This time we went to Malaga for the presentation of BMW’s brand new motorcycle. But this isn’t just any model, it’s the one with which the German brand is going to try to make a dent in a segment where until now they haven’t been competitive. That has changed, radically!
This is a bike that has been 100% developed with the most demanding enduro and off-road riding in mind. The focus of this F900GS isn’t even Touring (although it is an excellent Tourer), it’s off-road. This bike is 14 kilos lighter, more powerful, narrower and has new ergonomics compared to previous bikes. For me, who is 1.87m, the seat height ends up being too low, but anyone with a shorter stature – or who isn’t confident in their off-road skills – will love it. In this model, unlike normal, BMW has made a higher seat available for those who want it.
BUT IS IT REALLY ANY GOOD?
The question everyone wants to know: is it any good off-road? The answer is a confident: yes! I’ll even go further, it competes directly with the queens of the segment and in many areas is even superior. The competition is fierce: Ducati Desert X, Triumph Tiger 900, Husqvarna Norden 901, KTM 890 and it’s sure to steal sales from the queen Yamaha Ténéré and its competitors like the Aprilia Tuareg, etc, etc…
I say this because it’s narrower than all those mentioned here and the engine is full and well balanced. Anyone who has a 700 and complains that it needs a bit more power to overtake has it! And at the same time, it’s not too much power for off-road riding.
The weight distribution of this F900GS is really impressive. Where most competitors fail is in their high center of gravity, especially the DesertX and the Ténéré, and in terms of center of gravity this F900GS is practically perfect. Afterwards, we were told that one of the biggest concerns was the distribution of weight between the wheels… they achieved a balance and distribution of weight combined with an excellent chassis, the main feature of which is control in situations where you lose it. In other words, if the bike slips, it’s our fault and we know exactly what’s happened, and it’s one of those bikes where if something goes wrong, it’s our fault.
COMPETITIVE BUT EASY
Everything works as it should. And ease of use is a very strong point, with the narrow seat and tank making it less intimidating for inexperienced riders and easier to ride in enduro boots. Even the electronics help, as it’s one of the simplest and easiest to use. For example, there’s a button on the left-hand side of the handlebar that you just have to press for a few seconds to turn off the cruise control, like the wheel that gives you access to the menu navigation, typical of BMW.
Very easy and an excellent point is the ease with which you can adjust the gear selector. On any other brand, if you want to adjust the selector up or down you have two options: either it takes a long time every time you want to ride in enduro boots to put the selector up, or you have to buy a new selector. Here we have the best of both worlds. With just one key you can adjust the selector both in height and length. Congratulations, BMW.
WHAT TO IMPROVE?
In the field of things to improve, and since no bike is perfect, I’d like this one (and the other BMW models) to have backlit handlebar buttons, or at least the 4-blinker button. And I’d like the crankcase protection to be more robust. But when you know that the criticisms are just these two, that’s when you realize how good this bike is!
As far as extras are concerned, instead of four packs, as has become customary at BMW, those responsible have made just two available to simplify things. The Dynamic Pack and the Enduro Pro Pack. If you want to know more details, go to www.bmw-motorrad.pt, but I’d like to highlight the fact that the Enduro Pro Pack, which costs around €1,500 more, comes with Showa suspension and ZF shock absorbers that are fully adjustable. Bear in mind that the suspension and shock absorber are some of the best upgrades you can make to an off-road bike and nowhere can you get them for €1,500. In my opinion, crash bars are a must, as off-road crashes 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 gear selector
2 PACKS Available:
Dynamic Pack: Quickshifter; Driving modes
Enduro Pro Pack: Showa suspension and ZF shock absorber; Endurance chain; Handlebar guards; Raised handlebars