@@Tony-yl1yotrue. But it def wasnt in a disparaging way. Just said hey I think this is weird or doest function exactly as an adventure bike rider would want it. I took one on a demo ride. To me it’s feels small and nimble. Quickshifter flawless as he mentioned. Engine is fine. I prefer the tiger 900 engine or even the vstrom 1050 de. Fuel tank size is kinda criminal. Seem to just be better option no matter what u want. Want the same or more off readability, better fuel range, at a cheaper price? Ktm 890/890r, norden 901/expedition, Honda Africa twin base. Want cheaper and the same or more off road ability? Aprilia Touareg 660, T7. Want a premium bike with the same or more off road ability with a more fun engine? Tiger 900 rally pro Ducati desert X. Want a cheap reliable bike that is less off road focused and probably as fun on road? Suzuki vstrom 1050 de, vstrom 800 de, Honda transalp. This bike is great and feels good in almost every aspect but other bikes can be had that are better, cheaper, or more fun
I own a 2021 F850GS and his complaints are justified. I have also shopped it against an Africa Twin and Tiger 900 and the BMW was still a better bike for the prices of what I purchased mine. The ATwin is a bigger and faster bike but it's incredibly tall and when I bought mine there was no factory cruise control and the seat was worse than BMW. The T700 was never in my mind since it is not an adventure tourer but just an adventure bike so basically a 700cc dirt bike.
@@blakethornsbrough1528 I just struggle to see who the bmw is for. It looks good off road but to really take advantage of the suspension you have to be a very skilled rider, especially to wrangle a nearly 500 pound bike. I feel like the people that buy them think they're going to be riding it like a 250 pound dual sport. It looks cool, I'll give it that. But if it was me I'd get the T7, save 9 grand, and not feel bad about dumping it.
@@brumfiba I think the intent is for people who want capability closer to the T7, but also want more creature comforts a la quickshifter, cruise control, etc and decent highway manners, even though yes there are other options that do that pretty solidly as well.. Also for people who are already more familiar with or currently under the BMW wing and want to stay there but have good offroad capability.
@@Tarukai788 that's fair. I just think that if you have 18 grand to spend you can probably find a 1200 or 1250gs or just save a bit and get a 1300 and get the whole bmw experience. It's not like it weighs that much more and for 99% of riders, they'll probably cover the same terrain/use case. I just think anyone who thinks they're going to wrestle a 500 pound bike around anything more than a dirt road is lying to themselves, so you might as well get the big boy and get it over with.
Sold these as well as KTM/DUCATI for 6+ yrs.... Always asked customers to test ride KTM 790/890 as well as 1200GS....... People interested in touring always picked the 1200....late model used to keep price similar. As 1200GS easier to handle. Off road riders world end up in the KTM . only people picking this bike were people that just had to have BMW or experienced the KTM electronic gremlins..... Or end of year buyers taking advantage of crazy 850gs factory discounts to move them off floor.
I bought RT for long road trips, Super Tenere for forest roads (semi regret) and bought KLR300 for technical off road/BDR. My dream bike was KTM 690R Adventure. But being short i have passed every time. I almost bought last years KTM890S because it was lower than all previous years. I regret not buying it and ended up with KLR300
I'm off-road focused and ended up with AT DCT. Best decision eva. Wouldn't touch perrier bikes with 10m stick, ESPECIALLY 790. electronics issues are just tip of iceberg of that dumpster fire. With AT my only worry is where I'll go next trip:) and dct is game changer and improves safety
@@beamdoctor5637 yeah I ended up with an RT after several GS's...I wasn't even doing forest roads and finally made peace with that. I am always smarter AFTER I try something. Hey you can obv always consolidate... 2 for 1. ....RT and Tenere for a low suspension GS/GS adventure...I loved long trips on the GSA...I am 5' 7" on a good day . Then eventually trade in the KLR.... Or not....
Thanks for skillfully telling a complete story. Your reviews are trustworthy and informative! Being relatively new to “motorized” two wheel adventure, your reviews and The Shop Manual, have saved me time and money! Thank You!! 🧐🏍✅👏🏻
@@Angry-Lynx to each their own, but that's how I ride my adventure bikes! I'm only on the pavement long enough to find the next trail. If I wanted a bike that prioritized pavement I would look at sport touring bikes.
I'd say under 5% of all moto riders buyers are as skilled as him at riding bikes offroad. Not many people will even come close to using the f900 to it's capabilities.
I bought this bike a couple months ago, I was kind of in the same camp as Zack and not super loving it. I also got the off road tires (it was what the dealer had). I don't do a ton of trail riding, so I swapped them out for some 80/20 road tires after about 6 weeks and it's like a completely different bike. Much better on the highway, corners a lot nicer, etc etc. It's still tall, and heavy, but with good tires on it it's a lot more fun.
