BMW's New F 900 GS
Like its BMW R 1300 GS we review in this article, BMW brings us an all-new F 900 GS for 2024. BMW’s middleweight adventure offerings now include the F 800 GS, the F 900 GS, and the F 900 GS Adventure (GSA).
The F 850 GS went on a serious diet and beefed up motor muscle to emerge as the F 900 GS. The new F 900 is 22 pounds lighter (482 pounds vs. 504 pounds), sports a completely redesigned suspension, and is powered by the 895cc parallel-twin engine also used in the F 900 R and F 900 XR. It rides like a nimble warrior in the dirt, confidently swallowing rocks and ruts with smoothly-delivered power that conquers even the toughest terrain.
F 900 GS — More Motor, Lighter Bike
All three bikes in BMW’s 2024 mid-sized ADV lineup use the same 895cc two-cylinder engine, but the F 900s are tuned to provide more horsepower than the tamer F 800 (105 hp vs. 87 hp.) The power feels consistent through the RPM range and the torque curve is incredibly smooth. And as with every BMW I ride, the throttle response is instantaneous.
The F 900 GS comes in at a fighting weight of 482 pounds which BMW achieves with changes, both big and small, across the entire motorcycle. Even more important is that the largest decrease (15 pounds) comes off parts that are higher up on the motorcycle.
A New Look
In addition to the F 900 GS' light weight and power increase, BMW has completely redesigned the look of the motorcycle, particularly the tail end of the bike. With the single seat and slim upsloping rear section, it looks more like a dirt bike. There are two Rallye seat options; the low reduces seat height by 1.4 inches, and the high increases it by 0.8 inches. While I do love the look of the seat and tail section, the only downside for me of the entire bike is the somewhat vulnerable rear turn signals which may be the first thing to break during an off-road “get-off.”
The F 900 GS’s gas tank is completely redesigned to be slimmer which feels very comfortable when moving around on the bike off-road as well as riding on pavement. The tank is now plastic rather than steel, reducing quite a bit of weight on the top end of the bike.
Designed to Gobble Up the Dirt
The F 900 GS suspension is my favorite aspect of the bike overall. Both the GS standard and the GSA feature new, fully adjustable 43mm Showa forks with 9.1 inches of front end travel. Rebound, compression damping, and spring preload can be adjusted manually if new terrain or riding conditions require it.
The optional Enduro Pro Package available on the F 900 GS and F 900 GSA adds a sportier suspension again with Showa forks, and adding ZF Sachs rear shocks, black handlebars with .9 inch risers, and an M-Endurance chain which BMW claims is more wear-resistant.
BMW F 900 GS on the Road
While BMW is clear that the F 900 GS is redesigned to conquer off-road riding, it was an absolute pleasure on the streets and twisties as well. Gear Shift Assist Pro makes ripping up or down through the gears in acceleration or deceleration an absolute hoot. This standard feature enables the rider to quickly shift using just the shift lever with no need for the clutch. Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) is also standard and gives a lot of confidence when slowing down going into or already in a turn. The DTC can be disabled for off-road riding when the rider will occasionally want the ability to lock-up the rear wheel.
I find the “upright” seating position of the F 900 GS to be comfortable for a long day of on-road riding. And with the handlebars now more than half an inch higher and the footpegs an inch lower, the ergonomics work well for my 5-foot-7-inch height and 30.5-inch inseam.
Rounding Out the Lineup
We didn’t get to test ride the 2024 F 800 GS or the F 900 GS Adventure, but they are certainly worth mentioning. The F 800 GS uses the same 895cc engine as the others, but it has been electronically detuned to provide less horsepower. This configuration is more approachable for newer riders who want a great bike on the road and enough adventure options to take on easy dirt roads.
The 2024 F 900 GSA is designed to make long distance travel a bit easier for the adventure rider. The 900 comes with a 6 gallon fuel tank, a convenient luggage rack for Vario or similar cases, an adjustable windshield, and a small aluminum engine guard.
WRN Recommendation
The F 900 GS is an excellent, powerful, comfortable all-around mid-weight motorcycle for the rider who wants a great bike for the twisties and also wants to conquer the dirt.
Specs At A Glance
2024 BMW F 900 GS / F 900 GS Adventure
Engine Size: 895cc
Seat Height: 34.2 inches, adjustable from 32 inches to 35 inches
Fuel Capacity: 3.8 gallons / 6 gallons
Wet Weight: 482 pounds / 542 pounds
Colors: Black Storm Metallic; Sao Paulo Yellow/Red; White/Blue/Red / Black Storm Metallic, White Aluminum Matte
MSRP: Starting at $13,495 / $14,195
GS Premium Package ($1,750) includes: M Endurance Chain, Keyless Ignition, Gear Shift Assist Pro, Ride Modes Pro, Electronic Tire Pressure Monitor, Cruise Control
GS Enduro Pro Package ($1,495) includes: Sport Suspension, Handlebar Risers
GSA Premium Package ($2,460 with Black finish, $2690 with White finish) includes: M Endurance Chain, Dynamic Suspension, Keyless Ignition, Gear Shift Assist Pro, Ride Modes Pro, LED Fog Lights, Electronic Tire Pressure Monitor, Cruise Control, Center Stand, Side Case mounts
For more information, visit BMWMotorcycles.com.