For riders who dream in maps and live for the open road—or, more accurately, no road at all—the adventure motorcycle is more than a vehicle. It’s a passport to exploration. And in this realm, the BMW F 900 GS stands tall as one of the most exciting middleweight adventure bikes on the market today.
With the 2024 update, BMW has given the F 900 GS a significant overhaul, making it leaner, meaner, and more off-road capable than ever. For weekend warriors, long-distance explorers, and dirt trail junkies alike, the F 900 GS promises a thrilling combination of performance, comfort, and versatility.
A True Evolution from the F 850 GS
The F 900 GS replaces the F 850 GS in BMW’s lineup, and it’s more than just a bump in engine capacity. BMW engineers have gone to work rethinking the bike’s ergonomics, weight distribution, suspension, and electronics. The result? A more agile, more aggressive adventure bike that doesn’t compromise on road comfort.
BMW managed to shed around 14 kg (about 30 lbs) from the F 850 GS, mostly by switching to a lighter plastic fuel tank, aluminum swingarm, and redesigned subframe. The weight savings are immediately noticeable, especially in technical terrain. The F 900 GS feels more nimble and responsive off-road—a must for those who like their ADV riding on the gnarly side.
More Power, More Adventure
At the heart of the F 900 GS is a reworked 895cc parallel-twin engine, shared with the F 900 R and F 900 XR but tuned here for optimal off-road and touring performance. It delivers 105 horsepower and 93 Nm of torque, offering a noticeable performance upgrade from the previous 853cc engine.
Power delivery is smooth and linear, which makes it manageable on tight trails, but there’s enough punch to keep things exciting on twisty tarmac or when overtaking at highway speeds. The throttle response is crisp, and the bike feels eager in all gears, making it an excellent companion whether you’re carving mountain passes or slogging through gravel.
Ergonomics and Rider Comfort
One of the major updates comes in the ergonomics. The F 900 GS now sports a narrower seat and tank junction, making it easier to grip with your knees—especially helpful when standing on the pegs during off-road riding. The seat height is a tall 870mm (with optional low seat options available), but that’s par for the course in this category.
The riding position is upright and commanding, offering excellent visibility and comfort for long days in the saddle. A new windscreen offers decent wind protection, and the adjustable levers and redesigned handlebars cater to a wide range of riders.
Off-Road Focused Features
BMW clearly had off-road riding in mind when redesigning the F 900 GS. Standard features include:
- Long-travel suspension (with 230mm front and 215mm rear)
- 21-inch front wheel, 17-inch rear (spoked wheels optional)
- Adjustable upside-down fork
- Enduro Pro mode with rear ABS deactivation
- Quickshifter for clutchless gear changes
- Traction control and cornering ABS
With these features, the F 900 GS isn’t just capable on dirt—it thrives there. The suspension soaks up rocks, roots, and ruts with ease, and the traction control system can be tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re crossing desert dunes or forest trails, this bike feels ready for whatever’s next.
Tech-Heavy Yet Rider-Friendly
Like many modern BMWs, the F 900 GS is packed with technology. It features a bright and intuitive 6.5-inch TFT display, complete with smartphone connectivity, navigation, music controls, and more. Cruise control, heated grips, and LED lighting are available, and BMW’s optional “Riding Modes Pro” package adds dynamic throttle mapping, engine drag control, and advanced rider aids.
Importantly, all this tech is integrated in a way that doesn’t overwhelm the rider. It’s there to support, not distract—a crucial balance in an adventure bike meant to go far off the beaten path.
Practicality Meets Performance
While it’s built to explore the wilderness, the F 900 GS is also a surprisingly practical bike for commuting or touring. Optional panniers, a center stand, and auxiliary lights make it ideal for long-distance trips. With a 15.5-liter fuel tank and decent fuel economy (around 4.5 L/100km), you can expect a respectable range before needing to top up.
BMW also offers a range of accessories and customizations, including off-road pegs, crash bars, luggage systems, and GPS mounts. Riders can tailor the bike to their style of adventure, whether that’s light touring, full-blown overlanding, or weekend trail shredding.
Final Thoughts: A Middleweight Marvel
The BMW F 900 GS is more than just an evolution of its predecessor—it’s a redefinition. It blends the power and capability of a big ADV bike with the agility and accessibility of a middleweight. For riders who want one bike that can do it all—highways, backroads, trails, and everything in between—the F 900 GS deserves a serious look.
Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or a new rider stepping into the world of dual-sport riding, this bike offers a rare balance: tech without the fluff, power without the weight, and comfort without compromise.