I bought this bike when it first showed up at the dealership and am very happy with it. It's for a specific type of riding and not for everyone. It's got a similar vibe to a Tenere 700. If you like day rides down dirt roads in the country, then zipping home on the highway at the end of the day, this is the bike for you. I would get something else for long cross-country expressway rides. It does eat through gas, so that's something to keep in mind. The shocks and wheels are durable. I hit a pot hole going about 45 mph that would have damaged a lesser bike. It's a little on the tall side but there is a lower seat option available. If the cost is prohibitive, maybe go with the Tenere if you can find it.
Wouldn't the most direct competitor be the 2024 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro or the road oriented GT Pro. Surprised those were not mentioned as they match favorably in features and cost.
Had a Super Tenere and sold it after 7yrs bc it was tall and top heavy. This bike has cruise control and a quick shifter, and is 100lbs lighter than the Super T, but at $18k--no tks BMW. Perhaps a cruiser with cruise cont with a lower seat height. Current ride, 2022 Burgman 200--80mph/70mpg+ and I won't use it as a trade. It's fun and has huge underseat storage.
All BMW bikes can be resumed to this: good motorcycles, very expensive to buy, very expensive to maintain, very reliable if you keep with the maintenance and don't go bankrupt. Personally for off-road I would go with any Japanese, Yamaha, Suzuki or Honda, they're reliable and closer to my budget.
Man, I would love to see more moto vlogs from Zack! The first encounter with the bike, the offroad testing and maybe even some personal riding. More motovlogs from Zack please!
As a guy with a 17 GSA, I agree with you, but I might be biased. 😁 These bikes don't get a fair shake, but they are good daily riders, good overlanders, and maintenance data shows them to be the most reliable machinery BMW has sold in the US over the last 30 years or so.
The often overlooked cousin to the F900GS, the F900XR solves many of the issues Zack found with using this bike as a daily rider. Also, lower seat height, less expensive, lighter weight...of course if you want the offroad capability, it's not going to be there...but as a solid BMW commuter, it's tough to beat.
It’s nice to have a tall bike with street tyres for the road. The long suspension will let you roll over every kind of tarmac and in the city riding you see all cars that go in your lane in front. The bike is nimble enough to filter well traffic and the bars are kinda clearly above the level of height of all car mirrors, so filtering the traffic in town these kind of bike is buttery’s job to do. I like it a lot. Very beautiful bike too!
Long suspe being comfortable on potholes in road etc is a myth unfortunately. Most adv bikes have so bad valving and cheap suspension they don't isolate road better than any road bike with 10cm of susp travel. GOOD suspension with good tune is the key, but you won't find that stock on bikes
It’s really interesting, hopping from this bike to the Desert X, how much lighter and more balanced the Ducati feels, especially in picking them up off the side stands, despite the almost identical weight and height specifications. It may be illusory, but the R1250GSA feels lighter than the 900GS in that regard. I bought the Desert X, and routinely get well beyond 200 miles per tank.
Thanks. Yes, I know (have owned it). My point is that it is interesting how big a difference that makes (900GS and 850GSA vs 1250GSA) and that the Desert X has a completely different feel, possibly also due to the engine configuration (L-twin). It’s not a bash on any of the bikes, just an observation.
Thanks again Zack…buuuuut I cant see or have rode any bike in this segment to distract me from my 22KTM890 until KTM releases the new 990adventure later this year. For me the KTM total experience checks the most boxes. I can say after riding the new 900gs, its soooo much better than its predecessor but no match for my 890, with me at the helm.
Regarding the big GS...The 2009 R1200GS has exactly the same power (105), more torque (>80 ft-lb), approx. the same weight (~504 wet), more fuel (5.3 gal), and amazing passenger accommodations. It seems to be a much better touring bike too and is (very likely) more reliable and easier to work on with the air cooled boxer while still being able to do off road very well. Why would the F900 be a better choice when it seems to be only just keeping up with another BMW they made 15 years ago and is now 1/3 of the price?
Because this bike is much more capable off-road than that R1200GS. If your priority is touring and two-up riding, the R1200GS is the better option. This bike has a different target market.
Is a 900cc, 500lb bike really a midsize? Or maybe a 1250, 600+ is an oversize, a 900, 500 a fullsize, and then maybe a 5-600, 400 being a midsize, with a 3-400, 350 being a small?
Regarding seat preferences and how varied they are, another example: You love the stock gen 3 Hayabusa seat calling it "Just excellent" and while I agree for the first 30 minutes I get 2 back pressure points on it soon after. So yeah, we're all different.
A friend of mine bought it as a lighter option for more off roading than the 1200gs. He kept it 3 days and 400km he brought it back and lost 3000€ but he said it was so bad he couldn’t have kept it.
I'd be interested in the why. Seems like it would be much more capable off-road than the big GS. I do love how easy the R1250GS (and new R1300GS) are to pick up because they don't fall flat.
