feels roomier and taller than the old 850, partly due to 15mm higher bars and 20mm lower pegs as well as the longer-travel suspension and big off-road wire wheels. Don’t worry – it works well, and it is lighter and slimmer than the model it replaces too. The screen does a decent job, despite appearing low. Likewise, despite the saddle seeming tall, narrow and firm, it’s surprisingly comfortable and there are plenty of typically BMW quality touches to add to the comfort and class. It’s also worth saying here that, if all of that does sound too ‘off-road’, BMW also offers the softer tuned and lower F 800 GS, as well as the more touring orientated, big-tanked, F 900 GS Adventure…
Practicality is subjective but it’s hard to imagine a bike (except perhaps the sister Adventure version) that does so much, so well. The 900 GS is both genuinely off-road capable (especially if you option the £1500 ‘Enduro Pro’ package) and a really competent and entertaining roadster. It’s comfortable (at least one-up) over hundreds of motorway miles yet sufficiently slim, light and nimble, to be great at cutting across towns. Plus, of course, being a BMW, with the vast array of options and accessories available, it’s a genuine Swiss Army Knife of a motorcycle, although if you do go down that route, it can quite significantly add to the cost when you add up the options.
The F 900 GS is a BMW, so when it comes to equipment you can have pretty much anything you want – as long as you’re prepared to pay for it. In stock trim it’s a little basic, but not bad: adjustable suspension, two riding modes, TFT screen, some electronics, new LED headlight. On top of that, however, there is all the usual BMW optional luggage, heated grips, tall screen and so on; the Enduro Pro pack (£1500) with upspecced suspension; the Dynamic Pro pack (£500) with extra modes and quickshifter, plus of course fancy paint options, Akrapovic, ESA, the list goes on. The rub? Our test bike had it all… but costs nearer £15k.
That said, the F 900 GS is brilliant on road and better and more manageable than most bigger adventure bikes off it. It is well equipped (well sort of, if you’re willing to spec up the options) and so versatile and practical it makes you wonder why anyone bothers with 1100cc+ adventure bikes. On the slight downside, if you plan on doing two-up touring it’s not as big and comfortable a pillion bike, and the 900’s power delivery is a tad sterile. But overall, if you bought with your head instead of following the trend, I’m sure the 900 GS would suit more people more of the time than the larger alternatives.
2024 BMW F 900 GS specification
Price: From £11,995 (£15,480 as tested)
Engine: 895cc parallel twin, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, liquid cooled
Power: 105hp (75kW) @ 8500rpm
Torque: 93Nm (68lb-ft) @ 6750rpm
Transmission: Six-speed, chain final drive
Frame: Bridge type steel shell
Suspension: (F) Fully-adjustable 43mm Showa USD forks, (R) Preload and rebound damping-adjustable mono shock.
Wheels: Cross-spoke wire, 21 x 2.15”/17 x 4.25”
Tyres: (F) 90/90 x 21 (R) 150/70 x 17
Brakes: (F) 2 x 305mm discs, two-piston calipers, (R) 265mm disc, single-piston caliper. ABS
Weight: 219kg (kerb)
Wheelbase: 1,590mm
Seat height: 870mm
Fuel tank: 14.5 litres
Fuel consumption: 60mpg (est)
Service intervals: 6000 miles/12 months
Warranty: 36 months unlimited mileage
Contact: www.bmw-motorrad.co.uk
Words: Phil West
Photos: BMW
