28/07/2024
So what are my thoughts on BMW’s new F900GS?
After a few short sessions on the bike over the the last few days, here’s MY opinion:
- it’s not a 12/1300cc bike, and that’s a good thing imo. Performance is as you’d expect for the category.
- I think BMW could’ve done a better job with the screen. It’s small which I love, but it’s not shaped well enough to protect my body from the wind blast at 130km/h.
-it’s a firm bike, small(ish), feels light and fun which is why I love riding motorcycles.
- it’s probably the first off road BMW that feels naughty to me. Not intimidating, not too heavy and very encouraging to ride.
- those passenger foot pegs are dangerous for anything other than very predictable road riding situations. They would break a tib/fib so quickly if the rider dabbed a foot while moving. Thankfully they are easily removable for off road use! 👍
- the riding and even standing ergonomics are spot on for my 188cm frame. I felt very comfortable.
-the suspension (on the std. version I rode) feels great, and I believe will be perfect for what most folk will need. It really encourages confidence to ride off-piste.
-I love the fit and finish of the bike, everything looks well built and purposeful.
-still can’t figure out a solution for attaching a luggage bag to the rear safely, but I’m sure some clever folk are making a plan? 🙏
-I filled the bike from almost empty with under 12 litres. That will be interesting to plan routes and fuel stops knowing how much this bike encourages enthusiastic riding.
- unless you manually change the traction and ABS settings for your preference, even in Enduro Pro, the factory settings dumb it down to erm, dumb levels. Nice to know it can be changed for more rider input and less computer input. 🙄
Ja nee hey, this is a very lekker bike and one that I’d like to spend more time with. Possibly once I’ve played with lightweight side luggage options and a skid plate that deflects stones away from that fragile stator and clutch cover, there may be space for one in my garage. Just need to figure out what I’d do for fuel en route? 😳😉😁
Thanks very much to BMW MOTORRAD Eastrand, for the opportunity to form my own opinion. Why not go do the same and ride some cool bikes this week! 💥👍👌🙏