Wow what a smart comment, so edgy. Because engine configuration have anything to do with bikes value 😂 And my 2018AT engine is best engine I experienced, smooth as silk happy in every rpm range ;
You say high end suspension, but can it hang with an 890 Adventure? I’ll never understand anything that hints at touring and doesn’t get over 200miles from a tank.
Who knows. With chinese production and more and more aggressive planned obsolescence and cost cutting.... Corporations are getting way too bold with this crap in recent years. Probably designed to last 50-100k km and about 4 years. Still, can't be worse than perrier group shite
Nice review, one of the best reviews truely...it would be great if you could have a running tally including previous year bikes, i.e. how would it rank compared to the Transalp, last years winner.
I agree! I know they arent the same price bracket, but I'm cross-shopping the F900 with the TransAlp anyways! Coming from a '16 F800GS but always a Honda guy at heart. Tough choice.
I have the 850gsa and think it's great,I would imagine the 900 will be better except for the seat. You don't need to turn off the quick shifter,just use the clutch if you want
Yeah, at 65 70 … the ambient sound is quieter (at least that’s how it seems) from other recordings / footage of other bikes you’ve reviewed. Maybe it is the windscreen. Your voice sounds clearer, with barely any background wind noise. Interesting.
Reminds me quite a bit of a lighter 1250 gs. Having just sold my r1250 GSA I’m so glad. I only rarely used it off road and it was a terrible bike for commuting. Despite their best efforts the bike feels heavy and I’ve owned much heavier bikes that didn’t feel that way. God forbid you just filled up the huge tank and it’s heavier. Shorter friends? They can’t ride it probably. They are great bikes with tons of technology but a little overkill for just riding around. Mine would get lost in gear sometimes. I’d get a dual sport or for more effective off roading.
Probably should get GS and not gsa. The constant whining about weight on the nets is so annoying. Learn proper riding and energy conservation techniques and weight is almost never the issue
Thank you for evaluating “buzz” at 75-85 range…. I wish that was done on every test. Those buzz miles will eventually get to you, and hard to know the effect, until you already own the bike and do enough of them… In my view, if “freeway buzz” is evaluated by more reviews, manufactures will be motivated to give a 6th gear that gets us to the destinations in comfort and ready to go! First review I have watched where I can make my decision off of the review! Thank you!
I think it’s okay for Zac to not recommend a bike. That’s the reason for a review. A 18k bike from BMW not taking a podium seat is a huge indicator there are better options.
If you haven't yet had the pleasure, spoon a set of Dunlop's new Trailmax Raids on this motorcycle. I have a set on my personal f800GS Adventure, and Dunlop has finally cracked the code creating an offroad tire that doesn't s*ck on the street. Dunlop's tire nerds spend a lot of time on the design of the tire's shoulder, so that the bike still behaves when leaned over on pavement, while still being open and getting good grip off the macadam. One can be a trail rider that doesn't want to cut one's own head off on paved corner entries.
It almost feels as if BMW is confusing customers on purpose with their naming schemes. You need to be very careful with a statement like "if you want more fuel range, get the 900 GS Adventure"! The 900 Adventure is NOT the Adventure version of the new 900GS. It is the Adventure version of the old 850GS (same old frame and suspension), only with the new engine in it. If you want the "new" Adventure, you have to wait a year or two.. and then it will presumably be called 950GS Adventure or something similar like that
It's got a KTM-type feel with BMW fit and finish. Just bought one (and I have a Husky 501) and first impressions are that the 900 might be in the Goldilocks zone for people who ride a lot off-road and still commute a bit.
Hi Zack, I was wondering, why are these 'lightweight' bikes heavier then a 'heavier' bike like the R1200GS DOHC from 2010 (seen from dryweight) Greetings from The Netherlands.
My ST1100 is a V4, 300+ mile tank, comfy as a sofa, and cost me $2400. I suppose it's also 27yo, 50% heavier, and not in the same adventure bike segment. Imma keep my STeed.
i feel like you're looking at the bikes, for the leaderboard ratings, through rose colored glasses. i would take maintenance into account when deciding what's the best daily rider, and i don't think you are. not just in terms of reliability and availability of parts when something breaks, but also in terms of just regular maintenance. some bikes will take months to get replacement parts if something does break, and some bikes need more care and preventative maintenance than others. i think suzuki, kawasaki, yamaha, and honda would get full 10/10 marks in that category. and everything else would get less. and that opinion is coming from personal experience with multiple manufacturers.
Has anyone out there experienced the F900GS on Metzeler Karoo 3 and 4's? ...Michelin Anakee Wilds? ...big block knobs? My 2021 F800GS has a lot of issues with wobbles on semi-knob tires at highway speeds. The new F900 has increased rake angles (24.3 vs 24.8º), less ground trail (110 vs 104mm), and more offset (37 vs 40mm). These all contribute to quicker steering, at the expense of stability.
They sell the F900GS and a F800GS with 87 hp in Germany. The 800 with dynamic and comfort package costs 12,900€, thats less than the starting price of the 900GS. I don't really know the target audience of the 900gs.
