This time we went to Málaga, for the presentation of the brand new BMW motorcycle. But this is not just any model, it’s the one with which the German brand will try to make a mark in a segment where they were not competitive until now. That has changed, radically!
This is a motorcycle 100% developed with enduro and the most demanding off-road in mind. The focus of this F900GS is not even Touring (although it is an excellent Tourer proposal), it is off-road. This motorcycle is 14 kilograms lighter, more powerful, narrower, and features a new ergonomics compared to previous motorcycles. For me, at 1.87m tall, the seat height ends up being too low, but all those with a shorter stature – or not confident in their off-road skills – will love it. In this model, they did the opposite of normal, BMW offers a higher seat for those who want it.
BUT IS IT REALLY GOOD?
The question everyone wants to know: is it good off-road? The answer is a confident: yes! I’ll go even further, it competes directly with the queens of the segment and in many areas it is even superior. The competition is fierce: Ducati Desert X, Triumph Tiger 900, Husqvarna Norden 901, KTM 890 and it will certainly steal sales from the queen Yamaha Ténéré and its competitors like the Aprilia Tuareg, etc, etc…
I say this because it is narrower than all the ones mentioned here and the engine is full and quite balanced. Those who have a 700 and complain that they needed a bit more power to overtake, here it is! And at the same time, it is not too much power for off-road.
The weight distribution of this F900GS is truly impressive. Where most competitors fail is in the high center of gravity, especially the DesertX and the Ténéré, and in terms of center of gravity this F900GS is practically perfect. Then, we were told that one of the biggest concerns was indeed the weight distribution between the wheels… they achieved a balance and a weight distribution combined with an excellent chassis, which has as its main characteristic the control in situations where we lose it. That is, if the bike slips, it is our fault and we know exactly what happened, and it is one of those bikes where if things go wrong, it was our fault.
COMPETITIVE YET EASY
Everything works as it should. And the ease of use is a very strong point, both because of the narrow seat and tank, which make it less intimidating for the inexperienced and easier to ride with enduro boots. Even the electronics help, as it is one of the simplest and easiest to use. For example, there is a button on the left side of the handlebar where you just need to press for a few seconds to turn off the Cruise Control, like the wheel that gives us access to the menu navigation, typical of BMW.
Very easy and an excellent point is the ease of adjusting the selector for gear changes. In any other brand, if we want to adjust the selector higher or lower, we have two options, either we take a long time every time we want to go for an enduro ride to adjust the selector higher, or we have to buy a new selector. Here we have the best of both worlds. With just one key, it is possible to adjust the selector in both height and length. Congratulations, BMW.
WHAT TO IMPROVE?
In the field of things to improve, and given that no bike is perfect, I would like this one (and the other BMW models) to have backlit buttons on the handlebar, or at least the hazard light button. And I would like the engine guard protection to be more robust. But when we know that the criticisms are only these two, that’s when we realize how good this bike is!
Regarding the extras, instead of four packs as has been customary in BMW, the company offers only two to simplify things. The Dynamic Pack and the Enduro Pro Pack. If you want to know more details, visit the website www.bmw-motorrad.pt, but I highlight the fact that, in the Enduro Pro Pack, which costs about €1,500 more, it comes with Showa suspensions and ZF shock absorber that are fully adjustable. Keep in mind that suspension and shock absorber are the best upgrades you can make on an off-road bike and nowhere else can you get them for €1,500. In my opinion, crash bars are essential as falls in off-road riding are a reality. Basically, the bike is perfect for the most extreme adventures you can imagine.
HIGHLIGHTS
4 kilos lighter / New ergonomics / More powerful / Narrower / Adjustable shift selector
2 Available PACKS:
Dynamic Pack: Quickshifter; Riding modes
Enduro Pro Pack: Showa suspension and ZF shock absorber; Endurance chain; Handguard protections; High handlebar
In summary, BMW is entering a new segment with a motorcycle that, in my opinion, is more capable than most of the competition and will make an impact. BMW did not have a strong motorcycle in this segment until now, and it will take some time, and only the future will tell, but judging by its capabilities, it is truly an impressive motorcycle.
BMW F900GS
ENGINE 2-cylinder inline, 8 valves, liquid cooling
DISPLACEMENT 895 cc
POWER 105 hp (77 kw) @8,500 rpm
TORQUE 93 Nm @6,500 rpm
GEARBOX 6 speeds
DEPOSIT 14.5 liters
FRONT SUSPENSION inverted fork of 43 mm, travel of 230 mm
REAR SUSPENSION mono-shock, travel of 215 mm
FRONT BRAKE 2 discs of 305 mm, 2-piston calipers
REAR BRAKE 265 mm disc, 1-piston caliper
FRONT TIRE 90/90-21
REAR TIRE 150/70 R 17
WHEELBASE 1,585 mm
SEAT HEIGHT 870 mm
WEIGHT 219 kg
MSRP (from) €14,450
