BMW F 900 GS

The BMW F 900 GS looks slimmer, lighter and more focused than the older F 850 GS. BMW has redesigned the fuel tank and bodywork, giving the bike a rally-inspired appearance. The motorcycle is now 14kg lighter, which makes it feel more agile. Build quality feels premium, and the switchgear is tactile and easy to use. However, the integrated brake-light and indicator setup looks vulnerable to damage, and the tail-light design may not appeal to everyone.

The riding position is clearly designed with off-road riding in mind. The narrower tank and rally-style seat make it easier to stand on the pegs, and the handlebar position works well while riding off-road. However, long-distance comfort takes a slight hit because the seat padding is thin and can become uncomfortable over time. The motorcycle is also not very pillion-friendly.

The Style Passion variant tested here gets a lower 835mm seat height, which helps shorter riders, while the GS Trophy variant offers more suspension travel and a taller seat. Fuel tank capacity is now 14.5 litres, which limits touring range compared to the larger GS Adventure model.

The 895cc engine produces more power and torque than the older F 850 GS and feels much livelier across the rev range. The motor has strong mid-range performance, making highway overtakes easy and off-road riding more manageable. Power delivery is smooth and predictable, with plenty of low-end grunt for trails and rocky climbs.

The bike cruises comfortably at triple-digit speeds and remains refined even at higher speeds. Heat management is good in traffic, and vibrations are well controlled. The six-speed gearbox feels slick, although the quickshifter needs a firm input and is not as smooth as some rivals.

The reduced weight, revised chassis and improved steering geometry make the F 900 GS feel more agile than before. Despite weighing over 220kg, the motorcycle feels balanced and manageable both on and off the road. It retains the planted feel expected from a GS while also feeling more playful.

Off-road capability is impressive, with strong traction control calibration and predictable handling on loose surfaces. The suspension setup works well overall, although the Style Passion variant offers limited front suspension adjustment. On-road handling is stable and confident, but the dual-purpose Metzeler Karoo 4 tyres wear quickly and show noticeable wear in under 3,000km.

The motorcycle gets a crisp 6.5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity and app support. Four riding modes are standard, including a customisable Enduro Pro mode. Heated grips, adjustable brake and gear levers, and electronic rider aids add to the package. ABS works well overall, although there were instances where it intervened unexpectedly off-road.

The BMW F 900 GS feels like a major improvement over the F 850 GS. It is lighter, sharper and more capable both on the road and off it. While long-distance touring comfort is not its strongest area, the motorcycle delivers strong performance, confident handling and proper off-road ability. Its aggressive pricing also makes it good value against rivals like the Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro and Ducati Desert X.