What's more interesting than the BMW F series bikes are the people who buy these bikes (with cash), keep them in a garage for a couple of years (alongside their other bikes), and sell them for an absurdly cheap price as they "thin out the herd."
It would be nice to see how the updated ‘24 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro slots into the mix. It’s been a while since Zack has been atop a Tiger… Hint, hint! 😃
A 270° firing order? I thought these engines were 360° so, the pistons go up and down together. (Wait, The new ones appear to be 270, but the old f800 series were 360)
Airbags Save! Learn more: rvz.la/3R8SW4x
Read more about the F 900 GS on Common Tread: rvz.la/3X1Tn4w
When will we have a list of the top bikes of the years? I’d love to see the rankings of the #1, 2 and 3 bikes of each year.
I didn't think I'd ever seen Zack struggle to not say how much he disliked a bike. Those diplomatic skills working overtime
Agreed - so I guess I will say it for him! LOL
Yeah it was very evident within 10 minutes
Yea... i mean if your going to honestly review a bike, then honestly review the bike...
@@Tony-yl1yotrue. But it def wasnt in a disparaging way. Just said hey I think this is weird or doest function exactly as an adventure bike rider would want it. I took one on a demo ride. To me it’s feels small and nimble. Quickshifter flawless as he mentioned. Engine is fine. I prefer the tiger 900 engine or even the vstrom 1050 de. Fuel tank size is kinda criminal. Seem to just be better option no matter what u want. Want the same or more off readability, better fuel range, at a cheaper price? Ktm 890/890r, norden 901/expedition, Honda Africa twin base. Want cheaper and the same or more off road ability? Aprilia Touareg 660, T7. Want a premium bike with the same or more off road ability with a more fun engine? Tiger 900 rally pro Ducati desert X. Want a cheap reliable bike that is less off road focused and probably as fun on road? Suzuki vstrom 1050 de, vstrom 800 de, Honda transalp. This bike is great and feels good in almost every aspect but other bikes can be had that are better, cheaper, or more fun
I didn’t think so?? Seemed normal, said what he liked and didn’t like…
Zack is a better rider with no hands than I am with both hands. Impressive as always.
Zakc is the kind of guy who would know how the three sea shells work.
If only Corvette Guy knew how famous he really was....
Corvette guy has seen the videos before! He commented saying that he appreciates it
@@LizzyB123 Think of all the awesome bikes he could buy if he sold some of those Corvettes? 😆
F800 motor is a Rotec motor. Is the 900 something different?
@@seymoreduless8920 prolly same 🤮
Lol was just about to make this comment
Tank size is fine, your average GS owner never lives more than 5 miles from a Starbucks anyway.
Sincerely, KTM rider
The "I'm goofing off on a bike" giggle never gets old.
The giggle at the end of the intro is the best splash ever. Change my mind
Seems like the overall tone is "save some money and get a T7 or Africa Twin"
The price is way too high for what you get.
I own a 2021 F850GS and his complaints are justified. I have also shopped it against an Africa Twin and Tiger 900 and the BMW was still a better bike for the prices of what I purchased mine. The ATwin is a bigger and faster bike but it's incredibly tall and when I bought mine there was no factory cruise control and the seat was worse than BMW. The T700 was never in my mind since it is not an adventure tourer but just an adventure bike so basically a 700cc dirt bike.
@@blakethornsbrough1528 I just struggle to see who the bmw is for. It looks good off road but to really take advantage of the suspension you have to be a very skilled rider, especially to wrangle a nearly 500 pound bike. I feel like the people that buy them think they're going to be riding it like a 250 pound dual sport. It looks cool, I'll give it that. But if it was me I'd get the T7, save 9 grand, and not feel bad about dumping it.
@@brumfiba I think the intent is for people who want capability closer to the T7, but also want more creature comforts a la quickshifter, cruise control, etc and decent highway manners, even though yes there are other options that do that pretty solidly as well.. Also for people who are already more familiar with or currently under the BMW wing and want to stay there but have good offroad capability.
@@Tarukai788 that's fair. I just think that if you have 18 grand to spend you can probably find a 1200 or 1250gs or just save a bit and get a 1300 and get the whole bmw experience. It's not like it weighs that much more and for 99% of riders, they'll probably cover the same terrain/use case. I just think anyone who thinks they're going to wrestle a 500 pound bike around anything more than a dirt road is lying to themselves, so you might as well get the big boy and get it over with.
I wanted to point out what a polite driver you are.
I love my regular fixes of two-wheeled journeys through Long Beach! 🇬🇧
Zack is well qualified to represent the LBC
He and Ari are gonna run to the party and dance till the rhythm it
Gets
Harder
Sold these as well as KTM/DUCATI for 6+ yrs.... Always asked customers to test ride KTM 790/890 as well as 1200GS....... People interested in touring always picked the 1200....late model used to keep price similar. As 1200GS easier to handle. Off road riders world end up in the KTM . only people picking this bike were people that just had to have BMW or experienced the KTM electronic gremlins..... Or end of year buyers taking advantage of crazy 850gs factory discounts to move them off floor.
