A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.2
Comfort & Interior
4.1
Running Costs
3.9
Practicality
4.5
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
What happens when BMW takes everything learned from decades of adventure motorcycle development and distills it into a genuinely accessible package? The answer is the bmw f900-gs, a machine that successfully bridges the gap between everyday practicality and genuine off-road capability without the intimidation factor of larger adventure bikes.
The heart of this motorcycle’s appeal lies in its thoroughly modern 895cc parallel twin engine, which delivers 105 hp with the kind of smooth, predictable power delivery that builds rider confidence rather than demanding respect through raw performance. It’s powerful enough to make motorway overtaking effortless, yet manageable enough for newer riders transitioning from smaller machines. The chassis strikes an impressive balance too, offering substantial suspension travel for off-road adventures whilst remaining composed and engaging on tarmac.
Beyond the riding experience, the F 900 GS proves remarkably practical for real-world use. The adjustable seat height accommodates various rider sizes, whilst the comprehensive luggage mounting system transforms it from daily commuter to touring machine with minimal fuss. Running costs remain reasonable for a premium motorcycle, with respectable fuel economy and accessible maintenance requirements. It’s this combination of capability, comfort, and practicality that makes the F 900 GS such a compelling proposition for riders seeking genuine versatility.
What's the BMW F900GS Like to Drive?
At the heart of the BMW F 900 GS lies a spirited 895cc parallel twin engine that transforms this adventure motorcycle into a genuinely exciting machine. The power delivery is smooth and predictable, with 105 hp available at 8,500 rpm and peak torque of 93 Nm arriving at 6,500 rpm. This represents a significant improvement over the F 850 GS, offering more immediate throttle response and stronger mid-range performance.
The bike’s chassis setup deserves particular praise for its adaptability across different riding conditions. The 43mm inverted front fork and rear monoshock provide 230mm and 215mm of travel respectively, allowing the F 900 GS to absorb rough terrain whilst maintaining composure on tarmac. The Enduro riding mode quietly assists off-road adventures, allowing controlled wheelspin that helps navigate loose surfaces with confidence.
On-road performance proves equally impressive, with the bike delivering far more engaging dynamics than typically expected from an adventure-focused machine. The 21-inch front wheel and knobby tyres don’t compromise road handling as much as anticipated, making this a genuinely versatile motorcycle for mixed-terrain riding.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
-
Engine
895cc parallel twin
-
Power Output
105 bhp
-
0-60 mph
-
MPG Combined
55 mpg
- Boot Space
- Safety Rating
- ABS, Traction control, Riding modes
How Comfortable Is the BMW F900GS?
Rider comfort receives significant attention in the F 900 GS design, with an ergonomic layout that accommodates various rider heights and preferences. The seat height adjusts between 815mm and 835mm, making the bike accessible to a broad range of riders whilst maintaining the commanding riding position expected from an adventure motorcycle.
The handlebar position and footpeg placement create a natural, upright riding posture that reduces fatigue during long-distance touring. Wind protection proves adequate for motorway cruising, though taller riders might appreciate the optional taller windscreen for extended highway journeys. The seat provides reasonable comfort for extended rides, with aftermarket options available for riders planning particularly long adventures.
Passenger accommodation, whilst not the bike’s primary focus, remains adequate for shorter journeys. The pillion seat and grab handles provide reasonable comfort, though the bike clearly favours solo riding adventures. Storage solutions include mounting points for BMW’s comprehensive range of luggage options, transforming the F 900 GS into a capable touring machine.
The f900-gs excels with exhilarating performance matched by refined comfort, creating a driving experience that exceeds expectations in every way.
BMW F900GS Running Costs
The BMW F 900 GS presents reasonable running costs for a premium adventure motorcycle, with fuel consumption averaging around 4.5-5.0 litres per 100km during mixed riding conditions. The 15.5-litre fuel tank provides adequate range for most day trips, though long-distance touring might require careful fuel planning in remote areas.
Maintenance costs reflect BMW’s premium positioning but remain competitive within the adventure bike segment. Service intervals occur every 10,000km or annually, with routine maintenance including oil changes, filter replacements, and safety checks. BMW’s extensive dealer network ensures parts availability, though independent specialists can provide more cost-effective servicing options.
For those considering how to find the cheapest car finance deals in the uk, similar principles apply to motorcycle financing, with various PCP and hire purchase options available through BMW Financial Services and independent providers.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
|
bmw f900-gs
|
KTM 890 Adventure
|
Yamaha Tenere 700
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £9,500 | £11,200 | £8,800 |
|
Performance
|
|||
| Engine | 895cc Twin 105hp | 889cc Twin 105hp | 689cc Twin 73hp |
| Power | 105 bhp | 105 bhp | 73 bhp |
|
Running Costs
|
|||
| MPG Combined | 55 mpg | 50 mpg | 60 mpg |
|
Practicality
|
|||
|
Standard Features
|
|||
| Key Features | Adjustable seat height, Adventure capability, Smooth power delivery, Luggage mounting system | Off-road focus, Sharp handling, Advanced electronics | Rally heritage, Simple reliability, Value pricing |
Is the BMW F900GS Practical for Everyday Use?
The BMW F 900 GS excels in practical applications, offering genuine versatility for commuting, touring, and light off-road adventures. The upright riding position provides excellent visibility in urban traffic, whilst the bike’s manageable weight and responsive handling make city navigation straightforward. Fuel range proves adequate for most journey requirements, with consumption improving significantly during steady motorway cruising.
Storage capacity expands dramatically with BMW’s comprehensive luggage system, transforming the bike into a capable touring machine. The robust mounting points accommodate side cases, top boxes, and tank bags, providing sufficient capacity for extended adventures. Weather protection proves adequate for UK conditions, though additional accessories enhance comfort during challenging weather.
For riders considering used BMW cars, BMW’s motorcycle division offers similar build quality and engineering excellence. The F 900 GS represents excellent value within BMW’s motorcycle range, offering premium features without the complexity of larger machines.
“I’ve owned my F 900 GS for eight months and covered over 12,000 miles across Europe and the UK. The bike handles everything I throw at it, from Scottish Highland tracks to German autobahns. The power delivery is fantastic, giving confidence whether overtaking on A-roads or navigating technical off-road sections. Fuel consumption averages around 60mpg during touring, with the bike returning over 70mpg during gentle motorway cruising. Build quality feels excellent, with no issues despite varied riding conditions. The electronics never feel intrusive, though Enduro mode transforms the bike’s character completely for off-road adventures.” – James Mitchell, Edinburgh
The BMW F 900 GS succeeds in delivering genuine adventure bike versatility with impressive performance across all riding conditions. The updated engine provides compelling power delivery whilst maintaining reasonable running costs and excellent reliability. The chassis offers superb balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability, making this an outstanding choice for riders seeking versatility without compromise.
With comprehensive electronics, excellent build quality, and BMW’s extensive dealer support, the F 900 GS represents excellent value within the premium adventure segment. Whether tackling daily commutes or planning continental adventures, this motorcycle delivers consistent performance with typical BMW refinement.