BMW updated the ‘small’ F 900 GS for 2024. Do you still need the new heavy ‘real’ R 1300 GS?
The broom went through it nicely last winter at BMW Motorrad. Not only a new fat GS, the R 1300 GS, but also the ‘little brother’ got an update. And that’s what we’re riding today, the BMW F 900 GS Adventure. The Adventure version of the GS’s is always a bit fatter and a bit more grafted to off-road or long rides with its larger front wheel and its thicker tank and often an aluminum case set.
This also applies to the specimen that we were able to test for a few days.
The BMW F 900 GS specs (including prices)
So there are two versions of the BMW F 900 GS. The ‘normal’ and the Adventure. The normal F 900 GS also has a look that goes quite towards Dakar.
But we’re on our way with the adventure version
- BMW F 900 GS Adventure
- Price: from € 17,750,-
- Price tested version: € 21,047 (+ suitcase set approximately € 1,500 + navi approximately € 925…)
- Engine: 895 cc water-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke
- Assets: 77 kW (105 hp) at 8,500 rpm (also available as 35 kW for the A2 driving licence)
- Couple: 93 Nm at 6,750 rpm
- Top speed: 200+ km/h
- Tank capacity: 23 l
- Curb weight with full tank: 246 kg
Yes, even with BMW motorcycles it only starts with the starting price. The big tick and untick when you see the price really applies here. The version as you see it in the pictures costs a whopping € 23,000. If you compare that to the € 26,950, which is the starting price of the R 1300 GS Adventure, you still save quite a bit. And even with that R 1300 GS you still tick things like suitcases, etc. Did we already say that the additional tax on a motorcycle is still reasonable… Depreciation on the business where possible is still very interesting!
Riding the F 900 GS
What everyone immediately notices is that the front wheel of this bike looks ‘skinnier’ than ever. That is of course due to the bulky appearance around the tank. But the front wheel is indeed not very wide. This is ideal for off-road, but what use is it on the A4? Well, the F 900 is very stable, even in longer sweeping bends at highway speed. So you don’t have to worry about that. And because of the large front wheel, the bike also falls nicely into the bend in short bends.
By the way, you never have the feeling that you are on the road on something ‘just’ an F900 GS. Everything is big on this bike, except for the step. Because the mounted low saddle ensures that I, at 1.75m, can easily reach the ground with both feet.
Back to riding. The BMW is a great highway motorcycle. That’s probably what you’ll use it for most. With nice options like cruise control and the optional high-mounted navigation screen, you can handle it here. However, if you have to brake suddenly, it’s important to use the foot brake, because with only the front brake, the bike dives more than we expected. But of course you get used to that too.
The elephant in the room is of course the engine. Visually you miss that boxer engine that is in the R 1300 GS a bit, but the silky smooth 895cc two-cylinder in the F 900 GS does its job perfectly. Although on this motorcycle you sometimes think about the monstrous torque of that boxer engine.
Reasons why you still prefer the BMW R 1300 GS?
Well, to be honest, I have to say that we know a few more. First and perhaps most importantly. That boxer block that makes the 1300 GS unique in terms of both riding experience and visually. But of course the 1300 is also equipped with the well-known Cardan system. So no more checking chain tension, or cleaning chains of all the dirt from your heavy daily off-road ride to work (ahem).
But of course the R GS is also just an icon. So the greed that this unleashes is of course also purely emotional and therefore irrational but oh so understandable.
Luckily there is choice, shall we say! Read more about the F850 GS that we previously had in the Car Whiz Garage here. What we thought of the R 1250 GS you can read here.
Photos: Raymon de Kruijff