I bought RT for long road trips, Super Tenere for forest roads (semi regret) and bought KLR300 for technical off road/BDR. My dream bike was KTM 690R Adventure. But being short i have passed every time. I almost bought last years KTM890S because it was lower than all previous years. I regret not buying it and ended up with KLR300
I'm off-road focused and ended up with AT DCT. Best decision eva.
Wouldn't touch perrier bikes with 10m stick, ESPECIALLY 790. electronics issues are just tip of iceberg of that dumpster fire.
With AT my only worry is where I'll go next trip:) and dct is game changer and improves safety
@@beamdoctor5637 yeah I ended up with an RT after several GS's...I wasn't even doing forest roads and finally made peace with that. I am always smarter AFTER I try something. Hey you can obv always consolidate... 2 for 1. ....RT and Tenere for a low suspension GS/GS adventure...I loved long trips on the GSA...I am 5' 7" on a good day . Then eventually trade in the KLR.... Or not....
@@rxyz123 totally agree and i am same height
I wanted KTM 890 Adv, but have you seen the amount of complaints on camshafts? I’ve got this one instead and do not regret it.
Thanks for skillfully telling a complete story.
Your reviews are trustworthy and informative!
Being relatively new to “motorized” two wheel adventure, your reviews and The Shop Manual, have saved me time and money! Thank You!!
🧐🏍✅👏🏻
The ARiemann1 off road test of this bike is the best one on UA-cam with comparisons with the T7 and everything…
Nah mate. I like him, but hes not testing adventure bikes as adventure bike. Having fun in woods isn't reliable way to review adv bike sorry not sorry
@@Angry-LynxYou don't know the guy too well, huh
@@Angry-Lynx to each their own, but that's how I ride my adventure bikes! I'm only on the pavement long enough to find the next trail. If I wanted a bike that prioritized pavement I would look at sport touring bikes.
I'd say under 5% of all moto riders buyers are as skilled as him at riding bikes offroad. Not many people will even come close to using the f900 to it's capabilities.
I bought this bike a couple months ago, I was kind of in the same camp as Zack and not super loving it. I also got the off road tires (it was what the dealer had). I don't do a ton of trail riding, so I swapped them out for some 80/20 road tires after about 6 weeks and it's like a completely different bike. Much better on the highway, corners a lot nicer, etc etc. It's still tall, and heavy, but with good tires on it it's a lot more fun.
I bought this bike when it first showed up at the dealership and am very happy with it. It's for a specific type of riding and not for everyone. It's got a similar vibe to a Tenere 700. If you like day rides down dirt roads in the country, then zipping home on the highway at the end of the day, this is the bike for you. I would get something else for long cross-country expressway rides. It does eat through gas, so that's something to keep in mind. The shocks and wheels are durable. I hit a pot hole going about 45 mph that would have damaged a lesser bike. It's a little on the tall side but there is a lower seat option available. If the cost is prohibitive, maybe go with the Tenere if you can find it.
I've been waiting months for this review! absolutely love this bike. thank you Zac.
Do you still like it after the review?
Wouldn't the most direct competitor be the 2024 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro or the road oriented GT Pro. Surprised those were not mentioned as they match favorably in features and cost.
def. its really the only one that matches that close in faetures and price
Yay, corvette guy!
Had a Super Tenere and sold it after 7yrs bc it was tall and top heavy. This bike has cruise control and a quick shifter, and is 100lbs lighter than the Super T, but at $18k--no tks BMW. Perhaps a cruiser with cruise cont with a lower seat height. Current ride, 2022 Burgman 200--80mph/70mpg+ and I won't use it as a trade. It's fun and has huge underseat storage.
Just get the goldwing theres nothing better ;
All BMW bikes can be resumed to this: good motorcycles, very expensive to buy, very expensive to maintain, very reliable if you keep with the maintenance and don't go bankrupt.
Personally for off-road I would go with any Japanese, Yamaha, Suzuki or Honda, they're reliable and closer to my budget.
3.8 Gallons? 🤨
Should have called it the F900 Sportster
The F900GSA has 6 gal tank but still they should have given the GS a bigger tank.
It’s capable of 44mpg or 170mile range
@@a9503128 sugar coat all you want.
even 5 gallons is iffy
LOL, it still holds more than the Sportster.
@@viperq
Hey Zac, think you could start mentioning how the wind noise compares on different bikes that have a windshield?
Man, I would love to see more moto vlogs from Zack! The first encounter with the bike, the offroad testing and maybe even some personal riding. More motovlogs from Zack please!
Proving once again the 2017 F800GS was the best in the line. If it had cruise control then it would be the perfect bike.
Rear fuel tank was not the best solution weight distribution wise.
