FIRST RIDE BMW F900GS
…BMW’s newly-upgraded and adventure-tastic F900GS
1 THE MOTOR HAS MORE GRUNT EVERYWHERE
In time-honoured fashion, as middleweights get ever-bigger, the parallel twin is up from 853cc to 895cc thanks to 2mm bigger bores, new cylinder heads and forged pistons. Power climbs to 103bhp and its grunt increases everywhere throughout the rev range. It drives hard off the throttle at any revs, in an any gear, and the torque curve feels incredibly flat.
2 IT’S BEEN ON A MAJOR WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMME
The F900GS is 14kg lighter than F850GS. There’s a lighter swingarm, aluminium sidestand, exhaust can, battery and headlight, and a slimmer fuel tank that’s now plastic instead of steel.
The tank has also shrunk half a litre to 14.5 litres, but with a claimed 60mpg it should still give you a theoretical 204-mile range. There’s barely any plastics – just look at the tail unit and exposed subframe.
5 IT’S THE BEST BMW FOR A PROPER ADVENTURE
It’s very capable, but its smaller physical size does mean it’s less accomplished than a big GS as a road-going tourer. And while it is impressive off-road, it isn’t the most scintillating on the tarmac and lacks a bit of drama. But it is quick – with a better power:weight ratio than a Honda Africa Twin. For many that slight lack of road involvement won’t matter, though – this is a BMW adventure bike to take on true adventures.
3 THE STOCK ROAD-GOING SPEC IS IMPRESSIVE
It’s blessed with more goodies than ever, including heated grips, an adjustable screen
