BMW F900 GS Adventure Review - Dirty Tux

In the world of adventure motorcycling, few letters stir the imagination like the ‘GS’. Enter the F900 GS Adventure. Essentially, it’s a BMW F850 GSA with a revised engine and new bodywork. That said, it’s the undisputed king in terms of comfort – a continent-crossing tourer with a massive 23-litre fuel tank, excellent ergonomics, and class-leading comfort. Now, don’t mistake its touring credentials for softness. When the tarmac gives way to dirt, the F900 GS Adventure doesn’t flinch; it reveals a surprisingly aggressive and capable alter ego. So, we set out to find its limit in the only way that made sense – by throwing it straight into mud, dirt, and jumps.

BMW F900 GS Adventure Off-Road Ability - When the Going Gets Rough

The heart of this machine is the 895cc boxer-twin engine – a powerhouse that delivers an explosive 93Nm of torque at 6,750rpm. In Dynamic mode, it’s extremely peppy and eager to snap forward. Switch to Enduro mode, however, and all that power gets beautifully reined in, allowing for precise throttle inputs in slippery conditions. It’s this finely-tuned balance that makes the 900 GSA so effective.

The bike’s electronics package is brilliantly simple. A single button on the handlebar kills the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) on the move – a godsend when the trail suddenly shifts from gravel to slick mud. My only gripe? The rear ABS can’t be disengaged unless you go for the optional Enduro Pro mode, which our test bike didn’t have.

On tight, dirt-bike-style tracks, the GSA feels impressively playful and agile, especially compared to its behemoth sibling – the R 1300 GS. You’re always aware of its 246kg of kerb weight, and it can feel a tad top-heavy in highly technical, slow-speed sections. However, open the throttle and that weight simply disappears. In fact, in deep sand and flooded crossings, its weight becomes an asset – combined with the relaxed rake angle, it helps the bike plough through with immense stability.

BMW F900 GS Adventure Suspension - Is it too Soft?

Yes… but in just the right way. The real star of the show here is the semi-active rear suspension – the Dynamic ESA. It works brilliantly in the background, controlling impacts to the point where no surface will catch you off-guard. I attempted quite a few jumps on this motorcycle, and never once did its weight feel uncontrollable while landing.

The ergonomics of the bike further add to this confidence. The cockpit offers a secure, almost cocooned feel, whether you’re seated or standing up.

I think the only aspect in which it lacks is traction – the road-biased Michelin Anakee tyres just don’t offer the grip you want when venturing off the beaten path. Thankfully, there’s an easy fix – switch to the Metzeler Karoo 4s from the F900 GS – its wheels are of the same size – and the GSA suddenly transforms into a far more aggressive adventure touring weapon.

Yes, it’s a big bike, but it’s also an incredibly competent one. More than anything, it proves that a comfortable globetrotter can still brawl with the best of them when the road ends and the real adventure begins.