@motolover5697 True. It makes it harder to break traction but you get used to it. It's only noticeable after a fill-up.
As a guy with a 17 GSA, I agree with you, but I might be biased. 😁 These bikes don't get a fair shake, but they are good daily riders, good overlanders, and maintenance data shows them to be the most reliable machinery BMW has sold in the US over the last 30 years or so.
Totally agree. Swooping my 800 gsa for a 900 next week...will probably keep it for a commuter
The passenger pegs are also probably set wider for the saddlebags that all GSs eventually have.
Would love to see a full edit of the offroad portion of the video that was at the very end.
Looks A LOT better than previous two generations.
The often overlooked cousin to the F900GS, the F900XR solves many of the issues Zack found with using this bike as a daily rider. Also, lower seat height, less expensive, lighter weight...of course if you want the offroad capability, it's not going to be there...but as a solid BMW commuter, it's tough to beat.
I totally agree. The F900GS may be my next adventure bike, but a F900XR would make a better "daily rider" if pavement is your priority. Mine isn't. ;)
I Would Love to See, F 800 GS, AND M 1000 XR Reviews From You!! 😊😊😊😊😊
The 900 really surprised me, such a fun bike to ride, enjoyed it much more than the 1300gs
My Monster is quite the scalpel in traffic because of how the seating position is. I find it makes getting around not just easy, but fun.
Quick walkaround of the XL250?
At this point you have to wonder if it's a running gag.
It’s nice to have a tall bike with street tyres for the road. The long suspension will let you roll over every kind of tarmac and in the city riding you see all cars that go in your lane in front. The bike is nimble enough to filter well traffic and the bars are kinda clearly above the level of height of all car mirrors, so filtering the traffic in town these kind of bike is buttery’s job to do. I like it a lot. Very beautiful bike too!
Long suspe being comfortable on potholes in road etc is a myth unfortunately.
Most adv bikes have so bad valving and cheap suspension they don't isolate road better than any road bike with 10cm of susp travel.
GOOD suspension with good tune is the key, but you won't find that stock on bikes
@@Angry-LynxCan’t say the opposite but all adv bikes I’ve had felt very well on suspension capabilities for road riding and soft off road trails
It’s really interesting, hopping from this bike to the Desert X, how much lighter and more balanced the Ducati feels, especially in picking them up off the side stands, despite the almost identical weight and height specifications. It may be illusory, but the R1250GSA feels lighter than the 900GS in that regard. I bought the Desert X, and routinely get well beyond 200 miles per tank.
R1250 has a Boxer twin that sits down low and lowers the Center of Gravity my friend 👍
Thanks. Yes, I know (have owned it). My point is that it is interesting how big a difference that makes (900GS and 850GSA vs 1250GSA) and that the Desert X has a completely different feel, possibly also due to the engine configuration (L-twin). It’s not a bash on any of the bikes, just an observation.
@@bsmukler Desert X prolly feels like a dirt bike compared to similar ADV bikes in the class LOL
@@anthonysilvestri4946 Yes, in a great 👍
Good weight distribution is the answer
Thanks again Zack…buuuuut I cant see or have rode any bike in this segment to distract me from my 22KTM890 until KTM releases the new 990adventure later this year. For me the KTM total experience checks the most boxes. I can say after riding the new 900gs, its soooo much better than its predecessor but no match for my 890, with me at the helm.
'A quick walkaround the XL250' is the segment summary at the start of the timeline, sure is a fancy XL250
The headlight seems to be leveraged from the G310 GS.
I am constantly amazed that this bike is still in their lineup.
Damn that GPS mount ruins your visibility - and looks kinda stupid too! 😞 Still rather have an Africa Twin AS
Regarding the big GS...The 2009 R1200GS has exactly the same power (105), more torque (>80 ft-lb), approx. the same weight (~504 wet), more fuel (5.3 gal), and amazing passenger accommodations. It seems to be a much better touring bike too and is (very likely) more reliable and easier to work on with the air cooled boxer while still being able to do off road very well. Why would the F900 be a better choice when it seems to be only just keeping up with another BMW they made 15 years ago and is now 1/3 of the price?
Because this bike is much more capable off-road than that R1200GS. If your priority is touring and two-up riding, the R1200GS is the better option. This bike has a different target market.
This colour scheme is nice. Good review
Waiting for your review of the cf moto ibex 450
Just started the viddy and i know already its gonna go on top.
Is a 900cc, 500lb bike really a midsize?
Or maybe a 1250, 600+ is an oversize, a 900, 500 a fullsize, and then maybe a 5-600, 400 being a midsize, with a 3-400, 350 being a small?
Welcome to 2024 where 500s are beginner bikes and 1000s are midsized.
Honestly for that price, the fuel storage is a joke.
The price isn't for fuel storage. It's for the badge on the tank.
I owned a BMW f800.
Spare me your wisdom.
