Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1523994
P102 RIDE REVIEW I 2024 BMW F 900 GS back, basically hard-packed dirt road was brutal on the F 900 GS's rims. More than one journalist on the ride taco'd their front rims, some resulting in flat tires. However, I smacked a few of them pretty good at speed, as well, with no damage; other riders did, too. Still, the F 900 GS handled well over the rocks, and my pace increased as I became more and more confident on the bike, knowing it would take a substantial smack to knock me off the bike. But after a couple of good, "oh-crap" front-end deflections, I found my happy spot and finished out the dirt portion of the ride happily and comfortably. I didn't get the chance to ride the bike on more "normal" not-so- rocky dirt roads, but I'm guessing it will be quite good. Talking to some of the other journalists who did get a chance, they reported that the bike performed very well. While I felt the BMW's brakes could have used a bit more bite on the pavement, they worked perfectly fine and predictably on the dirt. It's definitely a give-and-take thing with the 900's brakes. Luckily, the F 900 GS makes it easy to disengage the rear ABS for the dirt. The BMW's smooth yet strong motor was a blast on the dirt with TC turned off. I never felt worried about the back end getting away from me if I got a little carried away with the throttle. The bike is very controllable. Plus, the 900's Karoo 4 tires hooked up surprisingly well. Dropping the F 900 GS is not an option. It comes from the factory without crash protection, so that can weigh heavily on your mind while you're off-roading, especially on rocks, on the 900. FINAL THOUGHTS The F 900 GS has undergone significant en- hancements in almost every aspect, making it a formidable contender in the middleweight ADV class. While there are minor drawbacks, such as a lack of range, the absence of compres- sion damping on the standard shock, no way to adjust the windscreen and no crash protection, the overall improvements are substantial. With increased power, improved handling, signifi - cantly reduced weight, and enhanced on- and off-road handling capabilities, the F 900 GS is an impressive all-around motorcycle. CN 2024 BMW F 900 GS ($14,190) ENGINE Parallel-twin, 4-stroke VALVETRAIN DOHC, 4-valve per cylinder DISPLACEMENT 895cc BORE X STROKE 86.0 x 77.0mm COMPRESSION RATIO 13.1:1 COOLING SYSTEM Liquid TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE 6-speed/chain CLAIMED HORSEPOWER 105 hp at 8500 rpm CLAIMED TORQUE 68.6 lb-ft at 6750 rpm FUEL SYSTEM Electronic fuel injection; ride-by-wire CLUTCH Wet, multiplate slipper; cable actuation ENGINE MANAGEMENT/IGNITION BMS-X Digital engine- management system FRAME Bridge-type, steel shell construction FRONT SUSPENSION Showa 43mm USD fork, fully adjustable REAR SUSPENSION Showa shock, preload and rebound adjustable FRONT-WHEEL TRAVEL 9.1 in. REAR-WHEEL TRAVEL 8.5 in. FRONT BRAKE Brembo 2-piston floating caliper, dual 305mm discs w/ BMW ABS Pro REAR BRAKE 1-piston caliper, 265mm disc w/ BMW ABS Pro FRONT WHEEL Aluminum spoked; 21 x 2.15 in. / 90/90R-21 REAR WHEEL Aluminum spoked; 17 x 4.25 in. / 150/70R-17 RAKE/TRAIL 28.0°/4.7 in. WHEELBASE 62.6 in. SEAT HEIGHT 34.2 in. FUEL CAPACITY 3.8 gal. WEIGHT (WET, CLAIMED) 482 lbs S P E C I F I C AT I O N S