BMW makes the 2024 BMW F 900 GS Adventure more off-road oriented and we head to Europe to see if it really does go better in the dirt.
With more engine power, less weight and a fundamental restyling, BMW has conjured up a new motorbike in the mid-size class with the 2024 BMW F 900 GS Adventure that has hardly anything in common with its predecessor that is a better tool for Dual Sport and ADV riding
Improving the off-road performance was at the top of the list, and to this end the technicians first weighed all the components to find potential for weight reduction. The new bike is 14kg lighter than the previous model. This was achieved, among other things, by using a new, narrower 14.5L plastic tank instead of the previous 15L steel tank. Further weight reduction comes from a very slim tail with a bolt-on tubular steel rear frame, the titanium Akrapovic muffler, a new forged aluminium side stand, the new LED headlight and the new cast aluminium swingarm.
With 95hp, the engine of the previous model was not bad, but it lacked temperament and liveliness. Enlarging the cylinder bore by 2mm increased the displacement from 853cc to 895cc. Forged light alloy pistons (previously cast), which move with an offset of 270° in the liners, also contribute to the 10hp increase. The maximum torque has increased only by 1Nm to 93Nm at 6,750rpm, 500 later than on the previous model.
The GS Trophy Lightwhite uni/Racing Blue Metallic version with golden rims and graphic details in BMW motorsport colours is the first test bike for the off-road tour in the hills of Málaga, Spain. The motorcycles were also equipped with the Enduro Pro package that includes the sports suspension with TiNi-coated fork and a rear shock absorber with reservoir and multiple adjustment options. In addition, the handlebars are raised by 30mm and the M Endurance chain is used. Also on board, the Dynamic package with Riding Modes Pro and Shift Assistant Pro together with other accessories.
With slightly increased revs, the engine hisses hoarsely for a few seconds after the start without an excessive noise level. On the first few kilometres on the road, the spontaneous power delivery in Dynamic mode is surprising and the traction control comes gently into play when the throttle is turned briskly on the slippery Mediterranean roads. As expected, the Metzeler Karoo 4 tyres do their job well on tarmac and turn smoothly into corners without hesitation, even when brand new.
GELÄNDESPORT
While warming up on the country roads, the taut and precise suspension set-up feels good together with the slender body parts and the narrow and firm seat (870 mm seat height). The off-road trail leads between rocks and over deep gravel far into a canyon. The new ergonomics with 20mm lower footpegs and the raised handlebar are perfect to ride standing up and to allow a good control of the bike even beyond the grip limit of the tyres.
The only fly in the ointment is the fuel tank covers which are a little too wide and get in the way between the thighs when riding in a standing position. It means that fluid weight shifts to the front on steep slopes or in trial sections requires slightly spread legs. What a pity, but also the new R 1300 GS is not perfect in this respect either, however metal bars reinforce the hand guards and the folding terminal on the rear brake lever improves control when riding in a standing position.
The new 2024 BMW F 900 GS Adventure is a great ADV bike for off-road riding and almost feels like a completely new motorbike, because in addition to the efficient the new powerplant is also quite impressive. In Dynamic mode, the throttle response is so direct that one could almost call it aggressive. The engine hands the power command directly over to the rear wheel without delay. An absolute dream for experienced off-road riders who control the bike with the rear wheel and fly sideways across gravel roads at high speeds.
The shortened secondary gear ratio also favours the direct output, but you need to watch out for the reduced play on the throttle grip, because every twitch with the right hand has consequences!
The chassis offers great handling and stability at the same time, even while riding through deep whoops and washouts in the canyon. The Karoo 4 tyre on the front follows the selected track precisely and neutrally in deep gravel, while the tyre pressures of 2 bar ensured optimum grip both on and off the road. Some caution is required when dancing between the rocks, as the engine and consequently footrests are quite wide. Curiously there is no chain guard on the swingarm in front of the of the rear sprocket.
In between, I had the opportunity to briefly ride another bike with standard suspension. It was almost disappointing because the Enduro Pro package with 20% more damping force really makes the new F 900 GSAdventure a high-flyer. Don’t hesitate to invest the extra for this kit, you will appreciate it in the dirt and on tarmac.
ON THE ROAD
After switching to the Sao Paolo yellow version with Bridgestone Battlax tyres (also with numerous special accessories such as the dynamic package), the test ride leads up into the Sierra de las Nieves in the hinterland of Málaga. We travel along a bombed-out mountain road that apparently hasn’t been used for years. As this bike doesn’t feature the Enduro Pro package, the ride is a little slower.
As the tarmac in the Andalusian mountains improves, the 2024 BMW F 900 GS Adventure turns out to be a real road burner. The 90/90-21 front wheel turns very precisely and allows amazing lean angles together with the 150/70-17 rear tyre. The front brake system supports the sportive ride with direct and progressive response to lever commands.
The return journey to Málaga took us along the route from El Burgo and Yunquera to Guaro, where we had already tested the R 1300 GS in October. For me, this 30km long orgy of bends is one of the best roads in the world and I realised that the 1300 and the 900 are performing quite similar on this route. Both convey great confidence and extreme riding pleasure with absolute aplomb, while the in-line engine also delivers enough punch and a pleasant sound in every riding situation. The clutch and quickshifter work excellently in combination with well-spaced gear ratios.
On the last stretch of the motorway, the wind protection of the relatively small windscreen was quite good for the helmet. The engine showed its new, sporty character once again with a real kick when the throttle was opened at 130 km/h and 5,000 rpm in top gear.
CONCLUSION
The new 2024 BMW F 900 GS Adventure has hardly anything in common with its predecessor and is focussed more on off-road riding while still being a great road bike. The Bavarian twin positions itself between the Aprilia Tuareg and the Ducati DesertX by combining the advantages of both machines in terms of chassis and powertrain. However, in order to fully enjoy the performance, the Enduro Pro and Dynamic packages should be ordered at extra cost to compensate the extra weight compared to the competitors.
The 2024 BMW F 900 GS Adventure can also be used for travelling as luggage systems and comfort-enhancing accessories are available. Let’s see where BMW is going under the motorsport-enthusiast new boss Markus Flasch, maybe back to off-road racing? In any case, the new F 900 GS Adventure would be an interesting player in the twin-cylinder class in the Africa Eco Race.
2024 BMW F 900 GS Adventure
ENGINE
Type Parallel twin four-stroke, four valves per cylinder
Displacement 895cc
Bore & Stroke 86mm x 77mm
Cooling Liquid-cooled
Compression ratio 13.1:1
Fuel metering BMS-ME
Tank capacity 14.5L
Transmission Six speed
Clutch Wet clutch with anti-hopping function
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase NA
Seat height 870mm
Ground clearance NA
Claimed Weight 219kg (wet)
SUSPENSION
FRONT Showa 43mm USD telescopic fork preload, rebound and compression damping adjustable
REAR ZF shock absorber with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping
BRAKES
Front Twin floating 305mm discs, two-piston floating callipers
Rear Single 265 mm disc, single-piston floating calliper,
ABS as standard with BMW Motorrad ABS Pro (lean angle optimised)
RUNNING GEAR
Handlebar NA
Front tyre 90/90-21 Metzeler Karoo 4
Rear tyre 150/70 R 17 Metzeler Karoo 4
PRICE & CONTACTS
RRP $22,965 ride away
BROWSER bmw-motorrad.com.au
WARRANTY Five year parts and labour, no mileage limit
WORDS KLAUSS NENNEWITZ
PHOTOS BMW OFFICIAL