Regarding seat preferences and how varied they are, another example: You love the stock gen 3 Hayabusa seat calling it "Just excellent" and while I agree for the first 30 minutes I get 2 back pressure points on it soon after. So yeah, we're all different.
A friend of mine bought it as a lighter option for more off roading than the 1200gs. He kept it 3 days and 400km he brought it back and lost 3000€ but he said it was so bad he couldn’t have kept it.
Yeah I don't think it's gonna be better off-road than GS. The only advantage I see is bike being not so wide as gss side tits.
I'd be interested in the why. Seems like it would be much more capable off-road than the big GS. I do love how easy the R1250GS (and new R1300GS) are to pick up because they don't fall flat.
$18k for a parallel twin. Let that sink in.
Much like a Africa Twin AS...
You're getting a bimmer around that let thát sink in.
What does engine configuration have to do with price? Nothing. Your a moron with strange opinions
Africa twin engine isn’t made in 🇨🇳
Wow what a smart comment, so edgy.
Because engine configuration have anything to do with bikes value 😂
And my 2018AT engine is best engine I experienced, smooth as silk happy in every rpm range ;
You say high end suspension, but can it hang with an 890 Adventure? I’ll never understand anything that hints at touring and doesn’t get over 200miles from a tank.
on the upside.....
The cams probably won't delaminate. 😏
Who knows. With chinese production and more and more aggressive planned obsolescence and cost cutting....
Corporations are getting way too bold with this crap in recent years.
Probably designed to last 50-100k km and about 4 years.
Still, can't be worse than perrier group shite
Yet another great MC Commute!
Pease give us a review of the new BMW F800 GS 🙏
It’s obvious Zack LOOOOVES this bike lol 😂
🤮
Not
It’s an excellent off-road bike like the 890 adventure r which Zack also doesn’t love offroad. I don’t think it sucking onroad means it’s bad though
Nice review, one of the best reviews truely...it would be great if you could have a running tally including previous year bikes, i.e. how would it rank compared to the Transalp, last years winner.
I agree! I know they arent the same price bracket, but I'm cross-shopping the F900 with the TransAlp anyways! Coming from a '16 F800GS but always a Honda guy at heart. Tough choice.
I have the 850gsa and think it's great,I would imagine the 900 will be better except for the seat. You don't need to turn off the quick shifter,just use the clutch if you want
Another great review. Thanks Zack
Zak even grew some gray hairs in the beard to make it more legit ADV bike review!
ARI n ZAC are not kids any more or young men they are officially middle aged experts. I have enjoyed the past 14 years listening to them.
Nice in the canyons and especially nice when your 6'6" 365# with a 5x head and 16" foot.
Please get your hands on a Stelvio if you muster it.
17:22
Described my Jeep Rubicon perfectly 😂
Mine does get abused off road though, and still factory original.
Yeah, at 65 70 … the ambient sound is quieter (at least that’s how it seems) from other recordings / footage of other bikes you’ve reviewed. Maybe it is the windscreen. Your voice sounds clearer, with barely any background wind noise. Interesting.
I wonder how this would stack up against the Suzuki 800DE (no 2 of the 2023 DR board) as a daily rider and a 70/30 touring bike.
Still love my 800GS
Reminds me quite a bit of a lighter 1250 gs. Having just sold my r1250 GSA I’m so glad. I only rarely used it off road and it was a terrible bike for commuting. Despite their best efforts the bike feels heavy and I’ve owned much heavier bikes that didn’t feel that way. God forbid you just filled up the huge tank and it’s heavier. Shorter friends? They can’t ride it probably. They are great bikes with tons of technology but a little overkill for just riding around. Mine would get lost in gear sometimes. I’d get a dual sport or for more effective off roading.
Terrible for commuting? LMFAO Please stop talking...
Probably should get GS and not gsa.
The constant whining about weight on the nets is so annoying.
Learn proper riding and energy conservation techniques and weight is almost never the issue
The midsize gs are the real ADVs of the bmw lineup
My experience is that the big GS are better in every way but price. And I'm a short guy. That low boxer engine does wonders for power and handling.
500 lb and 100 hp is also the specs of the 1st-gen R1200GS
Thank you for evaluating “buzz” at 75-85 range…. I wish that was done on every test. Those buzz miles will eventually get to you, and hard to know the effect, until you already own the bike and do enough of them… In my view, if “freeway buzz” is evaluated by more reviews, manufactures will be motivated to give a 6th gear that gets us to the destinations in comfort and ready to go! First review I have watched where I can make my decision off of the review! Thank you!
Damn, that final jump off the bike was soo sleek. Can't get used to this stuff from Zack.
I think it’s okay for Zac to not recommend a bike. That’s the reason for a review. A 18k bike from BMW not taking a podium seat is a huge indicator there are better options.
Price, size, and weight are really creeping up. The Porsche Boxster of motorcycles.
I have a F900r and like you mentioned here, the tank range is quite short. The R has even less fuel in the tank. 130miles is all I dare to go.
