New BMW F 900 GS Honest Review 2024

Summary

In this review, the host shares their excitement about the BMW F900 GS, a middleweight adventure bike that surpasses expectations. The review praises the bike’s explosive engine, smooth quick shifter, and well-tuned suspension, making it fun and capable both on-road and off-road. While the bike’s handling could be improved at low speeds, it impresses with its comfort, especially with the Enduro Pro package. Despite minor mechanical issues like a broken rear light, the F900 GS is hailed as a versatile and enjoyable bike for riders seeking performance and comfort. The reviewer rates it 7.2/10 and hints at future comparisons with other models.

Takeaways

• 😀 The BMW F900 GS surprised the reviewer with its performance, especially after initially underestimating it compared to other midsize GS models.
• 😀 The 895cc engine delivers 105 horsepower and 93 Nm of torque, offering a smooth, explosive, and enjoyable ride, particularly in Dynamic mode.
• 😀 The quickshifter is considered one of the best in the segment, offering smooth and reliable gear shifts with excellent feedback.
• 😀 The F900 GS's suspension, while stiff, is highly adjustable and performs well on rougher terrain, providing good comfort for mild off-roading.
• 😀 The bike's handling is described as neutral, though it could be more agile at low speeds, with the reviewer noting it feels better at higher speeds.
• 😀 The raised handlebars and well-positioned footpegs are praised for comfort, though the reviewer wishes the seat was slightly lower and flatter.
• 😀 Despite a firm seat, the bike's ergonomics and comfort are generally well-suited for long rides, though improvements could be made for better comfort.
• 😀 The F900 GS includes useful tech like cruise control, traction control, ABS, and a TFT display, though the lack of an adjustable windscreen is noted as a downside.
• 😀 The bike's off-road capability is emphasized with spoked wheels, tubeless tires, and an Enduro Pro package, making it suitable for rougher adventures.
• 😀 The reviewer reports minor mechanical issues, such as a broken rear light and a loose brake lever, but these were not seen as major flaws or indicative of larger problems.
• 😀 Overall, the reviewer rates the F900 GS at 7.5/10, praising its performance and fun factor, but highlighting areas for improvement in handling, comfort, and tech features.

Q & A

What is the key feature that makes the new BMW F900 GS stand out compared to its competitors?

The new BMW F900 GS stands out primarily because of its highly improved engine performance. With 105 horsepower and 93 Nm of torque, it provides a significant power boost compared to previous models, making it feel like a much more explosive bike. The quick shifter is also praised for being reliable, smooth, and enjoyable.

How does the engine of the F900 GS compare to previous models?

The engine in the F900 GS has evolved from being one of the less exciting powertrains to one of the best in the segment. It offers a noticeable power increase of over 10% compared to previous models, which translates to a feeling of about 30-40% more power due to the bike's reduced weight and improved performance.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the handling of the F900 GS?

The reviewer finds the F900 GS to have neutral handling, meaning it does what you want without much effort. However, the reviewer mentions that at higher speeds, the bike requires more input to change direction, and at lower speeds, the front wheel could be easier to turn, making it a bit harder to maneuver.

How does the comfort of the F900 GS compare to other adventure bikes?

The comfort of the F900 GS is generally good, but there are some areas for improvement. The seat is firm but shaped well enough to be comfortable for the rider. However, the reviewer mentions that the seat could be a bit lower, and the ergonomics could be more accommodating for longer rides. The suspension is stiff but capable of handling rougher terrain.

What specific features are included in the Enduro Pro package of the F900 GS?

The Enduro Pro package includes raised handlebars (by 2.4 cm), which improve off-road riding ergonomics. The suspension in this package offers more adjustability, with easily accessible knobs for tuning the suspension settings without the need for tools.

What is the reviewer’s opinion on the quick shifter of the F900 GS?

The reviewer is highly impressed with the quick shifter, rating it a 10/10. It's described as reliable, smooth, and offering great feedback, making gear changes easy and enjoyable. The reviewer praises it for being flawless and providing a mechanical feel that's highly satisfying.

How does the bike perform in terms of off-road capability?

The F900 GS performs quite well off-road, with good suspension travel (23 cm in the front and 21 cm in the rear) and spoked wheels with tubeless tires. The raised handlebars and adjustable suspension also contribute to its off-road potential, making it capable of handling mild off-road conditions comfortably.

What issues did the reviewer encounter with the F900 GS during their test ride?

During the test ride, the reviewer experienced some mechanical issues, such as a malfunctioning rear light that stayed illuminated as if in the braking stage. Additionally, the rear brake lever was loose, which led to the malfunction. However, these issues were likely caused by a mechanical oversight rather than design flaws.

How does the F900 GS's sound compare to other bikes in the segment?

The F900 GS is equipped with an Akrapovic exhaust, which gives it a deeper, more exciting sound, especially in Dynamic mode. The bike starts sounding like a V-twin engine, even though it’s an inline-two, with pops and crackles when revved, which adds to its appeal.

What are the reviewer’s thoughts on the bike's windscreen and tech features?

The reviewer finds the stock windscreen insufficient, especially above 100 km/h, as it offers little protection from turbulence. The tech features, like the onboard computer, ABS, traction control, and heated grips, are appreciated, but the reviewer is critical of the lack of an adjustable windscreen and the dated switches on the handlebars, which feel solid but could be updated for a more modern experience.