F900r?
If you haven't yet had the pleasure, spoon a set of Dunlop's new Trailmax Raids on this motorcycle. I have a set on my personal f800GS Adventure, and Dunlop has finally cracked the code creating an offroad tire that doesn't s*ck on the street. Dunlop's tire nerds spend a lot of time on the design of the tire's shoulder, so that the bike still behaves when leaned over on pavement, while still being open and getting good grip off the macadam. One can be a trail rider that doesn't want to cut one's own head off on paved corner entries.
Great review can you please test F800GS 2024 10k
It almost feels as if BMW is confusing customers on purpose with their naming schemes.
You need to be very careful with a statement like "if you want more fuel range, get the 900 GS Adventure"!
The 900 Adventure is NOT the Adventure version of the new 900GS. It is the Adventure version of the old 850GS (same old frame and suspension), only with the new engine in it.
If you want the "new" Adventure, you have to wait a year or two.. and then it will presumably be called 950GS Adventure or something similar like that
It's got a KTM-type feel with BMW fit and finish. Just bought one (and I have a Husky 501) and first impressions are that the 900 might be in the Goldilocks zone for people who ride a lot off-road and still commute a bit.
Hey Corvette guy. He has to be super cool
GS of course stands for Garis-Sakar. 150 mile is really low - why couldn't they have just had a slightly larger tank? The bike is big enough already.
Because they really just want you to buy a GS1300 🙂
The F900GSA has 6 gal tank but still they should have given the GS a bigger tank.
Garis-Sakar?
Hi Zack, I was wondering, why are these 'lightweight' bikes heavier then a 'heavier' bike like the R1200GS DOHC from 2010 (seen from dryweight) Greetings from The Netherlands.
A nice detailed review of a chinese Loncin. :D
It is time to start calling them what they are... I'm talk to you KTM too.
My ST1100 is a V4, 300+ mile tank, comfy as a sofa, and cost me $2400. I suppose it's also 27yo, 50% heavier, and not in the same adventure bike segment. Imma keep my STeed.
Need a review of the 2024 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro
Gas tank size is a HARD no for me. It’s a cheap engineering shortcut for reducing weight, akin to taking laxatives to make weight for a competition.
Weight yes but mostly cutting the balls intentionally so you have important reason to upsell you more expensive bike 😂
i feel like you're looking at the bikes, for the leaderboard ratings, through rose colored glasses. i would take maintenance into account when deciding what's the best daily rider, and i don't think you are. not just in terms of reliability and availability of parts when something breaks, but also in terms of just regular maintenance. some bikes will take months to get replacement parts if something does break, and some bikes need more care and preventative maintenance than others.
i think suzuki, kawasaki, yamaha, and honda would get full 10/10 marks in that category. and everything else would get less. and that opinion is coming from personal experience with multiple manufacturers.
Seems a bit overpriced and overweight. I'd rather spring for a Tuareg 660 that's 5k less and almost 80 pounds lighter.
Has anyone out there experienced the F900GS on Metzeler Karoo 3 and 4's? ...Michelin Anakee Wilds? ...big block knobs? My 2021 F800GS has a lot of issues with wobbles on semi-knob tires at highway speeds. The new F900 has increased rake angles (24.3 vs 24.8º), less ground trail (110 vs 104mm), and more offset (37 vs 40mm). These all contribute to quicker steering, at the expense of stability.
Please review the Aprilia RS 457!
Enjoyed the video., F900GS is a great bike.
Great video as usual. The new 800 is more suited for daily use
Great review as always 👍🏼
They sell the F900GS and a F800GS with 87 hp in Germany. The 800 with dynamic and comfort package costs 12,900€, thats less than the starting price of the 900GS. I don't really know the target audience of the 900gs.
I really really want to like this bike but between the small fuel tank and the vibrations I just cant get on board with it.
Just a thought: when it comes to seat height you tell us you’re six-two but maybe it would be more useful to tell us your inside leg measurement..? :)
Its 32 inches - he's mentioned it several times before
@@anthonysilvestri4946 Same as me and I’m 5’10” which was my point :)
Fuel range is a big spec number when choosing a bike
What's more interesting than the BMW F series bikes are the people who buy these bikes (with cash), keep them in a garage for a couple of years (alongside their other bikes), and sell them for an absurdly cheap price as they "thin out the herd."
It would be nice to see how the updated ‘24 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro slots into the mix. It’s been a while since Zack has been atop a Tiger… Hint, hint! 😃
To me, the bike to compare to the F900 GS would be the Tiger 900. It would be nice to see an objective SxS of the two.
5th gear should be a bit higher, the 6th mush higher. Might help economy and reduce the buzz
Add a tooth to the front sprocket 👍
Transalp or AT for the win. Or V1000 if you don’t go off road.
A 270° firing order? I thought these engines were 360° so, the pistons go up and down together.
(Wait, The new ones appear to be 270, but the old f800 series were 360)